Types of E-commerce Websites

In today’s digital world, having an e-commerce website is essential for businesses of all sizes.

Choosing the right type of e-commerce website can make a big difference in how you reach your customers, grow your business, and achieve your goals. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of e-commerce websites, their key features and benefits, and which types of businesses they’re best suited for.

We’ll also explore how these websites can support your overall marketing strategy.

What is an E-Commerce Website?

An e-commerce website is a type of website with an area to purchase something. This could be a product or a service and could be business to business (B2B) or business to consumer (B2C).

An e-commerce website will be set up to take transactions. This means a payment plugin needs to be included, and it’s very important that the site is very secure, as customers will be entering sensitive information.

If you need help with your e-commerce website, contact Bubble today.

Types of E-commerce Website

We have worked on countless ecommerce sites over the years. There are several different types of ecommerce website. If you’re thinking about investing, make sure you select the correct type depending on what your business offers and the industry you’re in.

1. B2B (Business-to-Business) Websites

B2B websites allow businesses to sell products or services to other businesses. These websites are designed for bulk orders and customised pricing.

Key Features:

• Custom pricing for different clients
• Easy bulk ordering
• Integration with business management tools like ERP systems 

Best For:

• Wholesalers
• Manufacturers
• Corporate service providers

2. B2C (Business-to-Consumer) Websites

B2C websites are the most common type, where businesses sell directly to consumers. These websites focus on providing a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience.

Key Features:

• User-friendly design
• Secure payment options and one-click checkout
• Customer reviews and ratings 

Best For:

• Retailers
• Consumer goods companies
• Online service providers (like streaming services or online courses)

3. Marketplace Websites

Marketplace websites host multiple sellers, allowing them to list and sell their products. The platform owner typically takes a commission or charges fees for listings.

Key Features:

• Tools to manage multiple sellers
• Advanced search and filtering for products
• Centralised payment processing

 Best For:

• Entrepreneurs starting a new marketplace
• Businesses looking to offer a wide range of products without holding inventory

4. Subscription-Based Websites

Subscription websites offer products or services on a recurring basis, with customers subscribing for regular deliveries or continuous access. 

Key Features:

• Automated billing
• Personalised subscriptions
• Access to exclusive and individualised content or products

Best For:

• Media and content providers (like magazines or streaming services)
• Companies offering recurring product deliveries (like meal kits or beauty boxes)
• SaaS (Software as a Service) businesses

5. White-Label Websites

White-label websites allow businesses to sell products or services under their brand, even though the products are made by another company.

Key Features:

• Custom branding
• Inventory management by the provider
• Flexible marketing and sales options

 Best For:

• Startups looking to launch quickly
• Businesses expanding their product lines without new production

6. Training and Educational Websites

Training websites offer courses, workshops, or educational content online. These sites are built to deliver educational experiences to users.

Key Features:

• Online course management
• User progress tracking
• Certification upon course completion=

Best For:

• Training providers
• Businesses offering professional development courses

7. Event Booking Websites

Event booking websites allow users to book tickets for events, conferences, workshops, or other gatherings. These platforms are designed to manage registrations and payments efficiently. 

Key Features:

• Event calendar and booking system
• Secure payment processing
• Automated ticketing and notifications

Best For:

• Event organisers
• Conference and seminar hosts
• Businesses offering workshops or live events

How do e-commerce Websites Fit into Your Marketing Strategy?

An e-commerce website isn’t just for selling products—it’s a central part of your marketing strategy. Here’s how you can use it:

• SEO and Content Marketing: Optimise your site for search engines and create valuable content (like blogs or videos) to attract more visitors.
• Social Media Marketing: Share your products or services on social media to drive traffic back to your site.
• Email Marketing: Send targeted emails to keep customers informed about new products, special offers, and more.
• Paid Advertising: Use pay-per-click (PPC) ads to bring more visitors to your e-commerce site, especially during key sales periods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Different Types of E-commerce Websites

We have often found that investing in an e-commerce website comes with several questions – we’ve selected our top FAQs and provided answers for you right here. If you have further questions, please contact us today and we can answer them for you.

1. Which type of e-commerce website is right for my business?

It depends on your business model. For example, a B2C website is ideal for retail businesses, while a B2B platform suits manufacturers and wholesalers.

2. How can I make sure my e-commerce site works well with my other marketing efforts?

When you work with Bubble, we can help you integrate your e-commerce site with your SEO, social media, email, and paid advertising strategies to create a seamless customer experience.

3. What security measures should my e-commerce website have?

Make sure your site has SSL certificates, secure payment gateways, and complies with data protection regulations like GDPR.

4. Can a marketplace model work for my business?

If you plan to offer a variety of products from different sellers, a marketplace might be the right choice. It allows you to generate revenue from multiple sources without managing inventory.

5. Why is mobile optimisation important for my e-commerce site?

A significant amount of online shopping is done on mobile devices, so your site needs to work well on all screen sizes to ensure a good user experience and maximise sales.

Working with Bubble for your E-commerce Website

Choosing the right type of e-commerce website is crucial for the success of your SME or medium-sized business. Whether you’re selling directly to consumers, offering educational courses, or hosting events, there’s a platform that can meet your needs.

When you choose to partner with Bubble, we can help you with your e-commerce website design and build as well as your wider marketing plan and strategy. Contact our team today to begin your e-commerce journey.