Digital has become one of the most prominent selling platforms in the shopping industry today. Choosing the right eCommerce platform is important as it will directly affect your customer satisfaction, sales, and ultimately, the overall success of your business. Consider the following characteristics when choosing the right eCommerce platform for your business.
Shutterstock Licensed Photo – By T VECTOR ICONS
Cost
Entrepreneurs will often factor cost into every aspect of their business and the eCommerce platform should not be anything different. Of course, in order to sell products online, there are going to be costs involved. Most eCommerce platforms charge a monthly hosting fee but there may be additional costs associated.
Instead of choosing the cheapest eCommerce platform, instead, consider the features that come with each price point. In addition to the cost of any monthly fees, you will also want to consider any processing fees that are taken from sales. Consider the costs of each potential eCommerce platform and then compare the included features to determine the best value.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Features
Millions of businesses have opened up shop in the digital world. In such a competitive market, having a great product does not necessarily guarantee you success. This is where search engine optimization (SEO) comes in. It is important to consider the specific SEO features that each eCommerce platform offers.
Look for full-service SEO features in a potential eCommerce site like the ability to add blogs, reviews, and product tags. Having the ability to add things like schemas and canonical tags to your platform can also be useful for increasing your ranking.
Available Payment Processes
Ultimately, your goal is to receive payment for the products you sell. In addition to the ability to set up a payment process that works for you, you also want something that is simple and secure for your customers to use. A poor checkout process can not only lead to an increase in customers abandoning their cart, but it can also lead to fewer shoppers returning to your site.
Also Read
Customers may abandon their cart for many reasons including high shipping rates, lack of payment options, and even the fear of an unsecured checkout process. Make sure your eCommerce platform covers all of the major payment processes including credit, debit card, e-checks, and PayPal. PCI compliance is also important for protecting both you and your customers during the checkout process.
Mobile-Friendly
In addition to an eCommerce platform that is user-friendly and secure, it should also be mobile-friendly. More and more customers today are using their smartphones and tablets as their primary internet source. Failing to accommodate these customers can be a big mistake. If mobile users find it difficult to navigate your site, add items to their cart, or make a payment, they are unlikely to purchase. Most will also not return to the site on a desktop computer.
Choosing the right eCommerce platform is one of the most important business decisions that you will make. Consider factors like cost, SEO capabilities, payment processes, and mobile-friendly features when choosing the right platform for your eCommerce business.
