When customers visit your online store, they will be greeted with your platform’s interface and brand messaging. A sleek interface, highly clear images, and detailed product descriptions are some of the best ways to ensure an engaging eCommerce experience.
You might think about how a good customer experience can benefit your business. Statistics might provide a better answer here: 8 out of 10 customers will spend more money for a better customer experience. And 1 in 10 will even increase spending by more than half. This clearly shows the importance of putting your customers at the center.
Your chosen content management system will greatly affect your eCommerce platform’s overall experience. It is like the backbone of your store as it handles transactions, monitors inventory, and personalizes the customer journey. While you can build your own CMS by consulting an eCommerce development company, multiple platforms are available in the market that let you handle everything in a centralized space.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of an eCommerce CMS, top platforms, and features to consider.
What is an eCommerce CMS?
An eCommerce CMS (Content Management System) is a user-friendly software that lets you create, manage, and modify your online store’s content without needing extensive technical knowledge.
It helps with key eCommerce functions like product management, order processing, and customer support with content tools like blogging, SEO, and multimedia management.
With an eCommerce CMS, you can easily build and customize your online store, manage your inventory, and handle payments, all while offering a smooth shopping experience for your customers.
This all-in-one approach simplifies your operations and boosts your online business’s overall efficiency and effectiveness. Whether you’re adding new products, processing orders, or building an eCommerce SEO strategy, a CMS makes everything more manageable.
Advantages of Using an eCommerce CMS
eCommerce CMS platforms offer a plethora of benefits, and that’s why they are widely used worldwide. Around 68.7% of all websites use a CMS, and the numbers are increasing every year.
Let’s see some of the top benefits of eCommerce CMS:
User-Friendliness
Content management systems (CMS) have transformed how online stores handle their content. In the past, business owners had to depend on development experts to update their websites. This process was slow and costly. Now, CMS makes it easy for anyone to manage a website, even without coding skills.
With CMS, adding new products, changing descriptions, or launching promotions is as simple as using social media. Your team can quickly update the site without calling in experts. This saves time and money, allowing your business to be more responsive to market changes.
CMS puts the power of eCommerce store management directly in your hands, making eCommerce more accessible and efficient than ever before.
Scalability
In today’s fast-paced online world, businesses need to be quick on their feet. Traditionally, updating eCommerce websites consumed a lot of time and required knowledge of coding.
With CMS, you don’t need to be a tech whiz to update your site. Want to add new products? Enter a new market? Update with the latest tech? It’s all possible with just a few clicks. No coding required!
Additionally, you can customize your eCommerce CMS platform by hiring eCommerce developers to meet the business needs. Whether you’re a small startup or a growing enterprise, eCommerce CMS can help you stay relevant in the ever-changing digital world.
Cost-Effectiveness
As mentioned earlier, eCommerce CMS platforms are easy to use and you can run your store with minimal technical knowledge. So, it eliminates effort, time, and money used in labor costs.
Moreover, CMS platforms offer a wide range of plugins and themes, reducing the need for custom-made functionalities.
Small and medium-scale businesses leverage the cost-effective advantages of eCommerce CMS to improve the bottom line.
Enhanced Security
Online shopping is booming, but so are cyber threats. A lot of data breaches happen affecting sensitive info like customer details and payment data from online stores. But don’t worry! Most CMS tools offer in-built features for eCommerce security. They constantly update their platform and security measures to keep the hackers away.
And if you want to add an extra layer of protection, you can consult eCommerce development services to keep your customers’ data safe and secure.
By prioritizing security, you’re not just protecting data – you’re building trust with your shoppers.
Best eCommerce CMS Platforms of 2024
When looking for an eCommerce CMS solution, you will find a plethora of options at your disposal. Now, choosing one that fits in your budget and offers great value can be confusing.
But don’t worry, we have got you covered. Here, we have created a list of top eCommerce CMS platforms you should consider:
Shopify is a popular online eCommerce CMS platform that’s easy to use and has lots of add-on features you can utilize. You can choose from a wide range of designs to make your online store look professional, even if you don’t know how to code. Shopify is great for small and medium-sized businesses as it offers excellent customer support and a robust backend system.
Pros:
- Simple to use
- Lots of extra features available
- Helpful customer support
Cons:
- Can’t customize everything unless you know how to code
- You have to pay fees for transactions unless you use Shopify Payments
Pricing: Starts from $29/month, billed annually
G2 Rating: 4.4/5
WooCommerce is a free and open-source eCommerce system designed for WordPress websites. It’s very flexible, allowing you to customize your online store with lots of different add-ons and themes. The WooCommerce community is large, and there are plenty of helpful resources available. It’s perfect for people who are familiar with WordPress and need a strong eCommerce option for their website.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Lots of customization options
- Support from a large community
Cons:
- Needs a WordPress site to work
- Might be difficult for beginners to use
Pricing: It’s open source, so you can use it for free. But you need to manage other expenses such as themes, payment gateway integrations, shipping costs, etc.
G2 Rating: 4.4/5
Magento (Now Adobe Commerce)
Magento is a great eCommerce CMS tool for large businesses. It’s open-source, so you can customize and scale it to fit your needs, and it’s efficient for handling large volumes of products and transactions. It offers a set of features for SEO, payment and shipping options, and robust inventory management.
Pros:
- Can scale easily
- Lots of robust features
- Various Customization options
Cons:
- Needs technical skills
- Maintenance costs can add up
Pricing: Pricing is available on demand.
G2 Rating: 4.0/5
Wix eCommerce is a great option for small businesses and individuals who want a budget-friendly and easy-to-use CMS tool. With Wix, you can choose from many pre-built templates and easily customize your site without any coding knowledge. It has all the essential features you need to run an online store, like secure payments, managing your products, and tools to help with search engine optimization.
Pros:
- Affordable prices
- Simple drag-and-drop editor
- Attractive templates
Cons:
- Scalability is limited
- Lacks some advanced features
Pricing: Starts from $29/month, basic eCommerce features
G2 Rating: 4.2/5
BigCommerce is an eCommerce CMS platform for online stores that is easy to use and has powerful features for SMEs and enterprises. It comes with pre-built tools for SEO, marketing, and data analysis. BigCommerce can help you build a strong sales channel on social media and online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. It also integrates easily with other apps you might use to run your business, making everything work well together.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- No extra fees per transaction
- Comes with many great features
Cons:
- Limited free design options
- Higher prices for advanced features
Pricing: Starts from $29/month
G2 Rating: 4.2/5
Squarespace Commerce is popular for its attractive, high-quality templates and easy-to-use interface. It’s a good option for businesses that value aesthetics and want a simple eCommerce solution. Squarespace comes with useful features like secure payment processing, inventory management, and marketing tools. Although it’s not as flexible for customization as some other platforms, it offers a great mix of design and functionality for small to medium-sized businesses.
Pros:
- Stylish templates
- Easy to use
- All-in-one platform
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Higher fees for transactions on lower plans
Pricing: Starts from $23/month
G2 Rating: 4.4/5
Drupal Commerce is a flexible eCommerce CMS tool that works with Drupal. It’s great for businesses that need a customized online store with special features. With Drupal Commerce, you can manage products, improve your website’s visibility on search engines, and integrate with other software. However, setting up and keeping Drupal Commerce running requires a lot of technical knowledge. It’s best for bigger businesses with their dedicated IT team.
Pros:
- Can be customized to fit your needs
- Comes with many useful features
- Can connect with other software easily
Cons:
- Needs technical expertise to manage
- Can be expensive to set up and maintain
Pricing: It’s open source, so you can use it for free. But you need to manage other expenses such as themes, payment gateway integrations, shipping costs, etc.
G2 Rating: 4.0/5
How to Choose the Best eCommerce CMS Tool?
Choosing the right content management system for your eCommerce store is important because each CMS is different in design, structure, interface, and functionality. First, think about what kind of store you want. Are you opting for retail eCommerce or building a marketplace? The kind of website you want will help you pick the right CMS.
Next, think about your budget. If you don’t have much money, you might have to pick a free CMS or use a limited free version of a paid one.
And there are lots of other factors to consider before making a final decision. So, let’s see some of the key factors to look for:
Integrations
A good eCommerce CMS should be able to easily connect with other third-party tools and services. This can be through built-in plugins and integrations or by providing APIs to connect with external tools.
By having these integrations, businesses can enhance their online store functionality by adding payment gateways, marketing tools, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
Mobile Responsiveness
Mobile commerce is rapidly increasing. Around 76% of online shoppers order products from mobile devices. This shift is due to the growing number of people using smartphones to browse the internet, making online shopping more convenient.
Therefore, it’s crucial for an eCommerce CMS to prioritize mobile responsiveness, ensuring that the online store provides a great experience across various devices. A mobile-friendly design not only enhances user satisfaction but also positively impacts search engine rankings.
Personalization
An effective eCommerce CMS uses data on user behavior, purchase history, and demographic information to provide personalized product recommendations, content, and promotions.
Personalized content helps build a stronger connection between the brand and the consumer, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, it enhances customer engagement and improves the likelihood of conversions.
SEO Features
Having built-in SEO tools in a CMS allows businesses to optimize their online stores for search engines, improving visibility and driving organic traffic.
Achieving a high ranking on search engine results pages not only boosts sales but also builds trust with potential customers.
FAQs on eCommerce CMS Platforms
Q1. How do I choose between a self-hosted and a hosted eCommerce CMS solution?
Consider your technical expertise, budget, and desired level of control. Self-hosted solutions offer more customization and flexibility but require more technical knowledge and maintenance. Hosted platforms are easier to set up and manage but may have limitations on design and functionality. Assess your business needs, growth plans, and available resources to determine which option aligns best with your goals and capabilities.
Q2. What security features should I prioritize when selecting an eCommerce CMS?
Prioritize SSL certification, PCI DSS compliance, and regular security updates. Look for robust user authentication, including two-factor authentication and strong password policies. Ensure the CMS offers data encryption for sensitive information, both in transit and at rest. Choose a platform with built-in fraud detection tools and the ability to integrate with additional security plugins or services for enhanced protection against cyber threats.
Q3. What are the typical costs associated with running an eCommerce CMS store?
Costs vary depending on the platform and your needs. Expect to pay for domain registration, hosting (if self-hosted), and potentially a monthly or annual fee for the CMS itself. Additional expenses may include themes, plugins, payment gateway fees, and marketing tools. For hosted solutions, pricing often scales with your store’s size and features. Don’t forget to factor in potential development costs for customization and ongoing maintenance.
Conclusion
Nowadays, we often watch celebrities on Instagram to take fashion ideas and shop accordingly. Or we search for product reviews on YouTube when looking for any gadget. So, user preferences are changing quickly and you need to adapt your customer journey with the latest trends.
To effectively map out your customer journey and build an impressive presence on different channels, you need a robust eCommerce CMS. You may find your perfect eCommerce partner from the above-listed platforms; just remember to prioritize marketing capabilities, scalability, and integration options.
If you want to build a platform completely tailored to your business needs, you can also hire eCommerce developers.
