How to Choose Best ECommerce Solution for your Business?

Introduction to eCommerce and the current scenario

Realization of having a successful ecommerce business and mining money while in sleep is merely a real-time dream for many. Who would not want a share or rather who would not wish to have their part in and from the $4 trillion pie of eCommerce sale in 2020-21?

With the ecommerce ecosystem growing rapidly year-on-year, it's very essential for online retailers to have the right technology at place to underpin their strategy. But with so many platforms and options available in the market, how can you tell which one is right for the smooth success of your business?

ECommerce platform integration projects can be a big undertaking for sure. Picking up the right integration approach and partner is crucial in the world of multiple options. Mismanaged projects can end up being way too complicated along-with being time consuming and wastage of monetary without experiencing a suitable solution that works smoothly. And while you’re trying to figure out, the customer experience continues to suffer resulting in poor satisfaction ratings, increase in customer service tickets, and most importantly lost of sales. Boom! Your reputation is on the stake!

5 major benefits of eCommerce Integration

The need for eCommerce integration has exponentially increased as more companies embrace online sales in comparison to brick and mortar stores as they have become less and at the same time less critical.

• Manual Order Entry is Eliminated
• High Accuracy Data & Inventory Level
• Auto Notifications to Customers
• Pricing Simplified
• Expanding Horizon Through New Market

What are the different types of eCommerce platforms?

• Traditional eCommerce platform
• Open-source platform
• Cloud eCommerce platform
• SaaS eCommerce platform
• Build your own eCommerce platform

What should be considered before choosing an ecommerce platform?

• Is my business looking to grow?
• How much am I willing to spend?

On getting answers to above mentioned questions, the approach to choose the best ecommerce platform becomes easy and specific.

7 parameters to consider when choosing an ecommerce platform

1. 1. Pricing and Payment
   The first and foremost thing to be considered when searching for an ecommerce platform is the pricing factor. Whether it’s a small business start-up or an already established business transiting online, one needs to know exactly what they would be paying.
   • A fix monthly fee (variable as per the type – hosted by third party or self-hosted).
   • A onetime processing fee associated to the platform.
   • Also to consider how customers would be paying (Direct or via a third party).
2. SEO Friendliness

   Ecommerce businesses are not an exemption from working on their SEO. In fact, it can definitely be highly beneficial to have your online presence in high ranks in the search results. One needs their customers to find them when they’re searching for products like yours.

   Below are the most important factors to be considered when looking for an SEO friendly platform. It should have the ability to:

   • Add a blog to your website
   • Use your own domain name
   • The ability for customers to leave reviews
3. Mobile Friendliness

   When it comes to the way customers are interacting with the ecommerce industry, Mobile shopping is the new and easy approach and has become the new normal. When searching for an ecommerce platform, be sure it allows customers/consumers/visitors an easy access to your website and that too in responsive manner. The easier a customer can interact with your brand - the easier it’ll be to make a successful and satisfactory sale.

4. Security gains

   No one would wish to enter their debit/credit card or any other information related to their bank account on a sketchy website, and due to this security is becoming one of the biggest concerns among consumers and one needs to take proper care of this feature while selecting ecommerce platform. While most software today will have robust security as standard approach, its good to always keep a check to make sure your platform supports HTTPS/SSL for an easy, safe and secure checkout for your customers.

5. Scalability constraint

   All business owners hope that their business grow well in the future, but no one knows up to what extent it can go! Nonetheless, it’s very important to look for a platform that will scale along with scaling of your business.

   You don’t have to pay for the features and storage space that you’re not using when you kick start with an ecommerce platform. So, choose a platform that can scale-up to your business size and the one that won’t charge you outrageous fees for doing so!

6. Focus on Customer Service

   A key aspect of any business is - Customer service.

   Ecommerce is a whole different ballgame in comparison to the traditonal game; wherein the software outrages and server downtimes can prevent any of the customers from accessing the business. This can affect both, your revenue as well as brand image.

   Having someone to call at any time to help you get things up and running is an important factor to be considered while looking at an ecommerce platforms. Think about below mentioned questions and make sure you ask them before deciding on an ecommerce platform:

   Is the customer service team available 24/7?

   How are you able to reach them?

   How many levels of support are offered?

   What does each cost?

7. Integrations

Sometimes having too many options can make you feel like an overwhelming burden but when it comes to integration for ecommerce platforms, having a plethora of options to choose from can be a happy perk in this ecosystem. Choose a platform that integrates with your other existing systems and marketing channels.

Are the plugins and extensions available? 

This all questions need to be answered while selecting the right ecommerce platform.

Conclusion