Which website for a startup to choose?
In today’s world, launching a startup is unthinkable without an online presence. However, not all entrepreneurs immediately understand what type of website they need. Some choose a landing page, others start a blog, and some dive straight into an online store. It’s important not only to decide on the format but also to choose a platform that will allow the project to scale. In this article, we’ll analyze which website is best for a startup.
Why does a startup need a website?
Regardless of the industry, a website performs several key functions. First, it helps present the product or service to potential customers. Second, it is a marketing and sales tool that allows attracting traffic through SEO, paid ads, and social media. Third, the website builds trust in the brand: if a company doesn’t have its own resource, it loses a significant portion of its audience.
Additionally, a website helps gather analytics on user behavior, which is important for testing business hypotheses. For example, it can track which products or services generate the most interest, which pages attract more attention, and which advertising channels work best. This makes the website an indispensable tool for adapting the business strategy.
But it’s not enough to just create a website—it’s essential to choose a platform that ensures growth opportunities. A mistake many startups make is using website builders like Wix or Tilda. They are convenient at first but limit functionality, aren’t indexed well by search engines, and don’t allow for flexible project development. It’s better to choose a CMS with scaling options from the start, such as WordPress.
Website for a startup: which format to choose?
At the launch stage, it’s important to decide on the website type. Let’s consider three main options.
Landing page: quick start
A landing page is a one-page website that is ideal for testing hypotheses. It allows quickly conveying the value proposition to the audience and gathering the first leads. If the startup offers a single service or is testing a niche, a landing page is a great solution.
The main advantages of a landing page:
- Fast development (can be launched in a few days)
- Easy management and testing of marketing hypotheses
- High conversion due to focused content
However, this format has limitations. Landing pages are poorly suited for scaling as they lack a developed structure and are not indexed by search engines as well as full websites. Additionally, if the startup “takes off,” the landing page will need to be redesigned into a full website. Therefore, it’s better to create a landing page on WordPress rather than using website builders, so it can easily be expanded later.
Blog: building expert reputation
If the startup is content-based, educational, or requires long-term SEO promotion, a blog is a great choice. It allows publishing expert articles, demonstrating knowledge in the niche, and attracting traffic through search engines.
Advantages of a blog:
- Builds trust in the brand and helps establish expertise
- Attracts organic traffic through SEO
- Allows communicating about the product without intrusive ads
A blog can be combined with a landing page or an online store. For example, a fitness startup can run a blog about proper nutrition to attract traffic and then offer paid courses or consultations. The key is to remember that content marketing takes time, and results won’t appear immediately.
Online store: sales from day one
If the startup focuses on e-commerce, a full-fledged online store is essential. Platforms like Shopify may be convenient initially but limit customization options and SEO efficiency in the long run. The optimal solution is an online store on WordPress with WooCommerce, which provides full freedom in development, doesn’t restrict functionality, and allows integrating any payment systems and CRMs.
Key factors to consider when launching an online store:
- Development and maintenance costs
- Integration with payment systems
- The ability to add new features as the business grows
Launching an online store requires more investment than a landing page or blog, but with the right approach, it can become the foundation of a successful business.
Common mistakes when creating a website for a startup
When choosing the website format, it’s important to avoid the following mistakes:
- Using website builders without scalability options
- Ignoring SEO and content management
- Lack of a clear marketing plan
- Launching a website without testing it on the target audience
- Choosing a platform that doesn’t support business growth
Which website to choose for a startup?
The optimal option depends on the project goals. If you need to quickly test a hypothesis, a landing page will do. If content is important, choose a blog. If sales are planned, an online store is necessary. In any case, it’s better to choose WordPress or another scalable CMS from the start, rather than limiting yourself with website builders.
Comparison table of website formats:
| Format | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Landing page | Quick launch, high conversion | Poor scalability, weak SEO optimization |
| Blog | Long-term promotion, building brand image | Requires regular content updates |
| Online store | Full-fledged commerce, wide possibilities | High costs for development and maintenance |
Conclusion
Launching a website is an investment in the business’s future. The earlier a startup goes online, the faster it attracts customers, tests ideas, and scales. Choose the right format and platform to lay a strong foundation for growth!
