In this tutorial "How to Design a Website" we will be looking at the design of commercial and/or personal websites although the basic principles would apply to any type of site.

If you have a website on the internet I am sure that you created it for a reason. Are you selling something?

Do you want to tell something of yourself or your organization? How about teaching something or entertaining someone.

Whatever your goal may be there is a category into which you fit. Decide up front what type of website your wish to establish and you will be on your way to internet success. Some of the more common types of websites are listed below:

Website Types

Commercial Website Design

The purpose of this type of website is to sell products or services. Commercial websites are used for promoting a business or service and are among the most common type of website on the internet. The Internet address often ends with .com. (continue)

Web Design for Ecommerce

Personal Website Design

The purpose of this type of website is to provide information about an individual or group. This type of website is run by an individual or a small group (such as a family) that contains information or any content that the individual wishes to include. The Internet address has a variety of endings. (continue)

The Fundamentals of an Outstanding Website

Organizational Website Design

The purpose of this type of website is to advocate an individuals opinion or a groups point of view. A website where persons with similar interests communicate with each other, usually by chat or message boards. The Internet address often ends with .org. (continue)

The First Step in Creating Your Own Custom Website

Educational Website Design

The purpose of this type of website is to provide information about an educational establishment or to present information in an educational manner. The Internet address ends in .edu. (continue)

Website Goals

Entertainment Website Design

The purpose of this type of website is to entertain and provide amusement. The Internet address often ends with .com. (continue)

Sticky Sites Rule The Internet

News Website Design

The purpose of this type of website is to provide information about current events, dedicated to dispensing news and commentary. The Internet address often ends with .com. (continue)

Blog Design

A website that is used to log online readings or to post online diaries; may include discussion forums or chat rooms. The Internet address has a variety of endings. (continue)

Essential Rules of Blogging

The Perfect Blog

Hybrid Website Design

Many websites are a mixture of types. For example, a business web site may promote the businesses products, but may also host informative documents, such as white papers or provide news for it's visitors. Remember, information is the soul of the internet and if used wisely articles and informational pieces are a good hook to bring in visitors.

There are also numerous sub-categories to the ones listed above. For example, a fan site may be a vanity site on which the administrator is paying homage to a celebrity. Another example would be a hobby site where the webmaster shares their knowledge with other like minded individuals and through forums or chat rooms creates a dialogue with them. (continue)

Misc. notes on website types

Many business websites have the appearance of brochures. They are simple and without frills, communicating some simple message or product. Some websites act as vehicles to communicate with other people via webchat or in the form of a blog.

Websites are constrained by architectural limits (e.g. the computing power dedicated to the website). Very large websites, such as Yahoo!, Microsoft, Google and most other very large sites employ several servers and load balancing equipment, such as Cisco Content Services.

How to Develop a Website Outline