The key parts to an eCommerce website are the products and their descriptions; the engagement with your customers and the correct user journeys.
Two large open source platforms for eCommerce are Magento and WooCommerce (WordPress Plugin). Here we discuss the differences between the two platforms and consider their unique strengths and stabilities. Which eCommerce platform is right for you?
Magento
‘Internet retailers 2016 report proves Magento merchants grow sales 3x faster than IR’s top 1,000 eCommerce merchants on average’. With no other eCommerce solution offering this speed of sales growth; it is no surprise that Magento is the preferred eCommerce platform.
Available in two platforms: Community – free to download and giving you access to several features – design changes, store and system management, catalogue creation and more. Then there’s Enterprise – a premium paid version and offering you technology updates, Google Tag Manager and cost-effective techniques to build a site unique to your brand.
With Magento Connect functioning as a central point for eCommerce themes and extensions. The platform aims mainly at larger eCommerce retailers and allows retailers to run multiple storefronts via one dashboard – perfect if you have more than one store to manage! Via third party systems you can also manage your other channels such as eBay and Amazon from one system.
Offering a wider range of basic features than WooCommerce, the powerful eCommerce platform can also work with various payment options, currencies and welcomes multiple languages. The easy-to-install, high performance platform encourages to purchase plug-ins as your business develops – with some extensions costing up to $1,000. Remember though – it pays to pay! And despite the costly plugins, Magento offers features within their standard option that you would be expected to pay for with WooCommerce.
Despite the powerful platform consciously making their platform easy to install and understand. Through online tutorials and videos you can get assistance using Magento.
WooCommerce
A recent newcomer to the world of eCommerce; WooCommerce, created by WooThemes in 2011, is highly supported and loved by the WordPress community. The small, efficient plugin is an easy to use platform; meaning users do not need background knowledge of WordPress for installation and is excellent for both small and medium sized enterprises.
The platform aims to convert your WordPress site into a fully functioning store; acting as assistance for selling mainly intangible goods. The default WooCommerce design has a clean presentation and allows you to select a range of customisable options. The platform offers several themes for free, along with paid themes starting from $79 to $139; all with additional plug-ins available.
WooCommerce is a small plug in that uses little disk space, less than the amount required for Magento. Working on any server, the platforms extensions and plug-ins can be applied to enhance eCommerce functionality and appearance. Like Magento however, WooCommerce also lets you see your websites performance analysis. Both working with Google Analytics, this attribute is extremely useful when monitoring your websites performance; resulting in areas of improvement highlighted, encouraging necessary action – e.g. areas to consider for a higher SEO ranking.
WooCommerce have also created a YouTube channel where they create and upload online videos and tutorials to help with set up, installation and provide a collection of guided tours ensuring no question goes unanswered.
If you’re unsure on which e-commerce platform to use, seek professional advice. Contact us to assist you with your eCommerce site on 01462 410722 or send us an email: [email protected].
