10 Important Technical Aspects to Know Before Selecting an Ecommerce Platform
Opting for the right eCommerce platform isn’t limited to a technical aspect – in fact, it is a make-or-break move for any online business. Whether it is just a start, or you are scaling it, streamlining the process of the e-commerce store is impacted (everything from payment methods and customer support to SEO and brand awareness) by the platform you choose.
To be honest, it can be hard to make a decision when there are so many possibilities. So, what are you supposed to remember? In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of ten critical technical considerations to consider before making a selection that will influence your ecommerce journey.
Scalability: Will Your Platform Grow with You?
In the initial stage, it’s fine to think of your eCommerce store as a little business. But in a few months or years! You see your business flying and blooming. And think then that will your platform be able to support all of that growth.
Scalability is a key goal of eCommerce.
Let us understand this by an example, your boutique starts booming, and you’re managing thousands of products instead of a handful. Will the platform stay up? Shopify is great for beginners and growing businesses alike because it offers flexible subscription plans that scale with your needs.
Know more about Shopify with our blog 7 Reasons Why Shopify is the Best Ecommerce Platform to Scale Your Brand.
Tip: Consider your long-term goals. When your e-commerce firm takes off, pick a platform that won’t need to be changed.
SEO Features: Get Found, Stay Found
Here’s a no-brainer! If customers are not able to find you, they won’t be able to buy from you. That’s why SEO is such a big deal. A platform with solid SEO features can push your site up in search engines like Google.
Thus, when choosing an eCommerce platform look for one offering customizable meta tags, SEO-friendly URLs, and built-in blogging tools. For example, Shopify is fantastic with basic SEO features, but if you’re aiming for something more advanced, then platforms like WooCommerce let you tweak things down to the finest detail.
Tip: Your sales will drop even if you have the most beautiful eCommerce store in the world if it is buried on page 10 of a search engine. The best thing in this case is you make sure your SEO strategy is supported by your platform.
Customization: Make Your Store Your Store
No two businesses are alike, and your platform should be able to represent that. Look for flexibility in design and functionality. Whether it’s tweaking the layout, adjusting product pages, or integrating chat features, you want your platform to allow for customization without being a headache in this process.
Magento stands out here, offering deep customization possibilities, but it’s more complex to set up. If you don’t have a tech team, Shopify is a simpler alternative, offering a range of templates and apps to get you started.
Looking for a technical partner to help you set up a Magento Ecommerce store?
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Quick Thought: If standing out is important to you (and it should be!), choose a platform that lets your brand shine through unique design and functionality.
Security: Keep Your Data Safe (and Your Customers Happy)
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – Security. You’ve heard it a million times, but it’s true: if your site isn’t secure, you are about or already lost customer trust and it could be worse, your reputation. Look for platforms with built-in security features, like SSL encryption, PCI compliance, and two-factor authentication.
Why it matters? As a customer, you make a purchase, and suddenly your sensitive information is compromised. Not good! You will immediately withdraw your purchase
There are many platforms like Shopify which come with these features automatically, while in few you’ll need to set up some additional protocols.
Integration: All Your Tools, One Place
You’re not just running an online store – you’re juggling a million other things: inventory, CRM, email campaigns, and more. That’s where integrations come in. Make sure your eCommerce platform can connect seamlessly with tools that make your life easier, like accounting software, social media apps, or email marketing services.
Platforms like Shopify offer plug-and-play integrations with tools like Mailchimp and QuickBooks, while Magento gives you total flexibility, but might require some additional work to integrate third-party services.
Pro Tip: The more integrations available, the easier it’ll be to update and automate your operations as your business grows.
Looking to Update or Migrate to your Ecommerce Website?
Our Experts Can Help!
Mobile Optimization: Because Everyone’s Shopping on Their Phone
Let’s face it, no one has time to sit down at a desk to shop anymore. Mobile is where it’s at. If your site isn’t optimized for mobile, you’re missing out on a ton of potential customers. Choose a platform that prioritizes mobile-first design, so your store looks great on any screen.
Shopify and WooCommerce are champions in this area, providing mobile-optimized templates and themes.
Payment Gateway Support: Easy Payments = Happy Customers
Customers want convenience, especially when it comes to paying. Offering a wide variety of payment options not only gives your customers more choice but also makes them feel more secure and feel like you thought of their convenience.
Learn how to make your eCommerce payment gateway more secure.
Choose a platform that supports the most popular payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and credit cards, and consider whether it allows local payment methods too. For instance, Shopify offers tons of integrations out of the box.
Fun Fact: The easier you make it for customers to check out, the more likely they’ll complete their purchase instead of abandoning the cart.
Analytics and Reporting: Data Is Your Friend
Data is the lifeblood of decision-making. You need to know what’s working and what’s not – and that’s where analytics come in. The best platforms offer detailed reporting that helps you track everything from sales performance to customer behaviour.
Platforms like Shopify offer built-in analytics tools, while Magento and WooCommerce can integrate with powerful reporting tools like Google Analytics for a more customized approach.
Tip: Make sure your platform offers the ability to dig deep into your data, so you can tweak your strategy and make smarter decisions.
Multi-Channel Support: Meet Your Customers Where They Are
Selling online isn’t limited to just your website anymore. Social media, marketplaces like Amazon, and even in-person stores are all opportunities to sell. Make sure your platform supports multi-channel selling, so you can manage everything from a single dashboard.
Shopify makes it easy to sell on Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon. Magento offers more customization for multi-channel support, but it might take a little more effort to set up.
Total Cost of Ownership: What Are You Really Paying For?
All platforms have different price structures. From upfront costs to maintenance fees and hidden expenses (like app subscriptions or additional themes), it’s crucial to understand the full cost of ownership. Some platforms might be free to start with but have additional charges down the line.
Shopify has a subscription-based model, which gives you a clear idea of what you’re paying for. Magento is open source, but it requires more investment in development, hosting, and possibly ongoing technical support.
Conclusion
Choosing an eCommerce platform is a big decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. By keeping these 10 technical aspects in mind, you’ll be in a better position to select the right platform that fits your needs and supports your business goals. Whether you’re after advanced features, a scalable solution, or SEO capabilities, the right choice can make all the difference for your business.
Remember, your platform is the foundation of your online store. It not only shapes the customer experience but also impacts your ability to adapt and grow in a competitive market. While it’s tempting to go with the flashiest or most affordable option, think long-term: the right platform will save you time, reduce headaches, and position your brand for lasting success.
Not sure where to start? Let us help. At RVS Media, we specialize in Magento and Shopify solutions, helping businesses like yours build a strong online presence that lasts. Contact us today to get started on your ecommerce journey!
