When growing a start-up online store, it is important to choose the most ideal e-commerce tools and platforms for your website. These serve as the main supporting elements of your website; if they are integrated well, they can strengthen your e-commerce strategy and simplify the overall sales process. A website that is easy to browse, easy to use, and showcases products well will naturally have a positive impact on sales. The following are some recommended e-commerce tools and platforms, each with their own strengths, which can help the management and development of online store startups.
The immense amount of e-commerce tools and platforms that are available on the market can be very confusing. In making the most suitable choice, a startup company must consider a number of factors, such as the IT skills of your company’s personnel, your business budget, the potential needs for search functions and mobile browsing suitability for your website, strong SEO (Search Engine Optimization), etc. Different tools will provide different functions for the online store, and you should choose the best tool corresponding to each factor.
Where you set up your online store determines the visibility, loading time, and monthly hosting fees for your website. Start-ups and SMEs will encounter greater difficulties when choosing website-related tools, because they have to consider scalability, logistics and other associated requirements. However, online store customers only care about whether the website can be accessed or downloaded smoothly, and how easy it is to use. Therefore, online shops should keep in mind that the main goal of all e-commerce operations is to provide consumers with better online functions, from simple payment methods to seasonal discounts, etc., to operate more effectively and at a faster rate than physical stores. Speed and efficiency is key!
The Best Practical E-Commerce Tools for Online Store Startups
E-commerce Website Design and development tools:
Tools used to set up and manage online stores.
1. Shopify
Shopify is one of the world’s most widely used e-commerce platforms, containing many outstanding features. It is specially designed for online stores, with numerous online store templates, page structures, catalogs, currency options, etc. It includes virtually all the functions needed to sell products online. Users do not need to have much technical knowledge, and even non-web developers can build their own websites. Its reliable security and payment processes make Shopify one of the best choices for building an online store.
2. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a popular e-commerce plugin for WordPress. WordPress is one of the most popular online content management systems. It is a simple, easy-to-use, free and safe website creation tool. You don’t need to know anything about coding, HTML, design, etc. in order to build your own website on the platform. Alongside integration of WooCommerce, WordPress provides an easy-to-use website design platform suitable for different types of online stores. Because of its easy installation, accessible customization, and free basic features, it is an ideal tool for building online stores.
Research and Analysis Tools:
Research tools are used to identify open opportunities in specific markets and learn how to improve websites and advertising to cater to them. They can also help you learn about competitors’ online activity. The analysis tool uses this data to better understand customer behavior on your website.
3. SEMRush
SEMRush is a comprehensive online marketing research tool that allows you to accurately identify how successful your competitors are. As an online store owner, you can use it to compare websites within a specific industry, improve your SEO, analyze the effectiveness of online advertising campaigns, find beneficial keywords for your online store sales, analyze the performance of your online store pages, etc. It can also examine your competitors’ websites and provide reports to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of said websites.
4. Google Analytics
The Google Analytics tool is one of the most powerful and well-known analysis tools on the market and is an essential tool for any e-commerce enterprise. It is fully functional and provides a variety of valuable information to help you improve the conversion rate of your PPC (Pay-Per-Click) ads, optimize your website operations, and track the behavior of visitors in your online store. Google also provides free Google Analytics training to users so you can fully take advantage of and learn how to utilise its powerful functions.
Marketing tools:
E-commerce marketing tools are used to promote your online store and convert potential customers into real customers.
5. Buffer
Buffer is a social media management tool that allows users to manage their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest accounts via one central platform, integrating and syncing posts on these respective platforms to achieve more efficient online store marketing. It can also analyze media post results and audience engagement.
6. MailChimp
Email marketing still remains an effective online store promotion method, and MailChimp is the most widely used email marketing tool in the world. Its easy-to-customize templates and powerful background analysis features make it suitable for use by small, medium or large enterprises in any industry.
Logistics Tools:
Logistics tools allow you to easily manage warehousing, monitor online store logistics information remotely and make faster business adjustments in response to market changes.
7. Boxful Cloud-Based Inventory Management
Upload your inventory information to Boxful’s WMS, so that you can manage every item in real time via any internet-compatible device. Being able to control freight and track delivery anytime and anywhere makes online store logistics easier than ever. Boxful’s inventory notification and budgeting tools can help you improve future business plans and estimate the most appropriate inventory volume according to your demand, making you the most competitive opponent in the market.
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Further readings：[Online Store Strategies] Picking and Packaging: A Major Factor in Online Store Success
Further readings：[Online Store Strategies] 5 Major Benefits of Using an Online Store Logistics Service
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