22 Key Digital Business Model Types

In our exploration of digital business models, we’ve identified 22 primary types. These models are categorised by their core value proposition and monetisation strategy.

eCommerce

(1) Linear eCommerce: Traditional online retail, focusing on product sourcing, inventory management, and direct-to-consumer sales. Monetisation: Markup, delivery fees, subscriptions.

(2) Platform eCommerce: Marketplace models connecting buyers and sellers. Monetisation: Commissions, advertising, value-added services.

Online Travel, Dining & Experiences

(3) Online Travel Platforms: Facilitating travel bookings and experiences. Monetisation: Commissions, advertising.

(4) Online Experience Platforms: Connecting users with local services and experiences. Monetisation: Commissions, advertising.

Sharing Economy

(5) Asset Sharing: Enabling peer-to-peer sharing of assets like cars and homes. Monetisation: Commission fees.

(6) Service Sharing: Connecting service providers with customers. Monetisation: Commission fees, service fees.

Search and Vertical Search

(7) General Search: Providing broad-based search capabilities. Monetisation: Advertising, subscriptions.

(8) Vertical Search: Focusing on specific niches like real estate or travel. Monetisation: Advertising, subscriptions, data insights.

Social and Communication

(9) Communication Networks: Facilitating real-time communication. Monetisation: Advertising, subscriptions.

(10) Social Networks: Building communities and sharing content. Monetisation: Advertising.

Content and Media

(11) Content Platforms: Aggregating and distributing content. Monetisation: Subscriptions, advertising, licensing.

(12) Linear Content: Creating and distributing original content. Monetisation: Subscriptions, advertising, licensing.

Education Technology

(13) Linear EdTech: Providing educational content directly to learners. Monetisation: Subscriptions, advertising.

(14) EdTech Platforms: Connecting learners with educators and courses. Monetisation: Commissions, subscriptions.

Financial Technology

(15) Payment Platforms: Facilitating digital payments. Monetisation: Transaction fees.

(16) Banking and Investment Platforms: Offering banking and investment services. Monetisation: Interest income, fees, commissions.

Health Technology

(17) Telemedicine: Providing remote healthcare services. Monetisation: Subscription fees, per-visit fees.

(18) Digital Health Management: Tracking and managing health data. Monetisation: Subscriptions, data licensing.

Hardware / Software Technology Platforms

(19) Hardware and Ecosystem: Selling hardware and leveraging ecosystems. Monetisation: Hardware sales, software licenses, services.

(20) Software Platforms: Providing software platforms and tools. Monetisation: Licensing, subscriptions, usage fees.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

(21) Enterprise SaaS: Providing enterprise software solutions. Monetisation: Subscriptions.

(22) Small Business SaaS: Offering productivity and business tools. Monetisation: Subscriptions.

By understanding these core business models, we can better analyze the digital landscape and identify potential opportunities and challenges.