What is E-commerce Functionality in Website Builders?

5 min to read

The term e-commerce functionality in website builders pertains to the defining functionalities and capabilities for users to set up, operate, and grow an online shop with no difficulties.

These tools make some components of the online retail business evolve into the following:

• The creation of an appealing graphical user interface

• Installation of secure methods of payment

• Control of the merchandise database

• Customers remain the primary focus in the service setting.

Despite the pitfalls encountered in the management of an online business, offering relevant tools and support that fit the nature of e-commerce business owners evens it out.

Deep Dive:
Usually, e-commerce functionality also comprises some business intelligence tools, which in turn enable the business owners to keep track of how their business is performing, and study strategies as well as measures to improve their business.
Key Takeaways:
  • The e-commerce functionalities available on website builders can impact online selling as they provide interface tools, options to receive payment, as well as product management features
  • UX navigation, search filters, and web push notifications are among the key features e-commerce website builders include
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What key features should I look for in an e-commerce website builder? 

For the development of an effective online store, it is important to choose the proper ecommerce functionality in website builders. Purchasing the right product may not always be easy but understanding the requirements will help you.

To start, these are the features the website builder should include:

  • Product management tools (select a comprehensive one)

  • Give preference to user-friendly website builders

  • Find a website builder with powerful search and filter options

  • Choose website builders with web push notifications that are relevant to you

  • User reviews and ratings that are merged into the tool 

It is essential to concentrate on features that improve the customer experience and features that will increase conversions to achieve business growth. Be sure to keep in mind your unique needs and requirements in terms of budget when you compare different website builders.

Pro Tip: 
Utilize the free trial offers encountered on e-commerce websites, to familiarize oneself with their structures before committing.

How easily can beginners use an e-commerce site builder? 

People who have elementary technical know-how can use e-commerce site builders since they are constructed with beginners in mind. Because some platforms provide drag-and-drop or click-and-edit functionality, pre-built templates, and AI-powered assistance, these are known tools that are used to facilitate website development. 

The complexity of the process can vary depending on the specific platform and the desired outcome. While learning to code from scratch requires effort, it is possible to simplify the process by using website builders and focusing on the core aspects of their products, rather than the hassle of learning about implementation and background knowledge.

Pros versus Cons:

  • Intuitive interfaces X Limited design flexibility: Designing websites is made easier with website builders since they are WYSIWYG, thus allowing drag-and-drop features for users; nevertheless, they may not allow as much freedom as pure coding does.

  • Easy customization X Fixed options: Most website builders allow fixes to colors, fonts, layouts, templates, and other design elements on your page even without applying code, and the downside is that you need to use the available fixed options as it is not possible to create your own from scratch. 

  • Empowered by AI X Problems with SEO: Some website builders have AI-powered features that are very helpful with product description (e.g. writing, image optimization, designing) but you must choose carefully your website builder as it is better if it offers optimized SEO features.

  • Thorough guidance X Platform dependence: Website builders commonly provide tutorials, walkthroughs, as well as knowledge bases from which users can utilize through the setup and customization process. Nevertheless, be attentive to the characteristics it has and think about what suits you in the long-term as depending on the builder you choose it may be more challenging to switch platforms in case you ever decide to.

  • Customer support X Potential cost: In case of any queries or problems faced by the users, most platforms also offer customer support through the telephone, email, chat, etc but you can expect that certain aspects or advanced features are offered on a paid basis.

Choosing the right website builders for your online business requires knowing their strengths and whether they are appropriate for your particular objectives.

Here are some of the options available:

  • Shopify aims to these mature brands seeking sophisticated tools and functionalities, as well as scalability and a vast array of app integrations; just make sure you have the proper budget as it can be a costly platform.

  • Wix is a drag-and-drop editor that provides a variety of free professionally-designed online store templates, simplifying the creation of online stores; nevertheless, if you wish you revamp your website in a future event it may limit you as once the template is chosen, it is not possible to change later.

  • Hocoos provides a customizable editor and AI tools for product setup. Inventory management for item tracking is also featured.

Align the desired design features for your website with those that the platform of your choice offers; use it to attentively calculate its pros and cons. Ponder the options available to create an effective online store; evaluate carefully the key metrics like scalability, prices, customizations, and tools to guide your decision.

Pro Tip: 
Before implementing a strategy for the improvement of your website, one must start by understanding the purpose of the website and the people it is designed for. In this way, you will be more effective in picking the website builder that suits your requirements more appropriately.

Conclusion

Choosing the best e-commerce website builder will directly affect the operations of your online business. In determining the decision that you will make, you need to consider many factors such as how easy it is to use the tool, the features included, how extensive the tool can be, and the cost of it. Solutions to such inquiries can be found when searching for important aspects, rookie-friendly options, or best e-commerce website builders. Make sure to evaluate the type of e-commerce business that you intend to undertake, your level of technical know-how, and your expansion strategies when picking a platform for your e-commerce business.

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Important Consideration: The information provided by our expert team is designed to give you a general understanding of the website creation process and the features available to you. It's important to note that this information is not a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific needs and goals.
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