Why This Matters
There are a huge variety of ways you can sell online. From marketplaces – where other platforms provide you the infrastructure to sell your items to integrated online shopping platforms and tools for your website. This page covers e-commerce website options.
Resources – General
Ecommerce ToolKit – Full tool kit to download with webinar, assessment tool and success guide.
Online Marketplaces 101 – How to Sell Effectively
Ecommerce and online presence – Advisory Services
Resources – Platforms
The Best Ecommerce Platforms– Overview of the players
How to Create an Engaging Website Design – Tools and tips to ensure your website is clean and engaging
Ensure You Meet Accessibility Requirements – Ensure all users are able to read your site
Why You Should Include Contact Information and Not Only a Contact Form – Users often don’t trust contact forms
Recommendations
E-Commerce Platforms:
WordPress – The leading CMS, and the tool that most websites are built in today. It offers a powerful, but easy-to-use website builder with a very wide range of customization options and plugins.
Shopify – A popular choice for getting an online store up and running quickly. Very easy to use and offers four plans to choose from.
Wix eCommerce – Not a lot of 3rd party integrations but if you are on this platform this may be an easy way to get started.
BigCommerce – Like Shopify, but with less features.
Squarespace – A good choice to get started if you are already on this platform.
SquareUp – Do you use Square as a point of sale processor? If so you may like the features of their e-commerce platforms.
Weebly – Another basic e-commerce site. No ability to sell cross-platform on Instagram or Facebook.
GoDaddy – If you are already on this platform and want a e-commerce site up quickly this may be your answer. Not many features compared to Shopify.
WooCommerce – OpenSource WordPress plugin. May need more advanced coding skills or advanced WordPress skills to implement.
BigCommerce – There are large corporations using this software as service application. Like Shopify but no limitations around number of staff accounts.
Magento – OpenSource software. Will need coding skills to implement. Can create a customized shop that will be unique to you but may need to hire someone to do so.