You have three main options when it comes to different types of ecommerce platforms:Įach one has different benefits, so let's get into it. On a more in-depth level, ecommerce platforms have a variety of different forms from cloud commerce solutions with a full-fledged content management system and tons of handy sales features to open-source software and on-premise hosting. Once payment goes through, the platform can also update product stock numbers, send your customer email updates, and arrange the shipping and order information you need to get that product to your customer. However, unlike many basic websites, an eCommerce platform also holds a database for all your products and provides a secure place for your customers to send payments. Like any other website on the internet, eCommerce platforms take a little chunk of space in the internet world to host your online store and make it available to anyone who navigates to your URL. Well, that gets a little more complicated.

The Airbnb you booked for your last vacation? The holiday gifts you're buying on Amazon? Anything that involves buying or selling online uses an ecommerce platform.

You might not realize it, but you've probably already used ecommerce platforms before. In its simplest form, your ecommerce platform is your storefront, your store's layout, in-store employees, product list, and cash register all wrapped into one. Not only that, we'll also go over all the basics of the ecommerce website world so you can start your ecommerce journey with confidence.ĭeep breath. But don't worry, we've waded through these platforms (and platform reviews) for you to find the best ecommerce platform options that will fit the unique needs of your small business, growing business, or newly online business. There are currently over 580 different ecommerce platforms to choose from, so it's understandable if you're feeling a little overwhelmed right now. However, the wrong platform can easily become a massive time suck and take the fun and excitement out of starting your new business.

The right ecommerce platform should make your life easier to get your products out to the world and manage your small business. One of the first and most important choices you'll have to make is finding the best ecommerce platform for your business. It’s your first foray into entrepreneurship, and you want it to go well.

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