How to Choose the Right Ecommerce Platform for Your Website Development Project

• By Michelle Bilan
• 29-09-2023
• E-commerce

As technology redefines consumer behaviors, having a solid online presence is no longer an option but a necessity. The world of eCommerce offers unprecedented opportunities to reach global audiences, streamline operations, and enhance customer experiences.

However, making this transition requires careful planning and a solid foundation. Your eCommerce platform becomes central to this foundation as it can profoundly impact your website development project's success.

Selecting the best e-commerce platforms is like selecting your virtual storefront. Your chosen platform will shape the visual and functional aspects of your store. With various options available, ranging from well-established giants to niche-specific solutions, this decision demands a deep understanding of your business's unique requirements and long-term goals.

Today's business websites are dynamic interfaces where potential customers evaluate your brand's credibility and offerings. This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the complex terrain of ecommerce platform selection and website development every step of the way!

Exploring the Titans: A Look at Leading E-commerce Platforms

Several dominant platforms rose to prominence, catering to various businesses. These platforms offer diverse features and functionalities, making them essential contenders for your website development project.

There are two types of e-commerce platforms: those that let you sell on their websites and those that allow you to build your own. Here's a curated list of eight of the most popular e-commerce platforms, four of each type, that will explain what you can expect from them.

Website builders

Website builders and eCommerce support platforms help you create a new online store where you control everything from the prices to order fulfillment. However, you also lose out on some of the inherent marketing of joining an established online marketplace. Think of it as building a detached store instead of establishing a spot in a mall.

1. Wix

Wix provides an integrated website and online store builder. You gain access to various customizable templates to make visually distinct storefronts that better reflect brand identity.

Moreover, you get inventory tracking, marketing, and SEO services. It also partners with many global and local payment processors to make it more accessible to customers worldwide. Wix can be an excellent choice for business owners looking to create their websites. However, it does not provide fulfillment services, so you must rely on their recommended partners.

2. Shopify

Renowned for its scalability and extensive app ecosystem, Shopify established itself as a global ecommerce giant. This platform enables businesses to create and manage their online stores with ease. It also has a renowned user-friendly interface that converts site visitors to loyal customers.

Its vast array of third-party applications, tools, and extensions enhance the functionality and capabilities of Shopify brands. That means they give you access to capabilities to specialize your experience further.

3. Squarespace

Squarespace is one of the most accessible tools online. With its design templates, you can easily craft visually appealing websites. Users with little design and programming experience can create professional-looking websites, blogs, and online stores.

Beyond aesthetics, Squarespace offers payment processing and analytics to help your store perform better. It also lets you link your preferred order fulfillment service, though it does not have its own.

Existing marketplaces

Existing marketplaces help you tap into an already-engaged audience. They have built-in tools to help you succeed on their platforms. However, you're not alone. These platforms are often highly competitive. They can also take a significant percentage of your profits through various fees and commissions.

1. eBay

eBay is a prominent online marketplace connecting a vast network of buyers and sellers. As one of the earliest online stores, it's a testament that it could continue to grow today. It functions slightly differently from the other options on this list – it connects you and your customers directly.

Furthermore, you can opt for auction or fixed-price listings, catering to different strategies. eBay emphasizes buyer protection with a comprehensive feedback system and buyer safeguards. Its international reach, diverse product offerings, and low barrier to entry make it a go-to platform for individuals and businesses.

2. Walmart Marketplace

This brick-and-mortar retail giant has an online store that offers the same comprehensive range of products at competitive prices. Walmart Marketplace prioritizes user convenience with features like personalized recommendations, easy navigation, and multiple delivery and payment options. However, its primary space is in the United States, making it challenging for Filipino businesses to tap into.

You can leverage Walmart's brand recognition and extensive reach to connect with its broad audience. The platform's built-in inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer communication tools exist to assist sellers. However, it's important to note that Walmart has strict price requirements that keep competitor prices similar.

3. Amazon

No list like this fails to mention this ecommerce supergiant. As the world's largest online marketplace, Amazon offers sellers an unparalleled reach to millions of potential customers. Its Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service streamlines inventory storage, packing, and shipping, allowing sellers to focus on business growth.

Its product optimization, advertising, and customer engagement tools empower sellers to take full advantage of its massive reach, enhance visibility, and succeed in a highly competitive marketplace.

4. Shopee

With its rapid growth in recent years, Shopee has become the industry leader in the Southeast Asian space but it also has markets in Taiwan, Brazil, and Mexico. Shopee offers a user-friendly interface, a robust mobile app, and a variety of products, attracting millions of monthly visitors across various countries.

Sellers on the platform can expect integrated marketing and analytics features to boost product visibility. Additionally, it boasts a substantial payment and logistical support system for nearly every product type catalog.

5. Lazada

Counterpart to the previous item, Lazada is another growing ecommerce industry leader, especially within Southeast Asia.

With its “Add to Cart, Add to Life” philosophy, they are committed to providing a wide selection of trustworthy products. This makes for stricter seller application policies to provide legitimate product lines. Trust in the brand is further supported through their swift and highly responsive logistics and customer service operations. A significant feature of the platform is its stackable sales promotions that range from no delivery charges to flash deals to vouchers and cashbacks for its customers.

Key Development Factors for Ecommerce Platform Selection

Your selection of the perfect ecommerce platforms demands a careful assessment of web development fundamentals. You must consider everything from user experience to security. A holistic evaluation is pivotal for the success of your online venture.

Crucial features for a robust ecommerce platform

Here are some features to seek that should align with your website needs:

1. User-friendly UI

Convenience is king in the digital era, and A well-designed user interface (UI) enhances customer engagement. As such, you must look for platforms that offer intuitive navigation for customer-facing systems. Precise product categorization and appealing visuals also assist in creating a positive shopping experience.

2. Functionality and ease of use

Since you'll be doing most of your interactions, such as managing products, orders, and inventory, through the system, ensure that your chosen platform's backend is navigable and usable as the front end.

A clunky or unresponsive design can cause delays that build up over time. For operational efficiency, look for features like bulk product uploads, automated order processing, real-time inventory updates, and delivery tracking.

3. Mobile responsiveness

Shoppers have become mobile-centric, with 45% of global consumers using their phones for online purchases at least once daily. It would be sinful to ignore such a large chunk of potential customers. Your online store should let you adapt seamlessly to any screen size and device.

4. Security measures

Data security is of utmost importance today. Look for platforms that offer SSL certificates, secure payment gateways, and data encryption to protect sensitive customer information and facilitate safe transactions. Customers trust your brand to protect their data when they make a transaction.

5. Payment option diversity

Not everyone is keen on providing their account details online, so choosing a platform with multiple payment options would be best. Accommodating a wider range of customers lets you minimize abandoned carts. A versatile platform should integrate various payment gateways, including credit cards, digital wallets, online banking, and even cash-on-delivery.

6. Flexibility through APIs

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) facilitate integration with third-party tools and services. They're like extra tools made by other developers to improve a platform. A platform that allows for APIs enables specialization, scalability, and increased functionality.

7. Scalability

As your business grows, your platform should evolve with it. Besides APIs, opt for a scalable solution that can handle increased traffic, expanded product offerings, and additional features without compromising performance.

8. Budget-friendly

A balance between cost and utility is essential. Your ecommerce platform will come with costs that can quickly cut into profits. Consider upfront expenses, transaction fees, monthly subscriptions, and potential customization prices.

9. SEO and marketing tools

Visibility is vital. Even the perfect product needs to reach the right audience to make a sale. Look for platforms with built-in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tools and marketing analytics processors that can help with email campaigns and social media integration. Digital marketing is crucial for standing out in the cluttered digital channels and online landscape.

10. Support and resources

Your chosen platform should be a partner for both you and your customers. A supportive community and reliable customer support can be invaluable. Ensure the platform offers accessible customer assistance, user guides, tutorials, and forums for troubleshooting.

Top 3 Best Practices for Choosing Your Ecommerce Platform

To guide you through the critical process of choosing your platform, here are essential best practices you should adhere to.

1. Define your business needs

Delve deeply into your business's intricacies to inform your platform decision. Identify your niche to dictate what you require from a platform. Understand your target audience: are they tech-savvy millennials or a mature demographic seeking simplicity?

Scale readiness is also paramount, particularly for seasonal companies. Can the platform support sudden surges in traffic during sales or busy periods? Furthermore, envision your long-term growth and international expansion – opt for platforms that flexibly accommodate increasing product offerings and potential multilingual capabilities.

If you're entering a niche market, consider specialized platforms that cater to specific industries. They may have smaller audiences, but the buyers are more likely to be engaged and active.

2. Conduct in-depth research

The research will be your best friend when it comes to getting the most accurate ecommerce platform for your business. Scrutinize platform features meticulously – does it offer a comprehensive dashboard for inventory management? Analyze customer reviews to glean insights into user experiences, customer service quality, and any recurrent issues.

Delve into case studies of businesses like yours. Gauge their success with the platform. Compatibility with your business model is critical – will it support subscription-based services or digital downloads?

Another essential parameter is industry success. Select platforms that have proven their mettle in your field, as they're more likely to offer specialized tools and integrations tailored to your industry's nuances.

You can take advantage of platforms that offer trial periods. Seize this opportunity to explore platform functionality and assess how well the platform integrates with your existing business operations.

3. Prioritize user experience

Exceptional user experience (UX) is the cornerstone of online success. Navigate through the platform as a potential customer would. Assess UI elements such as ease of product discovery, intuitive checkout processes, and responsive design across devices.

Why is this step paramount? A seamless UX fosters customer loyalty, reduces bounce rates, and amplifies conversions. After all, a single frustrating experience can result in abandoned carts and diminished trust.

An intuitive interface ensures customers effortlessly find what they need, transforming casual visitors into loyal patrons. In ecommerce, prioritizing user experience is a fundamental strategy for differentiating yourself from competitors.

Charting Your Ecommerce Course

The path to a thriving online business intertwines intricately with your choice of ecommerce platform. Your chosen platform is the foundation of your digital presence, shaping every interaction, transaction, and customer experience.

Its features, user-friendliness, and scalability also dictate the tone and efficiency of your operations. The platform should guide customers through this process, from the first click to the final checkout. When done well, the platform should direct your customers seamlessly, enhancing their satisfaction and loyalty.

Choose wisely, for this decision can chart your course and scale your e-commerce business for years to come.