What is an online store?
An online store, also referred to as an e-commerce website, allows businesses to sell products or services on the internet, enabling customers to make purchases using their computer, mobile phone, or tablet
However, the store must offer much more! It should provide a convenient and flexible shopping experience so that customers can easily make purchases from anywhere, at any time. Smooth navigation through product pages, easy addition of items to the cart, and the ability to quickly finalize the order are the keys to a well-designed website that offers a great user experience (UX).
Overall, online stores offer multiple advantages to businesses. They enable them to reach a broader audience, increase sales, or reduce costs associated with operating a physical store. E-commerce websites can also provide features such as personalized product recommendations, customer reviews, and promotions to foster customer loyalty.
Which website to use to create an online store?
There are several types of e-commerce websites, each with their own characteristics and functionalities to best suit a wide range of products, services, and marketing strategies. Here are some examples:
- B2B (Business-to-Business): Companies sell products or services to other businesses. The customers are professionals.
- B2C (Business-to-Consumer): This type of online store allows businesses to sell directly to individual consumers.
- C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer): Individuals offer the sale of second-hand products and services to other individuals.
Niche e-commerce sites offering specific products or services for a well-defined target audience. For example, an online store specializing in organic products or sports accessories.
Digital product marketplaces: These platforms offer digital products such as e-books, software, movies, music, or video games.
Multi-channel online commerce: This business model allows companies to sell products through multiple sales channels, including online, physical stores, or by phone.
Subscription-based e-commerce sites: In this case, websites offer products or services in the form of monthly or annual subscriptions, such as video streaming or food delivery services.
An online store powered by WooCommerce
WooCommerce is the most popular platform in the world. In 2022, over 5 million websites were using this solution. It is an open-source extension for WordPress that allows you to create an online store.
The advantages of WooCommerce
WooCommerce offers great flexibility to customize the appearance of an online store. The platform facilitates the management of products, orders, and payments. Moreover, WooCommerce provides numerous extensions that allow you to expand the basic functionalities. Our communication agency Sowebio also develops specific features tailored to your business.