The rise of ecommerce has been nothing short of remarkable in recent years, and with the global pandemic driving even more consumers to shop online, it’s no surprise that many entrepreneurs are looking to capitalize on this trend. But with so many different ecommerce platforms available, it can be tough to know which one to choose. In this blog post, we’ll break down the five key steps you should take when selecting an ecommerce platform.
Step 1: Determine Your Needs
First things first, figure out what you want to sell. Are you the proud owner of a cat sweater business? Do you specialize in artisanal soap shaped like vegetables? Whatever your niche, make sure your ecommerce platform can handle it.
Step 2: Consider Your Budget
As much as we’d all love to be rolling in dough like Scrooge McDuck, most of us have to keep a budget in mind. Just remember, while it may be tempting to choose a free platform, sometimes you really do get what you pay for. And let’s face it, you don’t want your customers getting frustrated with a site that looks like it was designed in 1999 by your cousin’s roommate’s dog.
Step 3: Evaluate the Platform’s Features
Ah, features. Like toppings on a pizza, they can make or break your ecommerce experience. Do you want a platform with advanced analytics? Customized product pages? Integration with your favorite marketing tools — or your favorite ERP? It’s all about finding the right balance of features for your business. When you’re putting together your plan, make sure you capture all the features you need — and be sure to verify that your platform of choice has them, or
Step 4: Seek Out the Path of Least Resistance
As a business owner, you’ve got enough on your plate without having to deal with a clunky, hard-to-use ecommerce platform. That’s why it’s important to choose a platform that’s easy to navigate and won’t have you tearing your hair out in frustration. Think of it like a smooth, flowing river – you want to go with the current, not against it.
Step 5: Get Backup (Just in Case)
Even with the best platform in the world, sometimes things can go wrong. That’s why it’s important to have a safety net in place. Like us. Find a team that can support you on your platform (and maybe talk through everything you’re planning firsst), because native platform support is notoriously difficult to access.
Finding the perfect ecommerce platform can be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. But fear not, intrepid entrepreneur! By following these five steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding the holy grail of ecommerce platforms.
