table: uses boxes to organize content. This is good for getting maximum content into a smaller space for high SEO without seeming like an essay. Converting from a table-based design [see example (new window)]
invisible table: very clean - the boxes have no lines, so you can't really tell they are boxes. You get the benefits of a table layout without the boxy look. [see example (new window)]
semi-invisble table: the boxes have no lines, but the headers have a tinted background that can borrow from site colors. You get the advantages of the invisible table layout but carry some theme color elements into it. [see example (new window)]
linear: no tables - it reads top to bottom - like an e-mail. Good when information is sparse, for a super-clean look, a more transactional focus, or else a classic sales sheet style - e.g. a pure-marketing approach of reading in a straight line through the 5 key things the visitor needs to make a decision. To go later from a linear design to a table-based design is more expensive than the reverse. [see example (new window)]
hybrid: uses a combination of tables and linear text. Good all-around highly-flexible design affording the maximum flexibility to move around blocks of content or add/modify content later. [see example (new window)]
linear with additional sidebar: same features as linear but has a right sidebar in addition to any left navigation sidebar. This can make the main text area narrower, but adds a table-like feature that allows for complimentary content (literally "sidebar" content) in addition to the main flow of text. [see example (new window)]
Secondary Page Layouts
Your home page needs more complexity for SEO and marketing, but secondary pages don't.
Keep secondary page layouts simple. If someone clicks a link to a secondary page on your site to get information, they're not looking for a jam-packed page that covers everything, but a simple direct piece of info. A linear page layout is useful for secondary pages with prose information or simple lists. A hybrid layout is useful for secondary pages that include some extensive list info that's more suitable to a simple table.
