What is ecommerce software?
Ecommerce software is a solution that allows businesses to sell products online. Online stores utilise this system to allow customers to browse their websites, click the 'buy' button and receive their orders. The system facilitates each step of the buying process, from presenting the available products to taking payment and fulfilling orders.
At the very least, ecommerce software lists products and accepts payments. However, if you have an ecommerce store, you’ll likely need more functionality than this — especially if you plan to grow.
Why do you need ecommerce software?
Ecommerce sites that are appealing, scalable and provide a great user experience can be challenging to develop without coding skills or a large budget. This is where a well-developed ecommerce solution that's ready out-of-the-box comes in — many ecommerce platforms have everything you need to run an online store built-in, making it easy to get started.
Additionally, many platforms offer integrations with other popular ecommerce tools or have built-in features to help you manage your online store more effectively. The right ecommerce software can help you boost your product pages without being an SEO expert, determine pricing without visiting competitors' websites and automatically offer relevant upsells.
Even better, ecommerce software usually tailors its focus to the end user. Customer-centricity enhances the shopping experience, increasing sales and encouraging repeat purchases.
What to consider when choosing ecommerce software
Scalability: ecommerce software that grows with you
The best ecommerce software grows with you. Initially, you might only need the basics, like managing inventory and accepting payments, but you may require more sophisticated features as your business grows. Look for a platform that's scalable and allows you to pay for what you need as your business expands and your volumes increase.
Ease of use
The ecommerce software you choose should be easy for both you and your customers to use. Your online store must simplify complex processes to compete effectively in online retail. The best ecommerce software includes a robust support system for shop owners that provides self-service options, as well as in-built customer support.
Straightforward checkout process
The buying process should be frictionless, so choose software with a streamlined checkout process and intuitive navigation. Checkout processes should be simple and capable of accepting multiple payment methods, and a guest checkout option is handy for those who want to buy right away. Additionally, the software should capture valuable customer data so you can create personalised, engaging experiences for returning shoppers.
Integration with broader tech stack
Consider whether the software you choose will integrate with your business management software. Are the systems easy to connect, or will integration require a lot of effort? Choose ecommerce software that seamlessly integrates with your existing tools to keep your data flowing across your tech stack.
Omnichannel functionality
Most ecommerce businesses use several different sales channels, from web and social media to wholesalers and affiliates. Ensure your ecommerce software supports sales across multiple channels and lets you manage all activity from one central place.
5 of the best ecommerce software solutions
Shopify
Shopify is one of the most popular ecommerce platforms in the world. The drag-and-drop creator lets you choose which features to include in your storefront, and hundreds of highly customisable store templates make it easy to get your shop looking just the way you want.
The best part about Shopify is its extensive library of apps built by Shopify developers. You can plug and play any tool, from upsell and inventory management tools to email marketing and SEO apps.
Key features include:
A drag-and-drop storefront builder
Highly-customisable online store templates
An extensive library of Shopify apps built by trusted developers
One-click checkout for an optimised customer experience.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is built for scalability and excels at serving enterprise stores and B2B companies. It's easy to set up an online store using the tool's drag-and-drop editor and a library of customisable templates. The platform also features a suite of apps you can integrate to personalise your store.
Multiple checkout options reduce friction, and all subscription tiers receive detailed analytics to help inform future decisions. You can use this platform to create multiple storefronts with alternative languages, payment methods and messaging that appeal to different demographics.
Key features include:
Multi-storefront capabilities with localisation
Detailed and actionable insights
Customisable templates and a drag-and-drop website builder
Frictionless checkout options.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free, open-source plugin for WordPress websites. The plugin allows you to integrate online shopping capabilities into an existing WordPress website, with affordable tiered plans offering features suitable for new businesses and enterprises.
Like Shopify and BigCommerce, WooCommerce has a suite of beautiful pre-made templates to get your online store up and running ASAP, while the library of extensions can help you streamline the buying process.
Key features include:
Easy, no-code customisation
Extensions that help you build your ideal store
Marketing, checkout and shipping integrations
Scalability to grow with your business.
Retail Express
Retail Express is an all-in-one point-of-sale (POS) software solution for retailers. Multi-store retailers will benefit from this platform, as it offers the ability to manage multiple stores, access stock replenishment and wholesale services, and integrate with other cloud-based services and omnichannel functionality.
This market-leading stock and supplier management software uses AI and real-time data to generate accurate demand forecasts, while the automation features let you set up pricing, promotions and supplier collaborations that run on autopilot.
Key features include:
AI-powered merchandising
Pricing and promotion optimisation and automation
Real-time, accurate demand forecasts
Seamless collaboration with retail teams and suppliers.
Commerce Vision
Commerce Vision offers comprehensive, functionally-rich omnichannel digital commerce solutions for business-to-business (B2B) ecommerce brands. With features like end-to-end ecommerce integration, AI-powered sales order automation and mobile merchandising for field sales teams, the platform aims to deliver the business-to-consumer (B2C) experience for B2B businesses.
The company’s customer-centric focus is apparent in rich features like a store builder and additional integrations that let you tailor the customer journey, create custom product catalogues and generate unique workflows for each customer.
Key features include:
AI-powered sales order automation
Mobile merchandising for on-field sales teams
A no-code CMS with drag-and-drop widgets
A customisable store builder and custom product catalogues
Integrate your ecommerce platform with MYOB
Check out the MYOB App Marketplace to discover which ecommerce systems integrate with your MYOB business management platform.
With MYOB, you can connect all the workflows you need to run your business — your customers, suppliers, employees, projects, finance, accounting and tax, so you have everything you need to run your business in one place.
To find out more about building the business management platform that’s right for you, contact us today.
Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is of a general nature and does not consider your personal situation. It does not constitute legal, financial, or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as a statement of law, policy or advice. You should consider whether this information is appropriate to your needs and, if necessary, seek independent advice. This information is only accurate at the time of publication. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information contained on this webpage, MYOB disclaims, to the extent permitted by law, all liability for the information contained on this webpage or any loss or damage suffered by any person directly or indirectly through relying on this information.