Simple Online Store
Flaws and advantages of simple online stores, why it’s not always worth going to where the cheapest “at the beginning”.
Why is a “simple online store” not always a good solution?
Many entrepreneurs starting their e-commerce journey wonder about a quick and cheap way to set up an online store. Concepts like “simple online store” often sound attractive, but choosing the simplest option may bring more problems than benefits.
A simple online store is often limited in functionality, has less personalization options and limited growth potential. In this article, we’ll discuss why it’s worth investing in a professionally built e-commerce website on an open-source platform to achieve success in online sales.
What does a “simple online store” mean?
A simple online store is usually created on a closed platform that offers basic features, minimal personalization and low startup costs. Such solutions are popular among those starting their business because they don’t require extensive technical knowledge and allow you to quickly set up an online store.
However, this “simple online store” can become a limitation as your business grows.
Limitations of a simple online store
1. Lack of scalability – A simple online store may not be designed for growth. As the business starts growing, and the number of products or traffic on the site increases, limitations in development and lack of support for larger features become more noticeable.
2. Limited personalization – In a simple online store, the choice of templates and customization options are usually very limited. If you want to have a unique brand identity, a simple online store may not meet your expectations.
3. Limited SEO capabilities – Good SEO is crucial in e-commerce to increase site visibility in search engine results. A simple online store often doesn’t allow for full SEO implementation, which can negatively affect positioning.
4. Lack of control over data – In a simple online store on a closed platform, you usually don’t have full control over your data, which can limit the ability to analyze traffic and customer behavior.
Why is it worth hiring professionals to build an e-commerce website?
Hiring professionals to build an e-commerce website allows you to avoid the limitations associated with choosing a “simple online store”. A professional agency or specialist will create an e-commerce website that meets your specific industry needs and supports your growth. Here are the main benefits of hiring a professional to build an e-commerce website on an open-source platform:
1. Scalability and flexibility – A professionally built e-commerce website on an open-source platform like WooCommerce, PrestaShop, or Magento allows for gradual development, adding new features and extensions as needed. This is ideal if you want to expand your business.
2. Full customization – Unlike a simple online store, open-source platforms allow full control over the appearance and functionality of the site, so you can create a unique e-commerce experience tailored to your brand identity.
3. Better SEO and higher visibility in search engine results – A professionally built e-commerce website on an open-source platform allows for full implementation of SEO strategies, increasing site visibility in Google search results and attracting more customers.
4. Full control over data and security – A self-owned e-commerce website on an open-source platform gives you full control over customer data and transactions. This makes it easier to maintain security, which is especially important today.
Benefits of open-source platforms
Open-source platforms like WooCommerce, PrestaShop or Magento allow for unlimited development of your online store. Here are some key benefits that distinguish these platforms:
1. No subscription fees – Open-source doesn’t require subscription fees, which can reduce costs in the long run.
2. Community and technical support – Each open-source platform has a large community that offers pre-built solutions and plugins to support your e-commerce development.
3. Easy integration with other tools – Open-source allows for easy integration with payment systems, analytics tools and email marketing solutions.
Why is a “simple online store” not a long-term solution?
Choosing a simple online store may seem like a good idea at first, but in the long run, you’ll encounter problems with limited growth potential and personalization options. A simple online store can become a barrier to development, and transferring data to a more advanced platform later on is both costly and time-consuming.
It’s worth investing in professional solutions from the start to avoid the need for migrating your e-commerce website in the future.
Summary
When considering setting up an online store, it’s worth thinking about whether a “simple online store” is the best choice for your business. If you plan on expanding your operations and want full control over your e-commerce platform and its capabilities, investing in a professionally built e-commerce website on an open-source platform may be the most beneficial solution.
A professional e-commerce website will be more functional, tailored to your needs and ready for growth in the future.
