Hosted vs Self-Hosted Ecommerce Platform: Which one Fit for Business
What is a Self-Hosted eCommerce Platform?
Instead of hosting your eCommerce platform through a hosted server, self-hosted platforms are built by themselves. This means that here you are also solely responsible for the creation, hosting, and storage of all data.
Self-hosting can prove to be a daunting task if you’re not sure what you’re getting into. Therefore, you will need expert advice to ensure that you are doing it properly.
Self-hosted eCommerce platforms need to set up their own server, which is usually within the cloud. Server installation is the main cost involved in self-hosting. Whereas, the application you download to run your website is usually free or at a very low cost.
Luckily for you, there are various agencies and providers that will provide you with the advice you need. Even if for a small fee.?Examples of this option include:
? Magento
What is a Hosted eCommerce Platform?
The hosted platform is referred to as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) delivery model. These all-in-one solutions often include hosting, shopping baskets, and comprehensive technical support.
So with a hosted eCommerce platform, you don’t need to worry about setting up your own server. Mostly, businesses will operate on the cloud where all their files and data are stored.
The Host Platform stores your information for you, absolving you of responsibility for doing so. Basically, the host sets up the online store and develops the application itself. They own and manage the vendor on your behalf, which is perfect for businesses that are not technically involved.
The cost of operating through a hosted?eCommerce platform usually depends on the size of your business and the shop as a whole.
Some platforms will try to take a small percentage of your revenue through the shop in exchange for your service.?Examples of hosted eCommerce platforms include:
All eCommerce platforms have their advantages and disadvantages. It is important for businesses to evaluate different platforms based on their specific needs.
?Overview of the Popular eCommerce Platforms for 2023
BigCommerce is a recognized open SaaS platform provider. It offers small business and start-up plans with built-in features and SEO controls. And their integration options, like the headless WordPress plugin, make the platform at the forefront of headless commerce solutions…..?(LEARN MORE ?about?BigCommerce )
Shopify ?E-commerce Platform:
Shopify is also a well-funded and public SaaS eCommerce platform provider. and has an enterprise solution called Shopify Plus. They are popular with starter stores, hobbyists, and brands with SKU numbers less than 100……?(LEARN MORE about Shopify )
WooCommerce is an open-source eCommerce platform, it provides branded content in addition to cart solutions on WordPress. And the brands that developers use are most comfortable with the WordPress environment. These are used by starter stores, small businesses, and hobbyists……?(LEARN MORE ?about?WooCommerce )
Wix Ecommerce Platform:
The Wix Platform is similar to Squarespace. And known for its easy website setup and keeps it simple with a drag-and-drop interface, competitive pricing, and modern for purchase and free themes. Wix is often used by entrepreneurs and other small business creatives…..(LEARN MORE about Wix )
Weebly is a great option for those looking for a simple store with built-in marketing automation. They provide the basic tools needed for a functional store without flashy extras to confuse you…..
(LEARN MORE ?about?Weebly)
Volusion E-commerce Platform:
Volusion is an eCommerce platform. this platform is a great option for those selling physical products. And the dashboard is well structured with all the main action areas in the top navigation menu. …..(LEARN MORE about Volusion)
Magento E-commerce Platform:
Magento is an on-premises, open-source solution preferred by brands that have already invested heavily in IT or development teams. Magento 2 (Magento Enterprise Cloud Edition or AKA Magento Commerce Cloud) is a cloud, open-source solution launched in recent years…(LEARN MORE about Magento)
Squarespace E-commerce platform:
Squarespace is a SaaS website platform provider. He is known for his work with the creative community. It is mainly used by the creative community with low SKU volume…(LEARN MORE about Squarespace)
领英推荐
Shift4Shop E-commerce platform:
Shift4Shop is another SaaS eCommerce platform, it offers multilingual support and advanced shipping solutions – you don’t need any API on this platform…….(LEARN MORE about Shift4Shop )
Prestashop Ecommerce :
Prestashop is a freemium open-source, cloud-hosted e-commerce platform. and at this platform users can be used 60 different languages which are popular outside English-speaking countries where other platform providers also include:
Tips to Consider When Choosing Your eCommerce Platform
?Before you?choose an eCommerce platform? And you will need to understand how they work on a self-hosted platform as compared to a fully hosted platform. however, You can change hosts at any time, but migrating your site can be a hassle for you and your customers. so you should consider some important research before you commit.
1. Budget:
Typically, you can pay anywhere from ($10 to $10,000) to build and host your?eCommerce site. Buying expensive hosting doesn’t always give you the best experience. So you have to understand what is available and whether they are really cost-effective to make that decision, Even though e-commerce hosts offer competitive packages,
So before you choose an eCommerce host, you should set our budget for:
If you look at an all-in-one host, you can opt for a premium package that includes all these features and is well within your budget.
However, if you choose standalone web hosting, you will need to research the costs of these services from the providers.
2. Target Audience.
Advertising for social media users is a must if you want to attract a massive and engaged audience, as Facebook alone has over 2.7 billion active monthly users. That’s a lot of potential customers.
With the advent of Buyable Pins, Facebook Shop, and Shopping on Instagram, you can sell directly to users without needing to leave the platform of their choice.
BigCommerce offers built-in integration with Facebook and Instagram, so you can market to users directly in their News Feed or main account.
3. Number of Products:
You can offer a wide assortment of physical products, or perhaps provide a large number of types for your core product range.
If you have a large catalog and you need multiple product pages or plan to grow your business, choosing a platform with a low SKU limit inevitably restricts the growth of your business.
4.?Best Hosting ?for Growth:
It is important to consider good web hosts so that you can familiarize yourself with them as you grow up.
?If you’re just starting out, it makes sense that you might not need a host with high-traffic capabilities. But if you focus on your growth, your eCommerce business can grow rapidly.
So consider whether your host will be able to handle the demands of traffic now and in the future.
What if you run a promotion or campaign if it goes viral? Your hosting infrastructure needs to be flexible enough to handle the traffic growth without crashing your site.
Hence cloud hosting is one of the best options for e-commerce sites as it keeps up with the traffic. Plus a network of machines handles your site’s hosting needs, and you have virtually unlimited development capabilities.
Here is a quick review of the?Best Ecommerce Hosting Provider? for your reference. this will help you to choose reliable and best web hosting for your personal or e-commerce business website.
Customer Service:
You are inside an eCommerce solution every day. Some platforms outsource their customer service and make it difficult – or practically impossible – to call and get help when you need it most.
That’s why it’s good to know that you can get hold of a real-life person to help you deal with the problem, whether it’s through phone support, email, or chat.