Ecommerce platforms are becoming a more important part of growing businesses because they drive your prospects through the customer journey. Imagine a company that chooses an ecommerce platform that is not suitable for their product, brand, or customers. This will result in abandoned shopping baskets and a loss of revenue.
Let's first take a look at what an ecommerce platform is. This software or program allows you to sell an unlimited number of products from your website. This is an excellent way to remove third-party vendors from the customer's journey. You can sell your products directly from the website if you have been selling frames for the last five years. It would simplify the sales process for both you and your clients by eliminating Etsy as a middleman.
Important Ecommerce Platform Characteristics
The best ecommerce platform will be crucial to your success. There are a few things to consider when evaluating potential providers.
Host Environment
The hosting environment is the web hosting platform used to host an Ecommerce website. This includes features such as SSL, payment processing software, shopping carts, and security measures. Consider your budget, website traffic, experience in web design, and the products you offer. It is important to consider this if you earn money from your online store. BigCommerce is a leader with 99.99% on the Google Cloud Platform. This global leader in flexible and fast hosting offers unlimited bandwidth.
BigCommerce merchants can also access these hosting features:
- Unlimited bandwidth.
- Fast content delivery network.
- Buy new domain names.
- Use an existing domain name.
- SSL Certificate Shared Use.
- Buy or transfer dedicated SSL certificates.
API Call Volume is not Restricted
It is crucial to understand the API call volume, the efficiency, and the availability of APIs in order for data orchestration platforms to function smoothly. Businesses must be able to make high-volume or unlimited API calls. Each SaaS platform does this differently and has different API call volume options.
Shopify, for example, has strict limits on API calls per second. BigCommerce, on the other hand, has API call limits that are industry-leading and does not limit API calls for Enterprise merchants. We don't charge you for the number of API calls that your company makes.
Easy-to-Use Website Builder
Over 60% of web developers claim to spend between 11-40 hours building websites before they're ready for clients. It can be intimidating for small business owners to learn web design and development. It is important to choose the best ecommerce solution for small businesses, which includes a website builder that is easy to use and a variety of free themes.
BigCommerce Page Builder's simplicity and flexibility make it a great choice for web designers who are just starting out. Drag-and-drop functionality allows you to quickly make changes to your website, reclaim your brand and get it up and running quicker.
Security
Online stores may contain sensitive information such as credit card numbers and customer addresses. You are responsible for ensuring that sensitive data is handled carefully. PCI compliance is required to accept payments. If you do not comply with PCI standards, you could face fines, suspension of payment acceptance, loss of customers, and other financial penalties.
Some platforms provide a minimal level of security that could be improved. While many platforms come with an SSL certificate for protection, a more comprehensive solution may require additional infrastructure and third-party software. Now you can focus on growing your business without worrying about security.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
A study shows that 90% of startups in e-commerce fail within their first 120 days. Ineffective search engine optimization is the main cause. There are many factors that go into optimizing a website for SEO. These include page loading speed, mobile-friendliness, relevant keywords, and site structure. Most ecommerce platforms have built-in SEO tools that make your life easier.
BigCommerce offers a number of SEO tools right out of the box:
- Optimized Links: BigCommerce creates SEO-friendly URLs and allows merchants the ability to customize their URL settings.
- Unique URLs: Every page has its own unique URL in order to avoid duplicate content.
- Microdata: These rich snippets, embedded on product pages, can improve search results.
- URL Redirects: BigCommerce redirects existing URLs if you change the name of your products during migration. This allows customers to easily find the products they're looking for.
- CDN: (content delivery network) BigCommerce's CDN is working in the background, ensuring that your online store loads as quickly as possible for both customers and search engine spiders.
Beyond the features mentioned, there are many more advanced and important features that users of e-commerce should be aware of.
- A large app store or marketplace that provides pre-built integrations with the best service providers.
- Checkout, complete experience, and the option to download mobile applications.
- Integration of marketing automation.
- Built-in basic ecommerce features, such as analytics, catalog management, and promotions.
- Payment options and gateways can be used in multiple ways.
- The bandwidth can be used to support an infinite number of products.
Factors to Consider When Selecting an Ecommerce Platform
It is important to do your research before you sign up for any plan, even if it seems affordable. You can change hosts at any time, but migrating your site can be a difficult process for both you and your clients. Check out the following:
Budget
It is important to check if the hosting company offers cost-effective packages. Sometimes, paying more is the only way to get a better experience. If you go for the cheapest option, you may be forced to look elsewhere for more capabilities. Combining fees from different providers is the most expensive option.
Before choosing an ecommerce host, determine your budget for these features. You must compare the prices of other web hosts if you decide to go with standalone hosting. You will often find that when you look at all-in-one hosts, you can choose a package that includes all these features while still staying within your budget.
Web Design
From the landing page through to the checkout, your store's design should reflect the brand. On major ecommerce platforms, there are many different themes available. Some themes can be downloaded for free, while others cost between $60 and $200. You will need to be able to use your ecommerce platform with the features that you require. There are many options for adding features, such as plugins and extensions.
Programming
Custom ecommerce features, backend programming, and coding are the most expensive parts of building an ecommerce site. They are necessary if you want your business to be competitive and efficient. The report estimates that backend programming can cost anywhere between $2,000 to $75,000 and third-party interfaces between $500 and $20,000.
Customer Data
Priority must be given to your data and your customer's data. You should feel comfortable with the way your data and payment processing is handled. You risk losing your customers if you don't.
Monthly Host
BigCommerce platforms reside in the cloud. As part of the monthly subscription, they offer web hosting. You can then look at other options than third-party web hosting and avoid the hassle of managing it.
Hosting an ecommerce site or using a platform like WooCommerce that doesn't include hosting fees in the subscription fee can cost as much as $730. The cost of hosting your ecommerce store is determined by how much traffic your site receives, its features, and any automated services, such as backups.
Maintenance
There is no one-time charge to create an ecommerce website. To ensure that your website is running smoothly, you'll have to pay for maintenance and support. The cost of a domain name will be high if you can't pay for several years ahead. If your Platform does not include hosting in the subscription price, you will need to pay regularly for hosting. SSL certificates are charged an annual fee.
Integrate HTML0 with Your Business Software
There is nothing more frustrating than having to start over when you use business software after migrating. Make sure that the Platform you choose is compatible with all of your existing solutions and systems. Bigcommerce tens of thousands of agency partners can help you make a smooth transition from your current Platform to Bigcommerce without losing any software.
Customization
Customization is an important factor to consider, especially when deciding between SaaS and open-source platforms. Open-source software lets users customize every aspect of their site, from themes to product pages and checkout experiences. You should only consider open-source software if you are a programmer and have the budget for the costs.
SaaS platforms are less customizable. The service provider owns all the source code, so users are not able to modify their website as freely as they can with open-source platforms. There is a happy middle. BigCommerce is a SaaS-based platform that allows merchants the advantages of SaaS with the flexibility and functionality open-source offers. BigCommerce powers the commerce engine, allowing brands to deliver API-driven experiences via a CMS or DXP.
Compatibility of Sales and Advertising Channels
Most successful businesses use an omnichannel approach. This strategy integrates multiple business channels in order to create a consistent, engaging customer experience. Social commerce can be a great way to achieve this.
Social media sites are now more than entertainment. These platforms are also hubs for online commerce. With the advent of in-app ecommerce on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, merchants have many options to sell across channels. BigCommerce offers one-click integrations to leading software providers. It offers integrations to some of the biggest integrated sales channels, including Amazon, eBay, and Facebook.
Product Inventory Complexity
You could offer a variety of products, including digital ones. You could also offer different variations of your core line. If you want to expand and have a large catalog, a platform with low SKU limitations is the best choice.
BigCommerce is designed for large catalogs. Shopify/Shopify Plus allows merchants to add up to 600 SKUs per product, whereas BigCommerce only allows for 100. Each company has different needs. A DTC firm might only need one product per SKU. A manufacturer of auto parts will need more SKUs.
The Platform Allows You to Scale Up Your Business
Choose a platform that will grow along with you. What type of traffic do you expect on your site? You might not require a host with high traffic if you are just starting out. If you focus on growth, your online business will scale quickly. Does your host have the capacity to handle current and future traffic?
What happens if your promotion goes viral? Your hosting infrastructure should be flexible enough to handle spikes in traffic without allowing hackers to hack your site. Cloud hosting is a great choice for ecommerce sites because it can handle a lot of traffic. Cloud hosting is a great option for ecommerce websites because it can handle high traffic.
Platform Customer Services
You're using an ecommerce system every day. It's great to know that you can contact a live person if you need help. Many platforms outsource their customer service, which makes it difficult to call for help when you need it.
BigCommerce believes each customer deserves personalized service. We offer live support seven days a week, 24 hours a time. There are also dedicated help centers, active merchant communities, and a 24/7 live chat.
Want More Information About Our Services? Talk to Our Consultants!
Selecting a Platform in a Competitive Market
Google reported that mobile application development searches for desktop products had surpassed them. In our mobile-first society, consumers are searching for products on their phones. They make purchase decisions with just a tap.
This trend in commerce pushed marketers to focus on making mobile marketplaces as convenient as they could for consumers who were looking to purchase products and services. This trend created a ripple, forcing e-commerce platforms to deliver new features and innovate to meet the demands of online shoppers. The good news is? A highly competitive and dynamic market allows you to choose the best ecommerce platforms for your needs. The bad news? It's even more difficult to choose.
When you are looking for the best Platform, remember that any obstacles in an ecommerce platform can have a negative impact on your business. When a prospect finds something difficult to do while purchasing a product, it will leave your site and go elsewhere. It's a waste of money.
We've identified the top ecommerce platforms that you should consider when selecting the right one for your business. This overview will help you determine which ecommerce platform is best for your online business based on your brand, products, and budget.
Shopify
Shopify is the host of over 325,000 online stores and focuses on mobile shopping and social commerce. Platforms are constantly innovating to meet the demands of consumers looking for the best deal on the products they want.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Choose from over 100 templates.
- Add more than 1500 plugins to the store and improve its functionality.
- Mobile-friendly built-in shopping cart.
- It integrates with your business's Facebook page, allowing you to sell directly from there.
- Superior customer service support.
Cons
- Customization of the checkout page is limited.
- Included transaction fee.
Special Features: Shopify is the best choice for a website with a rich and extensive selection of plugins. These add new functionality and extend the standard setup.
WordPress and WooCommerce
This isn't an ecommerce platform, but many businesses use it. WordPress is one of the most popular platforms for websites, and you can find a lot of plugins that will help your site to be an e-commerce store.
In this article, we will use WooCommerce as an example.
Pros
- This is a simple integration if you already have a WordPress website.
- Enjoy Free Shipping.
- You can sell digital and physical goods, as well as affiliate products, on online marketplaces.
- Shipping is highly configurable.
- There are many payment options available.
- There are many extensions you can use, such as Google Analytics and Delivery Notes.
Cons
- WooCommerce can only be used if you have a WordPress website.
- Some of the built-in features do not work properly.
Price: Free!
Special Features: Combine this plugin with the Storefront WordPress theme to complete integration.
Big Commerce
BigCommerce is a renowned e-commerce provider that hosts more than 55,000 online shops. Many people with limited technical skills and who don't want to deal with coding find it a useful option. Big Commerce is available as a WordPress Plugin.
Pros
- No Transaction Fee.
- You can integrate your store with Facebook, Ebay, and Google Shopping.
- Videos, guides, and a wizard to help you get started.
- Both free and paid themes can be just as good.
- Themes can be customized to match the brand image.
- Features include tax, shipping, analytics, newsletters, and coupons.
Cons
- Only seven free themes are available.
- Some of the built-in features do not work properly.
Special Features: BigCommerce is unique because there are no transaction fees. You are also not required to upgrade to an advanced plan once you have reached a certain number of sales on their Platform.
Read More: E-commerce Platforms: Choosing The Best E-commerce Software For Your Business
Big Cartel
Big Cartel targets small, home-based art businesses run by people who make a living from selling their creations. This is a hosted system that is extremely easy to use and is often considered the best website for creative individuals who want to enter e-commerce.
Pros
- Simple to use and manage.
- Integrates with Facebook.
- The free version is also very affordable.
- Themes that are beautifully crafted.
- The code editor allows you to customize your theme.
- There are many detailed guides, videos, and FAQs.
Cons
- Simple design limits functionality.
- Themes that are not responsive.
- Retailers are not accustomed to this.
Special Features: Big Cartel is known as the home of the most creative independent artists in the ecommerce market.
Volusion
Volusion is an e-commerce store builder with web design, marketing, and other tools. One of the longest-running e-commerce platforms--it is an all-in-one company serving more than 40,000 online stores.
Pros
- Easy to use and simple Platform.
- Excellent customer service and comprehensive support materials.
- Transaction fees are not charged.
- Integrates with Facebook Store.
- Responsive mobile themes.
- Storage is included in the Basic Plan.
- HTML/CSS code allows you to customize themes and designs.
Cons
- It is not as pleasing to the eye as other software.
- You must have a basic understanding of coding.
Volusion has four times more online sales than any other platform, a staggering USD 21 billion. Volusion is unique because it's a platform with a proven track record that has helped thousands of business plans generate sales.
Adobe Commerce (Formerly Magento)
Magento, which has a market share of about one-fourth, is considered to be the leader in e-commerce platforms. The reliability and scalability of Magento make it a great e-commerce platform for enterprise-level shops.
Pros
- Easy to use and manage.
- The basic plan is free.
- It is great for large volumes of products.
- Open-source Platform which can be fully customized to your brand image.
- More than 9,000 plugins that will help you scale and expand your business.
- You can sell directly from social media platforms with free extensions.
- Support for growth, management, and demonstrations.
- You can get support from a community of plugin and store owners online.
Cons
- Standard plans that are paid require a monthly minimum of $20,000.
- Open-source platforms are complex.
- This is not for beginners.
Pricing: The community plan is free, but the custom pricing plans begin at a minimum of $20,000 per month.
Special Features: Magento has the most powerful Platform for e-commerce. It is designed to cater to larger, more established retailers that do their majority of business online.
Benefits of eCommerce
Consider these factors when deciding if you want to start an eCommerce business site:
More Customers Will Be Reached
The ability to reach thousands of new customers every day is a major advantage. You have an online presence; your geographic limitations will no longer be a problem. If you're able to promote your store online and you have people interested in your product, you could potentially sell to anyone on the planet, as long as you're willing to ship. A survey of retail store owners revealed that nearly half said they saw a significant rise in their customer base after they went digital. And 64 percent reported a noticeable increase in sales.
You Are Literally Always Open
It is important to be able to accept orders from customers 24 hours a day. The ability to have customers complete orders 24 hours a day is invaluable. You, as a small business owner, do not have to spend money to keep your store open all day.
Both Sides Benefit From Lower Costs
eCommerce stores are able to remain open on the supply side without having to pay staff for the registers or store management. On the demand side, customers don't need to pay for travel expenses to make purchases. Winter storms may prevent people from visiting a local mall or business. However, they won't stop them from shopping online. This reinforces the effect of convenience and costs on the popularity of modern eCommerce.
The Disadvantages of eCommerce
Adding an eCommerce website to a successful retail business may seem like a good idea. It is equally important to examine the advantages and disadvantages of eCommerce:
Customers are Concerned about Their Privacy and Security
Consumers are still hesitant to give out their personal information online, particularly credit or debit card numbers. Online stores must have security systems and other safeguards to prevent online fraud. It's not that we're saying you won't receive orders because of security concerns. It's important to remember.
Customers are Not Engaged in the Store
Many businesses try to maintain in-store interaction with their customers, despite technology's constant changes. It is much more convenient to talk to a sales assistant to discuss your issues and needs than to try to compare or find products yourself. The biggest disadvantage of eCommerce is that you can't look at your customer and tell them what your products are worth.
Online shopping provides only a few pictures and information about size, fit, and fabric. You might be lucky and see a video. To make the right choice, many shoppers need more information. Consumers make important decisions based on tactile considerations such as the texture or feel of an item.
Operating an Online Store can be Expensive
The cost of web hosting for online shops isn't as high as the cost of keeping a store open 24/7, but it adds up. You, as a small business owner, will also have to either add more work to your plate or hire someone else to set up, operate, and manage your store. To get the best return on your eCommerce investment, you'll need to hire more people with skills in digital marketing and tech. This may be too much for some small businesses that already have a full plate.
Alternatives include a POS that has an integrated online shop. This is a much more cost-effective and easier way to build an online store than using any of the many eCommerce platforms available. The store and POS systems can be linked, which simplifies inventory management and enhances business reporting.
Want More Information About Our Services? Talk to Our Consultants!
Wrapping Up
There is no magic solution that fits all. The list above features some of the best ecommerce platforms. It is important to think about how your Platform will work with the image of your brand, the products that you are selling, and even the budget.
As you look for an ecommerce solution, you should also check if the Platform allows you to take advantage of modern commerce trends. In our digital age, technology will continue to evolve and change. Your e-commerce platform must align with your business expectations, as well as foreseeable goals and needs.
