Choosing the right kind of ecommerce solution is important when you want to go online. When it comes to deciding the right online store builder, it must go beyond the sale. Just like how buyers make a shopping list, choosing an ecommerce platform the same way is a smart approach to finding the ideal ecommerce based web solution.
Ready to go – This term is for all the software as service available in the market. As the name suggests, these solutions help you set up an ecommerce site on the go. You will have a few restrictions and have to pay a monthly and transaction fee.
Open source platforms – These are the solutions with the shopping cart as core functionality. Some other functions include static content page management, reports and so on. These don’t charge anything to own the code but technical assistant is needed to set up the platform and to manage as well. Some examples of open source are Magento, Opencart etc.
Customized Solutions – This is, as the name suggests, fully customizable. You can define everything in this platform and build a store from a scratch.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing an Ecommerce-Based Web Solution
Pricing Options
One size doesn’t always fit all nor does the price. So, the first thing to keep in mind is the price of the ecommerce platform. Pricing is important whether you’re an established store or a startup.
Consider choosing an ecommerce platform that lets you add or remove according to your need. The pricing is normally based on :
- Plan, Hosting, and Tools
- Shopping features
- Security
- Help and Support
Most of the ecommerce platforms run on monthly billing cycles.
Features
Many ecommerce platforms offer numerous features but only some are crucial, like:
Shopping Cart Plugins and Add-ons: A shopping cart is as vital to an ecommerce site as cash registers in to a store.
Payment Options: How will the customers pay for the products or services? Can the customers pay the way they want or will there be a standard form of paying?
Templates and Themes: First impression is vital and a good ecommerce platform that meshes with the site’s design can really make a website unique.
Site Security: The platform should go beyond the basics and offer fraud protection and monitor against hackers.
Content Creation: Google only promotes store with helpful content. So it is necessary to choose a platform with a strong content management system (CMS).
SEO Friendly Ecommerce Website
The way customers find your products/services is by search engine queries. SEO can be highly beneficial to have your store rank high in search results. This feature varies with Ecommerce Platform solutions. The platform should be able to create and add content to page, so general SEO support isn’t enough. Look for these features:
- Independent Page URLs and Navigation Links.
- Independent Page Titles and Meta Descriptions.
- Independent Image ALT Tags and H1 Headings.
Mobile Friendly
A mobile-friendly website is one of the factors of ranking higher on Google. So an ecommerce platform that welcomes mobile and tablet users is necessary.The ecommerce sites are usually created for desktop users. The sites are too rich for mobile browsing so a responsive design is the answer. A mobile friendly template must include:
- Big Buttons
- Simple Navigation
- Streamlined Data entry
- Intuitive use of the Mobile Functionality
Security
Scalability
Support
The Takeaway
Moving away from the traditional brick & mortar store to an online version can be daunting. Figuring out the challenges and what your store will need to grow can be intimidating but it’ll be worth in the end when you create processes that work for your business. If you consider these 7 things, you’ll deliver satisfaction to your shoppers and generate sales.
