JC BLOG
Which website type suits your small business best?
- 8 min read
Written by
Miles Clark
Communications Director
Websites, much like businesses themselves, vary greatly, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. This blog aims to assist small businesses like yours in navigating the decision-making process to determine the most suitable web solution for their specific needs. We’ll explore the five most popular web solutions ideal for UK small businesses, helping you identify where your business fits before delving deeper into addressing common challenges associated with web development.
1. The Humble Brochure Site
Brochure websites are compact, akin to advertising pamphlets delivered to your door. They aim to enhance brand recognition by showcasing primary products or services without extensive detail. While they may include proof like testimonials and project details/images for credibility, they typically lack advanced features such as blogs or AI assistants. These sites are affordable and can be built on various platforms, sometimes utilising DIY web-building tools like Duda for templated designs.
Ideal for businesses in:
Construction
Consultancy
Waste Management
Logistics
Highway Management
Utilities
Environmental Services
Architecture
2. E-Commerce Sites
E-commerce sites are essential for businesses selling products or services online. They are more complex than brochure sites, requiring capabilities to display products, manage catalogues, and process online payments. Options range from simplified setups that gather enquiries through to comprehensive e-commerce platforms offering customer reviews and inventory tracking. Developing an e-commerce site often involves collaboration with web design professionals in the UK, although businesses can reduce costs by managing product data uploads independently.
Ideal for businesses in:
Skip hire
Technology Sales
Plant Hire / Sales
Freight Forwarding
3. The Portfolio Website
Portfolio websites spotlight specific offerings, such as case studies for architects or galleries showcasing work. These sites aim to elevate brand exposure and prestige, emphasising aesthetics and design. While typically smaller in scope, they may require higher investment due to their focus on visual appeal.
Ideal for businesses in:
Construction
Consultancy
Waste Management
Logistics
Highway Management
Utilities
Environmental Services
Architecture
4. The Blog Site
Portfolio websites spotlight specific offerings, such as case studies for architects or galleries showcasing work. These sites aim to elevate brand exposure and prestige, emphasising aesthetics and design. While typically smaller in scope, they may require higher investment due to their focus on visual appeal.
Ideal for
businesses in:
Charities
Influencers
Authors & Artists
Local Interest Groups
Tradesman
5. The Landing Page
Landing pages focus on specific marketing campaigns or calls to action (CTAs). They excel in driving conversions by delivering concise messages and prompting immediate user actions. Effective for short-term promotions or product launches, these pages are crucial for capturing leads and guiding potential customers toward a specific goal.
Useful when aiming to:
Increase conversions for specific products or services
Delivering straightforward propositions
Support marketing campaigns
Establish a hub with external links
Provide a temporary digital presence when building a site
Choosing the Right
Website
Selecting the ideal website type hinges on your business’s unique needs and objectives. Whether selling products, showcasing work, or engaging with audiences, each website type offers distinct advantages. While e-commerce sites are essential for direct sales, blogs and portfolios enhance brand presence and community interaction. Landing pages, on the other hand, specialise in focused conversions.
Before proceeding with development, consult with a web development agency to tailor your site to your brand identity and customer base. Allocate resources for marketing and SEO efforts to complement your website launch and bolster its online presence, leveraging social media as a cost-effective tool for initial outreach and engagement. For expert guidance on web designing services, come to Just Chill Social, a firm specialising in creating Affordable Website design solutions in Greater Manchester that amplify your brand’s digital presence.