Crucial Considerations In Choosing The Right E-commerce Platform
If you’re starting a business, an e-commerce site is crucial to capitalize on sales growth. Choosing an e-commerce platform is not a walk in the park. It requires a lot of research and consideration. Online retailers need to have the right technology for their platforms. This way, consumers can access their platforms with much ease. You could either hire a web developer to create a platform for you that is easy to navigate. Remember that your site is the face of your brand hence ensure it is attractive and easy to use.
What should you consider when choosing an e-commerce platform?
1. User Experience
Your platform should be easy to use. Remember that the platform is meant for your customers. Therefore, consumers should be able to navigate it without experiencing technical problems. Your platform should also be mobile-friendly to make it easier and more convenient for the user. Nearly 60% of most searches make orders using their mobile phones.
2. Integration
Your e-commerce platform should allow direct integration with social network platforms and plugins. You need several tools to run your business. With social network platforms, you can publish important content. Also, plugins help to make your site more friendly and quick. In addition, ensure your site is compatible with plugins. You can also apply tools like;
- Applications to help with shipping your products
- Accounting plugins to help with sales
- Email marketing tools to help you stay in touch with your customers
These network platforms and tools will make your business more effective.
3. E-commerce Platform Pricing
This is the first thing that you should consider. You need to know the necessary fees that should be paid within the platform whether you are a self-host or you are being hosted. Do not substitute expensive for cheap. Always ensure that your host offers adequate space for all your products. The more the space, the better the speed. It is important to remember that the quality of what you are getting is important. Also, ensure to get an affordable developer to develop your e-commerce, while still maintaining quality.
4. Customer Support
The same amount of time a store is open is the same amount of time customer support should be available. For example, if a store is open 24hrs a day, customer support should be available for the same amount of time. Your platform should be able to handle all your customer support requests and needs, and they should handle data traffic issues. They should work under any circumstances.
5. SEO Friendliness
It is very beneficial for your company to rank high in organic search results. Your customers need to find you when they are searching for your products and services. SEO increases your brand awareness. Some of the factors to consider when choosing an SEO friendly e-commerce platform are;
- The ability for customers to reach out i.e., via comments/reviews
- The ability to add content to your website
6. Security
Your website should be fully secure. Always check to make sure your platform supports HTTPS/SSL for a secure checkout for your customers. Also, make sure that any platform you choose is PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliant.
There are so many e-commerce platforms in the market right now and you can create your own as well. There are an array of factors to consider but it all comes down to what works for you and your business. Having a platform like this has several advantages i.e;
- Increasing data traffic
- Increasing sales
- Increasing your brand’s reach
- Increasing your brand’s effectiveness
Need an e-commerce platform? Contact us today!
