How to choose an ecommerce Platform
No matter how unique your niche is or how well-planned your operations are, without a suitable
e commerce platform to host your new online business, you may not achieve the success you’re aiming for. Your e-commerce store can help build consumer trust by conveying that you are a reliable and authentic seller. An intelligently designed store can have a significant impact on consumers’ impression of your business.
When we refer to an “ecommerce platform,” we are referring to a software application that allows businesses to sell their products online. This software provides easy management of billing, payments, websites, and other related tasks. While some businesses prefer to create their ecommerce website from scratch, it is a time-consuming and high-maintenance endeavor. Most businesses choose to use services such as Shopify, Bigcommerce, or Magneto, which provide e-commerce software for you. Before selecting the right e-commerce platform for your business, there are several factors to consider:
Security Features
Undoubtedly the most crucial aspect of an e-commerce platform, customers will not purchase from your store if they do not believe that their transactions will be secure. The platform you choose must have secure payment processing, and you can verify its security by verifying whether it complies with HTTP or SSL support.
SEO Support
Your e-commerce platform should be as appealing as possible to attract customers, and therefore, it must be search-engine friendly. You should be able to add your domain name so that customers can locate your store quickly. Platforms also offer features such as tagging your webpage with keywords to make it easily discoverable. This will assist you in digital marketing and expand your online store.
Easy to Set-Up and Navigate
You may not be a tech expert, and you may not have one on your team. However, most e-commerce platforms include customizable and easy-to-use templates. Look for captivating designs that can be easily set up without the need for a designer’s assistance.
User-Friendly
Your customers deserve a comfortable, seamless, and easy shopping experience. Platforms that integrate user-friendly features are recommended. Overcrowded websites are not ideal, where shoppers have trouble locating the checkout option. Modern design highlights specific areas of a webpage that you want to emphasize, and you can use this to create a website where users can quickly find what they want and navigate without discomfort.
Tech Support Look for platforms that provide excellent tech support, particularly as these software platforms can become complicated, and you do not want to spend extra money hiring a software consultant.
Ease of USE
Another essential feature to consider is ease of use. Look for platforms that provide customizable templates, drag-and-drop design tools, and a user-friendly interface. These features will enable you to set up your online store quickly and efficiently, without the need for extensive technical knowledge.
10 Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups
here are the top 10 ecommerce platforms for small businesses, taking into consideration factors such as security, SEO support, ease of use, user-friendliness, and affordability:
Shopify
Shopify is a popular choice for small businesses as it is user-friendly and easy to set up. It offers a variety of customizable templates and built-in SEO features, making it an SEO-friendly option. Additionally, Shopify provides secure payment processing and excellent customer support.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin that allows businesses to easily create an online store. It is highly customizable and integrates well with WordPress, making it a great option for businesses already using WordPress. WooCommerce also offers a range of SEO features and secure payment processing.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a comprehensive ecommerce platform that offers a range of features, including built-in SEO tools, secure payment processing, and customizable templates. It also provides excellent customer support and is known for its scalability, making it a great option for businesses looking to grow.
Magento
Magento is an open-source ecommerce platform that provides a high level of customization and control. It offers advanced SEO capabilities, secure payment processing, and a range of customization options. However, it is a bit more complex than some other platforms and may require some technical expertise.
Wix
Wix is a website builder that also offers ecommerce capabilities. It provides a range of customizable templates and built-in SEO features, as well as secure payment processing. Wix is known for its user-friendliness and is a great option for small businesses looking to create a professional-looking online store quickly.
Squarespace
Squarespace is a website builder that also offers ecommerce capabilities. It provides a range of customizable templates, built-in SEO features, and secure payment processing. Squarespace is known for its clean and modern design and is a great option for businesses looking to create a visually appealing online store.
Volusion
Volusion is an all-in-one ecommerce platform that offers a range of features, including built-in SEO tools, secure payment processing, and customizable templates. It is user-friendly and easy to set up, making it a great option for small businesses.
3dcart
3dcart is a comprehensive ecommerce platform that offers a range of features, including built-in SEO tools, secure payment processing, and customizable templates. It is known for its ease of use and provides excellent customer support.
PrestaShop
PrestaShop is an open-source ecommerce platform that provides a high level of customization and control. It offers advanced SEO capabilities, secure payment processing, and a range of customization options. However, it may require some technical expertise to set up and manage.
Ecwid
Ecwid is a popular ecommerce platform that integrates seamlessly with existing websites and social media pages. It offers a range of customizable templates, built-in SEO features, and secure payment processing. Ecwid is known for its user-friendliness and is a great option for businesses looking to add ecommerce capabilities to an existing website.
Ultimately, the choice of e-commerce platform will depend on your unique business needs, preferences, and budget. Be sure to carefully evaluate each platform and its features before making a decision.