What is the difference between a home page, a website and a web solution?

What people mean by each of the words is of course not for us to decide, but this article is meant as a guide for those unsure of what separates the meanings of the words for people who work in the field daily.

Home page

"Home page" is a description lingering from the early days of the internet. Home pages were something made in the "boys' room" – often by hobby web designers – who wanted a personal home page of their own on the internet.

The term home page was originally intended more for personal home pages than commercial ones.

In more recent times the word home page is still used, but social media profiles have largely taken over from personal home pages (sadly!), and when it comes to more professional digital sites for businesses, "home page" is no longer as fitting a word.

Home pages are often promoted as simple, cheap, do-it-yourself solutions.

Website

Websites are typically the digital solutions that have taken over from the old "home page".

A website can be anything from a very simple landing page or campaign solution to a large and comprehensive website for a company, such as the website of LPO, or NSI.

One of a website's most important goals is to create engagement in one form or another. This is defined in the design process and can be anything from making information available to a specific target group, to generating potential leads for the company.

It should be taken for granted that websites today are both responsive (adapting to all screen sizes) and easily available to all people (accessible).

A comprehensive website with several integrations and customisations is what we often call a web solution, described in the next section.

Web solution

The term web solution is often used about websites that are larger and more comprehensive.

A web solution often handles larger amounts of data.

Think of a local business that just needs a simple, informative site, versus an e-commerce business that requires a web solution with integrations, payment and more.

There are really no clear limits to what a web solution can be; the term is broad and covers most digital solutions.

Examples of typical web solutions include: an online store, a digital design manual, an intranet, campaign tools, a website with custom integrations, a website handling large amounts of data and more.

Examples: Joico Norway (content-heavy web solution), Rudskogen Motorsenter (online store, intranet and gift card solution)

What about a web presence?

The Norwegian term "nettsted" (web presence or site) is often used about larger, more complex digital platforms, such as public portals like NAV or Helse Norge. Although the boundaries between the different terms can be fluid, we base our definitions on experience and dialogue with clients. There is always room for variation in how these words are used, and the terminology can vary depending on context.

Still unclear?

Unsure what your business needs? Let us help you find the right solution!

Vasser is happy to help you find a good solution for your exact needs. Get in touch with us for a pleasant, no-obligation chat.