Choosing an E-commerce Platform
An e-commerce platform is a software that lets you sell your products and services online. Its features can include a search engine, cart functionality, and payment system. It can also provide analytics and reporting tools to help you track your sales and marketing efforts.
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Choosing an e-commerce platform isn’t as easy as it sounds, but there are some things you can do to make the process easier. You’ll want to figure out what you need from your platform and look for features that are aimed at meeting those needs.
If you’re a small business or if you’re just starting out, a free e-commerce platform may be the best option for you. It will give you a good foundation on which to build a successful store, and it will save you money in the long run.
A platform that is built from scratch may be the best option for larger companies, but it can be very costly to build and maintain. It will also require a team of trained DevOps to upgrade the platform as technology changes.
Another option is to use a plugin, which can work for smaller businesses or for those who are just experimenting with e-commerce. But these will be limited in functionality, and they will not have cross-channel integration or the ability to expand into new markets as your business grows.
The best e-commerce platforms offer all the necessary tools you need to sell your goods and services, but they also have the added benefit of being a single command center for your business. They are able to connect your business systems, from inventory management to customer service.
In addition, they can help you improve your conversions by offering multi-language support and the ability to accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and more. They can also provide you with the necessary SEO (search engine optimization) tools so that your products are found when potential customers search for them on Google.
Some e-commerce platforms even have their own app stores that allow you to find add-ons and extensions that will enhance your store. This is a great way to keep your platform up-to-date and ensure you have all the latest features that will meet your business needs.
Weebly, for example, is a website builder that has built-in e-commerce features for restaurants. It has a partnership with Square’s point-of-sale (POS) software, so any sale, delivery, or pickup order syncs directly to the POS and updates your inventory.
Shopify, on the other hand, has an entire suite of e-commerce and business tools that can help you manage everything from your online store to your customer support team to your inventory. The platform also has an app store with 4,000 apps to help you customize your experience for your customers and employees.
BigCommerce is an e-commerce platform that is designed for larger, more advanced businesses. Its pricing plans are based on how much revenue the business has generated over the last year.