Types of Websites
Static Website Design – Small Websites
A static website is one without any server-side functionality and has no database or interactive content. Static web design is appropriate for smaller websites that don’t need any complex features or content. Static websites can still be designed to look really good with stylish graphics and content, they just can’t do anything clever based upon any behind-the-scenes programming. The advantage is that a static website is easier, faster and cheaper to design and build but is still professional and stylish.
Basic Brochure Website
For individuals and small businesses with a low budget; a Simple but professional website that acts as a brochure or advert for you and your business. Brochure websites can have as few as one or two pages (usually five or six) and typically follow a common format:
- Home Page – an eye-catching introduction to your business with clear summary information about what you do
- About / Philosophy – who you are, your credentials and your values
- Your Services – one page for each different service you offer
- Contact – a contact form, address/telephone/email, location map
- Links
Advanced Static Website
For small/medium businesses: static websites can be enhanced with advanced web design features to make them slick, stylish and interesting including:
- Drop-down navigation
- Animated jQuery (javascript) effects
- Flash content
- Multimedia (video/audio)
- News page
- Social Network plugins
- Image gallery
Each static website we design is unique and we work with our clients to help them decide on the right features for their website which are appropriate to their business and budget.
Dynamic Website Design – Large/Complex Websites
Dynamic websites make use of server-side programming and databases to store and deliver the content. This allows web pages to perform more complex functions and display complex data and interactive content. This is the standard way that larger websites are designed as it makes adding large numbers of pages based upon the same template very easy. The down side is that it requires more initial work than a static website so it isn’t economical for small sites.
Content Management System (CMS) Website
For people who want to make frequent changes/updates or want full control over their website we design them with a CMS. A CMS can be part of just about any kind of website. Depending on your needs this can be as simple as the ability to add new items to a news page or image gallery, or full what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) control over the content of each page.
We work with our clients to develop a bespoke website and CMS solution that suits their needs. We can give you as much or as little control over your website as you require. We are also happy to update any website we design for our clients either on a scheduled or ad-hoc basis.
eCommerce Websites
For businesses that make money through their website either by selling goods from an online shop or offering premium (paid for) online services. This can range from simple integration with PayPal to sell a small number of items in an online shop where PayPal handles the entire checkout and stock-management process to large, self-contained shops which securely process credit card payments for hundreds of items.
eCommerce websites are (almost) always dynamic and database driven and usually have the provision for the client to add new items and update prices, descriptions, images and stock levels from a dedicated admin system. Sometimes some of the features of an eCommerce website will be integrated into a different kind of website e.g. a band/musician might have a website with images, news and information about their music but also has the ability to sell that music as a digital download.