How to Choose the Right Website Layout for Your Business Type

Choosing the right website layout for your business can feel overwhelming—especially with so many options out there. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a small UK business, or a growing brand looking to upgrade your online presence, the structure of your site plays a massive role in how visitors engage, trust, and ultimately buy from you.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to choose a layout that works with your specific business type, boosts conversions, and reflects your brand’s goals. Let’s dive in.

Why Website Layout Matters

First things first—your layout isn’t just about looking good. It’s about:

• Guiding user behaviour: A great layout leads visitors to take action (like booking, buying, or enquiring).

• Improving clarity: Clear structure helps users find what they’re looking for quickly.

• Reflecting professionalism: A messy layout makes your business look untrustworthy.

• Supporting SEO: Clean layouts make it easier for search engines to index your content effectively.

Now let’s look at the right layouts for different types of businesses.

1. Service-Based Businesses (e.g. Coaches, Therapists, Consultants)

You’re selling your time, expertise, and trust. Your website needs to be clear, calm, and client-focused.

Best Layout Features:

• Hero section with a clear headline and call-to-action (CTA): This is where you explain who you help and how.

• About section with a personal photo: Builds trust.

• Service overview: Ideally no more than 3–4 key offers, each with a short description.

• Client testimonials: Social proof is essential.

• Booking or enquiry form: Make it easy to take the next step.

Layout Tip:

A single-page scrolling layout (with anchor links in the menu) often works brilliantly for solo providers. If you offer several services, consider a multi-page layout with a strong homepage and service sub-pages.

2. Ecommerce Stores (Physical or Digital Products)

Here, layout needs to prioritise browsing, filtering, and fast checkout.

Best Layout Features:

• Featured product or category grid on the homepage: Use visuals to grab attention.

• Clear top-level menu with categories: Avoid overwhelming users.

• Product pages with detailed descriptions, images, and reviews

• Sticky cart or quick add-to-basket function

• Mobile-optimised design: Most ecommerce traffic is now mobile-first.

Layout Tip:

Look for grid-based layouts with plenty of white space. Avoid clutter. Prioritise speed and usability. A search bar is a must for larger stores.

3. Local Brick-and-Mortar Businesses (e.g. Restaurants, Salons, Gyms)

These businesses need a layout that gives local info fast—think open hours, address, map, and phone number.

Best Layout Features:

• Sticky top navigation with contact info

• Location map embedded on the homepage

• Google reviews or Trustpilot widgets

• Photo gallery: Great for visual businesses like salons or cafés.

• ‘Book now’ or ‘Call now’ buttons on mobile

Layout Tip:

Go for a simple homepage that leads straight into action. Avoid sliders—they often slow your site down and distract visitors.

GEO Tip for UK businesses:
Use keywords like “hair salon in York” or “best Indian restaurant Leeds” in your page titles, meta descriptions, and headers to boost local SEO.

4. Portfolio or Creative Businesses (Designers, Photographers, Artists)

Your work is your website. It needs to showcase it without distraction.

Best Layout Features:

• Large visual areas: Full-width image sections work well.

• Minimal text, big impact: Let the visuals speak first.

• Grid-style portfolio with lightbox or clickable case studies

• Subtle transitions or animations: Adds a modern touch

• Easy-to-find contact page or enquiry form

Layout Tip:

Use a minimalist layout with a white or dark background, depending on your style. Keep menus small—focus on “Home,” “Work,” “About,” and “Contact”.

5. Personal Brands or Thought Leaders (Authors, Speakers, Influencers)

Here, the layout needs to establish authority and build a following.

Best Layout Features:

• Prominent bio with professional photo

• Latest content section: Blog, podcast, videos

• Email list sign-up box with lead magnet (e.g. free PDF)

• Social media links or embedded feeds

• Speaking or media page (if relevant)

Layout Tip:

Use a modular homepage layout with multiple content blocks. Highlight your personal journey and position yourself as a guide or mentor.

General Layout Best Practices

No matter your business type, certain principles always apply:

• Responsive Design: Your site must look great on mobile, tablet, and desktop. Google penalises non-mobile-friendly sites.

• Fast Loading Times: Compress images, avoid unnecessary plugins, and choose a good host.

• Clear Call-to-Actions: Every page should guide the visitor toward the next step.

• SEO-Ready Structure: Use H1, H2, and H3 headers properly. Make sure URLs are clean (e.g. /services not /page?id=123).

• Accessibility: Use alt text for images, readable fonts, and high contrast.

Should You Use a Template or Go Custom?

Templates (like those in WordPress or Squarespace) are great if you’re just starting out or have a limited budget. But they can feel generic and may not offer the exact layout flow you need.

Custom websites, on the other hand, are ideal if:

• You want a unique user journey.

• Your business is growing fast.

• You want your design to reflect your brand personality in detail.

Pro tip: Even with templates, a skilled designer can tweak layouts to feel custom.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

Your website layout should be based on what your ideal customer needs to see, not just what looks trendy. Ask yourself:

• What action do I want visitors to take?

• What information do they need first?

• What layout helps them trust me fastest?

Get clear on those, and the right layout choice becomes much easier.

If you’re unsure where to start, or you’re ready to level up your site with a strategic layout that works for your business type, let’s have a chat. Whether you’re a UK-based coach, creative, shop owner, or service provider, I can help you build something elegant, effective, and easy to manage.

Need a hand?
Get in touch for a free discovery call or browse my case studies for ideas and inspiration.

 
Review Case Studies

© David R. Durham, All rights reserved, 2025.