Choosing the right eCommerce platform to help move your online business to new heights is one of the most significant decisions you’ll need to make as a business owner. If you want to get it right, read on.
This post explores the benefits of choosing the right eCommerce platform. We will feature some of the most common eCommerce platforms and how to choose the right eCommerce platform for your business.
Different Types Of E-Commerce Platforms And What Each One Offers
1.Shopify
Shopify is possibly the most common among eCommerce platforms.
The platform is easy to use with designs that respond well on mobile devices. Furthermore, it provides an all-inclusive online shopping solution that is easily customizable with several add-ons.
Shopify comes in 5 plans. Shopify Lite is the cheapest plan at $9 per month. Shopify Plus, on the other hand, costs over $2,000 monthly.
Apart from the monthly subscription, you’ll pay for extras such as themes, extensions, and plug-ins.
2.Magento
Magento is owned by Adobe and is suitable for merchants interested in customizing their online store.
Here are its main benefits:
- Being open-source software, it’s free to use.
- Offers SEO features, multi-store options, and real-time inventory control.
- Provides marketing automation tools.
The high level of customizability of Magento requires skilled labor. If you do not possess the technical expertise, you may have to hire a helping hand. Remember that if you need financial help to hire design experts, microfinancing may just be what you need.
Magento is not ideal for newbies in eCommerce as it relies heavily on software designers and developers. That makes it expensive to implement and maintain.
3.WooCommerce
WooCommerce, like Magento, is an open-source platform that you can download for free. It’s a WordPress plug-in eCommerce site that is versatile with multichannel options.
Its benefits include SEO features that enable you to drive traffic to your website. What’s more, it offers multiple payment gateways for your online store.
However, unlike Shopify, you require technical expertise to make the most of the platform as it is open-source.
Other Ecommerce Platforms
- Squarespace
- Big Cartel
- BigCommerce
- Wix
How To Choose The Right Platform For Your Business
1.Cost-efficient
Granted that the pricing of most eCommerce hosts is competitive, you must ensure it delivers value for money.
Highly-priced eCommerce options are not necessarily the best for your need. Besides the monthly subscriptions, find out if you’ll pay more for add-ons.
Some key cost areas to consider;
- Designing the site
- Monthly web hosting
- Site customization
- Maintenance
- Security
2.Integration With Existing Business Software
You don’t want to invest in software that fails to integrate with your existing business software. That would be costly and inconvenient.
Go for an eCommerce platform that integrates seamlessly with your current systems without further costs.
3.Customization
You may download open-source eCommerce solutions for free. Nonetheless, if you’re not technically skilled, you may have to spend more hiring developers and designers to roll out and maintain the platform.
4.The Diversity Of Your Inventory
The complexity of your inventory determines the type of platform you’ll adopt.
For merchants with fewer products that are not varied, it’s simple. However, you need a more versatile platform to cater to a complex inventory.
5.Scalability
Go for a platform that takes into consideration business growth projections.
Find out if the platform can handle high-traffic speeds, for instance, from a highly successful sales campaign.
6.Integration With Other Social Channels
Businesses that thrive have learned how to drive engagements to their businesses through multiple channels.
Social commerce is a major business trend that you can optimize by adopting an omnichannel strategy. You need an eCommerce platform that integrates effortlessly with popular social media platforms, key marketplaces, and prominent eCommerce software providers.
7.Accessing Customer Support
You’ll be looking for a platform that helps you get help if you need assistance.
The software provider should be available, easily reachable, and on multiple communication channels.
The providers of eCommerce services can deliver support through chatbots, emails, or phones. Dedicated call centers and a vibrant community help users get responses to queries fast.
The Benefits Of Using An E-Commerce Platform
- Improved customer experience
- Real-time order tracking
- Lower overheads
- Accessibility to customers on their mobile devices
- Improved inventory management
Conclusion
Choosing the right eCommerce solution for your brand helps you grow and reach new markets. Besides, it allows your business to focus on the company’s core functions instead of being overly concerned about keeping up with technological advancements and coding.