There are several types of websites that can be found online. These websites serve different purposes with different goals. One of the most common types of website is an eCommerce site. An eCommerce site is basically an online shop for your business. With an eCommerce integration to your site, you’ll be able to sell your products and services to your target market without them having to meet you personally or call you. With a tap of a finger, both parties will be notified of the pending transaction.
Now, what is the most popular eCommerce platforms today? Here are the top 2.
Shopify
Shopify is an excellent solution for your already established eСommerce business as well as for those of you who are planning to build your online shop. Although Shopify is an excellent option, you should still consider their pros and cons in order to learn if this is the most suitable platform option for the online shop you want to build.
1. Simplicity of use
The main goal of a business owner is to increase their sales without having to be bogged down by technology and other tedious administrative tasks. Shopify introduces significant advantages that other eCommerce platforms don’t offer such as management assistance on your store’s technological needs, access to useful and clear interface, and your transaction processing time.
If you’re looking for functionality for your store, you might want to consider other platforms that are more flexible with customization.
2. Choice of storefront themes
Shopify offers beautiful storefront themes that make any website look professional which you will need to retain customers. These themes are broken down by industry which will be helpful for you to filter out what you want. You can also choose whether they are mobile-friendly or responsive or if they’re for free or with a fee.
A downside is that there’s only ten free themes.
3. App store
Shopify has over 1,200 different apps that can help automate your tasks so you can focus on other aspects of your business like marketing and advertising. There are several apps available to assist you with accounting, customer service, inventory, reporting, shipping, and more. These tools will simplify your life by providing you with the technology to scale your store. An example would be an accounting plugin. By doing this, you save money that you would have spent on an accountant.
One thing to note is that you will need to pay for using these types of apps. You can choose to hire someone, which will cost over $50 to $300 a month, or you can pay a monthly app subscription.
4. 24/7 support
Shopify has a support team that you can contact 24/7. They are available on live chat, email, or via four different numbers they provide.
WooCommerce
Second on our list of leading eCommerce platform integration available is WooCommerce. Here are some of its benefits:
1. Free and open source
WooCommerce software stands out not only for being free but also open source which means that any user can alter the code simply because it’s based on open collaboration.
However, certain WooCommerce extensions require a payment or even monthly fees. Other than that, WooCommerce is an advisable option for those who have experience with WordPress because of the familiar interface, making it easy to get started.
2. 100% customizable
Like Shopify, WooCommerce offers thousands of themes. This is made possible because of the free access to CSS, HTML, and PHP style code. It’s safe to say that WooCommerce is suitable for professional users as well as for beginners.
3. Flexibility
WooCommerce has the ability to adapt to all kinds of online shops regardless of their target or offer. It can also be adapted to affiliate systems and other business models.
4. Security
This platform is regularly updated with cybersecurity. Although SSL certificates or backup tools are not included, you can always add these elements easily.
When it comes to payment security, WooCommerce is perfectly complemented with secure gateways and e-wallets, such as Stripe, PayPal, WePay or Payza.
5. Large community
You will find abundant documentation, and informative articles in the WooCommerce Community which makes this platform a great one to consider.
It has several forums specialized in this platform in order for users to pinpoint exactly where to ask help from.
Although WooCommerce may have a lot of advantages/pros, disadvantages/cons are never too far. Here are some of WooCommerce’s disadvantages.
6. Performance is hindered with plugins
Although thousands of plugins are available at your disposal, installing a multitude of these can really affect the speed of your site. This is because they take up a lot of memory.
It is best to implement the desired functions through CSS, jQuery or HTML codes.
7. Extensions
We know we said WooCommerce was free, but what we meant was that downloading and installing this WordPress plugin is free of charge and most of its widgets and add-ons are free but some extensions may require a punctual payment or monthly fees.
If you want to implement a payment gateway, specific subscription services, inventory management aids or other utilities, you will have to assume this cost.
Our web design and development services here at Artzap Studio offers complete options for any of your website needs. Learn more about it by contacting us at inquire@artzapstudio.com.
