B2B ecommerce has grown tremendously in recent years. In 2020, the industry was valued at over $8.523 trillion. That figure will surpass $18.77 trillion by 2027.
But while the opportunities in B2B ecommerce may be lucrative, competition can still be stiff. One way to stay ahead is to have an ecommerce app that affords you and your customers more opportunities to interact. But with so many apps for ecommerce available today, how do you know which platform to use?
This post gives you seven proven tips to help you make the best decision.
Consider Compatibility With Existing Systems
Integration is key when choosing between B2B ecommerce apps. You want to ensure that it will seamlessly integrate with your existing systems.
That’s because it’s very likely the app you choose will need to “talk” to these other systems to function properly. For example, you’ll need to send customer information from your ecommerce app to your CRM to track interactions and sales.
You also need to integrate with your accounting software to reflect orders placed online in your financial reports.
Prioritize Mobile Responsiveness
Mobile commerce is indispensable to ecommerce in general. In 2021, M-commerce registered $2.91 trillion in sales. That means if mobile users cannot get your app’s full functionality using their mobile devices, you’re missing out on many potential sales.
Test the app on mobile to see if it offers pixel-perfect content. Is the design attractive, optimized, and easily accessible? Mobile ordering apps need to be able to accomplish all these and more.
Insist on Ease of Use and Navigation
A big part of user experience is making sure your ecommerce app is easy to use and navigate. If customers can’t find what they’re looking for or the app is difficult to use, they will quickly become frustrated and look elsewhere.
When testing out potential apps, see how easy it is to find products and complete common tasks, like adding items to a shopping cart. Next, see how easy it is to checkout and make a purchase.
If the app is difficult to use, you’ll likely lose customers during these key steps in the buying process. On the other hand, if the app is easy to use, you’ll be able to convert more leads into paying customers.
Consider B2B Product Catalog Management
Your customers are not all the same, so why should they see the same products when visiting your site? With personalized product catalogs, you can segment your customer base and show them different products based on their individual needs.
For example, if you sell both B2B and B2C products, you can create separate catalogs for each type of customer. That way, B2B customers only see the relevant products, and they’re not distracted by products that aren’t applicable to their needs.
Personalized product catalogs improve the customer experience by making it easier for customers to find the products they need. As a result, they’re more likely to purchase from your site.
Think of Scalability
As your business grows, you’ll need an ecommerce platform that can grow with you. That means choosing an app that is scalable and can accommodate a larger number of products, orders, and customers.
You don’t want to have to switch ecommerce platforms every time your business hits a growth spurt. Not only is it disruptive to your business, but it’s also costly and time-consuming.
Find out if the app can accommodate a larger number of products, orders, and customers. Also, inquire about any additional fees associated with scaling up your usage of the app.
Check the Payment Gateways
When you’re running a business, you need to be able to accept payments from your customers. That’s why it’s important to choose an ecommerce app that offers a variety of payment gateway options.
The most popular payment gateway options are PayPal and Stripe. However, many other options are available, so it’s important to find an app that offers the right gateway for your business.
In addition to choosing the right payment gateway, you also need to make sure that the app is PCI compliant. PCI compliance is a set of standards that all businesses must meet in order to accept credit card payments.
If an ecommerce app is not PCI compliant, you could be liable for any credit card fraud that occurs on your site. That’s why it’s important to ensure that the app you choose is compliant with PCI standards.
Go for a Multilingual Platform
If you plan on doing business with customers in multiple countries, it’s important to choose an ecommerce app that offers a multilingual platform.
A multilingual platform will allow you to translate your site into multiple languages. That way, no matter where your customers are located, they’ll be able to understand your site and make a purchase.
Check Out the Pricing Plans
When running a business, you need to be mindful of your expenses. That’s why it’s important to find an ecommerce app that offers affordable pricing plans.
Most ecommerce apps offer monthly or yearly subscription plans. The price of the plan will depend on the features and functionality that you need.
Get the Right Ecommerce App for Your Business
The right B2B ecommerce app can make a big difference in the success of your business. That’s why it pays to put in the work to find the ideal platform for your company. By following these tips, you’ll get the best value for your money.
Are you in the market for an ecommerce app that can take your B2B business to new heights? Get in touch with us today and learn how we can help.