Website Fundamentals and Purpose

Website Fundamentals

• A website is defined by its owner's intent, ranging from informational to divisive.
• It acts as a platform for individuals or businesses to express themselves.
• Websites are built for various purposes, including making money, selling products or services, building an online presence, offering branding and online education.
• Website purpose should clearly define the goals to achieve.

Web Page vs Website

• A web page is a distinct digital document written in HyperText Markup Language (HTML).
• Web pages can have media(images, video, and audio), hyperlinks, and scripts.
• Multiple web pages with the same domain name form a website.
• Websites usually share a similar design, style, and content across their web pages.

Website Purpose Examples

• Inform: Provides information about a subject or service.
• Sell: Promotes and sells products or services.
• Engage: Connects with an audience and builds a community.
• Educate: Teaches or trains users on specific topics.

Purpose: Making Money

• The primary purpose of many business websites is to generate revenue.
• Online businesses are increasingly replacing traditional methods.
• Customers now prefer conducting transactions through secure online channels.
• Businesses use websites to target these customers directly.

Purpose: Selling Products/Services

• Websites facilitate the sale of both physical and digital goods.
• Smooth transaction processes are crucial for online commerce success.
• Website owners often see impressive success from online sales.

Purpose: Building Online Presence

• In today's world, a strong online presence is crucial for visibility.
• Consumers typically research products/services online before deciding to buy.
• A lack of online presence can lead to considerable lost revenue opportunities.

Purpose: Branding

• The website is a central element for establishing brand identity.
• Business owners often use websites to visually showcase brand messages, communicate features, and create a unique brand image for their target audience.

Purpose: Online Education

• Online education is a growing industry, expanding rapidly.
• Many students now prefer more accessible ways to get an education.
• Websites specifically designed for online learning have become prevalent.

Purpose: Social Media and Networking

• Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat are prominent social media platforms.
• They attract a large audience within the digital realm.
• Social media websites have achieved significant success due to their engagement features.

Purpose: Online Forums

• Online forums share traits with social networks but are more focused on niche subjects and discussing topics.
• Discussions are organized into various threads based on the subject of conversation.
• Reddit is a popular example of an online forum, categorized with various subreddits.

Website Features: Navigation

• Clearly defined navigation tools: Menu structure, consistent navigation elements, and clear labels.
• Effective search functionality: Efficient search bars to locate specific content quickly.
• Relevant search results: Search tools that present pertinent search results.
• Breadcrumbs: Visual representation of the site's structure; provides navigation aids.

Website Features: Content

• High-quality text: Well-written, informative, and engaging; optimized for search engines.
• Appealing visuals: High-quality images and videos; consistency in branding.
• Mobile responsiveness: Responsive design, suitable for optimal display across various devices.

Website Features: User Experience

• Fast loading speeds: Faster load times increase user engagement.
• User-friendly forms: Simple and efficient form fields.
• Secure transactions: Implementing appropriate security measures to protect user data for transactions.

Website Features: Engagement Tools

• Social media integration: Tools facilitating connections with users on social media platforms.
• Encourage user engagement and sharing: Platforms that prompt user interaction with content.
• Live chat support: Real-time assistance to improve user experience and customer satisfaction.

This quiz covers the essential concepts of websites, including their definitions, purposes, and the difference between a web page and a website. Explore how websites function as platforms for information, commerce, engagement, and education while understanding their design and structure.