B2C, B2B and D2C websites: how they differ and how to build yours
They're all called ecommerce websites, but a retail store, a B2B lead-generation site and a brand website have completely different goals. Once you know which one you are, the site structure and where to invest become clear.
“We want to build an online store” can mean three completely different websites. Different business models need websites that solve different problems, with different page structures and different ways of running them afterward.
B2C online retail
Goal: help visitors find products and check out as quickly as possible.
Priorities:
- A large catalog that needs clear categories, filters and search.
- Frequent promotions, so the admin must make it easy to set up discounts, spend-and-save offers and campaign pages.
- A smooth checkout with payment methods that match local habits.
Common platforms: hosted ecommerce platforms such as Shopify and Shoplazza. See our B2C online retail solution.
B2B manufacturers & exporters
Goal: convince buyers of your capabilities and get them to send an inquiry.
Priorities:
- A product catalog organized by model, specs and industry.
- Trust content such as your factory, certifications and quality control.
- Quote request forms and several ways to get in touch.
- SEO as a key long-term channel for winning customers.
Common platforms: WordPress. See our solution for B2B manufacturers & exporters.
D2C brands
Goal: build brand awareness so customers connect with you and keep coming back.
Priorities:
- A consistent brand story and visual style.
- The catalog may be small, but every product has to make its value clear.
- Repeat-purchase drivers such as memberships, subscriptions and email marketing.
- Customer reviews and social media content.
Common platforms: Shopify and Shoplazza, though some brands choose WordPress for a content-led brand site. See our D2C brand solution.
B2C + B2B (retail & wholesale)
Some businesses sell both retail and wholesale. You can support retail orders and wholesale inquiries on one site, or split them into two sites. It comes down to whether the two customer groups overlap, and whether your team can maintain two sets of content. See our B2C + B2B (retail & wholesale) solution.
How to tell which one you are
Ask yourself one question: are most of your orders paid for directly on the website, or closed after a conversation? If it’s the former, you’re a retailer or brand; if it’s the latter, you’re B2B. Settle this first, then choose a platform and start on design, and you’ll avoid a lot of detours.