Transcript Types of Web Sites - RM-A

Types of Web Sites
With a well thought-out strategy and realistic
expectations, a business or organization can have a
highly successful Web site created for them. The
Web is a new medium with new rules, and in order
to achieve an effective presence, one must be
aware of the various types of Web sites and the
roles that they can play.
Web sites can be divided into four main categories:
Web Advertisements
Advertisement-style Web sites are
characteristically one or two pages long and
are a carryover of traditional methods of
print advertising. This method of
advertising, while very effective in highdistribution print publications, has not
carried over very well to the Web. In most
cases, businesses should opt for a virtual
storefront-type model.
The Virtual Storefront
An Internet storefront acts as an online brochure, and is the
most common type of Web site for small-sized and
medium-sized businesses. It can provide information about
your organization, the services it provides, its history and
philosophy, and provides a resource for people interested
in doing business with you.
The role of this type of Web site is as an indirect marketing
tool. Visitors to your Web site who would benefit from it
are potential clients who wish to learn more before doing
business with you, and existing clients who will "drop in"
to learn the latest about your business or services.
The Information Resource
The more times a potential client visits your Web site, the
more likely they will be to do business with you in the
future. The best way to keep potential clients coming back
- and to provide an added service for your existing clients is to make your Web site an information resource. As well,
this type of Web site enables your business to showcase its
expertise and gain respect for being knowledgeable in your
business or profession.
The Information Resource
Examples of information resources include:
A Frequently Asked Question section
A guide to the industry and consumer decision-making
A guide to standards on products and equipment
A well-maintained link page to other information resources
An in-depth customer support section
A regular newsletter
Resources such as these will increase the value of
your Web site and raise the profile of your
organization.