14 Business Models & How to Choose the Right One

Understanding Business Model and How to Choose the Right One

  • InCorp Editorial Team
  • 21 April 2025
  • 7 minutes reading time

A business model is the backbone of any company, defining how it creates, delivers, and captures value. Whether launching a startup or refining an existing venture, selecting the right business model plan is crucial. It impacts everything—from revenue generation to customer acquisition and scalability. 

Understanding Business Model and Its Importance  

A business model is a company’s blueprint for profitability. It outlines how a business operates, generates revenue, and delivers customer value. A well-defined business model ensures that a company remains competitive and sustainable. 

Why are Business Models Important? 

Choosing the right business model canvas is essential for multiple reasons: 

  • Defines Revenue Streams: A business model determines how a company earns money, whether through product sales, subscriptions, commissions, or other means. 
  • Guides Business Strategy: A transparent model helps businesses set long-term goals such as increasing market share or expanding into new markets, and define their competitive positioning, like being the low-cost leader or offering unique features. 
  • Attracts Investors and Partners: Investors seek businesses with sustainable and scalable models that promise long-term profitability. 
  • Ensures Operational Efficiency: A well-structured business model streamlines operations by clearly defining roles and responsibilities, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction. 
  • Helps Businesses Adapt to Market Changes: An adaptable business model allows companies to pivot and innovate in response to shifting industry trends. 
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14 Types of Business Models You Should Know 

Selecting the right business model type is crucial for business success. While numerous variations exist, these 14 business model examples represent the most widely used frameworks across industries. 

1. Subscription-Based Model 

Businesses offer customers ongoing access to products or services for a recurring fee, typically monthly or annually. This model ensures a steady cash flow and customer retention, making it popular among streaming platforms, SaaS providers, and membership services. 

2. Freemium Model 

Businesses offer essential services at no cost while monetizing premium features, attracting a broad audience, and converting active users into paying customers. This model is widely used in the software industry, particularly for apps and digital tools. 

3. Marketplace Model 

A company creates a platform that connects buyers and sellers, earning revenue through commissions or transaction fees. This model scales quickly since the company does not need to manage inventory. E-commerce platforms, ride-sharing services, and rental platforms often use this approach. 

4. Direct Sales Model 

Businesses sell products or services directly to consumers, eliminating intermediaries and retaining complete control over pricing, branding, and customer interactions. This approach is commonly implemented through online stores, brand-owned outlets, and personalized sales strategies. 

5. Franchise Model 

A business licenses its brand and operational model to franchisees for fees and royalties. This model enables rapid expansion with reduced corporate investment since franchisees operate in individual locations. It is widely used in fast food, retail, and service industries. 

6. Advertising Model 

Businesses provide free content or services while generating revenue through advertisements. This model thrives on high user engagement and data-driven ad placements. Search engines, social media platforms, and online news websites frequently use this revenue stream. 

7. Pay-Per-Use Model 

Customers only pay for their consumption, making this model cost-effective and flexible. It is common in industries such as cloud computing, car rentals, and on-demand services, where users prefer to avoid long-term commitments. 

8. Razor and Blade Model 

Companies sell a primary product at a low price (sometimes even at a loss) but make profits from consumables or accessories required for continued use. This model creates long-term customer dependency and is widely used in the personal care, printing, and home appliance sectors. 

9. Crowdsourcing Model 

A business leverages user-generated content, ideas, or resources to create value. This model reduces costs and benefits from community engagement, making it popular among information-based platforms, crowdfunding websites, and navigation apps. 

10. Leasing Model 

Instead of selling products, businesses rent or lease them to customers for a fixed period, ensuring a recurring revenue stream. This approach is used in the automobile, equipment, and luxury goods industries, making high-cost items more accessible to consumers. 

11. Licensing Model 

A company grants third parties the right to use its intellectual property, technology, or software for a fee. This model enables businesses to monetize innovations without the need for large-scale production. It is widely used in the entertainment, software, and pharmaceutical industries. 

12. Affiliate Marketing Model 

Companies earn commissions by promoting third-party products or services through websites, blogs, or social media channels. This low-investment model allows businesses to generate passive income while leveraging digital marketing strategies. 

13. Manufacturing Model 

A company produces goods and sells them directly or through distributors and retailers. Manufacturing businesses require efficient production processes to maintain profitability and often scale through partnerships and bulk distribution networks. 

14. Hybrid Business Model 

Some businesses combine multiple models to maximize revenue and customer reach. For instance, a company may operate a subscription-based service while generating advertising revenue. This flexible approach enhances business resilience and profitability. 

How to Choose the Right Business Model for Your Business 

14 Business Models & How to Choose the Right One

Choosing the right business model is essential for long-term success. It should align with your market, customers, and revenue goals while ensuring sustainability. Here are key steps to help you decide. 

  • Know Your Audience: Identifying your customers, their needs, and buying preferences is crucial. This understanding will guide you in determining the best model for your business (e.g., B2B suits licensing, while B2C may favor subscriptions). 
  • Define Your Value: It’s important to highlight what sets you apart in the market. This will give you a competitive edge. For instance, convenience suits marketplaces, while exclusivity suits premium subscriptions. 
  • Select Revenue Streams: Decide how you’ll earn through sales, subscriptions, advertising, or a mix. 
  • Consider Costs & Profitability: Some models require higher investment (e.g., manufacturing), while others focus on marketing (e.g., marketplaces). 
  • Ensure Scalability: Digital products and SaaS scale easily, while franchises depend on expansion. 
  • Analyze Competitors & Trends: Learn from industry leaders and adapt to market changes, such as the shift to e-commerce. 
  • Leverage Your Strengths: Choose a model that aligns with your innovation (manufacturing) or customer engagement (freemium) expertise. 
  • Stay Flexible and manage Risks: Adaptability is key; companies that fail to evolve, like Blockbuster, don’t survive. 
  • Test Before Committing: Start with a pilot or MVP to validate demand before a full-scale launch. 
  • Seek Expert Guidance: Consult company registration and licensing professionals to ensure compliance. 

How to Create a Business Model 

There is no universal approach to crafting a business model—different strategies work for other businesses. However, here are the key steps to create an effective plan: 

  • Identify Your Audience: Define your target market to tailor your product and strategy effectively. 
  • Define the Problem: Ensure your business solves a real need or demand. 
  • Refine Your Offerings: Align your products or services with market demand and your expertise. 
  • Assess Business Needs: Identify resources, challenges, and operational requirements. 
  • Build Partnerships: Collaborate with suppliers and service providers for efficiency. 
  • Set Revenue Strategies: Choose how your business will generate income. 
  • Test and Adapt: Gather feedback, run trials, and refine your model. 

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How InCorp Helps You Choose the Right Business Model 

Choosing and developing the right business model is essential for long-term success. A strong foundation starts with proper company registration and the correct business licenses. InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) provides expert support to ensure your business operates smoothly and legally. 

  • Company Registration: Get full assistance in setting up your business entity. 
  • Business License: Secure the necessary permits quickly and thoroughly comply with Indonesian regulations. 

Get your business registered and licensed hassle-free by filling out the form below. 

Daris Salam

COO Indonesia at InCorp Indonesia

With more than 10 years of expertise in accounting and finance, Daris Salam dedicates his knowledge to consistently improving the performance of InCorp Indonesia and maintaining clients and partnerships.

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Frequent Asked Questions

As their names suggest, the main differences between the three business kinds in Indonesia lie in the businesses and the purpose of their incorporation. Local company owners (PT) must be Indonesian citizens, as even 1 percent of foreign ownership is not allowed. This type of company is not limited to entering any business field, and restrictions on incorporation are not so tight. On the contrary, a foreign-owned company (PT PMA) is open to international investors, but the maximal percentage of foreign shares differs in various business sectors. Contact InCorp to get the most updated information on the Negative Investment List. International investors tend to open representative offices as a first step to understanding the Indonesian market before setting up a limited liability company. This type is used for marketing and promotion activities and needs the right to sell directly and receive income.

There are three things business owners need to consider before setting up a business in Indonesia: the type of business entity, capital requirements, and regulations.

Indonesian regulations separate local companies from foreign companies. Generally, foreign-owned companies (PT PMA) have more limitations than their local counterparts (Local PT). However, to pursue more foreign direct investment in the country, the government has taken several bold initiatives to increase the ease of doing business and provide numerous attractive incentives for foreign investors.

Yes, this mainly applies to import and export businesses. Instead of establishing a company, you can use an under-name import service, an importer of record.

It should take between 30 to 45 days.