The significance of eCommerce platforms to any business can never be overemphasized. Firstly, it is cheaper than the cost of setting up the traditional store.
Second, it allows for a wider and global customer reach. In this article, we will focus on how to choose the right platform for an enhanced eCommerce business. But first, let’s discuss, “what is eCommerce?”
What is eCommerce?
Simply put, eCommerce is a business model that allows individuals and companies to buy, and sell products over the internet. Nearly all products and services can be sold or purchase through eCommerce transactions.
Advantages of eCommerce Platforms
- It is very convenient
- It is ever available, 24/7
- It allows both big and start-up shop owners the opportunity to thrive in their businesses.
- It helps businesses gain access to a wider market reach
Factors to Consider when choosing the right Platform for an Enhance eCommerce Business
- Costs
Enhanced eCommerce websites are not free, and the price of each platform varies. You have to research your options and pick the one that will serve your purpose and fit your budget. Cost of maintenance, domain renewal, etc. should be known before set up.
- Design
The design on the platform must be enticing such that potential customers can be drawn to the store. Once captivated by your store, they will be inspired to buy your products. Also, most buyers shop on smartphones, therefore, in considering your platform design, ensure it can be easily surfed by smartphones.
- Security
In choosing a platform, ensure the method of payments on the platform is safe. Customers may think twice before purchasing if the info related to payments is not secure.
Also, payments should be made with ease. You need to find an eCommerce platform that will support the various payment methods.
However, eCommerce platforms are not fully secured, so it is important to implement a fraud management tool like Parselytics.
- Availability of Support
Sometimes, there may be technical issues that you cannot resolve on your own. Therefore in choosing a platform for your enhanced eCommerce business, ensure there is a strong support system. This will allow you to lodge complaints anytime, and find help.
Then again, as you know, different parts of the world operate in different time zones, so you can’t always be available to attend to inquiring customers. So how do you go about it? Get an enhanced eCommerce platform that will allow you to create a competent user support system.
- Arrangements of products
Choose a platform that adopts the arrangements of goods in their systematic ways/categories. Scattering numbers and letters can stress up a new client as a result of endless searching. When your Goods are well arranged, it entices the users as they get to locate their desired item on time.
- Proper documentation
You have to ensure the platform keeps a record of every product and transaction. This will help you know the products that are running low and needs to be restocked.
You can use the Parselytics Data Reporting and Analytics tool to help you store and keep track of your product’s availability.
- SEO Ability
This helps in promoting your business and increases its rank among other products. An eCommerce platform with this feature will draw traffic to your store and make it easier for customers to locate you.
Best eCommerce platforms
- Wix
It is pocket-friendly and easy to use.
- Shopify
Shopify contains a wide range of templates in which users can use to create the desired store. It is also user-friendly.
- Big-commerce
It has articles and videos which grant access to eCommerce experts. The experts give proper information about selling online.
- Blue host + WooCommerce
Installation is very easy and consists of beautiful features such as blog, email marketing, payment processing, etc.
- Core commerce
Most of the platform’s feature is accessible to the customer regardless of their subscription plan.
- Shift4Shop (formerly 3DCart)
This platform allows for the negotiation of products between buyers and sellers.
Using Reporting and Analytics Tools to enhance your eCommerce Business
All of the platforms above are useless without being integrated into your business model. Parselytics not only offer integration services, but it also utilizes state-of-the-art artificial intelligence to create predictive models for your business’s success. Their customized API integration is an integral part of an enhanced eCommerce experience for your customers.
In other words, these sophisticated BI Technologies will aid business executives to draw tactical and strategic business decisions from raw and processed data.
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