Choosing a Platform
In general, there are a few options available when it comes to setting up an online platform for your business. Existing platforms, such as eBay, Amazon, and Groupon, have a ready-made customer base but give you less control over your selling options. You can also use a build your own ecommerce solution, which allows you to choose from certain features and elements.
If you’re a pre-established business with a solid base of customers already, it might make more sense to develop your own ecommerce website. In this case, ensuring it has the right elements is vital. Security is of the utmost importance, which is why all ecommerce website should have a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate.
SSL certificates ensure that data, such as credit card numbers, are encrypted when customers make purchases. Your site should also be easy to navigate. Cluttered layouts and confusing instructions increase the chance of cart abandonment, which is when an ecommerce customer fills a cart only to leave the site before completing checkout.