If there's a third-party app that can help you more than what BigCommerce provides, you'll have the opportunity to install that app right from the admin console. There are clear instructions about what information is needed and links to help files related to what you're filling out. You begin by adding your products and only build your website further through the setting-up process. It has two offerings: BigCommerce Essentials (a DIY SaaS platform) and BigCommerce Enterprise (a customized experience for larger customers).īigCommerce walks you through the steps needed to set up your eCommerce store. After all, you don't want to be waiting on support to respond if your site's down, do you? Your eCommerce platform should offer multiple support options including live chat, email, phone, and self-help options like a knowledge base or community forum.īigCommerce is one of the better-known eCommerce platforms. When that time comes, you want support to be accessible and swift. With even the most simple and easy-to-use eCommerce platform, you'll eventually need support. Plus, you'll want to make sure that your eCommerce platform works with the tools you already use, like email marketing, accounting, or inventory management tools. Integrations can extend the functionality of your eCommerce platform and fill the gaps for the features that your chosen platform might not have right out of the box. ? Integrations and AppsĪnother important feature to consider when you're trying to find the right eCommerce platform is the integrations and apps it offers. Shoppers should be able to easily browse your site and make a purchase from their mobile devices. The increasing use of mobile devices to make purchases means it's important to create an eCommerce store that is mobile-friendly. This is expected to increase to 187.5 million by 2024. ? Mobile-friendlyĪs of June 2021, the number of mobile buyers in the United States was 173.3 million (eMarketer). Look for platforms that let you use your own domain, collect and publish customer reviews, and add content (like a blog) so you can pull in traffic organically. That means you need an eCommerce platform that's SEO-friendly. Your eCommerce store should come up in search results for not only your brand name but for the products and services you sell.
If the platform you're looking at is perfect in all ways except analytics, make sure that it integrates with a third-party eCommerce analytics tool. You'll want to be able to track average order value, sales conversion rates, customer lifetime value, churn rate, and more. How will you know if your site is performing as well as it could? Any eCommerce platform you choose should have built-in analytics that will make it easy for you to track the eCommerce metrics that are important to your business. You'll want to make sure that your eCommerce platform not only accepts popular options like PayPal, Stripe, and Apple Pay but local payment gateways, too, if your site is international. Offering multiple payment options will help minimize friction during the checkout process and increase the likelihood that shoppers will complete their purchases. The platform you choose should allow you to create a beautiful eCommerce site without taxing your patience. If you're a bit lacking in technical skills, you'll want to make sure that the platform you choose is simple and straightforward to use.
? Ease of Useīefore committing to an eCommerce platform, be honest with yourself about the time you're willing to put into learning how to use it.
So, how do you find the best eCommerce platform for your unique business? Here are seven key features to look for when shopping for an eCommerce platform. There are tons of eCommerce platforms to choose from. What to Look for in an eCommerce Platform