As you browse the internet, navigating site to site, you don’t realize it, but every single one of those websites are built differently, using different development processes.

There are many different types of platforms websites can be built on. The type of platform refers to the core foundation that was used to develop the website itself. For instance a website can be built using plain html code by experienced developers or, on the other hand, websites can be created using php server side content management systems such as WordPress that allows you to skip the coding know-how.

Before you can select the platform you’ll be using, you’ll have to refer to your websites goal and identify just what type of website you’re creating.

A platform is used as a foundation for a website, essentially it dictates how the development process will unfold. By ‘types’ of websites, I’m referring to every website on the internet and how they aim to cater to different user needs. For instance a magazine’s website may aim to push blog articles heavily on their website, this would fall under a blog focused website.

What are the Different Types of Websites?

Before you begin creating your Website you should be asking yourself what type of website will I be making? Here’s a break of the main types of websites:

• Brochure Websites acting as usually 5 standalone pages, these sites generally act as store fronts and don’t necessarily aim to sell anything on their website. Instead they give a professional online image for their business and display important information such as opening hours and contact numbers
• E-commerce Websites aim to offer products and or services for instance eBay. Basically, if the website is focused on making online transactions it falls under this category.
• Blog Websites used by writers to platform their content. These websites don’t necessarily aim to sell anything but instead push their content and earn revenue through ads.
• Education & Training Websites. Not including Wikipedia, lower end education and training websites often don’t need constant updating but instead act as a constant source of knowledge on a specific topic. Most of these website full under the non for profit category.

What functionality does your website require?

Understanding what functionality your website will requireis important as you start taking the next step, choosing the platform to develop your website. You need to be thinking about all the possible features your website might need, that’s why understanding the category type of your website is key in setting up a solid foundation. Picking a reliable platform is a great investment in assisting you to reach your end goal.

Will you be aiming to sell Products on Your Website?

Selling products online is a great way to reach a potentially unlimited number of customers! If your website aims to sell products you’ll have to familiarize yourself with the functionality that would require. For instance, an eCommerce website would require the functionality to support features such as online transactions, booking features, customer portals etc.

Are you going be writing articles or blogs posts?

If this is the first website you’re developing, writing blogs is a great way to start gaining traction online. Blog websites offer the developer the freedom to write, manage, review and then upload their content instantly online. Building a website to support writing blogs requires the functionality for editors to do all of those things.

Selecting between Static or Dynamic Platforms to base your Website

Every website online falls under one of two, development platform categories on which they’ve been built on. These platforms are Static & Dynamic sites, both have their advantages and disadvantages but through understanding their differences you can ensure you’ve selected the right path for your website.

To list a few differences between the two development platforms when designing a website:

Static – A static site is usually built by developers with coding experience. It’s written in plain HTML code and then uploaded to the server. It’s generally cheapest financially as no third party software is necessary.

Dynamic – A dynamic site is one that uses a server scripting language, such as PHP, ASP, JSP etc. Which means they offer the user the freedom to install a Content Management System such as WordPress. Which is great for beginners.

Static websites, while cheaper to develop, have been aged out over time and the majority of websites on the internet are dominated by dynamic websites. However, there are a few examples where Static websites still remain- such as low functioning Brochure or Educational websites. As their value usually relies in the content, they can distance the website from higher functionality features while still gaining traffic.

If you’re looking to do anything more than upload static content, you’re going to want to look to dynamic websites for more functionality. Through the use of Web Content Management Systems such as WordPress, you’re able to achieve a high level of functionality, without any coding know how.

Popular Dynamic Platform CMS’s

If you’re convinced you should be building a dynamic website and selected to use a Content Management System, that’s great! They’re great for non-techies to start up on building their own website. So jump right in and familiarize yourself with the Web Content Management Systems that are popular in today’s market. To a list a few:

• WordPress
• Joomal
• Drupal

Below is a pie graph indicating the popularity by use of each Web Content Management System:

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After examining the graph, you’ll notice the market is mainly dominated by WordPress. I have to agree with the numbers, WordPress is fantastic! I encourage you to install it if this is the first website you’ll be building.

Setting up your own Content Management System can be a tricky if you’re new to this space. Here’s an article which covers Web Content Management Systems and how to set them up on your own website!