Global retail e-commerce sales are projected to reach $5.8 trillion by 2023, according to Statista. This number is expected to increase by 39 percent over the next several years and reach eight trillion dollars by 2027. As such, the selection of a proper platform for the online business has never been more critical than it is today.
There is one more platform that can be highlighted, and it is Drupal Commerce. Being a customized e-Commerce solutions based on the Drupal excellent content management system, it provides great opportunities for flexibility, scalability, and built-in tools that can meet the needs of different kinds of businesses.
In this article, you will get to know about the ten robust features of Drupal Commerce that make it ideal for business organizations in the modern marketplace. Alright, let's go and find out why this solution, which is Drupal Commerce, may be perfect for you.
10 Awesome Features of Drupal Commerce
Open Source Flexibility
Amazingly, 9 out of 10 websites that incorporate open-source software rely on popular frameworks such as WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal. To be more specific, it is necessary to underline that drupal developers open-source content management systems are popular because of the flexibility and availability of the community. Market revenue for content management software is expected to reach US$22.10 billion in 2024, according to Statista.
Due to its open-source nature, Drupal Commerce allows for:
- Free to Use: Such as you can download it and use it without having to pay for a license.
- Customizable: The structures of the system can fit given business requirements.
- Community-Driven: It works for a global community that constantly improves and develops the platform. Advantages
Benefits of Open Source Flexibility
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Tailored Solutions:
- Modify the features based on the type of business that is being operated.
- Be easily integrated with other tools and systems of the organization.
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Rapid Deployment:
- It is suggested to begin with a standard account.
- Include more functionalities as the business develops.
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Cost-Effectiveness:
- Some point towards the fact that the first cost of implementation was less than the cost of proprietary software.
- Specify only the development, hosting and or maintenance cost/fee.
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Robust Community Support:
- To get more information, one can view tutorials, forums and documentation.
- All your solutions should always be gotten from an experienced community of developers around the world.
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Regular Updates:
- It is updated more often and security since it gets updates and security patches more often.
- Be an active consumer of knowledge in the area of technology advancements.
Supporting Diverse Business Models
Drupal Commerce is designed to support a variety of business models:
- B2C (Business to Consumer): Especially useful for merchants who use their channels to promote products and services.
- B2B (Business to Business): Huge transactions are possible due to the provisions of custom pricing and the program's facilities to make bulk orders.
- Subscription Services: It is very easy to create products or services that require a subscription.
- Digital Goods: Sell software, ebooks and other digital products with safety download options.
- Marketplace Models: Host multiple vendors and products within a single platform.
Read More: Why Hire Drupal Devs? Maximize Your Business Impact with Expert Website Development!
Scalability
In today's digital landscape, scalability is crucial for any e-commerce platform. Development companies must be prepared to handle increasing traffic and transactions as they grow.
Industry Data: According to a study by the 2023 eCommerce Growth report, 59% of online retailers rated scalability as one of the top features when selecting an e-Commerce platform.
Why Scalability Matters:
- Seamless Growth: As your business expands, you need a platform to keep up.
- Traffic Management: High-traffic periods, such as holiday sales, require robust backend support.
- Performance Optimization: A scalable platform ensures fast load times and a smooth user experience.
Handling Small to Large-Scale Operations
Drupal Commerce excels in providing a robust solution for businesses of varying sizes. Here's how:
- Engineered for Growth: Whether you start as a small boutique or a large enterprise, Drupal Commerce adapts.
- Layered Architecture: Built on the Drupal modules, it can efficiently manage thousands of products and transactions.
- Hosting Options: Easily transition from shared to dedicated hosting providers as your needs change.
Examples of Successful High-Traffic Sites Using Drupal Commerce
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Weather.com
- Handles millions of unique visitors per day.
- Offers products and advertising seamlessly in high-traffic scenarios.
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The Economist
- A global publication with a vital eCommerce section.
- Supports a robust subscription model for millions of readers.
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NBC Sports
- Broadcasts live sports events, selling tickets and merchandise.
- Manages high volumes of transactions during significant events.
Ability to Grow with Your Business
Drupal Commerce is built with future growth in mind. Here are key features that support your business expansion:
- Dynamic Catalogs: Easily add new products or categories as your offerings grow.
- Multi-Language and Multi-Currency Support: Tap into global markets without complications.
- Customizable Workflows: Adapt payment and shipping options to fit your evolving needs.
- Performance Monitoring Tools: Keep track of performance metrics and adjust as you grow.
Robust Community Support
Consequently, the 2023 Drupal Association offers a survey that shows that more than 60% of the users of Drupal mentioned support as one of the reasons for choosing the platform.
The Strength of the Drupal Community:
- Vibrant Ecosystem: Popular and open-source web application software, Drupal, is highly supported and developed by its many users and contributors.
- Collaboration: Users contribute with possible ideas for updates and improvements and discuss new features and effective practices.
Resource Availability
Benefiting from a robust community means having access to a wealth of resources, including:
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Extensive Documentation:
- Brief and clear instructions with various levels of tensile strength for the customers.
- Thorough documentation that explains the functioning of the APIs which programmers might use to integrate with the website.
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Forums and Discussion Groups:
- A forum that is designed to contain questions which relate to people's experiences and provide answers.
- A forum where one can engage with other users on how to use the software optimally, plugins, and any hitch encountered.
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Local and Global Events:
- DrupalCamps: Local fairs are organized to create an atmosphere in the community and availability of workshops and people to network.
- DrupalCon: A large-scale conference is held annually to update the developers and users. Role of the community in solving issues and updates
Importance of Community in Troubleshooting and Updates
Having a support system is crucial for growth and efficiency:
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Community Assistance:
- The participation of experienced users is also helpful because immediate solutions reduce response time.
- It implies that more recent updates and security patches are acquired when there is constant interaction.
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Collective Knowledge:
- Get inspired by the information you will read about thousands of users worldwide.
- Learn about simple problem-solving methods and effectively organize your days and workloads.
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Frequent Updates:
- People within the community are usually involved in providing feedback that would lead to an improvement in features or the detection and solving of specific issues.
- Get updated information regarding modern trends and threats.
Integration Capabilities
As of 2023, nearly 70% of consumers prefer shopping online, underscoring the importance of integrating essential services for a smooth shopping experience.
Drupal Commerce excels in integration capabilities, allowing businesses to connect seamlessly with various third-party integrations.
Payment Gateways
Drupal Commerce supports a variety of payment gateways to help you securely process transactions, including:
- PayPal
- Stripe
- Authorize.net
- Square
These options give your customers flexibility in how they wish to pay, enhancing their shopping experience.
Shipping Providers
Efficient shipping is crucial for eCommerce. Drupal Commerce integrates with top shipping services like:
- UPS
- FedEx
- USPS
- DHL
This support simplifies calculating shipping rates, printing labels, and tracking shipments.
Compatibility with APIs
Drupal Commerce is built with robust API compatibility. This allows for:
- Easy integration with external systems
- Access to data from other platforms
- Custom connections tailored to unique business needs
APIs can fetch real-time data, synchronize inventory, or connect with CRM and ERP solutions.
Ensuring a Seamless Experience
The integration capabilities of Drupal Commerce contribute to a seamless experience for both merchants and customers through:
- Automated workflows: Streamline order processing and product management.
- Customizable checkout: Tailor the checkout process to your branding.
- Reporting and analytics: Gain insights from integrated services for informed decision-making.
Multi-Store Functionality
The Power of Multi-Store Management
In today's interconnected world, eCommerce is not limited to a single market.
Over 50% of online retailers plan to expand into new regions or demographics next year.
Leveraging multi-store functionality can be a game changer.
Seamless Management from a Single Dashboard
One of the standout features of Drupal Commerce is its ability to manage multiple storefronts from one platform. This centralized management brings several key advantages:
- Unified Control: One admin panel for all e-commerce stores means streamlined updates and easy navigation.
- Consistent Branding: Maintain a cohesive brand identity across different demographics or regions.
- Localization: Tailor stores for regional preferences, languages, and currencies while keeping core functionalities synced.
Benefits of Targeting Diverse Markets
Expanding your eCommerce footprint can significantly enhance your reach. Here's how multi-store functionality benefits businesses:
- Segmented Marketing: Create unique promotions or campaigns for different customer segments.
- Increased Revenue: Target underperforming regions with specialized e-commerce stores to capture new sales.
- Data Insight: Gain unique perspectives on customer behavior across regions, informing future strategies.
Simplified Inventory and Order Management
Managing inventory and orders for multiple stores can be daunting. However, Drupal Commerce simplifies these processes:
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Centralized Inventory Control:
- Single database for all products.
- Automatic updates across all stores when inventory levels change.
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Streamlined Order Processing:
- Unified processing allows for efficient handling of orders.
- Manage returns and exchanges in one place.
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Reporting Tools:
- Access comprehensive reports for all stores or drill down into individual performances.
Content Management Power
According to Gartner, 89% of businesses compete primarily on customer experience. The power of effective content management can significantly enhance your eCommerce strategy.
How Drupal's Strengths in Content Management Enhance eCommerce:
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Seamless Integration:
- Drupal brings together content and commerce effortlessly.
- Users can manage product variation, blog posts, and content marketing from the same interface.
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Custom Content Types:
- Create unique content types for different products.
- Design tailored templates for products, reviews, and articles.
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Advanced Taxonomy:
- Organize products and content with flexible categorization.
- Use tags and categories for easy navigation and product discovery.
Strategies for Utilizing Content to Drive Sales:
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Create Engaging Product Descriptions:
- Write descriptive and appealing content.
- Make use of excellent photos and videos to improve the purchasing experience.
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Develop a Content Calendar:
- Plan regular blog posts and updates.
- Align content with product launches and seasonal promotions.
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Utilize User-Generated Content:
- Encourage customers to leave reviews and testimonials.
- Feature user photos and stories on product pages to build trust.
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Implement SEO Best Practices:
- Conduct keyword research specific to your products and audience.
- Optimize product page titles, meta descriptions, and headings.
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Include Calls to Action (CTAs):
- Use clear, compelling CTAs in all content.
- Prompt visitors to explore more products or sign up for newsletters.
Combining Blogging and Product Offerings for Better SEO:
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Create Relevant Blog Content:
- Write articles that relate to your products.
- Use topics that answer customer questions or solve their problems.
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Linking Strategy:
- Interlink blog posts to related products.
- Provide a pathway for visitors to navigate from content to product pages.
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Content Sharing and Promotion:
- To boost traffic, share blog posts on social media.
- Use email marketing to promote relevant articles and product offers.
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Monitor Analytics:
- For traffic and conversion tracking, use Google Analytics.
- Adjust strategies based on user behavior and engagement metrics.
Advanced Customization Options
In the world of eCommerce, competition is stiff, and it creates a battleground where the customer is the prize, and the weapon of choice is the strategy of personalization. The study also showed that businesses, which provide customized strategies, are chosen by 80 percent of buyers.
Drupal Commerce shines in its ability to offer extensive customization options. Here's how:
Custom Features and Functionalities
Drupal Commerce allows you to create tailored solutions for your unique business needs. Some examples include:
- Custom product types: Use specific products with special characteristics (, digital goods, services).
- Complex pricing models: Set up a pricing model that depends on the user activity with the product through the different tiers, sales or coupon offers.
- Multi-currency support: Meet the international audience's needs by displaying the costs of the products in customers' currency.
- Dynamic checkout processes: Customize the checkout flow to minimize cart abandonment.
The Role of Custom Modules and Themes
Enhancing user experience goes beyond just basic functionalities. Custom modules and themes serve as powerful tools:
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Custom modules:Enhance the functionalities of Drupal Commerce but not the core code of Drupal Commerce. Examples may include:
- Advanced inventory management: Keep track of the stock in the process.
- User behavior analytics: Identify possible user activity to plant marketing strategies.
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Custom themes:Make sure your e-commerce site coincides with your brand image and endeavor to match the site's aesthetic to your brand's image. Benefits include:
- Responsive design: It's essential to maintain the continuity of the overall experience with the application on all devices.
- Intuitive navigation: Enhance site usability with the help of a properly designed UI.
Importance of Tailoring the Customer Journey
Understanding and optimizing the customer journey can significantly impact sales:
- Segmented marketing: To promote a particular product to the potential customer, the information acquired from the customers should be used in developing a marketing campaign.
- Personalized recommendations: Display related products according to the history of surfing.
- Streamlined experiences: This is the process of minimizing the differences between an organization's goals and customer needs by identifying and eradicating impediments to purchasing.
Security Features
When it comes to eCommerce, security is paramount.
According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime damages are projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.
This underscores the importance of robust security measures for online businesses.
Overview of Security Measures Built into Drupal Commerce
Drupal Commerce integrates several security features designed to protect both businesses and customers:
- Data Encryption: Secures sensitive information such as credit card details and personal data.
- User Access Controls: Allows administrators to set permissions, ensuring only authorized users can access sensitive areas.
- Regular Updates: Core updates and security patches are released consistently to address vulnerabilities.
- Secure Payment Gateways: Built-in support for trusted payment processors that comply with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard).
Community Support for Ongoing Security Updates
One of the significant strengths of Drupal Commerce is its active community.
This community contributes to ongoing security improvements through the following:
- Continuous Monitoring: The community keeps an eye out for vulnerabilities and quickly reports them.
- Documentation: Comprehensive guides are available for best practices in eCommerce security.
- Collaborative Threat Response: Swift action is taken to address newly discovered threats.
Importance of Safe eCommerce Practices
Implementing safe eCommerce practices builds consumer trust and loyalty. Here are some essential practices:
- Use HTTPS: Ensure your website uses HTTP Secure to encrypt data transmission.
- Enforce Strong Password Policies: Encourage users to create complex passwords and implement two-factor authentication.
- Regular Backups: Schedule daily backups to recover from potential data losses.
Built-in Marketing Tools
It was projected by Statista that there will be over 250 million online buyers in India in 2023. This was a noteworthy rise in comparison to the preceding year. 425 million shoppers are expected to be in the nation by 2027. With such significant statistics, any e-Commerce platform must include robust marketing tools.
Drupal Commerce offers integrated features that help you capitalize on this trend:
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Discounts and Coupons:
- Create various discount types (percentage, fixed amount, free shipping).
- Set expiration dates and usage limits to create urgency.
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Promotional Campaigns:
- Easily manage sales events and seasonal promotions.
- Target specific customer segments with tailored offers.
These features not only drive sales but also enhance customer engagement. Here's how:
- Increased Conversion Rates: Discounts can encourage more people to complete their purchases.
- Customer Retention: Providing exclusive offers keeps customers coming back.
- Enhanced Shopping Experience: Simple promotional codes improve overall satisfaction.
The Significance of Email Marketing and Customer Segmentation
Email marketing remains one of the most effective tools in eCommerce, generating an average ROI of $42 for every dollar spent. Here's how Drupal Commerce leverages email marketing:
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Targeted Campaigns:
- Segment your customer base based on purchasing behavior and preferences.
- Make tailored offers that appeal to each segment.
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Automated Workflows:
- Set up welcome emails, abandoned cart reminders, and follow-up messages automatically.
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Analytics Tracking:
- Monitor open rates, click-through rates, and conversions to measure success.
SEO-Friendly Structure
In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) remains critical. According to a study by HubSpot, 61% of marketers say improving SEO and growing their organic presence is their top inbound marketing priority.
Drupal Commerce excels in providing an SEO-friendly structure that can help your online store rise in search rankings. Here's how:
- Custom URL Structures: Drupal allows you to create user-friendly and descriptive URLs that search engines favor.
- Optimized Metadata: Easily add title tags and meta descriptions to each product page, enhancing visibility and click-through rates.
- Content Optimization: Leverage Drupal's content creation tools to create compelling product descriptions and blogs that draw traffic.
- Responsive Design: With its mobile-friendly features, Drupal Commerce ensures a smooth browsing experience, which is favored by Google's mobile-first indexing.
How to Improve SEO with Drupal Commerce
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Configure Clean URLs:
- Navigate to Configuration > Search and metadata > Clean URLs.
- Activate the feature to enhance your ecommerce site's URLs.
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Set Up Meta Tags:
- Install the Metatag module.
- Go to Configuration > Search and metadata > Meta Tag to customize your meta information.
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Create SEO-Friendly Content:
- Use the built-in content types to craft high-quality, keyword-rich product descriptions.
- Regularly publish blog posts relevant to your niche.
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Implement Schema Markup:
- Add structured data through the Schema.org module.
- This helps search engines understand your content better and can enhance your search visibility.
Conclusion
Digitalization is ongoing at a consistently fast pace, and choosing the correct eCommerce platform for your business matters. The primary strength of Drupal Commerce is the variety of strong characteristics suitable for contemporary Internet sellers.
Enumerating the advantages, starting with the ability to integrate seamlessly all the features a business might need down to the possibilities to customize and enhance security, not to mention the functional marketing community support, it is pretty understandable why the number of businesses choosing Drupal Commerce as their online store platform rises.
If you have ever considered improving your company's online store and unleashing the full potential of your eCommerce plan, Hire Drupal developer team for Drupal Commerce might be the way to do it. At CISIN we have specialized Drupal Commerce developers to help fulfill your business needs by offering you the best custom solution.
Let us be your partners in creating a beautiful, highly functioning and converting web-based store. If you have a source project that you wish to begin, get in touch with us today!
