What is the best eCommerce Platform? Determining the best e-commerce system for you involves asking questions, doing research, and planning. Here are some things to consider.
THE FOUR MAIN TYPES OF WEBSITE E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS
1) Custom-designed e-commerce Shopping Carts
2) Prepackaged Shopping Carts
3) Off-the-shelf E-commerce Systems
4) Third-party e-commerce hosting services.
CUSTOM DESIGNED ONLINE SHOPPING CARTS
THE PROS
The advantages of having an open-source eCommerce shopping cart include the following.
Open-source eCommerce software is easily customized to meet any custom functionality you require. Moreover, you own the cart!
You can quickly move to another web hosting company. Most importantly, it can be highly optimized for search engines. (SEO – Search engine optimization)
It’s easy to integrate custom tools and 3rd-party software applications. In other words, your online store has a better chance of success.
It also allows you to integrate interactive customer tools to help ensure online success. For example, you can incorporate Newsletters, Coupons, Product Reviews, and more.
THE CONS
Disadvantages of having an open-source e-commerce shopping cart
The cost is higher
Popular custom shopping cart software or systems include WooCommerce, OpenCart, and VirtueMart.
PREPACKAGED SHOPPING CARTS
When a web designer or design company quotes you a cost for a custom cart, ask if they are using an off-the-shelf template or a custom-built one. These are template cart applications from 3rd party developer websites. ‘Off-the-shelf’ means that the ‘source code’ or ‘under-the-hood programming components’ may not be easily customized for your purposes.
THE PROS
Advantages of having a prepackaged shopping cart
You own the cart, which is cost-effective for e-commerce start-ups with little financial resources.
THE CONS
Disadvantages of having a prepackaged shopping cart
It is a third-party application, and phone support is often poor or non-existent. Moreover, they are difficult to expand, scale, or customize.
Popular prepackaged shopping cart software includes Snip Cart
OFF-THE-SHELF SHOPPING CARTS
Many web hosting companies offer integrated e-commerce shopping solutions, also known as one-size-fits-all. However, these are proprietary web systems. Furthermore, they only allow limited modifications, such as adding your logo and choosing an overall color.
These shopping cart system templates are fine for starting on a tight budget.
THE PROS
Advantages of having a template shopping cart system
Inexpensive: Costs range from $15.00 to $40.00 per month, as an additional cost to your hosting package. Easy to use, depending on your computer skill level.
These systems also provide a “testing ground” for your online sales skills. Online and live support are usually pretty good for third-party carts. Moreover, they are an excellent place for e-commerce beginners with a limited budget.
THE CONS
Disadvantages of having an open-source shopping cart
You can’t add custom code or custom functionality in most cases. Most importantly, you do not own the cart. Finally, you cannot move to another web hosting company.
Popular off-the-shelf shopping cart software includes Squarespace, Wix, and GoDaddy website builder.
3RD PARTY eCOMMERCE HOSTING SERVICES
THE CONS
Disadvantages of third-party services
You cannot customize any custom functionality, and you do not own the cart. Furthermore, you cannot move to another web hosting company. In the same way, there are many more restrictions depending on the system you choose.
If you decide to test the online waters with an ‘e-commerce shopping cart solution,’ you will want to build a powerful supplemental website presence to help drive traffic to your online products or services.
Popular third-party shopping cart software or systems include Shopify, BigCommerce, and 3-D Cart.
CREATE AN E-COMMERCE WEBSITE PRIORITY LIST
COMMUNICATION
When someone hits your home page, your site must instantly communicate your message or brand. Your homepage must generate enough interest for visitors to dig deeper for more information.
USABILITY/ NAVIGATION
Your website MUST be easy to use and navigate. Display all the most important information above the fold. Most importantly, do not mix your product and administrative links. See the Evolution of Website Usability and the Evolution of Website Navigation.
For example, “Home,”” bout Us,” and “ur Mission are organizational links. The links for ‘Shop Online, ’ ’ View Products,’ and Shipping Information’ are your product links.
SEARCH ENGINE PRESENCE
Your website MUST be visible to search engines or “search engine friendly.” A custom e-commerce website optimized for search engines includes optimized product pages to increase your web presence in search results.
Other related articles include:
Planning a Successful E-commerce Website
Online Shopping Carts
Web Development E-commerce Websites
Advantages of Owning Your Software
ABOUT VISIONEFX
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Call us at (757) 619-6456 or email info@visionefx.net.
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