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Sep 1, 2021 | 10 minute read
written by Andra Scortzaru
In short – “the sale of goods or services between businesses via an online sales portal. In general, it is used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of a company’s sales efforts.”
We have all seen a massive shift to online shopping over the past few years, and even more so as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the 2021 B2B Ecommerce Market Report, sales on B2B ecommerce sites grew by 10% in 2021 to $1.39 trillion, up from $1.26 trillion in 2019 (Source).
Recent shifts in B2B buying behavior has forced businesses to evolve and invest in long-term digital commerce strategies. Some of the key B2B consumer trends we’re seeing today include:
While the B2C market is changing at a fast pace to keep up with customer demand, the B2B market, is also shifting in needs and feature desires.
“If you are in the B2B space, now is the time to take a serious look at your ecommerce channel and online presence and evaluate if your organization is ready for the upcoming B2B digital revolution.”
– Carla Gonzales (B2B ecommerce: start with a plan)
Just like B2C, eCommerce adoption will become inevitable even for those in the B2B space. “According to 2020 research by McKinsey & Company, more than 75% of B2B buyers and sellers say that they prefer purchasing online and prefer remote interactions with sales reps over the traditional in-person sales interactions. Whereas only 20% of B2B buyers say they want traditional in-person sales in return.”
As our founder Harry Chemko stated back in 2018 – B2B will look more like B2C. Just like B2C business models, it will be critical for B2B companies to create immersive, contextual commerce experiences. (Commerce Trends: Personalization in B2B)
So where do you start? That’s where this blog is here to help – we will take a look at an example of ten B2B eCommerce websites, that are following on trend, and reaching more customers in the new digital era.
Magnetica.com is an Australian-based manufacturer of MRI systems and technologies that was founded in 2005.
What makes their website stand out to me is their clean, easy to read, and fantastic color tone for their home page. There is zero confusion on where to go for the information you are looking for.
Key takeaways Magnetica does well:
Alibaba.com is the largest ecommerce company in the world and provides the largest B2B online marketplace.
Key takeaways Alibaba does well:
Grammarly.com is a cloud-based writing assistant that checks for grammar, spelling, punctuation and more. Their site does a fantastic job of showing their prospective consumers what they offer and in an easy-to-understand approach.
Key takeaways Grammarly does well:
Keysight Technologies is an American manufacturing company that develops electronic test and measurement equipment and software. They are dedicated to “Enabling customers to connect and secure the world with their innovations.
Key takeaways Keysight does well:
Read our case study on Keysight here.
Elastic Path can help you deliver seamless, unique customers experiences by powering core, backend ecommerce functionality designed to fit any website UI you want.
If you are looking to hire a candidate or are the one searching for an opportunity checkout Hirelevel.com
Key takeaways Hirelevel does well:
Rollpark.us helps to create customizable parking areas for commercial vehicles.
Key takeaways Rollpark does well:
Bio-techne.com develops, manufactures, and sells life science reagents, instruments and services for the research, diagnostic and bioprocessing markets.
Key takeaways Bio-techne does well:
Read more on Bio-techne in our Case Study: https://www.elasticpath.com/case-studies/bio-techne
Amazon.com is a globally recognized B2B and B2C platform, which for the most part, houses every product you could think of.
Key takeaways Amazon does well:
SnapDeal.com is another B2B ecommerce marketplace that has gone above its primarily electronic catalog it first started with in 2010.
Key takeaways SnapDeal does well:
Acme.comprovides industrial solutions for their customers.
Key takeaways Acme does well:
In conclusion what the above websites have taken into consideration are the buyers journey. By keeping things accessible, convenient and decluttered you takeaway any hurdles that may keep buyers from using your platform and or service. In a world of many, make sure you take time to tell your story, and what sets you apart from the rest. What makes your company and the way you offer your products stand out.
If you would like to find out more on how Elastic Path can help scale your B2B platform read more here on our new pre-composed solutions for B2B Commerce.