Senior Writer: Paras Kela
Reading Time: 11 MinutesPublished : March 26, 2024eCommerce is a growing business domain and eCommerce tools have become crucial for online business success. This can be assessed as by the end of 2024, it is estimated that global retail e-commerce sales will jump over the $6.3 trillion mark and keep moving on an upward trajectory. To make the most of this booming online market, understanding eCommerce tools inside and out is key.
This comprehensive blog takes a closer look at what these tools are all about, the different kinds you can find, why they’re so important, and how to pick the right ones for your business.
What are eCommerce Tools?
eCommerce tools, also known as eCommerce software, are programs that help businesses sell online more easily. They handle everything from setting up a website and keeping track of inventory to marketing, helping customers, and understanding sales data. These tools are really important for any business that wants to make its online selling smoother, improve how customers feel when they shop, and sell more products online.
Regularly explore new eCommerce tools and trends to optimize your online business operations and stay competitive in the market. Make sure to understand customer feedback and analytics to continually improve your strategies and enhance the shopping experience for your customers.
Types of eCommerce Tools
Types of tools for ecommerce encompass a broad range of software solutions, each designed to streamline different facets of online business operations. Let’s look at some of the essential types of ecommerce tools.
1. Website Builders and Platforms
Website builders and platforms are tools that enable businesses to create and manage their online storefronts. They provide templates, hosting services, and intuitive interfaces for designing and customizing websites without the need for coding knowledge. Popular examples include Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix, offering flexibility and convenience for launching eCommerce websites.
2. Payment Processing Solutions
Payment processing solutions facilitate the secure and efficient handling of online transactions for eCommerce businesses. These tools enable businesses to accept payments from customers through various methods, such as credit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers. Examples include Stripe, PayPal, and Square, which ensure seamless payment processing and enhance the overall customer experience.
3. Inventory Management Systems
Inventory management systems help businesses track, organize, and manage their inventory levels efficiently. These tools enable businesses to monitor stock quantities, track product movement, and automate reorder processes. By providing real-time insights into inventory levels and trends, they help optimize inventory management, minimize stockouts, and improve overall operational efficiency.
4. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software allows businesses to manage interactions and relationships with their customers. It enables organizations to store customer data, track interactions, and analyze customer behavior to improve relationships and drive sales. CRM software streamlines communication, enhances customer satisfaction and facilitates personalized marketing strategies to increase customer retention and loyalty.
5. Marketing and SEO Tools
Marketing and SEO tools assist businesses in promoting their products or services online and optimizing their website for search engines. These tools encompass a variety of functionalities, such as keyword research, content creation, email marketing, social media management, and analytics. By improving visibility and attracting targeted traffic, they help businesses enhance their online presence and drive conversions.
Why Should You Invest in eCommerce Tools?
eCommerce software platforms are important as they empower businesses to enhance the shopping experience, improve efficiency, and drive sales growth in the competitive digital marketplace.
1. Streamlined Operations
eCommerce tools streamline operations by automating repetitive tasks, such as inventory management, order processing, and customer support. This automation reduces manual errors, saves time, and allows businesses to focus on core activities like product development and marketing, ultimately improving efficiency and productivity.
2. Enhanced Customer Experience
eCommerce tools enhance customer experience by providing seamless and convenient shopping experiences. Features like intuitive website navigation, secure payment processing, personalized recommendations, and responsive customer support contribute to improved satisfaction and loyalty. By prioritizing user experience, businesses can foster positive relationships with customers and encourage repeat purchases.
3. Data-Driven Decision Making
eCommerce tools enable data-driven decision-making by providing valuable insights into customer behavior, sales trends, and marketing performance. Through analytics dashboards and reporting features, businesses can access metrics such as website traffic, conversion rates, and customer demographics. This data helps businesses to make informed decisions, design strategies, and allocate resources effectively for better outcomes.
4. Scalability
Scalability refers to the ability of eCommerce tools and platforms to adapt and grow with the changing needs and demands of a business. Scalable solutions accommodate increased website traffic, expanding product catalogs, and higher transaction volumes without compromising performance or user experience, ensuring long-term viability and success.
5. Competitive Edge
Competitive edge in eCommerce refers to the strategic advantages gained by businesses through the effective use of eCommerce tools. By leveraging tools for advanced marketing, streamlined operations, enhanced customer experience, and data-driven decision-making, businesses can differentiate themselves from competitors, attract more customers, and achieve sustainable growth in the marketplace.
Top and Best eCommerce Tools for Any Business
The best eCommerce tools are essential assets for any business looking to thrive online, offering solutions for website creation, payment processing, inventory management, and customer engagement.
Here is the essential ecommerce software list that you need to have to start and grow your ecommerce business.
1. Shopify
Shopify is a versatile eCommerce platform that simplifies ecommerce website creation and management. This app has a user-friendly interface, customizable templates, and extensive app integrations, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. With features like secure payment processing and inventory management, Shopify empowers merchants to build professional online stores and expand their reach in the digital marketplace.
- Online store editor
- Shopify shipping
- Shopify POS
- Shopify network fulfillment
- Easy setup and user-friendly interface streamline store creation.
- Customizable themes allow for tailored branding and aesthetics.
- It lets you turn voice calls into video meetings with a single tap.
- Extensive app integration enhances functionality and scalability.
- Additional transaction fees may be incurred.
- Lacks built-in blogging features for content marketing.
Pricing
- Basic: $29 per month
- Shopify: $79 per month
- Advanced: $299 per month
2. BigCommerce
BigCommerce stands out as one of the best eCommerce software options, designed to empower businesses of all sizes to achieve effective online sales. Offering a comprehensive suite of tools, including customizable themes, secure payment processing, and advanced marketing features, it facilitates seamless online store creation and management.
With its core focus on scalability and flexibility, BigCommerce empowers merchants to build engaging, high-converting online storefronts and achieve sustainable growth in the digital marketplace.
- Page builder visual editor
- Mobile optimization
- Shopify POS
- Shopify network fulfillment
- Robust platform with comprehensive tools for effective online selling.
- Customizable themes and advanced marketing features enhance store capabilities.
- Scalability and flexibility support business growth and expansion.
- Higher pricing tiers may be costly for smaller businesses.
- Implementing customization options might need some technical knowledge.
Pricing
- Contact sales
SocialBee emerges as one of the best eCommerce platform choices, serving as a versatile social media management tool for businesses aiming to streamline their online presence across various platforms.
With its array of features, including content scheduling, post recycling, and audience targeting, SocialBee simplifies the management of social media campaigns. Offering customizable posting schedules and detailed analytics, it optimizes social media engagement and drives traffic to websites, making it an indispensable asset for digital marketing strategies.
- Design integration
- AI content creation & strategy
- Generate hashtags
- Post variations
- Efficient social media management with content scheduling and recycling.
- Customizable posting schedules cater to specific audience preferences.
- Detailed analytics provide insights for optimizing social media strategies.
- Limited integration options with other marketing tools.
- Learning curve for navigating advanced features may be steep.
Pricing
- Bootstrap: $24 per month
- Accelerate: $40 per month
- Pro: $82 per month
4. Canva
Canva is a versatile graphic design platform that simplifies the creation of stunning visuals for various purposes, including social media posts, presentations, posters, and more. It also offers advanced features like a custom poster maker, flyer maker, and invitation maker, allowing users to create personalized designs with ease. With an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a vast library of templates, images, and design elements. Canva is one of the best ecommerce platforms for small businesses, which empowers users to unleash their creativity without the need for advanced design skills.
- Text to image
- PDF editor
- Video to MP4
- Online screen recorder
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for easy design creation.
- Vast library of templates and design elements enhances creativity.
- Versatile tool suitable for various graphic design needs.
- Limited customization options for advanced design requirements.
- Paid subscription is required for some premium features.
Pricing
- Pro: $199.99 per year for one person
- Teams: $159.99 per year for one person
- Enterprise: Contact sales
5. Freshbooks
FreshBooks is a comprehensive cloud-based accounting solution tailored to the needs of small businesses and freelancers. With its user-friendly interface and versatile functionality, FreshBooks streamlines financial management tasks such as invoicing, expense tracking, time management, and reporting. Its accessibility from any internet-connected device empowers users to stay on top of their finances wherever they are.
- Customizable invoice
- Payment reminders
- Multi-currency
- Tax-friendly categories
- User-friendly interface simplifies accounting tasks for small businesses.
- Cloud-based accessibility allows for convenient financial management from anywhere.
- Automated features streamline invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting processes.
- Limited customization options may not meet all business needs.
- Pricing plans may be costly for larger enterprises.
Pricing
- Lite: $5.70 per month
- Plus: $9.90 per month
- Premium: $18.00 per month
- Select: Contact sales
6. Zoho
Zoho is one of the best b2b ecommerce platforms designed to streamline various aspects of operations, including customer relationship management (CRM), project management, email marketing, and more. With its user-friendly interfaces, extensive integrations, and affordable pricing plans, Zoho empowers businesses of all sizes to enhance productivity, collaboration, and efficiency across different functions.
- Lead magnet
- Deal management
- Contact management
- Workflow automation
- Versatile suite of cloud-based business software solutions.
- User-friendly interfaces enhance productivity and collaboration.
- Extensive integrations are available for seamless workflow optimization.
- Customer support response times may vary.
- Some advanced features require additional costs.
Pricing
- Standard: $14 per user per month
- Professional: $23 per user per month
- Enterprise: $40 per user per month
- Ultimate: $52 per user per month
7. Easyship
Easyship is a comprehensive shipping platform that simplifies the process of shipping goods globally for eCommerce businesses of all sizes. It offers a range of shipping solutions, including discounted rates from major couriers, automated order fulfillment, and tracking capabilities. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, Easyship enables businesses to streamline their shipping operations and provide a seamless experience for customers worldwide.
- Flat rate services
- Customer notifications
- Printing options
- Batch shipping
- Access to discounted rates from major couriers worldwide.
- Automated order fulfillment and tracking streamline shipping processes.
- User-friendly interface simplifies shipping operations for eCommerce businesses.
- Limited customization options for shipping labels and packaging.
- Some advanced features may require additional subscription fees.
Pricing
- Free: $0
- Plus: $29 per month
- Premier: $69 per month
- Scale: $99 per month
8. ShippingEasy
ShippingEasy is a robust shipping solution crafted to ease and optimize the shipping operations for eCommerce ventures. It offers features such as order management, label printing, and discounted shipping rates from major carriers.
With its user-friendly interface and robust automation capabilities, ShippingEasy enables businesses to efficiently manage their shipping operations, saving time and money while providing a seamless experience for customers.
- Tracking status update
- Buy & print option
- Customizable packing slips
- Bar codes on packing slips
- Simplifies shipping process with order management and label printing.
- Gain access to preferential shipping rates from leading global carriers across the world.
- Robust automation capabilities streamline shipping operations for businesses.
- Customer support response times may vary.
- Some advanced features may require additional subscription fees.
Pricing
- Starter: Free
- Growth: $19.99 per month
9. Novo
Novo is a modern banking platform designed specifically for small businesses and freelancers. It offers features such as no-fee business checking accounts, expense tracking, and integration with popular accounting software. With its user-friendly mobile app and seamless digital banking experience, Novo empowers entrepreneurs to manage their finances efficiently, save time, and focus on growing their businesses.
- Deposits and sends checks from app
- Smart insights
- Virtual debit card
- Unlimited transactions
- No-fee business checking accounts with seamless digital banking experience.
- Effortlessly track expenses and seamlessly integrate with widely used accounting software.
- User-friendly mobile app simplifies financial management for entrepreneurs.
- Limited branch access may be inconvenient for some users.
- Certain banking features may not be as robust.
Pricing
- Contact sales
10. Square POS
Square POS is a versatile point-of-sale system designed for businesses of all sizes. It is among the best ecommerce platforms for startups, offering a range of hardware options, including card readers and terminals, as well as software features for inventory management, sales reporting, and customer relationship management. With its intuitive interface and affordable pricing, Square POS empowers merchants to accept payments seamlessly, manage their operations efficiently, and grow their businesses.
- Online store management
- Print barcode labels
- Cost of goods sold reports
- Apply for Square loans
- Versatile point-of-sale system suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Intuitive interface and easy setup streamline payment processing operations.
- Affordable pricing and transparent fees make it accessible for merchants.
- Limited offline functionality may pose challenges in certain environments.
- Some advanced features may require additional subscription fees.
Pricing
- Contact sales
11. Gelato
Gelato is a global print-on-demand platform that connects businesses with a network of printers worldwide, enabling them to produce and deliver custom-printed products to customers quickly and cost-effectively. With its user-friendly interface and automated order processing, Gelato simplifies the printing and fulfillment process for businesses of all sizes, allowing them to expand their product offerings and reach new markets efficiently.
- Connect via Shopify
- Connect via API
- Webhooks for integration
- Pre-print design editor
Pricing
- Contact sales
12. Printify
Printify is a print-on-demand platform that connects eCommerce store owners with a network of print providers worldwide. It enables businesses to create and sell custom-designed products without holding inventory or managing production. With its user-friendly interface and extensive catalog of customizable items, Printify stands out as one of the best online store platforms for small businesses. It streamlines the process of product creation and fulfillment, allowing merchants to focus on growing their online businesses.
- Order routing
- Custom order import
- SOS folder - self service submission
- Product selective publishing
- Connects eCommerce stores with a global network of print providers.
- No inventory management is required; products are printed on demand.
- User-friendly interface and extensive customizable product catalog available.
- Shipping times and costs may vary depending on location.
- Quality control and consistency may vary among print providers.
Pricing
- Free: $0 per month
- Premium: $24.00 per month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
13. Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a powerful web analytics tool provided by Google, allowing businesses to track and analyze website traffic and user behavior. It offers insights into various metrics such as website visits, page views, bounce rates, and conversion rates. Google Analytics helps businesses to make data-driven decisions and optimize their presence online with its user-friendly interface and customizable reporting features.
- Real-time reporting
- Acquisition reporting
- Engagement reports
- Monetization reports
- Comprehensive web analytics tool tracks and analyzes website traffic.
- User-friendly interface and customizable reporting features for easy navigation.
- Provides valuable insights to optimize online presence and performance.
- Learning curve may be steep for beginners.
- Limited real-time data reporting capabilities compared to other tools.
Pricing
- Free
14. VWO: Visual Website Optimizer
VWO (Visual Website Optimizer) is an all-in-one platform for A/B testing, split testing, and conversion rate optimization. It allows businesses to create and run experiments to improve website performance, user experience, and conversion rates. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, VWO empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions and optimize their websites for maximum effectiveness and engagement.
- Behavioral insights
- Targeting and personalization
- Customer data platform
- Statistical engine and reporting
- Conduct A/B testing and split testing for website optimization.
- Improve conversion rates and user experience with powerful features.
- User-friendly interface facilitates data-driven decisions for website optimization.
- The steeper learning curve for beginners.
- You may need technical expertise to implement some advanced features.
Pricing
- Starter: Free
- Growth: $392 per month
- Pro: $903 per month
- Enterprise: $1581 per month
15. Zoho Desk
Zoho Desk is a cloud-based help desk software solution designed to streamline customer support operations. It offers features such as ticket management, multi-channel support, and self-service portals to help businesses provide exceptional customer service. With its user-friendly interface and customizable workflows, Zoho Desk enables teams to efficiently manage customer inquiries, resolve issues, and improve overall customer satisfaction.
- Omnichannel messages
- Customer analytics
- Multi-brand help center
- Live chat
- Cloud-based help desk software streamlines customer support operations.
- Offers multi-channel support and self-service portals for customers.
- User-friendly interface and customizable workflows enhance team efficiency.
- Limited integration options with other software solutions.
- Some advanced features may require additional subscription fees.
Pricing
- Standard: $14 per month per user
- Professional: $23 per month per user
- Enterprise: $40 per month per user
How to Select the Ideal Tool From the eCommerce Software List?
Selecting the right eCommerce tool involves assessing your business needs, budget, and future growth plans. Consider the tool’s compatibility with your existing systems, its scalability, and the level of customer support provided.
1. Assess Business Needs
Begin by identifying the specific requirements and goals of your eCommerce business, such as website functionality, payment processing, inventory management, and marketing capabilities. Understanding these needs will help you prioritize features and narrow down the list of potential eCommerce tools that align with your business objectives.
2. Consider Budget Constraints
Evaluate the budget available for investing in eCommerce software, taking into account both upfront costs and ongoing expenses such as subscription fees, transaction fees, and additional charges for advanced features or support services. Choose a tool that offers the best value within your budgetary constraints.
3. Evaluate Features and Functionality
Compare the features and functionalities offered by different eCommerce tools, focusing on aspects such as ease of use, customization options, integration capabilities, scalability, and performance. Look for tools that provide a comprehensive suite of features that meet your business requirements and offer flexibility for future growth.
4. Check User Reviews and Testimonials
Research user reviews and testimonials from other businesses using the eCommerce tools you’re considering. Pay attention to feedback regarding usability, reliability, customer support, and overall satisfaction with the software. This insight can help you gauge the real-world performance and suitability of each tool for your business.
5. Test and Demo
Take advantage of free trials, demos, or pilot programs offered by eCommerce software providers to test the usability and functionality of the tools firsthand. Use this opportunity to explore the user interface, experiment with key features, and assess how well the software aligns with your business processes and workflow.
Conclusion
In summary, eCommerce software platforms are indispensable for businesses aiming to thrive in the online marketplace in 2024. From building and managing an online storefront to processing payments, managing inventory, understanding customer behavior, and executing effective marketing strategies, these tools cover every aspect of running an eCommerce business.
By carefully selecting tools that align with their business model, size, and growth aspirations, businesses can optimize operations, delight customers, and achieve sustainable growth in the competitive digital arena. Remember, the best eCommerce tool for your business is one that fits your specific needs, budget, and plans, enabling you to not just survive but thrive in the ever-evolving world of online commerce.
Frequently Asked Questions
The key benefits include streamlined business operations, improved customer experiences, data-driven insights for better decision-making, scalability, and a competitive advantage in the market.
Key features to look for include ease of use, scalability, integration capabilities with other tools or platforms, comprehensive analytics, reliable customer support, and specific functionalities that match your business needs and support your marketing efforts.
Small businesses benefit from user-friendly, cost-effective ecommerce marketing tools like Shopify or WooCommerce, which offer simplicity and essential functionalities. Large enterprises prefer robust platforms like Magento or Salesforce Commerce Cloud, which provide extensive customization, integration, and scalability.
Data migration between eCommerce platforms is feasible but can be complex, depending on the platforms and data volume. While many platforms provide tools or services for easier migration, challenges like data format mismatches and potential data loss may arise. For a smooth transition, it's often best to hire an experienced professional.
Paras Kela is an accomplished IT professional with 7+ years of industry experience, including 4+ years as a dedicated content writer. His expertise lies in crafting informative blogs on VoIP and cloud telephony, among other technical subjects. Outside his professional pursuits, he cherishes quality time with loved ones, indulges in watching documentaries, and finds solace in gardening.
Updated : December 5, 2024
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