A Bird’s Eye View of Three Ecommerce Platforms
If you are looking to switch platforms, consider this perspective.
Earlier we wrote a detailed post about choosing an ecommerce solution based on specific needs. Now, we’re offing a broader perspective on the topic. The fact is that each of the popular ecommerce platforms offer a core feature set that is comparable to each other. They differentiate themselves based on their target market. For instance, Shopify has built a wonderful UI, a simple onboarding experience, and a very low entry level price. On the other end, Magento offers a highly complex platform and remains one of the highest priced platforms on the market.
Big Ecommerce Platforms
Shopify clearly targets entry level ecommerce with its emphasis on ease of entry. Its popularity and momentum have attracted established etailers as well. Yes, of course there are million dollar per month entrepreneurs using Shopify and there are large Shopify Plus clients. But, I believe that these folks would be successful on many carts.
On the other end of the spectrum is Magento’s Enterprise 2 platform. Magento is targeting etailers that generate at least $1 million per month from a single ecommerce site. The software offers a comprehensive feature set, but it requires an experienced ecommerce team that includes programmers, developers, designers and marketers to realize the software’s potential. Its longstanding history of being a free platform allowed it to build an enormous developer community and overall popularity.
Does One Size Fit All?
I consider these two platforms the bookends for the industry. However, not all ecommerce businesses will fit into either bucket. Ecommerce companies with medium to large catalog offerings require a clearly defined category structure and flexible ERP integration features. There are ecommerce businesses that need to customize their front-end beyond the standard templating systems or rigid layouts that some of the mid range platforms allow. And, many companies need to publish and manage multiple websites from a single platform which is either a limited option, or not offered at all among many platforms.
Searchfit was originally designed to accommodate custom front-end designs for larger enterprising clients. Its architecture is rooted in SEO and is developing into an accessible platform for a multi-channel ecommerce world. While many ecommerce companies thrive because they are well positioned across multiple channels, their core website tends to become only a single touchpoint between their customers. Although the digital world is in constant flux, a stable ecommerce platform that supports the complexities of a thriving business will remain necessary for ecommerce businesses.
