Planning on selling directly via your website? Read our guide to building the right website and how to choose the most suitable website builder for your website.
Try before you buy.
Trialling the software before going live is vital. So many businesses have built websites only to find that the platform they’re using doesn’t contain the functionality or compatibility they need. It’s much better to find out when you’re in the free trial stage than after you’ve spent hundreds of hours building your final website and have committed to a medium or long-term contract.
Some platforms suit a smaller catalogue of products, while others better suit more complex and varied stock. Some important questions to consider;
How easy is it to filter and search your products?
How many templates are available, is there something available that visually suits the aesthetic of your business and the items you’re selling?
Do you need a template that supports videos of your products, maps or image galleries? If you struggle to navigate, then you know your customers will. If you’re committed to making the best choice from the get-go, then don’t just try one and hope for the best, commit to trying a few free-trials, it could save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.
What volumes are you expecting to sell?
Transaction fees are an important way that web platforms make their money. Each builder has different price plans available, it’s worth taking the time to understand each one. If you plan on selling a lot of items, check out their advanced plans.
If your e-commerce builder is charging a lot on transaction fees, even a small reduction in fees from one builder to another, and from one plan to another can have a huge effect on your profit margin.
Check how long you’re locked into a particular price plan, how easy is it to increase your plan as you increase your product inventory.
What’s your budget?
You need to understand what you’re getting for your investment and whether it’s all really necessary. Don’t get caught up in the hype, think realistically about what you actually need, not what sounds like a bargain. Some additional services that could be included:
· Additional storage - for example a basic package could offer 20GB of online storage for your site, while a more advanced package could offer 50GB.
· Support if you have technical difficulties - don’t underestimate the added value of having immediate technical support. This should be a top consideration since if things go wrong, they can have a catastrophic effect on your business.
· Removal of ads (your e-commerce builder is likely to advertise their service on your site if you take only a basic package)
· Free SSL Security
· Credits in advertising vouchers for your business
· Advanced analytics to understand the traffic that visits your site
· Cart recovery
A Little Support On Your E-Commerce Journey
At Live Web Chat we’re here to support your business every step of the way as you progress with your new online selling journey. Your customer service never needs to suffer with us on stand-by. Never be caught out by a sales boom!
We are an extension of your own in-house team, but you don’t need to worry about the hiring, training or associated costs.
We can answer your chats, deal with enquiries, process orders and even process payments. Consider us your virtual receptionist, freeing up members of your team, releasing them from the mundane tasks so they can focus on areas of your business that really warrant their time.
For more information, head over to our website here.