Finding Your Perfect Match: Choosing an Ecommerce Platform
he first step to creating the e-commerce store of your dreams is choosing the platform. Choosing an e-commerce platform is similar to dating… let’s help you find your perfect match! Each biz has different needs so, consider your goals when researching your options. Let’s go over the most popular choices in NZ…
Shopify: Shopify is a cloud-based software used to create e-commerce websites. Shopify is an easy-to-use platform that takes care of the admin of running an e-commerce store. Shopify is also compatible with physical stores (how good!) through Shopify POS (point-of-sale), integrating in-store and online inventory. Shopify is dedicated to e-commerce stores and the structure of the site allows for best usability for businesses on the back-end and customers on the front end. Want more goodness? All Shopify themes are mobile optimised plus Shopify recently overhauled the theme/website building interface to allow for even more customisation! Subscription plans range from $50NZD – $115NZD per month for small to medium sized businesses, with the Shopify Plus platform offering tailored solutions for enterprise businesses. Shopify offers a 14 day free trial.
Compatibility Test: Shopify is great for small-large businesses as there is always room to scale up. Some of the biggest e-commerce websites use Shopify, so no matter how big, or small your business is, Shopify will be able to accommodate it. Shopify’s advantage over competitors is the simple yet robust platform and partnership network that includes the likes of Instagram and Facebook to aid with marketing.
Wix: Wix is an e-commerce ‘drag and drop’ platform builder with a fundamental structure. The fundamentals cannot be changed; however, Wix offers over 800 templates with customisation tools that aid in creating a personalised platform. Optimised for mobile, Wix is a great option for businesses interested in app building or mobile browsing. Wix is also compatible with other apps through the Wix App Market. Subscription plans for e-commerce stores range from $27NZD – $50NZD per month. Wix offers a 7 day free trial.
Compatibility Test: Wix is designed to help beginners and smaller businesses get involved in e-commerce by providing the tools, templates and customisation to build your own e-commerce store.
WordPress.com: WordPress.com is a hosted website builder that allows for the creation of blogs, websites, and e-commerce stores. The customisation ability changes as the status of the subscription does. Unfortunately on the most basic subscription there are limited options and for e-commerce capabilities the highest form of subscription (e-commerce subscription) is essential. For the e-com subscription, plug-ins are available for marketing and SEO channels such as mailchimp. WordPress.com also has the capability to maintain it’s front end store while running a checkout system through Shopify “Buy Buttons”. WordPress.com differs from WordPress.org, know the difference when signing up. The e-commerce subscription is $60-$80NZD per month (depending on the billing period). WordPress.com does not offer a free trial for the e-com subscription setting.
Compatibility Test: WordPress.com in it’s bones was designed for bloggers. Although the new subscription plans allow for more capabilities, the style of the pages remains blog friendly. The e-commerce subscription has great marketing and SEO tools for businesses who are willing to contribute to a higher fee.
Squarespace: Squarespace is a website builder and hosting site, offering over 100 templates that adapt well to mobile devices. Squarespace have their own Members Areas, Squarespace Scheduling, and Email Campaigns, allowing for smooth transitions between marketing activities and the e-commerce site itself. Usability of the site is being upgraded regularly, now utilising ‘drag and drop’ features when customising pages. The subscriptions suitable for e-commerce range from $38 – $78 NZD (depending on billing period). Squarespace offers a 14 day trial.
Compatibility Test: Squarespace is compatible for smaller businesses who prefer a simplistic approach to web builds. However, be mindful, the simplicity may impact the usability for the backend. Ideal for businesses who have the time to learn how to use the software or onboard someone who can dedicate their time to the build.
Hope you have enjoyed this speed date with some of the most used e-commerce platforms right now. Make sure to do your own research too, doing this will help you find your for-lifer platform… We can hear the wedding bells now!