+10 Types of Websites with Examples (2026)

12 Types of Websites Anyone Can Build

Jenni McKinnon

Jenni McKinnon

Senior Web Developer

Whether you’re new to web development or an experienced builder, it helps to know the different types of websites you can create.

Understanding what’s possible can help you start a business, learn web development, or simply find inspiration for your next project. You’ll discover what each type of website does, see real examples, and get practical guidance on setting one up.

Here are 17 types of websites you can build, how they function, what tools you need, and an example for each.

Types of Websites You Can Build

Each type of website below can be built with a variety of different tools and programs. Most can be created with WordPress, a website builder like Wix or Squarespace, or custom code. Choose the platform that fits your skill level and goals.

1 – Small Business Websites (Joe Coffee Company)

Example of the small business type of website. The Joe Coffee website.

It’s absolutely crucial for brick-and-mortar stores to have a website. As of 2026, approximately 73% of small businesses in the United States have a website. The internet has evolved from a novelty into a necessity. We pay bills, communicate, organize our lives, work, and shop for everything from groceries to electronics online.

That’s why businesses must have a website that’s user-friendly and provides all the details a customer needs quickly. Research shows that over 75% of consumers seek out a business’s website before visiting their physical location.

A good small business website includes:

  • Hours of operation
  • Contact details (phone, email, social media)
  • Location with an embedded map
  • The ability to book services or place orders online
  • A clear description of what the business offers

If you’re building this type of site with WordPress, here are some useful tools:

2 – Portfolio Websites (Studio Signorella)

What are the websites that help you land clients? Portfolio websites. This example site is of Studio Signorella.

A portfolio website showcases your work. Whether you’re a designer, photographer, writer, or developer, these sites display images, projects, or case studies so potential employers or clients can see what you can do.

Images are often arranged in a grid layout. When a user clicks on a project, they see it in greater detail along with more information about that particular piece of work.

A portfolio site is ideal if you want to direct potential employers or clients to examples of your work. A “contact” or “hire me” page is almost always included to make it easy for visitors to get in touch.

Key tools for building a portfolio website:

3 – Non-Profit Websites (Jane Goodall Institute)

A website to create is for non-profit organizations. The example is of the Jane Goodall Institute.

Non-profit websites aim to share information about a charity or cause and provide a way for people to donate. Nowadays, most non-profits accept donations directly on their website through a shopping cart and checkout system.

A good non-profit website should have compelling copy that clearly communicates the organization’s mission, shows the impact of donations, and makes the donation process straightforward. Strong storytelling is essential – it’s your opportunity to explain why the cause matters and how supporters can make a difference.

If you’re a freelancer, non-profit websites are a great niche. Charities often need help building websites and may not have the budget for a large agency.

Useful tools for building a non-profit website:

4 – Blog Websites (Matt Mullenweg)

Other types of websites to build are blogs. This example is of Matt Mullenweg's blog.

The word “blog” is short for “weblog.” It’s a digital journal. Blogging started as a trend for individuals, but it grew as businesses began using them to update customers and offer valuable, informative content.

The difference between a blog and a regular website is that a blog is primarily focused on publishing articles. A typical website has other features and components like the other types of websites in this list.

Blogs are a great type of website to create if you want to:

  • Quickly share life updates with friends and family
  • Chronicle a specific journey or interest to build a following
  • Sell advertising space and make money from your content
  • Generate leads for a business (companies with blogs tend to attract significantly more leads)

As of 2026, there are estimated to be over 600 million blogs worldwide, with roughly 7-8 million blog posts published each day. Research indicates that around 79% of B2B marketers use blogging as part of their content strategy, and companies that maintain blogs generate significantly more leads – often cited as up to 67% more – compared to those that do not blog.

A blog’s setup is pretty simple. Here are some useful resources:

5 – Personal Websites (Jane Fonda)

Other types of websites include personal websites like this example of Jane Fonda's site.

A personal website puts a specific person front and center. It’s the type of website to create if you want to feature a person as a brand. The defining characteristic is the title, which is the person the site is about.

Unlike a portfolio (which focuses on work), a personal website is broader. It can include blog posts, merchandise, a community area, media appearances, social links, or anything that represents the person’s brand, tone, and personality.

A personal website can be a digital resume to establish a professional brand, or it can be a place to share a passion project. There are no strict conventions for what these sites must include – that’s what makes them personal.

Useful tools for personal websites:

6 – eCommerce Websites (Ripley’s Believe It or Not!)

The Ripley's Believe It or Not eCommerce store.

With an eCommerce store, you can sell products and services online. These types of websites contain components like product pages with add-to-cart buttons, a virtual shopping cart, and a checkout system to process payments.

They’re the type of website to build if you want to earn money on the side or start a full business.

In 2026, global ecommerce sales are projected to reach approximately $6.9 trillion, representing around an 7% year-over-year increase. There are over 28 million ecommerce websites worldwide, with estimates suggesting that about 2,162 new online stores launch each day on average.

Setting up an eCommerce store doesn’t have to cost a lot. You can use cost-effective or free platforms like:

A good eCommerce website should include clear product pages with quality images, engaging descriptions, shipping and return policies, and a seamless checkout experience. You can always add more advanced tools as your business grows.

Additional tools used in this example:

7 – Niche Websites (Newlyn)

The niche website Newlyn.

Niche websites focus on specific topics. The Newlyn website, for example, is centered around typography services for businesses.

A niche site is ideal if you want to zero in on a specific audience or interest. By targeting a particular group, you can gain followers, customers, or clients more effectively than a broad site that tries to appeal to everyone.

How you build a niche website depends on what works for your topic. You can combine elements from other types of websites – for example, a niche site could also include an online store, a forum, a blog, or a wiki.

8 – Entertainment Websites (Pluto TV)

An example entertainment site: Pluto TV.

Entertainment websites are often overlooked, but they’re among the most highly visual and interactive types of sites you can build.

In the example above, Pluto TV lets you stream live TV online for free. But entertainment websites go far beyond streaming. You can also create a site to share music, ebooks, videos, vlogs, games, or anything else that’s entertaining.

You can combine entertainment with other website types. For example:

  • A membership site like Netflix that sells paid subscriptions to video content
  • A music site with an online store for merchandise
  • A fan site with a wiki and forum so viewers can discuss their favorite shows

Entertainment websites are highly visual and interactive by nature, so focus on media-rich design and fast loading speeds.

9 – Magazine and News Websites (The New Yorker)

The New Yorker website.

Magazine and news websites focus on journalism rather than personal interests (which distinguishes them from blogs). You could create a new news outlet online, a digital fashion magazine, or a special interest publication for a specific industry or hobby.

These websites often have a clean, minimal layout so page elements properly highlight published articles. The background and design shouldn’t outshine the content.

You can also build a magazine or news site with a premium subscription feature. Visitors could pay to read more than a limited number of articles per day, or to access full-length articles beyond the first few paragraphs. This paywall model has become the standard for many digital publications.

Key tools for news and magazine websites:

10 – Forum Websites (WordPress.org Support Forum)

The WordPress.org support forum.

Forum websites provide an organized way to host public topic discussions. Users register so they can start and contribute to conversations.

You could create a forum to discuss anything from hobbies, tips, and popular culture to academic topics. Many businesses use forums to offer self-serve support for their customers, which cuts down on support costs and the overall number of support tickets.

Forums are a great fit if you need a straightforward and organized way to let users engage in open, public discussions. You can also choose to require sign-in to view discussions.

If you’re using WordPress, the primary tool for building a forum is:

11 – Wiki Websites (Fandom)

An example Wiki website called Fandom.

Wiki websites are digital encyclopedias where information is user-submitted and published. Wikipedia is the most famous example, aiming to create freely accessible knowledge about a huge variety of topics. Other wikis, like Fandom, focus on specific interests such as popular culture, TV shows, and video games.

Many businesses also use wikis to publish helpful documentation that answers common support questions, reducing the need for direct customer support.

You don’t have to be a business to create a wiki. If you’re a public figure, influencer, or community leader, a wiki can be a great way to engage your audience.

Tools for building a wiki:

12 – Membership Websites (Skillcrush)

The Skillcrush website.

With a membership website, select content is password-protected. Users need to register to access private content.

Membership websites can offer:

  • Free registration, premium registration, or both
  • One-time payment for unlimited access
  • Recurring subscriptions (daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly)
  • Drip content, where material is released in chosen intervals rather than all at once

This model works well for online courses, exclusive communities, premium content libraries, and subscription-based services.

Useful tools for membership websites:

13 – Booking and Appointment Websites

A booking website is essential for businesses that offer services at specific times or locations. This includes coaches, consultants, therapists, hair stylists, fitness trainers, and anyone who needs clients to schedule appointments.

The key to a good booking website is making the booking option easy to find. Many sites place a booking button in their header navigation and high on their homepage. Include detailed information about the service you provide, pricing, and what the client can expect.

Important elements to include:

  • A clear calendar or scheduling widget
  • Service descriptions with pricing
  • Cancellation and rescheduling policies
  • Testimonials and reviews
  • Contact information

Tools for building a booking website:

14 – Event Websites

An event website helps you promote an event and manage logistics like RSVPs, ticket sales, and attendee information. This type of site works for conferences, weddings, benefits, workshops, camps, concerts, and more.

A good event website should include:

  • What the event is about
  • Date, time, and location
  • Speakers, performers, or key participants
  • Ticket pricing and purchase options
  • RSVP functionality
  • Transportation and lodging details (if applicable)

Event websites can also serve as promotional tools. Use countdown timers to build urgency, highlight past event photos to show what attendees can expect, and include cancellation or rescheduling information for paid events.

Tools for building an event website:

15 – Educational and Online Course Websites

Educational websites are built for businesses, entrepreneurs, or organizations that offer courses to customers or students. A marketing consultant might offer online courses on specific strategies. A fitness coach might sell workout programs. A language school might provide online lessons.

This type of website should clearly communicate:

  • What courses or educational content you offer
  • Who the instructors or experts are
  • What students will learn or gain
  • Pricing and enrollment options

Educational websites can include video lessons, downloadable worksheets, quizzes, live workshops, and community discussion areas. Many use a membership or subscription model to manage access.

Tools for building an educational website:

16 – Landing Page Websites

A landing page website is a single-page site designed to accomplish one specific goal. That goal might be capturing email addresses, promoting a product launch, advertising a special offer, or driving sign-ups.

Unlike multi-page websites, landing pages strip away distractions. Everything on the page points the visitor toward a single call-to-action (CTA).

There are two common types:

  • Open landing pages: Anyone can view them.
  • Gated landing pages: Visitors must enter their name and email to access content (like a free ebook or webinar).

Landing pages are particularly mobile-friendly because they don’t require complex navigation. If your website has a singular purpose, a landing page can be the most efficient option.

Tools for building landing pages:

  • WordPress with Elementor or SeedProd
  • Unbounce or Leadpages (dedicated landing page builders)
  • Squarespace, Wix, or any website builder with one-page templates

17 – Directory Websites

A directory website provides a searchable, organized listing of businesses, professionals, services, or resources. Think of it as a digital Yellow Pages for a specific niche.

Examples include local business directories, job boards, real estate listings, restaurant guides, and professional service directories. Users can typically filter or search by category, location, or other criteria.

For visitors, a directory offers variety and trusted curation. For the directory owner, it can generate revenue through listing fees, featured placements, or advertising.

Tools for building a directory website:

  • WordPress with a directory theme or plugin like GeoDirectory or Business Directory Plugin
  • Brilliant Directories (standalone directory platform)

How to Choose the Right Type of Website

With 17 types of websites to choose from, it can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to narrow it down:

  • Start with your goal. Do you want to sell products? An eCommerce site is your best bet. Want to showcase your work? Build a portfolio. Looking to share your knowledge? Start a blog or educational site.
  • Think about your audience. What does your audience need from your website? A service business needs booking functionality. A charity needs a clear donation process. A community needs a forum or membership area.
  • Keep it simple at first. You don’t have to build every feature on day one. Start with the type that matches your primary goal, then expand as you grow. Many websites combine elements from multiple types – a blog with an online store, or a portfolio with a booking page.
  • Choose the right platform. WordPress is the most flexible option and powers a large percentage of all websites on the internet. Website builders like Wix and Squarespace are easier for complete beginners. Pick the tool that matches your technical comfort level.

Are You Ready to Create a Website?

There are many options when it comes to the types of websites you can build. We hope this article was helpful and provided you with some inspiration.

As of 2026, the global web development market is estimated at around $87.75 billion and is projected to reach about $134.17 billion by 2031. WordPress remains the most widely used platform, powering about 42.6% of all websites. There are approximately 1.34 billion websites worldwide, and estimates suggest that roughly 1.25 million new sites are created each day.

If you are looking to start your own website, look no further than this step-by-step guide for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 3 main types of websites?

Most websites fall into one of three broad categories:

  1. Informational websites – Sites that provide information and resources to visitors, such as blogs, news sites, wikis, and educational sites.
  2. Transactional/eCommerce websites – Sites that allow visitors to purchase products or services, such as online stores and booking sites.
  3. Interactive/community websites – Sites that let visitors interact with each other or the site itself, such as forums, membership sites, and social platforms.

Which type of website is the easiest to create?

A blog or a simple one-page landing page is typically the easiest type of website to create. Platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace offer templates and drag-and-drop tools that let you launch a basic site without any coding knowledge. A personal website or small business site with just a few pages is also very beginner-friendly.

Can a website be more than one type?

Absolutely. Many websites combine elements from multiple types. For example, a personal website might include a blog and a portfolio. An eCommerce site might also have a blog and a membership area. Start with the type that matches your primary goal and add features as your site grows.

What platform should I use to build my website?

It depends on your needs and technical skill level. WordPress is the most popular and flexible option, ideal if you want full control and the ability to scale. Website builders like Wix and Squarespace are great for beginners who want a simpler setup. For eCommerce specifically, Shopify is also a popular choice. Check out our guide on web design software for a full comparison.