Selling on the web

Understanding eCommerce

eCommerce is software designed to integrate with a website and allow for the creation and management of products. There are many different types of eCommerce software available. Each adds unique features to enhance a site like shopping carts, check out pages, shipping, order tracking, customer accounts and payment options.

Cost effective to run and maintain the software offers a wide range of functions and is highly customizable for business needs. Products can be showcased, staff picks highlighted, coupons offered creating interaction and a positive experience with your audience.

Advantages

In recent years advances in eCommerce software have positively affected smaller businesses. A once competitive market reserved for larger companies with advertising budgets is becoming more leveled.

Smaller businesses are now capturing more traffic through SEO and eCommerce. A trend that is on a sharp increase with more and more internet users searching on mobile devices.

How it looks

Typical there are two types of displays common to eCommerce.

The first type, a shop base, is designed to display the products in a grid. All the items arranged for easy shopping and navigation on one main page. Or it can be designed so specific products in the case of a ‘shoes’ or ‘shirts’ section of the store.

The second type of display is the product details where focus on the item with images, descriptions, variation (like size or color), add to cart, seller options, customer reviews, social sharing, ratings, etc. can be built into a layout for all or specific product types.

Just below is an example of how a ‘T-shirt’ with a few features would look in eCommerce.

Treat this like a real business

eCommerce is a virtual extension of the physical business with added benefits. Creating interaction and receiving feedback provides important insights that can be used to enhance the experience. New ways to improve and market the business can be created and tested.

Whatever is being doing for a business in the real world to increase sales and appeal to customers should be mirrored in the online business.

Security

If a site is not secure the traffic will be warned the site does not protect their information. More than likely the traffic will take their business elsewhere and not return. When it comes personal information, a site needs to show their traffic is safe and that they can be trusted.

An SSL certificate provides the first layer of security needed to establish trust with the audience. It ensures the security of important data like email addresses and customer credit card details.

When a website starts with ‘https’ the ‘s’ stands for secure and a padlock will be on display to the left of this. In addition to encrypting data, the SSL certificate ensures visitors that your business is legitimate, and will not attempt to defraud them in any way.

Payment Gateways

A payment gateway is a secure portal for processing payments like credit cards. When they are set up they are connected to the site’s eCommerce and bank. This allows the site to authorize a customer’s credit card payment and process it securely.

The benefits to an eCommerce site handling sales through a payment gateway is being able to accept all major forms of credit, (Visa, Master Card, American Express), helps boost sales and establishes trust.

Adding eCommerce

With over a decade of experience in setup, launch and creation of eCommerce sites. The Workshop will find the best software fit to suit your business needs.

From the creation of the shop base and organizing the product structures to setting up shipping. This is a job that requires attention to details and practical experience.

When you’re ready to start making your site work for you, reach out to the Workshop and let’s build for the future of your business.

Inquiries about setting up eCommerce