Recent technological advancements have changed the way we go
about our regular life. Data is the current focus of every application and
software and is necessary for developing appropriate technology. Developers are
also coming up with more and more solutions to handle the large amount of data
generated. If you explore the recent technological advancements in the retail
industry, you will come across cloud-based solutions. But what exactly is a cloud-based
eCommerce platform?
Although the technology is quite advanced, retailers have
successfully integrated cloud-based solutions to help their businesses grow.
Due to the change in customer purchase preferences, online businesses have
significant growth potential. A cloud-based eCommerce platform can help
businesses expand, generate more revenue, and save on additional costs.
So, are you interested in how a cloud-based eCommerce
platform can take your business to greater heights? Let's jump right into it!
What Exactly Is A Cloud-Based eCommerce Platform?
Before we discuss what a cloud-based eCommerce platform is
all about, it would be better to talk about ˜cloud'. In simple terms, the cloud
refers to an extensive network of countless remote servers all over the world.
These servers make it easier to store and manage data and run applications that
use the same.
Now that we know what the cloud is, let's move on to
cloud-based eCommerce platforms. A cloud-based eCommerce platform is a one-stop
platform that helps businesses easily manage their operations. When businesses
choose quick and scalable cloud-based solutions, they can expect remarkable growth
in customer base and revenue.
What Are The Different Types Of Cloud-Based eCommerce Platforms?
We have three types of cloud-based eCommerce platforms that
allow users to better store, manage, and use customer data. These are:-
1. Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS) Platform
In IaaS, users rent infrastructure/physical resources like
servers, networking, and databases to build an eCommerce platform. Although
IaaS providers can offer some resource management, users are responsible for
managing applications and other software that reside on top of the
infrastructure. Some common vendors for IaaS include Amazon AWS, Digital Ocean,
and Microsoft Azure.
2. Platform As A Service (PaaS) Platform
Although PaaS is similar to IaaS, it requires less
infrastructure management. So, pre-defined operating systems and processes are
available to handle resources. This allows developers to build their
cloud-based eCommerce platform using the infrastructure. With PaaS, developers
can focus more on developing application code as the time needed to manage
infrastructure is significantly reduced.
3. Software As A Service (SaaS) Platform
If you're looking for ready-to-use commercial services, SaaS
platforms are perfect. These offer both infrastructure and software management,
and developers can simply configure the software as needed. SaaS is also
perfect for developing custom solutions without much time and effort. If you're
looking for custom eCommerce development services, ask your development team to work on SaaS
to reduce costs.
What Are The Benefits Of A Cloud-Based eCommerce Platform?
Now that we know what a cloud-based eCommerce platform is,
let us discuss the benefits they have. Some of these are:-
Scalable - Cloud computing is highly scalable and for a
dynamic industry like retail, it is the perfect technology. So, a cloud-based
eCommerce platform is perfect for businesses.
Highly Cost Effective - Since the cloud is hosted over the
internet, businesses can avoid investment in physical infrastructures. This
means that you also save on maintenance and service costs. Moreover, your
initial investment will be lesser and based on the current size of your
business.
Speed - On-site physical infrastructures are considerably
slower than cloud computing. The bounce rate of your business will be low if
you use cloud-based solutions and help boost conversion rates.
Automation - Businesses can reduce manpower and error rates
with the help of automation. A cloud-based eCommerce platform allows businesses
to customize solutions and automate processes without much investment.
Security - Cloud-based applications have methods to prevent
system crashes and recover from them. Moreover, data storage in virtual
infrastructures reduces the risk of failures, data thefts, cyberattacks, and
much more!
What Features Must A Cloud-Based eCommerce Platform Have?
Due to the increased accessibility of cloud-based platforms,
more and more people are using them to develop eCommerce applications. So, how
can your eCommerce platform be different? Some must-have features that your
cloud-based eCommerce platform should have are:-
Security - Most eCommerce platforms need to store user data
and behavior for proper analysis. Moreover, these also help in creating better
product lists and recommendations. So, we recommend focusing on the security of
your cloud-based eCommerce platform.
Easy Payment Methods - Personal payment information should
always be secure. At the same time, you need to keep them secure and accurate.
Hence, your development team should focus on creating easy and secure payment
solutions.
Push Notifications - These notifications are a great way to
remind your users of discounts, referrals, and other updates regularly. They
are also effective in increasing customer interaction.
Search Bar - When you offer hundreds and hundreds of
products, it becomes a bit difficult for users to find what they're looking
for. Adding a search bar can help them efficiently find the products they want.
Product Management - Creating listings and dynamic filters
can help users narrow the product listings and find products that cater to
their needs.
Wishlist - Another way to boost sales is to add the wishlist
feature. Most users like to wishlist items they like for future purchases.
How Can I Develop A Cloud-Based eCommerce Platform?
To develop a cloud-based eCommerce platform, follow these
steps:-
1. Find Your Target Audience
Every business needs to know about their customer
preferences and behavior to reach them properly. You can analyze your
competitors and their marketing strategies for a clear idea. Some common things
you should do are:-
a. Find out the user demographics including age, location,
and income level
b. Understand customer preferences through feedback and
recommendations
c. Use social media to communicate and find out your target
audience
2. Choose The Right Platform
eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento
can help you get started. But, you need to choose one based on your business
size and goals. If you find none of these suitable for your eCommerce platform,
hire a developer to create custom cloud-based solutions.
3. Look for Companies Offering Custom eCommerce Development Services
There are several companies available, but we recommend
choosing one with years of experience. You can check their portfolio to see if
they can cater to your business needs and develop a custom-based solution.
4. Start Designing
Customer experience is key to an application and the success
of a sales funnel. You can add different interactive features to ensure users
spend more time on the app. However, ensure that the app doesn't look cluttered
and accurately communicates business goals.
5. Launch the Development Process
As soon as the design and features are finalized, the
development team should start working on the back-end code. Ensure that your
cloud-based eCommerce platform is secure, scalable, and consistent.
6. Test the Product
Platform testing is one of the most crucial steps in the
development of an eCommerce platform. It is essential to identify problems (if
any) and ensure a positive customer experience. The development team should
test the app across different devices, platforms, and browsers. Ensure that
your eCommerce platform is not slow and does not have major glitches.
Conclusion
An eCommerce business is anything but simple. Retailers need
to take care of data storage, payment processing, and other complicated
problems. However, cloud eCommerce can help manage data easily and reduce
costs. Moreover, a cloud-based eCommerce platform can help businesses adapt
more quickly and efficiently. It is also an excellent option to reach more and
more people.
So, why wait? Get a cloud-based eCommerce platform for your
business today and reap its benefits!
