Choosing an eCommerce platform is one of the most critical decisions any online business must make. With so many options on the market, ranging from all-in-one solutions to open-source platforms, the process can be overwhelming. There are several things you might wish you had known before making this decision. In this article, we share five lessons learned to help you avoid mistakes and make a more informed choice.
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One of the first lessons learned when choosing an eCommerce platform is the need to consider scalability from the very beginning. When you're starting out, it's easy to underestimate how much your business can grow and how quickly. Choosing a platform that fits your current needs without considering its capacity to scale can be a costly mistake.
Instead of switching platforms later, make sure to choose one that can handle significant increases in traffic and sales volume.
Additionally, check if the platform offers advanced features or integrations you may need as your business grows, such as automation tools, advanced analytics, or the ability to add multiple sales channels.
When comparing eCommerce platforms, it's easy to focus on upfront costs like subscription fees or development expenses. However, hidden costs can quickly add up. These may include transaction fees, hosting costs, security updates, necessary add-ons for basic functionality, and fees for third-party apps.
It's crucial to thoroughly analyze all the costs associated with each platform, not just the obvious ones. Ask about any potential additional fees and consider how these costs could impact your profit margins in the long run. What initially seems like a cost-effective option can become a financial burden if you don't account for all these factors.
At LogiCommerce, we recommend downloading this free eBook that will help you gain a comprehensive view of all the costs to consider.
Every business has unique needs, and the ability to customize your online store to align with your brand and objectives is essential. It's important to pay attention to the flexibility that each platform offers in terms of design, user experience, and integration with other tools.
Some platforms are more rigid when it comes to customization, which can limit you in the long term. Make sure the platform you choose allows for customization of both the appearance and functionality of your store.
Additionally, check how easily you can integrate the platform with your management systems, CRM, marketing tools, and any other software you use to operate your business.
When everything is running smoothly, technical support may not seem like a priority, but when problems arise, having reliable and accessible support is critical. An important lesson is that not all platforms offer the same level of support, and this can significantly affect your ability to resolve issues quickly and minimize downtime.
Having access to a responsive technical support team or a strong community of users can make a huge difference in your overall experience with the platform.
Lastly, one of the biggest lessons when choosing an eCommerce platform is the importance of user experience (UX). The platform you choose should offer a seamless and engaging shopping experience for your customers. Poor UX can lead to higher cart abandonment rates and fewer conversions, regardless of the quality of your products or marketing strategies.
Before committing to a platform, explore stores that use it to understand the experience from the customer's perspective. It's also important to consider the user experience from the admin side: the platform should be intuitive and easy to use for you and your team. If it's difficult to manage products, orders, and content, the efficiency of your business will suffer.
If you're looking for an intuitive platform with more than 200 native B2B and B2C features, easy integrations with third-party solutions, high scalability, and a transparent pricing policy, we recommend checking out LogiCommerce. Some of the brands that trust us include MUNICH, Muebles La Fábrica, Salgar, eseOese, Yerse, CASAS, Eurekakids, and Sita Murt, among others.