Are you looking for an ecommerce platform to sell your products and services online? You can hire a web developer to create your ecommerce store, or you can use a web builder to save time and money. Both options have their benefits, so you must consider what is best for your business and your budget.
To help you make the right choice, here are seven considerations to make when selecting an ecommerce platform.
1. Monthly Pricing
The first thing to consider is price, as this will determine what platforms you can use. Almost all platforms have a monthly fee and possibly processing fees. Don’t just look at the bottom line, though. Consider your needs and what will make your ecommerce business successful. Working with a developer may be more pricey initially, but your site will be scalable.
2. Customer Payment Options
Ideally, you’ll want to choose a platform that accepts multiple forms of payment from customers. Some platforms don’t accept pay through third-party vendors like PayPal and this could drive business away. Decide what forms of payment you’ll accept and make sure your platform accepts them.
3. Security
Security is one of the most important factors for consumers. No one wants to enter their credit card number or personal information on a shady website. Always check to make sure the platform supports HTTPS/SSL and is PCI compliant. Trustworthy sites also look professional and function smoothly.
4. SEO Friendliness
Ecommerce businesses need SEO, too. This will help your online business rank high in the search results for your products and services. Some features of an SEO-friendly ecommerce platform include the ability to choose your domain name, add a blog and have customers leave reviews. Typically, you have to pay for a premium membership if you want these upgrades.
5. Integrations and Plugins
Most ecommerce platforms have plenty of tools to help run your business. Determine the tools you must have and find a platform that meets your needs. Some of the most popular integrations include:
- Accounting plugins
- Email marketing tools
- Customer rewards
- Shipping apps
6. Mobile Friendliness
Because more than half of mobile searches are done from mobile devices, it’s crucial that your ecommerce store is mobile friendly. Look for platforms that easily let customers access your site and make a purchase. If you plan on building your site, your web developer will choose a responsive design.
7. Customer Service
Things like software outages and server downtimes can kill your business. With attentive customer service, you can get things up and running again. Evaluate each platform’s customer service. Are they available 24/7? How can you reach them? If your site is down, you can’t make money.
Get a Quote for an Ecommerce Site
If you’re looking for an ecommerce platform for your online business, contact Magna Technology. We have solutions for businesses of all sizes and budgets. With a professionally developed ecommerce site, you can feature your products and services, capture the right leads and increase sales. When combined with our hosting and consulting services, you can ensure flawless performance 24 hours a day.
