(Newswire.net — March 31, 2023) — If you’re looking to integrate eCommerce into an existing website, choosing the right e-commerce platform is crucial, says expert and CEO of Softermii, Slava Vaniukov. There are different types of e-commerce platforms available in the market, each with its unique features and benefits.
The most common types of e-commerce platforms are Hosted, Open-Source, Cloud-Based, Enterprise, and Self-Hosted.
The option that is worth considering is a hosted e-commerce platform.
In this blog, we’ll explore why you should choose a hosted e-commerce platform and the features that make it a great choice for many businesses looking to embed eCommerce into a website.
Cons of Open-Source E-commerce Platforms:
- Limited feature set out of the box
- Vulnerable to security threats without proper maintenance
- Difficult to customize without coding knowledge
- Updates and maintenance may disrupt website functionality
- Lack of consistency across plugins and add-ons
Cons of Cloud-Based E-commerce Platforms:
- Limited control over the hosting environment
- Potential downtime or performance issues
- Potential issues with data security and privacy
- Limited control over software updates
- Limited ability to optimize website performance for SEO
Cons of Enterprise E-commerce Platforms:
- High upfront costs
- The complexity of implementation and maintenance
- Limited flexibility for customization
- May require dedicated IT staff for maintenance and support
- Limited scalability without significant investment
Cons of Self-Hosted E-commerce Platforms:
- Requires technical expertise to set up and maintain
- Limited support options
- Limited feature set out of the box
- Vulnerable to security threats without proper maintenance
- Difficult to customize without coding knowledge
What is a Hosted E-commerce Platform?
A hosted e-commerce platform is a type of e-commerce software that is hosted on a remote server. This means that the platform takes care of all the technical aspects of running an online store, including hosting, security, and software updates.
These platforms are typically subscription-based and offer a range of features and tools to help businesses add an online store to an existing website and manage their online store.
Adding an Online Store to an Existing Website
Here’s how to embed eCommerce into a website:
Choose a Hosted E-commerce Platform
- Sign Up and Set Up Your Account
- Choose a Theme and Customize Your Store
- Add Products to Your Store
- Set Up Payment and Shipping Options
- Test Your Store
- Launch Your Store
Benefits of Choosing a Hosted E-commerce Platform
- Ease of Use: Hosted e-commerce platforms are designed to be user-friendly, even for those with little technical knowledge. They typically offer intuitive interfaces and drag-and-drop functionality to make it easy for anyone to create an online store.
- Quick Setup: With a hosted e-commerce platform, you don’t need to worry about setting up a server or configuring software. The platform is already set up, and all you need to do is sign up and start building your online store.
- Cost-Effective: A hosted e-commerce platform typically offers a cost-effective solution for businesses that want to start an online store without investing a lot of money upfront. The subscription-based pricing model means that businesses can start small and scale up as they grow.
- Security: These have robust security features to protect against online threats. This includes SSL certificates, fraud detection, and secure payment gateways.
- Customer Support: Hosted platforms often offer customer support to help businesses with any technical issues or questions they may have. This can be a valuable resource for businesses that don’t have dedicated IT staff.
Conclusion
Choosing a hosted e-commerce platform can be a great option for businesses that want to add eCommerce to an existing website quickly and cost-effectively.
Hosted e-commerce platforms offer a range of features and tools that make it easy for businesses to create and manage their online store.
With their user-friendly interfaces, customizable templates, and customer support, hosted e-commerce platforms can help businesses build a successful online store that meets their specific needs.