Large organizations in today’s digital age face unique challenges that require innovative solutions. Among these obstacles, one of the most prominent is effectively managing the complex relationships that exist between companies. And this is where B2B portals can help.
B2B portals are becoming a critical channel for revenue generation and sales growth: 80% of B2B decision-makers now prefer remote interactions and digital self-service. They offer features and benefits that can help companies improve operational efficiency, minimize expenses, and strengthen relationships with suppliers, franchisees, and distributors.
In this article, we will define what B2B portals are and explore their main features. We will also discuss how you can leverage them to gain a competitive advantage in the coming years.
An infographic showing different types of B2B portals
What are B2B portals?
B2B portals are digital solutions that enable businesses to interact luxembourg business email list with each other in a digital environment. They typically offer e-commerce capabilities, self-service features, and communication tools, and are used to manage relationships with suppliers, partners, distributors, and customers.
There are different types of specialized B2B portals depending on the business model. Some of the most common are:
E-commerce portals;
Supplier and vendor portals;
Dealer, distributor and wholesaler portals ;
Franchise portals;
Partner portals ;
B2B customer portals;
B2B sales portals;
Tailor-made solutions based on Digital Experience Platforms;
etc
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Companies and organizations with B2B business models often use these types of portals. However, companies that are B2C but have a strong dependency on other businesses—for example, hospitals or hotels that replenish supplies and consumables in high volumes—can also take advantage of B2B portals to streamline their logistics and operations.
Most B2B portals are powered by digital experience platforms (DXPs). With the functionality of a DXP, you can create a B2B portal tailored to your business model and the specific needs of the buyer or customer. DXPs can also integrate systems such as ERP and payment systems into a B2B portal to automate processes and purchase order generation. B2B portals can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud, depending on the requirements of your digital environment and your technology roadmap .
Five key features and benefits of B2B portals
Improved B2B buying experience
Traditionally, the B2B sales cycle is slow and has been based on in-person interactions such as events and meetings. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a significant shift in the B2B landscape.
Buyers are now looking for a digital experience that allows them to control the purchasing process, much like the B2C purchasing process. In fact, a Gartner study has revealed that B2B buyers spend only 17% of their time meeting with potential suppliers. Instead, they prefer to conduct independent product research online, and that’s where B2B portals come in.
Unlike a static website, dynamic portals offer an easy-to-use platform for buyers to search for products and services, compare prices, and complete transactions online. The main advantage of B2B portals is that they improve the shopping experience, saving time and resources for both buyers and sellers, and focus on the interaction and engagement of their business audiences.
