Nino Galle
Websites
Different types of websites
1. Informational Websites
Informational based websites were the first versions to hit the Internet. They are as they sound, sites which enable readers to find information on a particular business or topic.
2. Brochure/Catalogue Style Websites
This kind of website goes further in depth than an informational site and provides general information about a store as well as the stock they carry and the prices.
3. E-Commerce Websites (Seen in class)
E-Commerce websites take brochure websites a step further by allowing you to shop directly from your computer. The main difference between a brochure site and an e-commerce site is that the latter features a checkout system to enable you to order directly from the online store.
Let's walk the different combinations:
Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C).
Auction websites such as eBay, Kapaza,, etc. where consumers can sell and buy products from each other. But also product recommendations from consumer to consumer. Blogs, social networks and communities can also be considered C2C
Business-to-Consumer (B2C)
In many cases the classic web shop selling to consumer.
Government-to-Consumer (G2C).
Automated request processes enabling consumers to request a service from the local, the central government. Many communities have an “e-teller”, removing the need for a physical visit to your town hall.
Consumer-to-Business (C2B)
C2B is about an online exchange where consumers do themselves approach providers on the web.
Prospective buyers name their own price and leave it to the provider to accept or reject the offer.
Consumer feedback can provide serious added value for an e-commerce site. A review is a powerful means to convince potential buyers.
Campaigns where consumers organize themselves to influence a business.
Business-to-Business (B2B)
Setting up e-commerce towards your business customers can be a great trick to stimulate a lasting business relationship. Think of application domains such as wholesale, cloud service providers addressing the professional market, e.g. with SaaS ERP, CRM, mass e-mailing, business e-mail & collaboration, Online printers, Online accounting service provider, etc.. And of course all those “webshops” addressing the professional customers. Businesses such as BP or Dell have products that address both consumer and businesses. Different partitions of their website will be equipped to address those different target groups. Product offering will also typically differ.
Government-to-Business (G2B)
Request automation from business to government (replacing a paper procedure or having to visit a government office) Tax entry. Fulfilling regulatory compliance processes.
Consumer-to-Government (C2G)
Pressure groups, political/social action to influence government.
Business-to-Government (B2G)
Feedback to government businesses and non-governmental organizations.
Government-to-Government (G2G)
Local government making requests to central government, exchanging information, inter government services
4. Blogs
Blog websites did not hit the mainstream until the early to mid 2000s. However since then blogging has become very popular for both business and personal use.
5. Personal Websites
Personal websites are similar to that of a personal blog where an individual in all likelihood will have their own personal domain. These are created by friends and families to share their information and pictures online with each other allowing for people to keep in contact.
6. Social Media and Networking Websites
More popular than ever, online forums and social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace are used on a daily basis to spread the word about businesses and keep in touch with family and friends.
7. Photo Sharing Websites
Great for those in the photographic industry, these sites allow for individuals to upload and share photographs online.
8. Mobile Device Websites
As technology develops, so is the variety of new websites appearing online. The latest is the creation of websites for viewing on mobile devices and mobile phones.
Knowing the types of websites available will help identify your web development requirements and define the one most suitable for your business needs.
