Are you planning to start an online store and looking for the perfect e-commerce website builder? In today’s digital age, having a well-designed and user-friendly website is crucial for the success of your online business. With so many options available, choosing the right e-commerce website builder that meets all your needs can be overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve curated a list of the top 8 must-have features to look for in an e-commerce website builder. From customisable templates to secure payment gateways, these features ensure your website looks great and functions seamlessly. Whether you’re a small business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, this comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision and set up an e-commerce store that stands out.
So, let’s dive in and discover the essential features that will transform your online store into a thriving business.
Importance of choosing the right e-commerce website builder
Choosing the right e-commerce website builder is the foundation of your online business. It sets the tone for your website’s design, functionality, and user experience. A well-built e-commerce website can attract and retain customers, increase conversion rates, and drive sales. On the other hand, a poorly designed and difficult-to-navigate website can frustrate visitors and result in lost opportunities. Therefore, investing time and effort in researching and selecting the best e-commerce website builder for your specific needs is crucial.
When evaluating different e-commerce website builders, consider factors such as ease of use, flexibility, scalability, and cost. Look for platforms that offer intuitive interfaces, drag-and-drop functionality, and a wide range of customisable templates. Scalability is also important. As your business grows, you’ll want a website builder to accommodate increased traffic and product offerings. Finally, consider your budget and choose a platform that offers a pricing structure that aligns with your business goals. By selecting the right e-commerce website builder, you’ll set yourself up for success from the start.
Below are the top 8 features to look for when choosing a Website Builder.
Mobile responsiveness
In today’s mobile-first world, having a mobile-responsive website is no longer an option but a necessity. With most online traffic coming from mobile devices, your e-commerce website must look and function seamlessly across different screen sizes and devices. A mobile-responsive website automatically adjusts its layout and content to provide an optimal viewing experience, regardless of the screen it is accessed from.
A mobile-responsive e-commerce website is user-friendly and crucial for search engine optimisation (SEO). Search engines prioritise mobile-friendly websites in their rankings, meaning that a mobile-responsive website has a higher chance of appearing on the first page of search results. This increased visibility can significantly impact your website’s organic traffic and drive more sales. When choosing an e-commerce website builder, ensure it offers mobile responsiveness as a standard feature for all its templates and designs. Test the responsiveness of different templates on various devices to ensure a seamless user experience across the board.
User-friendly interface
A user-friendly interface is essential for both you as the website owner and your customers. As the website owner, you need a platform that is easy to navigate, manage, and update. Look for an e-commerce website builder with an intuitive interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to customise your website without coding skills. A user-friendly interface ensures you can focus on growing your business instead of getting lost in complex technicalities.
For your customers, a user-friendly interface means an enjoyable shopping experience. Look for features such as easy navigation menus, precise product categorisation, and a seamless checkout process. A well-designed interface improves customer satisfaction, encourages repeat purchases, and boosts your brand’s reputation. When evaluating different e-commerce website builders, take the time to explore their demo websites and test the user experience. Put yourself in your customers’ shoes and ensure the platform provides a smooth and intuitive journey from browsing to checkout.
Customisation options
Every e-commerce business is unique, and your website should reflect your brand’s identity and values. That’s why customisation options are crucial when choosing an e-commerce website builder. Look for a platform that offers a wide range of customisable templates, allowing you to create an outstanding website.
Customisation options should go beyond just changing colours and fonts. Look for a website builder that allows you to customise the layout, add and remove sections, and personalise your website to match your brand’s aesthetic. Adding custom HTML and CSS code is also essential for more advanced customisation. A well-designed and unique website attracts customers and builds trust and credibility in your brand. Take the time to explore the customisation options offered by different e-commerce website builders and choose the one that best aligns with your brand vision.
Secure payment gateways
One of the most critical aspects of any e-commerce website is the ability to process online payments securely. Customers need to trust that their sensitive financial information is handled securely, and failure to provide a secure payment gateway can result in lost sales and a damaged reputation.
When choosing an e-commerce website builder, ensure that it supports secure, trusted, and widely recognised payment gateways. Customers often prefer popular payment gateways such as PayPal, Stripe, and Square due to their established security measures. Look for an e-commerce website builder that integrates seamlessly with these payment gateways, ensuring your customers a smooth and secure checkout process.
Additionally, consider the ability to accept different payment methods, such as credit cards, digital wallets, and alternative payment options. Various payment options increase customer convenience and lead to higher conversion rates. Prioritise the security and flexibility of payment gateways when evaluating different e-commerce website builders.
SEO-friendly features
Search engine optimisation (SEO) drives organic traffic to your e-commerce website. When potential customers search for products or services related to your business, you want your website to appear at the top of search engine results pages. That’s where SEO-friendly features come into play.
When evaluating e-commerce website builders, look for features that support SEO optimisation. This can include customisable meta tags, URL structures, image alt tags, and the ability to create SEO-friendly URLs and sitemaps. A website builder that automatically generates SEO-friendly code and provides built-in SEO tools can save you time and effort in optimising your website for search engines.
Additionally, consider features such as fast page loading speed and mobile responsiveness, which are essential factors in search engine rankings. A website that loads quickly and provides a seamless user experience will rank higher in search results. Prioritise SEO-friendly features when choosing an e-commerce website builder to maximise your website’s visibility and attract organic traffic.
Inventory management system
Efficient inventory management is crucial for any e-commerce business. You need a system that allows you to easily track and manage your product inventory, update stock levels, and receive notifications when items are running low. An effective inventory management system ensures you can promptly fulfil orders and avoid overselling or stockouts.
When evaluating e-commerce website builders, look for platforms that offer built-in inventory management systems or seamless integration with third-party inventory management software. A user-friendly interface that allows you to manage your inventory from a centralised dashboard is essential. Consider features such as automated stock level updates, low stock alerts, and setting up product variants and attributes.
Efficient inventory management improves customer satisfaction and saves you time and money by streamlining your operations. Choose an e-commerce website builder with robust inventory management features to ensure smooth and efficient order fulfilment.
Integration with third-party apps and plugins
While an e-commerce website builder provides the foundation for your online store, you may need additional functionality to enhance your website’s capabilities. That’s where integration with third-party apps and plugins becomes crucial.
When choosing an e-commerce website builder, consider its compatibility with popular apps and plugins that add value to your website. This can include email marketing tools, customer relationship management (CRM) software, analytics platforms, and social media integrations. Look for a website builder offering a wide range of integrations or an open API allowing custom integrations.
Integrating with third-party apps and plugins allows you to extend the functionality of your website and automate various processes. This can save you time and effort while providing additional features that enhance the user experience. Prioritise integration capabilities when evaluating different e-commerce website builders to ensure your website can grow and adapt as your business evolves.
Customer support and assistance
Running an e-commerce business comes with its fair share of challenges, and having reliable customer support and assistance can make all the difference. Look for an e-commerce website builder that offers responsive customer support channels, such as live chat, email, and phone support. Support should be available 24/7 to promptly address any issues or concerns.
Consider the level of assistance provided by the website builder. Do they offer resources such as documentation, tutorials, and forums to help you navigate the platform? Can a community of users share their experiences and provide insights? A website builder that offers robust customer support and assistance ensures that you have the necessary resources to overcome any obstacles and maximise the potential of your e-commerce website.
Additionally, consider the availability of training and onboarding programs to help you get started with the website builder. Look for platforms that offer comprehensive guides and educational materials to help you make the most of their features. A website builder that invests in its customers’ success demonstrates its commitment to assisting businesses to thrive.
Conclusion
Choosing the right e-commerce website builder is crucial in setting up a successful online store. By considering the eight must-have features outlined in this article – mobile responsiveness, user-friendly interface, customisation options, secure payment gateways, SEO-friendly features, inventory management systems, integration capabilities, and customer support –you can ensure that your website looks great and functions seamlessly.
Take the time to evaluate different e-commerce website builders, explore their features, and test their usability. Consider your specific business needs and goals, as well as your budget. Investing in the right e-commerce website builder will set the foundation for a thriving online business that stands out from the competition.
Remember, your website is your digital storefront and plays a vital role in attracting and retaining customers. Don’t compromise on the features that matter most to your business. With the right e-commerce website builder, you’ll have the tools and resources to create an exceptional online shopping experience that drives sales and builds brand loyalty.