Should You Be Using A Website Builder Tool For Your Online Shop?
Is a website builder tool for you?
Creating an eCommerce site can be a significant undertaking, and it often turns into a logistical challenge. As well as compiling a database of product photography and corresponding descriptions, you have to think about how your brand or company is represented and how to encourage customers to convert from browsing to purchasing. Every eCommerce site needs constantly monitored social media accounts that can be used for feedback and communications through the site, and robust checkout functionality is as crucial as detailed T&C pages and a clearly identified returns policy.
The actual process of coding and launching a website can often seem secondary to the functions it needs to perform, which is why increasing numbers of people are opting to use a template-based website builder. One of these flexible tools is our own Online Shop Builder, enabling sole traders or small businesses to create an online store in a matter of minutes. A comprehensive roster of over 140 templates offers great flexibility in terms of appearance and functionality, while Stripe and PayPal provide fully secure payment gateways that can accept everything from Amex to Visa.
Rather than attempting to manually code a site yourself, or being regimented by the limitations of a fixed platform, template-based website builders operate through a control panel. It’s easy to add new products with high-res images and pricing details, while databases can be uploaded as CSV files to differentiate between distinct product lines (such as different sizes and colours of clothing). These same inventories regulate stock levels to ensure unavailable items aren’t listed as ‘in stock’ – one of online shopping’s most common aggravations.
While many small businesses wisely opt to concentrate their energies on domestic markets, different shipping rates can be specified for overseas markets and dozens of currencies can be accepted. It’s even possible to adjust tax rates according to the policies of foreign countries, creating the potential to accept custom from around the world as the business grows. This is particularly valuable for retailers of clothing or low-value items that can be shipped easily.
And for many retailers, that spells the end of their engagement with their website. However, there is plenty more that can – and arguably should – be done to maximise the value of an online eCommerce website. Regular updates will achieve higher search engine rankings and reassure prospective customers that the site is trustworthy, so a blog or news page should be created and managed. A single image won’t tell your clients much about products, whereas a series of images contained, for example, within a controllable slider will let them see their potential purchase from every angle.
Nor should comprehensive knowledge be the sole province of your clients. The best website builder tools also incorporate analytics support, which can provide everything from SEO recommendations for individual pages through to figures on sales numbers by week, month or year. Knowledge can also be obtained from UK2’s in-house support teams, providing round-the-clock technical support and advice on every aspect of the site. That can free you up to concentrate on promoting your brand effectively, while driving as much traffic as possible to the site.
Find out more about Online Shop Builder from UK2 and get started with your own eCommerce website here.