In the past, only large businesses had the resources to establish an online store. However, today, even the smallest companies can take advantage of the benefits of eCommerce. Regardless of whether you have a few items or a range of services to offer, you can benefit from online sales. Startups can also explore their options when it comes to setting up an online store.
Finding the right online storefront software for a new business can be a challenge, given the abundance of alternatives available. To make the right decision, it is important to evaluate each option carefully. By doing so, you will be able to select the best partner for your business.
But there’s a crucial issue that has to be answered first.
For what reasons do you need an online storefront?
Are you considering the possibility of entering the e-commerce market? If so, an online store may be the right solution for you. However, deciding whether to launch an internet business requires more than just answering this question.
Without an appropriate eCommerce platform, it is still possible to sell items online. Developing a platform from scratch is a manageable task (if you have the appropriate development resources). It is widely accepted that such an endeavor would require a significant amount of effort and time. Whilst a bespoke build would guarantee that you receive the exact functionality you desire and would integrate well with your existing website, it may not be the most cost-effective solution for a new business.
If time and budget are of the essence for your business, investing in an eCommerce solution can prove to be advantageous. The following benefits may be realized by doing so:
- You’re open all the time so that consumers may make purchases whenever they choose.
- The initial outlay won’t even come close to that of a ground-up construction.
- There has a global reach, and buyers may make purchases from any location.
- Credibility and familiarity with the brand have risen.
- Insights from customer data.
- Superior level of individualised service in retail establishments.
- Automatic assistance for customers.
- Scalability.
- More convenient for today’s needs.
- There is a focus on mobile accessibility from the start.
It is worth considering that ready-to-go, minimally tweaked solutions are available for all e-commerce needs of your startup. These turnkey solutions appear to be the most optimal choice.
Some things to think about before settling on an online store software.
Before selecting an online store platform for a new business, it is important to consider a few key factors. To aid in the search process, it is recommended to be prepared with the relevant information.
How much does it cost to own this?
It is not only a financial consideration, but also a matter of efficiency. To ensure a swift implementation, it is advisable to select a solution that can be integrated into your existing website without the need for programming.
How adaptable do you need things to be?
Do you require a solution that is strictly limited to the essential features, or is a highly customizable system preferable?
Do you need something that will last for years to come?
An eCommerce platform that has been established for a while can provide assurance that it will remain in operation over the long-term. Furthermore, regular updates with new features and improvements to performance are regularly released.
Are you looking for something that can be used with little effort?
It is accurate to say that the range of e-commerce platforms available vary in terms of their complexity and features. Some may have a steep learning curve, while others may provide limited capabilities with a simpler setup. In order to determine which platform best suits your current and future needs, it is important to consider your requirements carefully.
Is an omnichannel strategy necessary for you?
Nowadays, people have a plethora of options when it comes to selecting a starting point for their business. It is therefore essential to choose a service that is able to provide support across multiple channels, such as online, offline, mobile and more. When making your decision, it is important to consider your e-commerce platform in the context of the rest of your website.
Is open-source software something you require?
Choose an open-source solution if you want to include several channels, pipelines, and platforms into your online shop.
After you’ve answered all of those questions, you can move on to the most important one: what’s the greatest solution for your startup?
The best online storefront software
WooCommerce is an excellent choice for new businesses, even though there are other solutions with more features and broader availability. This free and open-source software integrates seamlessly with WordPress, a widely used content management system. WordPress is used to power approximately 43% of the world’s websites, and WooCommerce accounts for a 29% market share.
WooCommerce is the most efficient e-commerce integration plugin available, as it has been built exclusively for WordPress. This makes it quick and easy to get up and running. Furthermore, its core features can be extended with a variety of third-party plugins.
If you have an existing WordPress site, you can choose to self-install WooCommerce or opt for a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution. Self-installation is free of charge, whereas using a SaaS service will incur a fee. Nevertheless, for most new businesses, the straightforward set up of WooCommerce should make it an easy decision to use.
WooCommerce is equipped with options such as:
- Association of Helpers All Over the World
- Modular structure
- Web API
- Eight hundred and more approved delays
- One-of-a-kind AJAX callbacks and webhooks
- User-friendly design
- Different points of sale
- There’s no shortage of ideas.
- Embedding a Product
- Shopping cart that’s easy to use
- Archival information on previous users
- Instances of Classification, Labeling, and Attribution
Conclusion
WooCommerce is a highly recommended platform for those launching a new business which requires an eCommerce element. This powerful platform is presented as a WordPress plugin, making it relatively simple to install and begin trading online.
