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An online store builder (also known as an e-commerce site builder) is a program that allows you to build, customize, and run an online store. If you intend to start an online business, the first step for you to take is to choose an online store builder that has everything you need to succeed online. Choosing an online store platform can be a very challenging task as there are lots of options available to you. However, there are specific features you should look out for when selecting an e-commerce site builder. In the next section, we will be looking at these features.

7 Features Needed In The Best Online Store Builder

We already mentioned that choosing an online store builder can be quite a difficult job. Every platform claims to be the best and this makes choosing difficult. A good online store builder that will serve your online need has the following features:

1. Mobile supported e-commerce

A larger percentage of online shopping is done on mobile. So, it is important that you choose an online store builder that is mobile friendly. It should have a responsive website and should work seamlessly on mobile. A mobile-friendly website provides a better purchase experience, improve sales, and help you rank high on search engine. For example, Walmart’s sales increased by 98% when they optimized their mobile site. A seamless mobile buying experience is one of the great features provided by the best online store builders.

2. Ease of use

Another feature you should look out for in an online store builder is the ease of use. The best eCommerce builders are user-friendly. That is, they are easy to use. An online store builder dashboard should be easy to navigate and should give customers a seamless buying experience.

3. Multiple payment options

To run an online business, one of the things you need is a payment gateway that allows you to accept payments from customers. A standalone payment gateway may be very costly and it may prove unsuccessful. Therefore, the best online store builders should have multiple payment options. This will give your customers more options for payments and will ensure that you don’t miss out on payments as a result of the failure of a single payment gateway. Having multiple payment options will give your customers a wonderful shopping experience.

4. Efficient online search feature

An online store should have an efficient online search feature. Customers are usually excited when it comes to shopping. They want to get all they need within a short space of time. An effective search feature in the online store builder allows customers to search and easily find what they want to buy. They would love this feature as it will help them to quickly get what they want and leave the platform to go do something else. Your customers will love this experience and will likely return to the platform again whenever they want to get any item.

5. Automated marketing and sales

The goal of an e-commerce store is to sell its products. If your online store builder only has beautiful product pages, it may not lead to many sales. To have sales, you’ll need a perfect marketing strategy that is personalized for your customers.

The best online store builders need to have an automated marketing engine that will support the website’s search engine ranking. These additional marketing features include seasonal landing pages, personalized discounts and coupons, chat and notifications support, abandoned cart follow-ups, dynamic forms, etc.

6. Security features

As a result of the number of online transactions carried out every day, cybercriminals now target online platforms and e-commerce websites. So, an online store builder should have effective security measures that will help protect important information of her customers. The ecommerce website builder should provide online security features like two-factor authentication, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate, firewall, etc.

7. Built-in logistic services

A common reason why customers abandon their shopping carts is shipping. It is therefore important for online businesses to have a state-of-the-art logistics services that will help convert the maximum number of customers. The best e-commerce site builders should provide an easy and low-cost shipping solution for its customers. This integrated logistic service will help your business to expand to global market and earn you more since you can sell anywhere.

Conclusion

Choosing an online store builder to get started with is not always easy. However, the features mentioned above should help you in making the decision. Look out for an online builder that has the above mentioned advanced features and go for it. An online store builder that has the above features can make you succeed in your online business; your customer’s shopping experience is dependent to a large extent on them. So, ensure you implement these features in your ecommerce builder or choose a store builder that has the features.