What Is a Web Portal?

         A web portal is a website with a restricted audience. Whereas for a website you want as many people to find you as possible, the point of a web portal is to limit your audience so that you can more carefully curate an online experience according to the preferences and needs of each individual user.

         It’s why a web portal will typically require visitors to have a username and password to obtain access.

Types of Web Portals

There are many different types of web portals.

1. Vertical Portal: A vertical portal focuses on a specific industry. For example, a portal dedicated to the real estate industry. A vertical portal will often connect users to relevant content from various websites, all of which are related to that specific industry.

2. Horizontal Portal: A horizontal portal has a broader audience than a vertical portal. For example, a marketing company might use a horizontal portal to connect users with content from all types of industries (focusing on the industries they may work in).

Portal vs. Website – Detailed Differences

       The following is a breakdown of the features of a portal compared to the features of a website:

Web Portal Features:

Access is restricted to users with permission

Provide content that is relevant and unique to each user

Allow communication between portal members

Provide more interactivity for users

Provide users with access to personal information (purchase history, account balances, and more)

Allow transactions (online payments and purchases)

Ensure the user experience more secure (through login requirements)

Website Features:

Provide access to anyone who wants to visit your site

Nurture potential leads by displaying informative content everyone can see

Can have interactive elements, although they won’t be as personalized

More effective for marketing (can link website content to social media and vice versa)

Use website content to increase brand awareness about your company and its solutions