Think about it—there are over a billion websites in the world, each with its own unique design and structure.
In my previous post, I shared a few agency website examples with you. So, the next step is to look at B2B website examples. These can range from wholesaling platforms to digital tools, and each offers something unique.
I’ve gathered a few different types of B2B websites to share with you, showing the variety in design and functionality.
Alibaba
Alibaba is a global wholesale marketplace that connects buyers with suppliers from around the world. The design of Alibaba’s platform stands out as both professional and visually appealing, with vivid images and clear text that guide users seamlessly through the process.
The rich brown color palette used across the platform adds warmth, while the white text contrasts beautifully to ensure readability, making key elements pop and creating a sophisticated look.
Right at the top left, clicking on ‘All Categories’ opens up a complete list of available categories, making it easy to navigate from the moment you land on the homepage. Next, the search bar is prominently placed at the top, allowing users to look for specific products quickly.
We like how they explain the process—from finding suppliers to making payments—with short, step-by-step descriptions and visuals. This site is a good example of wholesaling designs where you don’t want to list all products directly on the homepage. Instead, you provide easy access to categories.
Thomasnet
In comparison, ThomasNet is not like Alibaba—it’s more of an industrial sourcing platform. Instead of showcasing products like Alibaba, ThomasNet connects buyers with suppliers of industrial components, raw materials, and services.
The design is straightforward, with a clean and simple layout featuring a predominantly dark blue and white color scheme. The site uses categories like For Buyers and For Suppliers, making it easy for users to navigate and find relevant options at the top left
If you’re planning to create or design a B2B website for the industrial sector, you can draw inspiration from its clean, functional layout. This structure helps users quickly find what they need without overwhelming them with unnecessary details on the homepage.
Direct Liquidation
Then there’s Direct Liquidation, which is a platform for buying surplus or overstock inventory from retailers like Walmart. Direct Liquidation’s design is purpose-driven with a focus on functionality. The color scheme—dark blue, white, and light blue accents—is visually balanced, making it comfortable for users to navigate.
When you first open the site, the search bar at the top makes it easy to quickly look for liquidation lots. They categorize options for buyers, sellers, and ‘Shop by Department’ on the top left, which simplifies navigation.
What we liked is how they showcase the featured liquidation auctions right away, followed by the ‘Ending Soon’ section, which grabs users’ attention and encourages them to explore deals they might be interested in. Below that, they highlight ‘Featured Liquidators’ and other sections, providing plenty to browse right on the homepage.
This design might appeal to you if you’re looking to feature multiple highlighted sections on your homepage, unlike more minimalistic designs like Alibaba’s.
JOOR
When you move to JOOR, you can immediately see the difference in design focus. JOOR is aimed at the fashion industry, so the look is sleek, polished, and visually driven. The use of neutral tones, like white and light grays, gives it a clean, high-end feel.
JOOR uses virtual showrooms and features like shoppable line sheets, which allow retailers to browse collections in a visually appealing way. There’s a lot of white space, which gives the platform a modern and elegant look.
This design is good for the fashion industry, where aesthetics are important. However, if you’re looking for straightforward functionality like in ThomasNet or Direct Liquidation, JOOR might feel a little too style-focused and less function-heavy.
Slack
Lastly, Slack is quite different from the others because it’s a digital collaboration tool, not a marketplace. You might be surprised to learn that Slack is actually both a B2C and B2B platform.
As a B2C (Business-to-Consumer) tool, individuals and small teams use Slack for personal projects or small-scale communication. However, its true strength lies in its B2B (Business-to-Business) side, where it serves as a collaboration hub for companies.
Slack’s color palette is vibrant and playful, featuring purple, green, and blue accents against a white background. These colors give Slack a fresh, modern look that appeals to both individual users and businesses, making it a visually engaging platform.
Conclusion
B2B websites come in all shapes and forms, from wholesale platforms like Alibaba to industry-specific solutions like JOOR or collaboration tools like Slack.
The design of each platform reflects its purpose—whether it’s enabling bulk purchases, streamlining industrial sourcing, or fostering communication.
If you’re planning to design a site, remember that first impressions matter—whether it’s for travel, finance, or other sectors, a strong, visually appealing design is key to making sure visitors stick around.
