Things to Think About When Choosing an Ecommerce Platform for Your emerging Small Business. The majority of small businesses do not have infinite resources to invest on a website. As a result, the cost & ease of use will be a crucial factor to consider an ecommerce platform.
From DIY templates to agreements with significant industry players, ecommerce platforms come in different shapes and sizes. Keep in mind that what works for one brand may not work for another, so consider these criteria while weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Technology, Price, cost, and additional fees are all factors to consider.
Operating an ecommerce business isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition; it’s a broad category of ecommerce software that comes in a variety of flavors. Take your time to research the available possibilities before jumping in head first.
There are different types of ecommerce solutions, mainly:
Open Source.
The term “open source” refers to the freely published and accessible source code that is used to organize a website. Example of some of the most reliable open-source platform are WooCommerce, PrestaShop, Magento etc. Open-source code has a number of benefits, including:
There is no obligation to buy from a specific vendor.
Integration with existing systems is simple.
Customizable platforms are available.
However, open source isn’t without flaws, and the disadvantages may be enough to drive some people away. Open-source systems necessitate more security interventions and may incur additional expenditures, such as the involvement of a special IT team.
SaaS (Software-as-a-Service).
Software-as-a-Service, also known as SaaS, is frequently mistaken with cloud software. SaaS solutions, like cloud software, are housed on a server that is managed by someone other than your company, but there are some key differences.
Although SaaS pricing varies widely, investing in a solid platform can pay off handsomely. Many ecommerce sites, fortunately, provide a free trial period, which is a terrific way for you to try out the site and learn about all of its features. Some of the popular SaaS Ecommerce platforms are Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix etc.
Things to Consider When Selecting Your Small Business Ecommerce Platform:
Technology
Price, cost, and additional fees.
Scalabilities
Flexibility
Built-in features.
Success in ecommerce comes from a lot more than simply listing your products for sale. In fact, the advanced features offered by an ecommerce site can play a big role in the results you see.
From things like easily automated promotions and discounts to comprehensive analytics, the built-in features an ecommerce provider can offer should play a big role in the decision-making process.
Rather than relying on third-party apps to address core functionalities, BigCommerce offers native features that lower cost and complexity and help you achieve your business goals:
- Website customization: Allow merchants to personalize the look and feel of their website to match their brand image.
- SEO optimization: Built-in SEO features help increase organic traffic and reach more customers.
- Payment management: With a partner network of major payment providers such as Cashfree, PayPal, Stripe and Apple Pay, gives small businesses the freedom to choose the payment gateway that works best for them.
- Application integrations: Using platforms apps marketplace, merchants can discover custom elements and features to enhance their online presence.
Analytics.
If you’re a small business looking to make it big, you’ll need the tools to measure your customer behavior and preferences over time. Understanding what your customers are looking for is key to improving marketing initiatives and better meeting their needs.
Look for an ecommerce platform that offers built-in customer analytics tools, tracks visits and activity on your website and identifies your highest and lowest performing products. This will give you insight into what is most impacting your business and what you can do to better serve your customers.
Ease of use.
A good platform should be, above almost all else, easy to use. The more complex a site is to use, the harder it will be for you to make sure no step of your process falls by the wayside. Consider platforms that focus on these key areas of emphasis.
Set-up flow
From registering a domain name to managing payment processing, a lot goes into a new ecommerce site. A good platform will ensure you don’t miss a beat.
Centralized channel management
Managing your ecommerce site should be as easy as possible. With a way to organize and oversee all channels at one time, centralized channel management is key to staying organized.
Product and SKU management
If you have a lot of different SKUs and product categories, the last thing you want is to have to manage this by hand. Being able to upload CSV files, for example, can make inventory management very easy.
Scalability.
Most businesses have growth goals, whether in a year or a decade down the road. Regardless of how you see your business evolving, you’ll need support from your ecommerce platform as your business grows and changes. This may mean space for unlimited products, expansion capabilities overseas, more payment gateways or additional images and video content.
The Final Word
Small enterprises are extremely important.
We’ve witnessed firsthand how building an online store can alter and scale your business as a platform that works with small business owners every day.
Ecommerce is a definite method for small businesses to stand out — especially in such a crowded industry — since it provides a way to generate sales, enhance web presence, and accomplish growth goals all in one spot.
You’ll be sure to take your business to the next level if you choose a dependable platform that can meet current and future needs while focusing on the most important elements for success.