Entering the digital world is a crucial step toward success for every business, but it also brings numerous questions. The most common dilemma our clients face is: I need a website, but I don't know exactly what kind I need.
We understand that the flood of terms such as corporate website, landing page, online store, and portal can be confusing. That's why we've prepared this comprehensive guide to help you clarify the differences between the most common types of websites and identify which solution is most suitable for your business goals.
Corporate Website: Your digital business card
What is it?
A corporate website is the foundation of your online presence. Think of it as a digital business card or brochure available 24/7. Its primary purpose is to present your company, your values, services, or products to visitors in a clear and concise manner, and to provide all key information such as contact details, location, and business hours. It is the first point of contact for a potential customer with your brand in the online world.
Key Features:
•Brand Focus: Design and content are aimed at strengthening brand recognition and trust.
•Structure: Typically includes pages such as "Home," "About Us," "Services/Products," "References," and "Contact."
•Content: Texts, image galleries, and videos that showcase your work.
•User Experience: Simple, intuitive, and clear navigation that allows visitors to quickly find information.
Who is it suitable for?
A corporate website is ideal for almost all businesses, from sole proprietors to large corporations that want to establish a credible online presence, build trust, and provide existing and potential customers with a reliable source of information.
Landing Page: The conversion machine
What is it?
A landing page is a highly specialized page designed with a single, laser-focused goal: conversion. It's not a comprehensive company presentation, but rather a tool that directs visitors to a specific action (CTA - Call to Action). This action could be signing up for a newsletter, downloading an e-book, registering for an event, or purchasing a specific product on sale.
Key Features:
•Single Goal: The entire page is subordinated to one call to action.
•No Distracting Elements: Usually has no menu or other links that would divert the visitor from the main goal.
•Persuasive Content: Uses strong headlines, short and concise text, and visual elements that emphasize the benefits of the offer.
•Optimization: Is A/B tested and optimized for the highest possible conversion rate.
Who is it suitable for?
Essential for businesses running paid advertising campaigns (e.g., Google Ads, Facebook Ads) who want to measure and maximize the effectiveness of their marketing investments.
Online Store/E-Commerce: Your sales showroom on the web
What is it?
An online store is your digital shop, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's a complex platform that enables the entire shopping process – from browsing the product catalog, adding items to the cart, choosing a delivery method, to secure payment and order placement.
Key Features:
•Product Catalog: Clear display of products with images, descriptions, prices, and stock information.
•Shopping Cart: Allows easy addition and editing of products before purchase.
•Payment Systems: Integration with various payment providers (credit cards, PayPal, cash on delivery, etc.).
•Administration: System for managing orders, customers, inventory, and shipping.
Who is it suitable for?
For all businesses that want to sell their products or services directly to end customers (B2C) or business partners (B2B) online and thus expand their market and increase sales.
Portal: The Hub of information and community
What is it?
A web portal is an extensive and dynamic website that functions as a central entry point to a wide range of information, services, and interactive content. It often combines content from various sources and requires user registration, which allows for personalization of the experience.
Key Features:
• Content Aggregation: Combining news, articles, forums, blogs, and other sources.
•User Accounts: Option to register, log in, and manage user profiles.
•Interactivity: Forums, chat rooms, comments, content ratings.
•Personalization: Display of content tailored to the interests of individual users.
Who is it suitable for?
For media companies, larger organizations, educational institutions, municipalities, or businesses that want to create a strong online community around a specific topic or interest group.
Booking System: Automating your business
What is it?
A booking system is a specialized web application that automates the process of ordering and reservations. It allows customers to check availability and book an appointment, room, table, ticket, or other service themselves, anytime and from anywhere.
Key Features:
•Interactive Calendar: Display of available and occupied time slots in real-time.
•Web Forms: Simple and quick reservation process in a few steps.
•Online Payment: Option for immediate payment of reservation or deposit.
•Automation: Automatic sending of confirmations, reminders, and thank-you messages.
Who is it suitable for?
For all service providers who operate on an appointment basis: hotels, apartments, restaurants, hair and beauty salons, healthcare facilities, sports centers, and event organizers.
Online Catalog: Your digital showroom
What is it?
An online catalog appears at first glance similar to an online store, but with one key difference: it does not allow direct online purchase. Its main purpose is a detailed presentation of a wide range of products, often technically complex or those that require individual quotes. It functions as a digital showroom where customers can view your offerings and submit inquiries.
Key Features:
•Detailed Presentation: Emphasis on technical specifications, variations, and product options.
•Advanced Search: Ability to filter and compare products by various parameters.
•Inquiry Generation: Instead of a shopping cart, a form is available for submitting inquiries.
Who is it suitable for?
Ideal for B2B sector companies, manufacturers, wholesalers, and businesses with extensive product assortments where price depends on quantity, configuration, or other factors.
How can MMstudio help you?
We understand that choosing the right path in the world of web solutions can be challenging. That's where MMstudio comes in. Our role is not just to build a website, but to form a strategic partnership that ensures you get the optimal solution tailored to your specific needs.
1. Consultation and Choosing the Right Solution: At an initial meeting, we will analyze your business goals, target audience, competition, and budget together with you. Based on this information, we will advise you on which type of website (or combination thereof) is most suitable for you. You won't be left guessing – we'll guide you through the entire decision-making process and help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
2. Comprehensive Implementation from A to Z: Once the decision is made, we take over the entire implementation process.
This includes:
•Planning and Architecture: Preparation of structure and user experience.
•Design: Creation of a unique and modern visual identity that reflects your brand.
•Development and Programming: Technical implementation using the latest and most reliable technologies.
•Content Entry and Optimization: Preparation and entry of texts and optimization for search engines (SEO).
•Testing and Launch: Thorough checking of functionality on all devices and final launch of the website.
Our goal is to provide you not only with an aesthetically refined solution, but above all with a functional and effective web solution that will achieve your set goals and grow together with your business.
Choosing the right type of website is the cornerstone of your digital strategy. It's not an expense, but an investment in the future of your business. We hope this overview has helped clarify the key differences. Remember, you are not alone on this path.
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