13 Best eCommerce Platforms for Retailers
If you have a team of people that can support eCommerce, finding the right platforms and knowing how to use these best to meet your goals should be pretty straightforward.
For many eCommerce businesses knowing the most suitable eCommerce platforms to use that align and help meet your business objectives can be confusing, especially when you search for one in particular and five ads for other platforms that look like they do the exact same thing come up on your search results first.
What is an eCommerce platform?
Let's go back to the basics and look at an eCommerce platform and how they work in business. An eCommerce platform is a content management software that enables businesses to create, build and run an online store. This eCommerce platform can help small and large companies with web design, inventory, digital marketing and payment processes all on one platform.
There are two types of eCommerce platforms, cloud-based and self-hosting. Self-hosting platforms require you to be in control of your server, which can be stressful; however, it can give you more control over certain aspects.
What to Look For in an eCommerce Platform
The highest-rated eCommerce platforms on the market will offer many possibilities and features. Hence, you have a straightforward process and efficiently create the online presence of your dreams. As we mentioned previously, with the vast number of options available, selecting one that suits your business objectives and goals is critical. For example, if you are a small start-up with an inventory of 5 products, you won't need to use a platform that supports large inventory. Considering these factors and determining the essential features you require will enable you to select a platform that is easy to use and within your budget.
Security
This is one of the essential things you need to look for in any platform you plan to use for your business. For eCommerce platforms, security will ensure your customer's data is stored safely to protect your site from fraudulent activity. One way you can check if your eCommerce platform is secure is if they offer password protection, SSL certificates and PCI compliance.
Customer Management
Any well-established eCommerce platform will include customer management within its features. Customer management includes things such as order history, loyalty, accounts and wishlists. Using these features will allow you to track customer behaviour and adapt your site and products to what your customers are looking for.
Product & Inventory Management
Ensuring you stay on top of your inventory is essential so you don't run out of stock or oversell products to clients and have to refund them, which can be incredibly awkward! Most platforms will come with inventory management of some form; however, the in-depth features will depend on the capabilities of each platform. Product management is essential, so choose a platform offering multiple product variants, product reviews, inventory, etc.
Payment Processing
Accepting payments online is one of the essential factors for any eCommerce business. Every platform should offer payment processing; however, you must check what payment types they accept. If they are limited in options, you could opt for your own merchant account or payment process.
Shipping
Another essential part of your eCommerce business will be shipping. You will need to select a platform that offers multiple shipping integrations that align with the shipping you will offer customers.
Marketing
Selecting a platform that offers marketing, such as abandoned cart emails and social media integrations, will benefit you as driving traffic to your site will be one of your main goals to increase conversion.