At a time when digital technology dominates, owning a website has become a must-have for any company or individual wishing to mark its online presence. But do you really know what a website is, and why it's essential to have one today? What's the difference between a website and an Internet site? What types of site are available, how do you create an effective one, and above all, how much does it cost?
In this comprehensive article, our web marketing experts shed light on all these issues, to help you make the most of your digital presence.
Definition of a website
A website, or websiteis a structured set of pages accessible via a single URL address. These pages, hosted on a server, contain different types of information, such as text, images, videos and so on. They are coded using computer languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby or Python. To access these pages, all you need is a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
The different types of website
There are several types, depending on their use and purpose. Here are the main ones:
Online stores
Allows you to buy products or services directly online. Example: Amazon.
Showcase sites
Present a company, its products or services, without direct sales. Objective: to generate leads.
Information sites
Provide regular information on a variety of subjects. Example: La Presse.
Landing pages
Designed to encourage a specific action (registration, purchase).
One Page sites
Present all information on a single page, facilitating navigation but limiting SEO optimization.
Blogs
Regular articles organized chronologically, often interactive, used to share information and boost SEO.
Forums
Discussion platforms on specific topics, promoting exchanges and communities.
Wikis
Collaborative sites that allow users to create and edit content, like Wikipedia.
Social media
Sites that facilitate social interaction, content sharing and communities, such as Facebook or LinkedIn.
Educational websites
Platforms offering online courses, teaching resources and discussion forums, such as Coursera or Khan Academy.
The difference between a website and an Internet site
The terms "Web" and "Internet" are often used interchangeably and refer to the same thing. Technically, the "Internet" is the worldwide network linking all computers, while a "website" is a specific set of pages accessible via this network.
Why create a website?
There are several key advantages to creating a website:
Visibility and credibility A website strengthens your online presence and legitimacy.
Information Share your products, services and news easily.
Communication Interact directly with your visitors and customers.
Sales and marketing : Expand your market with a 24/7 online presence.
Total control Unlike social networks, you have full control over your content and data.
How do I create a website?
Creating a website generally involves several stages:
Defining the objective and design Wireframes, personas, user paths.
Graphic design Creation of the site's visual identity.
Choice of domain and hosting Select an address and a service to suit your needs.
Front-end development HTML, CSS, JavaScript to build appearance and functionality.
Back-end development For advanced functions (database management, user accounts).
Test Check functionality, security and user experience.
Deployment and maintenance : Put the site online and maintain it regularly.
How much does a website cost?
The cost of a website varies according to its complexity:
Do-it-yourself (Wix, Squarespace) 0 to 300 $/year.
Basic professional website 3,000 to 8,000 $.
Advanced professional website (e-commerce, complex integrations) : Several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
Recurring costs Hosting (a few euros to hundreds per year), domain name renewal (approx. 10-20 $/year), regular maintenance.
Conclusion
A website is much more than just a digital business card. It's a powerful strategic tool for boosting your visibility, expanding your audience and seizing unparalleled business opportunities.
Ready to get started? Contact our agency for professional support and discover the full potential of a site tailored to your needs.
