The 25 Most Common Types Of Websites In 2025

If you’re planning to build a website, how you go about it will depend on the type of website you are planning. While every website is unique, most sites fit into well-established categories, each with its own features and purpose.

From ecommerce sites belonging to huge brands to small hobby blogs, there are literally billions of websites online serving different audiences.

In this article, we look at the 25 most common types of websites and what they need to make them successful. If you want your website to take off in 2025, read on for some inspiration.

The 25 Most Common Types Of Websites In 2025

From online forums to portfolio websites, the sites we visit daily come in various guises. Without further ado, here’s our list of the 25 most common types of websites, saving the biggest hitters till last.

25. Real Estate Websites

With the average house price reaching a record high in 2024, real estate websites are critical tools for house buyers. They allow them to compare house prices, get valuations on their own property, and see what previous listings have sold for, all without leaving the house.

They give users more confidence when negotiating a property and allow them to easily compare houses based on photos, floor plans, and neighborhoods.

Zillow is one of the leading real estate sites, with a database of more than 130 million homes for sale and rent. As well as allowing buyers to view properties and, in some cases, take virtual tours of the house, it also has features to help landlords and rental agents manage their properties with minimal fuss.

24. Government Websites

Government websites are official sites that allow citizens within a country to access vital information and services online that are relevant to them. Whether it is paying taxes or staying safe, government websites focus on function over form, and are not going to be the most exciting websites to peruse.

These types of websites are usually easy to navigate and have clearly labeled sections for each important category that citizens may require. A good example is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, offering crucial information and guidance about health and nutrition.

The website is clearly laid out and has a no-nonsense format, allowing people to find information to keep themselves and their families safe easily.

23. Review Websites

One of the significant advantages of buying anything online in 2025 is the abundance of review websites. You no longer need to stand and stare at a shelf of products trying to guess which one is best, as you have a world of consumer reviews at your fingertips.

Review websites cater to many industries, from hiring tradespeople to purchasing the latest smartphone, and the introduction of AI features allows users to evaluate the quality of a product in just a few seconds.

TripAdvisor is the leading travel industry review website, boasting over 1 billion comments on hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Its intuitive search function and interactive maps make finding the highest-rated destinations easier than it has ever been.

22. Social Media Websites

Social media websites first appeared in the early 21st century and are showing no signs of disappearing anytime soon. They allow users to connect with friends, family, and total strangers across the globe, and they have become a daily part of life for many.

Social media is evolving quickly, and these sites now feature live streaming, personalized feeds, and the chance to comment and react to the media that appears on your screen.

TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms, and its short video format takes advantage of our growing appetite for engaging, varied content. Its algorithm allows content creators to reach a worldwide audience in a way that was inconceivable just a few years ago.

21. Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces allow regular people to sell items without needing to own their own website or start a large business, and enable buyers and sellers to communicate efficiently within the platform.

Individuals can set up their own digital storefront easily and at little cost, allowing them to reach a broad audience through the marketplace’s built-in search engine.

Etsy is one of the best-known online marketplaces, initially created for handmade items, though there are now over 8 million sellers trading digital and physical products, and turning their hobbies into full-time incomes.

20. Finance Websites

Most of us need a little help and guidance regarding finances, and financial websites set out to provide exactly that. Whether you are looking for help with monthly budgeting, comparing personal loans, or understanding mortgages, financial websites can help clarify the jargon.

Investopedia covers a wide range of financial topics, from personal finance and news on the economy, to how to best invest your money. The comprehensive website features simulators, tutorials, and reviews to help make handling your finances a more straightforward task.

19. Comparison Websites

Comparison websites allow users to quickly and easily compare features and prices of certain products without trawling through dozens of different types of websites.

Whether you want to compare car insurance, a new energy provider, or the best interest rates for bank accounts, comparison sites can save users a ton of time and plenty of money, too.

NerdWallet is a leading comparison website that features financial products, allowing users to compare mortgages, loans, credit cards, and bank accounts in an easy-to-read grid format.

18. Health Websites

Health websites play a crucial role in providing reliable health information in a way that users can understand easily, cutting through the medical jargon. More so than other informational websites, the content must be trustworthy and reliable, and is often written or fact-checked by medical professionals.

Many health sites include symptom checkers and animations to quickly help users find dependable health information.

WebMD is one of the most globally recognized health websites, providing medical information to millions of site visitors every month. The main menus are clear and well organized, allowing users to quickly find what they need, whether they have a medical situation or are simply looking for guidance on staying healthy.

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17. Hobby Websites

For those who want to share their passion for a particular subject, starting a hobby website is a great way to do so. Many different types of websites fall into this category, from sites about knitting, baking, or collectables, but a successful hobby site needs to be an engaging and user-friendly informational website.

They often include online forums for other enthusiasts to discuss their passions and may have how-to articles and tutorial video content to encourage newcomers to explore the hobby too.

Garden Betty is an excellent example of a blog website that has grown into a brilliant informational website that is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in learning more about gardening.

16. Travel Websites

With the world more accessible than ever, travel websites are a key component for would-be travelers planning their trips. Gone are the days of traipsing around countless travel agents and returning home laden with individual brochures.

Instead, a weekend away or a two-week backpacking trip can be researched, budgeted, and booked all on one site. Travel sites feature compelling visual content and responsive web design so users can make the most of their site while on the go.

Lonely Planet is a stalwart in the travel industry, evolving from comprehensive travel books to a user-friendly online platform that has become the go-to for its target audience.

From casual researchers at the start of their holiday planning journey to those already mid-journey, Lonely Planet is an excellent informational website that provides users with exactly what they need.

15. Database Websites

Database websites take vast amounts of information and display it in a way that makes it easy for users to digest and find the facts they need. Database sites sometimes have user-generated content as well, as visitors can contribute their own knowledge to the data.

IMDb is a huge database website that has become the industry leader in the movie and TV space. Most of us turn to IMDb when we can’t quite place what an actor has previously been in, but the site has many more features, including movie trailers, film and TV ratings, and showtimes for movie theatres.

14. Booking Websites

Phoning a company to book a service is a chore of the past, thanks to the popularity of booking websites. Similar in concept to comparison websites or directory websites, they list a variety of different businesses, but in this case, allow you to book their service directly.

From hotel rooms to dinner reservations, an interactive calendar will allow you to search for availability and choose the time and date that suits you.

Airbnb is an example of a globally recognized booking website, allowing users to book holiday apartments and unique stays, including glamping pods and grand castles. It has also made it easy for property owners to market their businesses without building their own website.

13. Online Forum

Online forums are a way of connecting like-minded people to allow them to discuss a topic of interest and share their ideas and suggestions. Online forums can either be websites in their own right or form part of a larger website to allow users to discuss products and issues connected to the main site.

These online community sites are extremely well-organized, with clear categories for different topics, and are usually heavily moderated to keep content relevant and appropriate.

Reddit is one of the best-known online forum websites, and a quick search in their inbuilt search engine will lead you to a subreddit where you can join in on a heated discussion on your chosen topic.

Reddit is an excellent example of how to build an online community that allows people to connect over virtually any subject, from children’s cartoons to DIY.

12. Entertainment Websites

Not all time spent online needs to be highly productive, and when you need to wind down for the day, entertainment websites are there to keep you amused.

Entertainment websites need to be highly responsive, since much of this content is consumed on the go. Content is updated regularly to encourage site visitors to return often, and viral content means that traffic spikes are common.

BuzzFeed is an entertainment website that most of us visit occasionally, and its captivating visual content and fun quizzes keep users scrolling much longer than they had planned. The mobile site is fast and functional, allowing users to entertain themselves from any location.

11. Directory Websites

If you’ve ever needed a tradesman or hairdresser in a hurry, chances are you have used a directory site, even if you didn’t realize it.

Whereas a few decades ago you would have found this local information in the telephone directory or a leaflet in your mailbox, directory websites now collate all of this information and display it in a user-friendly manner.

These websites feature a powerful search function and useful filters to help you find a service within your budget as quickly as possible. They benefit both the customer and the business, which can reach a much wider audience than they would with their own website.

Yelp is one of the big hitters in directory websites, with 2.5 million people reported to use it every single day. From finding reviews of a local cafe to sourcing a reliable mechanic, it allows users to research local businesses and leave their opinions afterward.

10. Nonprofit Websites

Unlike most websites, the purpose of a non-profit site is something other than simply making money or building a brand. These sites are designed to raise awareness, make a change for good, and in some cases, encourage donations.

The site’s main aim is to create trust around the organization and showcase its work. Whether it is a charity or government-funded program, clear web design is crucial to grab people’s attention and get them to engage.

The National Trust is one of the UK’s most prominent non-profit organisations. The conservation charity uses its website to inspire users to visit cultural sites throughout the UK and learn more about the environment, history, and nature.

The site’s visual content is engaging and draws visitors in, and the large green button in the header menu makes it easy for people to donate.

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9. Recipe Websites

Recipe sites are a type of informational website that needs to be as visually appealing as they are helpful. So many home cooks at the end of a long day turn to recipe blogs for inspiration, and the images are the main factor in keeping visitors’ attention.

Many keen home cooks start recipe blogs as a hobby, and if you are considering doing so, choosing a website builder with attractive and responsive templates is key.

Most recipe websites use recipe cards, which means that each page looks uniform and is easy to navigate, and there is often a “Jump to Recipe” button for those who don’t have time to read the accompanying story.

Pinch of Yum is a food blog that has turned into a hugely successful online business. It showcases beautiful and straightforward recipes to millions of visitors each month.

The website is responsive, the visuals are gorgeous, and the optimized web design makes finding a tasty weeknight recipe a breeze.

8. Educational Websites

As alternative education continues to grow, particularly post-pandemic, the demand for online learning is skyrocketing. Educational websites allow learners of all ages to follow courses at their own pace, using video content, interactive resources, and even good old workbooks.

Sleek web design is crucial for educational websites, meaning that users can easily navigate their chosen courses and track their progress, whether they are a teenager studying for school exams or an adult learner picking up a new skill.

Khan Academy is one of the leading educational websites in the world, which provides a free online education to all. The website has more than 140 million users worldwide, and the highly organized site makes it one of the best educational websites around.

7. News Websites

News and magazine websites are the primary online sources of information for those who like to keep up-to-date with the latest events.

The days of sitting in front of the TV waiting for a recap of the day’s stories are long gone, and “Breaking News” banners scroll across news websites, keeping viewers updated in real time.

News websites need to have a clean web design that allows users to scan the page to see what stories they have missed, and they are heavy on visual content to keep visitors engaged.

BBC News is a global news website that offers local and international news updates in a user-friendly setup. Users can change their region, meaning they can be kept up-to-date with the most relevant local news and information no matter which country they are in.

6. Membership Websites

Membership websites aim to attract regular visitors and turn them into paying members. They offer exclusive content that is only available to subscribers, though a free trial or bonus content is often provided as an incentive.

Strong web development is crucial to ensuring customers feel they are getting value for money, and a membership site should offer a more premium experience than a basic website.

Masterclass is an example of a high-quality membership website that encourages users to better themselves by purchasing access to their expert-written content. The site has a premium feel and eye-catching visuals to entice visitors into taking the plunge.

5. Personal Websites

A personal website can be different things to different people, and that is what makes them so varied. They can be used to represent an individual in their business capacity, without the need to create a fully functioning business website, or can simply be a form of self-expression to share your views with the world.

In some cases, personal websites can be both, linking out to other websites or social media platforms related to their brand.

Marco Feng is a brilliant example of a personal website that stands out from the crowd, showcasing his beautiful photos of travel and food, and linking out to his Instagram page.

4. Portfolio Websites

Portfolio websites are an opportunity for photographers, writers, or other freelancers to showcase their skills to potential clients and help them stand out from the crowd.

A good portfolio website design should be uncluttered and easy to navigate, and focus on the best examples of work to impress visitors.

Clear call-to-action buttons throughout a portfolio website are crucial, too, to ensure customers can get in touch easily.

June Digan is an excellent example of a portfolio website. The artist’s work makes up the majority of the homepage. The site is minimalist and clean, and the links to socials and CTAs are clear and easily accessible.

3. Blog Websites

In the early days of blogging, a blog website would be an opportunity to share your opinions on your hobbies with anyone who happened across your site, and the website often took the formal of a diary or personal account.

Nowadays, blogs are one of the main types of websites, and in some cases, they are highly professional sites making some serious income.

The main difference between a blog website and others is that a blog consists of articles that are constantly being added to, and often are displayed on the homepage in order of the most recent.

If you are thinking of starting a blog, identify your target audience and use a website builder to create a site that will appeal to them. Cup of Jo is an example of an attractive blog that covers a wide range of topics, but the intuitive navigation makes it easy to find what you need.

2. Business Websites

Business websites are one of the most common types of websites, and cover all sizes of businesses, from tiny startup websites to huge multinational companies.

Business websites are the first point of contact for many potential clients and need to create trust and make a connection with visitors instantly.

A strong homepage for a business website will clearly convey what the business is about and how it can solve problems for its customers. Business websites must be easy to navigate, as if a potential client can’t find what they need, they will simply go elsewhere.

The People vs Coffee is an excellent example of a business site that is slick, attractive, and easy to navigate. The excellent photos draw users in, and their purpose is clear from the homepage.

1. Ecommerce Websites

Topping our list of the most common types of websites is the ecommerce website. Essentially a digital storefront for an online business, an ecommerce website allows you to sell to customers across the globe without anyone needing to visit a physical store.

Whether you are selling physical or digital products, with the right website template, you can easily showcase your items and ensure a smooth shopping experience for your customers.

Ecommerce websites process online payments and allow customers to leave reviews, and should always be mobile-optimized for easy shopping on the go.

Apple’s ecommerce website is a masterclass in how to do it well. The homepage features their flagship products, and clicking on each image takes you to a detailed product page.

The iconic Apple symbol is always there in the left-hand corner to take you back to the homepage if you need to start again.

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Types Of Website FAQs

Still curious about which type of website is right for you? These FAQs break down the most popular options so you can find the perfect fit for your needs:

1. What are the main broad types of websites?

The three broad types of websites are:

• Informational – providing content such as blogs that can educate or entertain;
• Transactional – allowing people to make a purchase or book a service;
• Interactive – encouraging user engagement.

2. What are the most visited websites in the world?

Search engine website Google, social networking sites Facebook and YouTube, and informational website Wikipedia are the most visited sites in the world in 2025.

3. What are the easiest types of websites for a beginner to create?

Informational websites are the easiest and quickest to create, and there are many website builders that can help you do so with minimal fuss. Choose a DIY website builder that has done-for-you templates that you can quickly customize to suit your brand.

4. How long does it take to build a website?

Making a brochure website or a one-page website can be done in a few hours, even if your web design skills are minimal.

Other types of websites will take longer, but even more complex business websites and online stores can be put together in a matter of days without much technical expertise required.

5. How important is it to have a mobile-friendly website?

A mobile-optimized website is absolutely crucial in 2025. More than 60% of internet traffic comes from mobile devices, so a mobile-friendly website is a must if you want to reach as large an audience as possible.

Ready to create a website? Get started with Friday today!

Summary

We’ve explored 25 common types of websites that you are likely to come across in 2025, from portfolio websites to ecommerce stores. Choosing the correct types of website is crucial to make sure it serves your target audience and fits the goals for your brand.

The examples above should give you inspiration to follow in the footsteps of those who are doing everything right, and get your own website off to a flying start.