One of the biggest mistakes beginners make when building their first website isn’t design. It isn’t tech. It isn’t even money. It’s trying to build the wrong type of website. Most people sit down to “build a website” without ever stopping to ask a simple but critical question: What do I actually want this website to do for me? A website is not just a digital aesthetic. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it needs a clear purpose. That’s where website paths come in.
What Is a Website Path?
A website path is the direction and purpose of your site. It determines: What pages you need, What content you create, How visitors should use your site, How (or if) the site makes money. Not every website is meant to sell. Not every website is meant to go viral. Not every website needs a blog, a shop, or a thousand pages. Different goals – different paths.
Choosing a Path First Matters. When people skip this step, they usually:
- Overbuild pages they don’t need
- Copy websites that don’t match their goals
- Get overwhelmed and abandon the project
- Constantly rebuild instead of growing
Clarity at the beginning saves months later. You don’t need the “perfect” website. You need the right first website.
The Main Website Paths (Explained Simply)
- Personal Website
This path is about identity and presence. A personal website answers one question clearly: “Who are you?” It often includes:
- An About page
- Interests, writing, or reflections
- Links to your work or socials
This is ideal if you’re: A student or early in your career, Exploring multiple interests or Building an online presence slowly. A personal website can grow into almost anything later — content, business, or portfolio.
2. CV / Resume Website
This path is about opportunity. Instead of sending PDFs back and forth, your website becomes your living resume. It usually includes:
- Work experience
- Skills
- Education
- Projects
- Contact details
This path is perfect if: You’re job hunting, You want a clean, professional online profile, You want something easy to share and update. Many CV websites later evolve into portfolio or consulting sites.
3. Portfolio Website
This path is about proof. A portfolio website shows what you can do, not just what you say you can do. It often includes:
- Case studies
- Visual or written work samples
- Results and outcomes
It’s best for: Designers, Developers, Marketers, Writers, Creatives and freelancers. Your website speaks for you — even when you’re not in the room.
4. Content Website (Blog / Media Site)
This path is about attention and authority. Content websites focus on publishing:
- Articles
- Guides
- Opinions
- Educational content
They grow through: Search engines (SEO), Social media and Consistency over time. This path is ideal if you: Enjoy writing or teaching, Want to build authority in a niche, Plan to monetize later through ads, affiliates, or products. Content websites reward patience — but they compound powerfully.
5. Affiliate Website
This path is about recommendation-based income. Affiliate websites earn money by recommending tools, products, or services and earning a commission. They often include:
- Reviews
- Comparisons
- Buying guides
Best for people who: Like researching and explaining things, Want niche-focused websites and Prefer indirect selling. Trust is everything on this path.
6. Online Business Website
This path is about selling directly. Your website becomes your storefront for:
- Services
- Digital products
- Consulting
- Coaching
It includes: Clear offers, Payment systems, Strong messaging. This is ideal if you already: Have a skill to sell, Run a business, Want clients or customers. Simplicity wins here. Clear > complex.
7. E-commerce Website
This path is about products at scale. E-commerce sites sell:
- Physical products
- Digital downloads
- Merch
They require: Product pages, Inventory management and Checkout systems. This path works best if you’re ready to handle operations, logistics, and customer support.
8. SaaS / App Website
This path is about explaining and converting. The website supports a digital product or app by:
- Explaining the problem
- Showing the solution
- Guiding users to sign up
It focuses on: Features, Benefits, Pricing and Onboarding. This is common for tech founders and startups.
9. Community / Membership Website
This path is about access and belonging. The website is a gateway to:
- Courses
- Subscriptions
- Private communities
It’s ideal if you: Teach, Lead groups, Build communities around shared interests or faith. Connection is the core value here.
10. Landing Page Website
This path is about one action. No distractions. No extra pages. A landing page is built to:
- Collect emails
- Launch a product
- Promote one offer
This is often used for: Campaigns, Experiments and Early-stage ideas.
The Truth Most People Miss
You do not need to choose forever. You only need to choose what you’re building first. Most successful websites evolve:
- A personal site becomes a content platform
- A CV site becomes a consulting business
- A blog adds affiliates or products
- A simple site grows into a brand
Growth should feel like expansion — not rebuilding from scratch. The Building Your Website & Business System course is meant to help you choose the right path.
You will:
- Choose one clear website path
- Build it simply and intentionally
- Understand why each page exists
- Leave with a website you can grow confidently
No confusion. No unnecessary tech. No wasted effort.
Clarity first. Complexity later.
