27 common types of websites (with templates to get you started)

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When you’re facing the prospect of learning how to make a website, just getting started can be the hardest part. That’s why it’s important to take things step by step. First, you have to decide on a website idea. Then, you need to figure out what you need to make it successful.

Your website design will largely depend on what type of website you want to make and your goals for it. In this post, we’ll discuss 27 of the most common types of websites, providing examples and templates for each.

Create the perfect site for you with Wix's website builder.

Build an eCommerce website and you can provide customers with a seamless shopping experience, allowing them to effortlessly browse, select and purchase products that capture their interest. You can sell your own creations or dropship products from your online store. The best eCommerce websites make the buying experience as easy as possible by offering product pages with robust imagery, enticing product descriptions and multiple payment options for you to set up your own online marketplace.

Real-life eCommerce website examples:

Wix’s eCommerce website templates come complete with all the elements you need to start your store.

Learn more: How to make a bakery website

Even if you don't plan on selling anything in an online store, a website is still helpful for establishing an online presence, building your brand and advancing your entrepreneurship goals. When building a business website, whether for B2B or B2C, focus on the needs of your customers and explain how your company will solve their unique challenges. These law firm website examples show how a website can be used both to showcase your business and attract new clients.

Real-life business website example:

These business website templates are well-equipped to bring your company to life online.

Starting a blog provides a platform to share written, visual and digital content about your interests. Once you’re up and running, you might even see opportunities for monetization, such as affiliate marketing, display advertising and selling ad space. You can also share directly from your blog to your social media platforms and accounts.

Real-life blog website example:

Start a blog with one of these blog website templates and learn how to make an interior design website.

If you’re a photographer, artist or writer, a portfolio website can help you reach and impress potential employers or clients and act almost as your art resume. An online portfolio website typically include images, videos or clips that show off your best work. A portfolio website also allows you to establish your own personal branding, giving visitors a glimpse into your personality, interests and values.

Real-life portfolio website examples:

Choose one of these portfolio website templates to showcase your work in a way that’s sure to capture attention, with either static or dynamic pages.

An event website enables you to generate buzz leading up to an in-person or online event as part of offline or digital marketing efforts. High-performing event websites include all the information that your attendees need to know, such as speakers, agenda, date, time and location.

Real-life event website example:

Use one of these event website templates to start collecting RVSPs today.

Whereas a portfolio website is useful for showcasing your work, a personal website is a space where you can truly be yourself. Build one to share your accomplishments, explore your interests or develop your personal brand. What you include on your personal website and web pages depends on your goals. If you’re using it to advance your career, include a resume, clips and a bio. If you’re making it for self-expression, a blog and social links might be all you need.

Real-life personal website example:

These personal website templates will help you share your interests with the world.

Membership websites are an excellent choice for businesses aiming to convert their users into loyal customers. With this website format, you can provide exclusive content and value-added resources within a password-protected section. Once a member logs in, they can access special features like premium services, online classes or members-only events.

Learn more: What is a membership website

Real-life business website example:

Learn how to create a membership site, then choose a membership site template that fits your needs.

Nonprofit websites let you share your organization's mission, vision and core values so you can activate people around your cause. For example, church websites can help you reach new and existing congregation members, while animal rescue or healthcare websites can attract donors who can further your mission.

Learn more: What is a church website, how to make a donation website, how to make a church website

Real-life nonprofit and NGO website examples:

Uncover tips on how to create a nonprofit website with a website builder, and get inspiration from these beautiful nonprofit website templates.

Informational websites are valuable resources for people looking to learn more about a specific topic, service or product. With a focus on delivering in-depth information, these websites offer long-form content that addresses readers' most pressing questions. An informational website can also establish you or your organization as an expert in your area of interest via mass communication and knowledge sharing.

Real-life informational website example:

Try out these news and magazine website templates to build your informational website.

Online forums bring people together to discuss and exchange information around shared topics, such as technology or fitness. Forums usually include multiple discussion threads organized by topic, making it easier for users to find the subject they want to weigh in on.

Real-life business online forum example:

Use one of these online forum templates and Wix’s forum software to create a forum today.

With a community website, you can build trust and engagement with people who share a common cause. For example, you could build an LGBTQ+-friendly website that provides an authentic and exclusive destination for members of the community.

Real-life community website examples:

These community website templates will come in handy as you learn how to build an online community.

There are few things as invigorating as starting your own business. Creating a startup website can enable you to share that energy and introduce your game-changing idea to the world. Startup websites may include landing pages, product demos and reviews. At first they might also include a crowdfunding page, or other funding resources. Overall, your website’s overarching goal should be to attract customers and investors.

Real-life startup website example:

Use this startup website template to bring your company’s unique vision to life.

Learn more: How to make a construction website

Do you have a unique expertise you think others could benefit from? A consulting website will help you monetize it. Your website should include a list of services offered, details about your background and an explanation of who would benefit from your services. If you’re a financial advisor, you might use your site to explain how you’ll help clients protect their nest eggs. If you’re a human resources consultant, you might use it to explain how you can help businesses get more efficient.

Real-life consulting website example:

See other examples of consulting websites and use these consulting website templates to build your own.

Learn how to make a consulting website.

A booking website helps you get right down to business. It allows users to sign up for classes, accommodations or services online. Booking websites let customers choose their preferred date, time and cost. They also include recommendations, reviews and contact information.

Real-life booking website example:

This booking website template lets you add your services, reviews and contact information in a jiff.

If you want to be a change-maker, a petition website can help you advocate for a cause that you hold most dear. You can use an online petition to drum up support for a political position, social justice cause or environmental issue.

Real-life petition website example:

Once you learn how to start a petition, you can use Wix’s online form builder to create your own.

These online resources aren’t just for primary schools and universities. School websites can also offer online teaching and information about businesses that teach things like music or foreign languages. An ideal school website design will serve as an online database for students, parents and faculty. You can also incorporate educational technology and provide online lessons or assignments for students. It’ll also encourage prospective students to enroll.

Real-life school website example:

These school website templates let you add courses and resources for parents and students easily.

Do you love gardening, reading or arts and crafts? A hobby website can help you share your unique interests with like-minded people. Hobby websites often include online forums, learning materials and tutorials that introduce people to a particular pursuit and offer tips for how to improve their skills. A popular hobby website can even turn a profit.

Real-life hobby website example:

Use this hobby website template to share your favorite activity with others.

Interactive websites use elements like graphics, games and quizzes to make users an active part of the web browsing experience. Some of the newest versions include augmented reality features. For example, some eCommerce shops now provide tools for seeing what furniture would look like in your home.

Real-life interactive website example:

Get inspired by this highly visual interactive website template.

Entertainment websites are among the most highly visual and interactive types of websites, designed to evoke emotion and deliver high-quality digital experiences.

Real-life entertainment website examples:

Use Wix’s video website templates to create your entertainment website.

Creating a wedding website helps your special day into an unforgettable experience. Use it to share information with your guests, offer details about the festivities and post your registry. You can also include videos, photos and stories about your relationship and bridal party.

Learn more: What is a wedding website

Real-life wedding website example:

Spread the word about your nuptials with these wedding website templates.

A travel website helps vacationers plan their dream trips. They provide information on attractions, accommodations and adventures in a specific city or town. They often include breathtaking photography and engaging videos that encourage visitors to book their trip.

Real-life travel website example:

Use these travel website templates to create an irresistible online tourist destination today.

Think of a directory website as an informational website on steroids. It provides users with comprehensive and organized lists of resources about a specific topic or industry. Examples include real estate listings, job directories or local directories. Many offer multiple categories and on-site search engines to help people find what they’re looking for faster.

Learn more: What is a real estate website

Real-life directory website example:

Launch your site today with this directory website template.

A landing page website is designed to market one specific product or service. The two most common types of landing pages are non-gated (open to anyone) and gated (people must enter details, such as their name and email address, for access). You can use a landing page to introduce a new product, attract leads or drive online traffic to a specific webpage.

Real-life landing page website example:

Use these landing page website templates to promote your products and find new customers.

News and magazine websites offer visitors a wide range of informative and engaging content. These websites cover diverse topics such as current events, politics, business, entertainment and sports. Whether it's breaking news, in-depth features or expert analysis, news and magazine websites strive to deliver timely information to their audiences.

Real-life news and magazine website example:

 This news and magazine website template lets you build a customized news site in a snap.

Creating a memorial website is a heartfelt way for friends and family members to remember and honor a loved one after their passing. These sites often feature photos and a biography about the person. They also include online guest books so people can share stories about why that person made such a difference in their life. As such, memorial websites can help provide support and comfort during trying times.

Real-life memorial website example:

Use this memorial website template to memorialize a loved one.

From roasted coffee to complete meal kits, subscription services have become a popular staple of many people’s daily routines. With a subscription website, you can provide products or services to customers on a weekly or monthly basis. This business model is useful for establishing a reliable revenue stream while fostering a loyal customer base.

Real-life subscription website example:

Use this subscription website template to start your unique online business.

Kid-friendly websites contain appropriate content for the youngest of web users. These sites often use games, videos and other kid-friendly features to educate their visitors. Most target two types of audiences: children of a specific age range and their parents.

Real-life kid-friendly website example:

Use this kid-friendly website template to start your website.