Types of Web Site Features

As web platforms and software grow at exponential rates, site owners are faced with a plethora of potential features. So, what is out there?

Web site features are limited only by imagination. Here is a brief categorization of some of the major fields of web site features, including stores, auctions, forums, articles, directories, news, and entertainment.

Stores

Online stores can be used to sell products on web sites and also easily interact as a point of sale service.

Catalogs

Catalog type ecommerce sites provide listings of categorized products that can be purchased for a fixed amount. Usually a shopping cart is employed which allows visitors to select multiple items for purchase.

Auctions

Auctions like EBay allow visitors to bid on items, whereas the highest bidder wins. These auctions have a time limit and also sometimes have a buy now button. A buy now button is a button that allows a bidder to end the auction and guarantee purchase by paying a set fixed price.

Forums

Forums are message boards that allow your visitors to post messages on your web site and interact with other visitors. An advantage of forums is...