If you’re planning a web solution for your business, the difference between the terms “website” and “e-shop” can be confusing. Often people ask for a quote for a website, but they also want to be able to sell products – which leads us to hybrid solutions, where a website and an e-shop work as one. In this post, we will explain the main differences between a website and an e-commerce site, and when to choose a solution that combines the two.
Website: introducing the company and sharing information
Website is mainly designed to introduce the company (like a business card), share important information and provide easy ways to get in touch. The main features of the website are:
- Company and brand introduction: give visitors an overview of who you are, what your mission is and what services or products you offer.
- Description of services and values: explain what your core services or products are, without the user being able to buy them directly online.
- Contact details and how to get in touch: add the option for visitors to contact you by email or phone.
- SEO-optimised content: often includes blog posts, articles and other content to help make the website visible in search engines.
A website is an ideal solution for businesses whose main focus is on providing services (e.g. lawyers, consultants or local service companies) who want to provide information but do not have an active online sales channel.
E-shop: sales and shopping environment
E-shop or online shop is specifically designed to sell products or services directly online. An e-shop has a number of specific features compared to a website:
- Product catalogue: you can browse different products in the online shop, add them to your shopping cart and make a purchase.
- Shopping cart and payment systems: the e-shop allows you to add products to your shopping cart and offer different payment methods, such as bank links, credit card or PayPal.
- Customer account and order management: many online shops allow you to create a customer account to help visitors track the history and status of their orders.
- SEO optimised product pages: each product in your online shop has its own page that can be optimised for search engines to reach more customers.
An e-shop is well suited for those who plan to sell actively online, whether it’s physical products, digital services or, for example, handicrafts on demand.
Website with e-shop functionalities: hybrid solution
Many companies that want to sell their products need not only sales but also the opportunity to promote their company and its values. In this case, the best solution is a hybrid website with e-commerce functionality, combining the features of a website and an e-commerce site into one complete solution. The advantages of a hybrid website:
- Sharing information and selling your product in one place: you can promote your business and build trust with visitors, while offering the opportunity to buy directly online.
- Strengthening your brand: website features such as the “About Us” page, contact details and blog will help you strengthen your brand and explain your message to customers.
- Flexibility and scalability: the hybrid website is well-suited for growing businesses looking to expand their services or product range.
Example: a local café can start with a website with a menu, location and history. By adding an e-commerce function, the café can sell coffee beans, branded products or gift cards online.
Reference table: Website vs. E-shop vs. Hybrid solution
| Function | Website | E-shop | Hybrid website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content Objective | About the company and services | Sale of products | Product presentation and sales |
| Product catalogue | Usually missing | Yes | Yes |
| Shopping cart | Usually missing | Yes | Yes |
| Payment options | Usually missing | Yes | Yes |
| Client account | Usually missing | Yes | Yes |
| Optimisation for SEO | Services pages and blog | Product leaflets and promotions | Both |
When to choose a website only and when to choose an e-shop?
A website is well suited if:
- You don’t plan to sell products online, but rather to promote your business and values.
- Your focus is on services that do not require e-commerce features.
- You need a simple and informative web solution with contact information and an overview of your activities.
The e-shop is well suited if:
- Your main goal is to actively sell online.
- You want to manage orders, offer different payment options and monitor customer accounts.
- Your business model focuses on products or services that are easy to sell and market online.
A hybrid solution is well suited if:
- You want to share information about your business as well as sell products.
- You need a site that reinforces your brand, offers a blog and other content, while acting as a sales channel.
- You’re a start-up or growing company looking for a flexible solution that can be scaled up in the future.
How can we help?
If you’re still in two minds or not sure which solution is best for your business, we’re here to help! We’ll help you analyse your business needs and objectives and find the best solution – whether it’s a classic website, an e-commerce site or a solution that combines both.
👉 Getin touch with us and together we’ll create the web solution that’s right for you, to help you deliver maximum value to your customers!