What Is Ecommerce and Which Platform Should You Use?
Understanding the basics of ecommerce and how to choose the right platform for your online store.
What Is Ecommerce?
Ecommerce, short for electronic commerce, is the buying and selling of products or services online. Whether someone is ordering clothing, booking a service or purchasing a subscription, they are engaging in ecommerce.
For businesses, ecommerce means operating an online store that allows customers to browse, buy and manage orders directly through a website. It enables 24/7 sales, a wider reach and an efficient way to manage stock, payments and shipping.
Why Ecommerce Matters
Benefits for Your Business
-
Sell products and services around the clock
-
Reach local and international customers
-
Lower overheads compared to physical shops
-
Streamline inventory and payment processes
Why Customers Prefer Shopping Online
-
Shop from any device, at any time
-
Quick and simple checkout process
-
Access to more options and better pricing
-
Convenient product information and reviews
Choosing the Right Ecommerce Platform
There are many ecommerce platforms available, each offering different levels of flexibility, pricing, and features. The right choice depends on your goals, budget and how much control you want over your site.
Popular options include:
-
Shopify, a hosted solution known for its ease of use
-
WooCommerce, a plugin that turns WordPress into a fully featured store
-
Squarespace, good for visual brands with small product ranges
-
Custom builds, best for businesses with specific workflows or advanced functionality
We will explore these platforms in more detail in an upcoming blog post.
What to Consider Before You Choose
Your Business Requirements
- Are you selling physical, digital or subscription-based products?
- How large is your inventory?
- What is your launch timeline and budget?
- Do you plan to scale in the near future?
Your Platform Requirements
- Do you want full control over design and layout?
- Will you need integrations with stock, accounting or CRM systems?
- How important is ease of use vs flexibility?
- Do you need support and ongoing updates?
How We Can Help
At Identity Creative, we help businesses build ecommerce websites that not only look great but work seamlessly behind the scenes. Whether you are launching your first store or refreshing an existing one, we offer support from planning through to launch and beyond.
We help with:
-
Choosing the right ecommerce platform for your needs
-
Designing user-friendly, mobile-optimised shopping experiences
-
Building stores using WooCommerce, Shopify or fully custom solutions
-
Optimising for speed, SEO and conversion
-
Providing ongoing technical support and maintenance
For example, we worked with Glassworks International to create a responsive, easy-to-manage ecommerce site that reflects their brand and makes online ordering simple for customers. Projects like this show how the right tools and approach can transform an online store.
Ready to Sell Online?
Your ecommerce website is more than just a shop. It is your brand’s online home and a key part of your business strategy.
If you need help choosing the right platform or want a professional team to build your store, we are here to help.
Contact us to discuss your ecommerce project
Or explore our Web Design Services for more on how we work