What is an Ecommerce Platform? Definitions and Types

If you're planning to launch an online store from scratch, an eCommerce platform can be a complete lifesaver.

Whether your business targets other businesses (B2B) or individual consumers (B2C), these platforms are essential for any online venture.

They provide a way to display and sell products online, helping you reach a wide audience of potential customers.

In this article, we'll explore what an eCommerce platform is, the different types available, and how to choose the right one for your business.

An eCommerce platform, such as WooCommerce, Shopify and Magento, is a software solution that allows businesses to sell and deliver digital products or services online.

By using e-commerce platforms, businesses are able to manage the complex processes of their business more efficiently.

Small and medium-sized businesses can benefit from e-commerce platforms, which allow them to better gauge their sales and marketing strategies as well as sell more effectively.

1. SaaS (software-as-a-service) platforms

SaaS eCommerce platforms simplify running an online business by letting you rent the platform instead of building your own.

They are cheaper than other options and handle PCI compliance, hosting, security, updates, and other management tasks.

Examples of SaaS eCommerce platforms include Magento, Shopify, and BigCommerce.

PaaS (platform-as-a-service) platforms

PaaS providers host both the software and hardware, managing the hosting infrastructure.

PaaS and SaaS options are ideal for smaller companies or new businesses entering the eCommerce market.

They provide professional support and setup, usually charging a monthly fee for site usage.

CaaS (commerce-as-a-service) platforms

CaaS platforms, like ReactJS and Headless Commerce, use AI to automatically create and deliver content to consumers.

It eliminates the need for human intervention and can be used to automate marketing, customer service, product development, and more.

On-premises platforms

On-premises platforms are exceptionally efficient and scalable compared to their alternatives.

They provide full control over software components, enabling you to optimize your IT budget.

Additionally, you have complete authority over the security of your data and systems.

Among the many on-premise platforms available, Magento Open Source and WooCommerce stand out.

Choosing the right eCommerce platform is vital for your online business's success.

The platform will impact your website's functionality, user experience, and overall growth.

Follow these key steps to make an informed decision.

Step#1: Determine your eCommerce needs

The first step in choosing an eCommerce platform is to identify your needs.

Knowing your requirements simplifies the selection process.

Consider if you plan to expand, the features you want, and how customer orders will be fulfilled.

Step#2: Budgeting

Next, determine your budget for the eCommerce platform.

Look beyond development and licensing costs to include consultation, setup, and maintenance expenses.

Ecommerce platform costs will vary depending on the solution, the sales volume, and the size of your business.

Step#3: Research eCommerce solutions

After you’ve got an idea about how much you’re willing to spend, you should research eCommerce solutions available on the market. Choose the one that best suits your needs.

Choosing the right eCommerce platform involves understanding the essential features that will support your business operations and growth.

Lets quickly review some key features to consider when evaluating eCommerce platforms:

Promotion opportunities

There are many ways you can promote your online stores with most eCommerce platforms.

The key factor to consider is SEO, so make sure you remember to look for SEO-friendly eCommerce platforms.

Support

Technical issues are inevitable when running an online store.

To minimize downtime and quickly resolve problems, ensure your eCommerce platform offers robust support.

Check their website for guides, how-to articles, and FAQs. Also, verify the available customer support channels and their response times.

Security

Customer data protection is crucial. To avoid data breaches, choose an eCommerce platform with strong security options

The eCommerce platform should offer an SSL certificate and meet the PCI security standards.

However, besides these standard security practices, a lot of eCommerce platforms offer extra options, such as protection from DDoS attacks and fraud.

Payment processing

Payment processing is a complex process that is essential to an online store.

Consider your customers' preferred payment methods, currencies, and tax systems.

If you need to expand the opportunities of your eCommerce platform, you can integrate 3rd party services with your platform.

Store management system

To run a store, you need systems for order, product, and return management.

The eCommerce platform you select should either integrate with services that offer these systems or include them in its standard package.

Design options

Most eCommerce platforms offer many ready-to-use templates and themes for easy website customization.

When choosing an eCommerce platform, pay attention to how many paid and free templates it offers.

Interface

Choose an eCommerce platform with an intuitive, user-friendly interface for building your website.

Some platforms may require technical skills like WordPress or HTML knowledge.

Look for a platform that lets you create both product pages and blog posts, a feature essential for SEO and content marketing to attract new customers.

WooCommerce vs. Shopify

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of WooCommerce vs. Shopify at a glance.

WooCommerce vs. Magento

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of WooCommerce vs. Magento at a glance.

Creating an eCommerce store requires selecting the right eCommerce website hosting.

Hosting your own store ensures your business is accessible, trustworthy, and professional.

It's crucial to choose a reliable and fast hosting provider that offers competitive features such as enhanced speed, encryption, and backups.

Additionally, ensure the provider offers ample bandwidth, file storage, and support to help your online store thrive.

In the competitive world of eCommerce, social proof and trust signals are critical for boosting client confidence and increasing sales.

Here are key elements to consider:

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Displaying genuine reviews and ratings from previous buyers can significantly influence potential customers' purchase decisions.

Highlighting positive feedback and addressing negative comments transparently builds trust.

User-Generated Content (UGC)

Encourage customers to share their experiences with your products through photos, videos, and testimonials.

Featuring UGC on your site and social media adds authenticity and relatability to your brand.

Trust Badges and Certifications

Showcasing trust badges such as SSL certificates, payment security logos, and industry certifications reassures customers about the safety and legitimacy of your site.

Influencer Endorsements

Collaborating with influencers who align with your brand can enhance credibility and expand your audience.

Showcase endorsements and partnerships on your website to capitalize on their trustworthiness.

Social Media Mentions

Showing real-time social media mentions and interactions highlights your brand's activity and engagement with its community.

This visibility can boost trust and encourage further interaction.

Visible Contact Information

Clearly displaying your contact information, including a phone number, email address, and physical address, helps reassure customers that your business is legitimate and easily reachable.

Money-Back Guarantees and Return Policies

Offering clear, customer-friendly return policies and money-back guarantees reduces the perceived risk of purchase and enhances trust.

Marketplace and eCommerce are two different types of platforms.

Let’s take a closer look at Ecommerce Platform Vs. Marketplace.

When choosing an e-commerce platform, ensure it includes the necessary features, functions, and standard tools for your store.

Consider the broader uses of your e-commerce store beyond just selling products.

Remember, planning a store involves more than just product categories and daily specials.

Opt for a system that delivers value to customers while staying adaptable to changes in the eCommerce landscape.