Running an online business is not like running a traditional, brick-and-mortar establishment. That’s many because you’ll have to rely on eCommerce software like Shopify or Amazon. And choosing the right software is critical – not only does the right eCommerce software facilitate sales, it also streamlines operations and simplifies processes to save you both time and money.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how selecting the right eCommerce software can be a game changer for your business by looking at the features you might be missing out on. We’ll then give you some advice for choosing the software that suits your business the most.
Features offered by eCommerce software
eCommerce software typically comes packed with features designed to streamline your business operations, such as:
- Inventory management
- Order processing
- Customer relationship management (CRM) tools
- Automated invoicing
- Multi-channel selling
- Integration with popular payment gateways
- Reporting and analytics
- Project management.
The exact mix you need will depend on your operations of course, so when choosing a software, you might begin by thinking about what you absolutely need, what would be a great extra, and what would be wanted.
But preferably, you would be thinking about all these. After all, each of those features either:
- Save you time that you can spend on strategies that grow your business
- Give you insights into your business that will help you spot problems and opportunities as early as possible.
Reducing costs through integration
Another great advantage of eCommerce software is its ability to seamlessly integrate with other business tools, like cloud accounting systems, inventory management software, and customer support platforms.
By integrating your eCommerce platform with tools like these, you can eliminate duplicate data entry while reducing operational costs. Moreover, it lets you optimise your operations and reduce your shipping costs to further reduce costs.
When looking for the right platform, have a think about which applications you need, and check whether your preferred eCommerce software allows for integration with it.
Other tips
When choosing your eCommerce software, you should also consider factors like user-friendliness and customer support. Most platforms are pretty good on this front nowadays – they have to be if they want to encourage business owners to choose them over their competitors.
You might also want to prioritise software that offers a great amount of scalability – if you’re planning to grow and scale up, of course. If not, that might not be too important to you.
Above all, though, you should prioritise eCommerce software with robust analytics and reporting features to gain insights into sales performance, customer behaviour, and inventory management.
Get in touch with us
Choosing the right eCommerce software is a strategic investment that can propel your business forward by saving you time and money while maximising efficiency. Whether you’re a startup or an established eCommerce enterprise, selecting the right software is crucial for success in today’s competitive landscape.
At Smith Butler, we understand the importance of making informed decisions. ASs experienced accountants and business professionals, we can help you navigate eCommerce software to help you make the right choice.
Your success is our priority. Get in touch with us today.