Websites, whether business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C), adhere to the universal rules of web design – a clear information structure, great content, high responsiveness, compelling graphics, and an easy-to-use interface – to secure traffic and leads.

These two websites types, however, have distinct elements. As a leading provider of web design services in Alexandria, MN, EVM Digital has designed websites for both B2B and B2C companies and can attest that each has different goals and, therefore, requires different web design features. We’ll walk you through these differences to help you determine the which would be appropriate for your business.

Details on the Product Page

People usually buy B2C products as a standalone item. The item satisfies a single need, so buyers only need to know if it can solve their problems. A B2C website, therefore, doesn’t need much information. It can stand with minimal content, large images, and compelling videos.

Meanwhile, businesses often buy B2B products as part of a system, so they must be compatible with the companies’ existing systems. As such, B2B buyers need more integration and compatibility information. The B2B product page’s design will contain more text than that of a B2C.

Purchase Decision-Making

B2B and B2C purchases vary widely in the decision-makers and the decision-making period. Generally, B2C purchases are far simpler; a small number of buyers decide on the product and buy them as soon as they need it. Sometimes, buyers even make the purchase impulsively. A B2C website design, therefore, compels the buyer to purchase right away.

In contrast, B2B purchases involve several decision makers from various levels of management. In huge companies, someone pitches the product which goes through different individuals before the final approval. As a result, the purchase decision-making in B2B purchases is more complex and takes longer than B2C transactions. So, a B2B website design holds large amounts of information to support a complex decision-making process.

Displaying Prices

B2C companies can disclose prices easily. After all, costs don’t change from customer to customer. The only factors that change the price tags are discount codes and shipping fees. So, a B2C web design has a space designated for the prices.

In contrast, B2B websites can’t display prices upfront because several factors could change them. For instance, one might need more accessories, while another might come with an implementation or maintenance fee.

Payment Process

Once a B2C buyer decides to buy a purchase, the payment process should be easy. Otherwise, the consumer would be discouraged and discontinue the purchase. The web design for payment, then, involves minimal steps.

With B2B transactions, meanwhile, a purchase seldom happens the first time a buyer visits the site because companies discuss the purchase with the seller first. So, the design contains more call-to-actions like a phone number, an e-mail address, and a link to a contact form.

Comprehensive Web Design Services

These differences affect your businesses considerably, so it’s important to choose a digital marketing company that’s well-versed in web design for both B2C and B2B companies.

Here’s where we come in. EVM Digital offers comprehensive web design services that cater to the nature of your business. From creating information boxes to displaying prices, we will design a website aligned with your goals.

Contact us today for more information about our web design services.