Cultivating the right WordPress plugins and tools for your specific E-commerce needs is essential to developing your online business in 2023. When selecting WordPress e-commerce plugins, there are several factors to consider. This blog post will help guide you through this critical and information-heavy decision-making process.
Establish A Strong Foundation For Your Website
Before we delve into determining the best plugins for your e-commerce website and discuss different WordPress e-commerce plugins, ensure that your WordPress website is built on solid ground.
Select a Reputable Web Hosting Service
Website owners must consider how web hosting impacts website performance to avoid haphazardly picking a web host.
We recommend avoiding cutting corners in this area. The last thing you want is to have your page speed or loading times take a hit. Page speed is significant in creating satisfying user experiences and a confirmed Google ranking factor.
By selecting 360 Web Designs to provide your web hosting, you can rest assured your website will consistently deliver positive user experiences and that you will never miss out on a sale because of poor site performance problems.
Additionally, establishing an SSL certificate is necessary to secure personal and financial data, boost visitors’ trust, and improve your site’s Google ranking. An SSL certificate provides encryption that ensures secure communication between the web host and web server, and you can identify SSL-certified websites by the presence of “HTTPS” in the URL.
Pro tip: Nothing diverts a potential buyer away from your site quicker than if they get a browser warning saying, “This site may not be secure.”
Determine Your Product Type and Transaction Requirements
Let’s discuss the most crucial step in selecting the proper set of plugins for your business. Identify your business’s specific needs to determine the functionalities you require in the WordPress plugin.
Consider the nature of your products. Are you selling physical products like cookware or digital products like a Mediterranean e-Cookbook? Do you provide Services? Offer Courses? Or a combination of these?
This distinction will help narrow down the plugin options that support your specific product type, as some WordPress plugins support both types of sales; some are developed solely for selling digital goods, and others for selling physical products that require shipping.
Additionally, consider the target geographic location(s) and the payment gateways supported by different plugins. Research the limitations of payment gateways based on your target regions to ensure compatibility. Top plugins typically support popular payment options like PayPal and Stripe, but it’s essential to verify their availability in the regions where you plan to sell your products before deciding.
Another critical point to consider is a payment processor and payment gateway solution. Take careful consideration during this step. The right payment gateway provides a seamless transaction course for customers, encouraging the sale every step of the way; the wrong option discourages prospective buyers and affects the bottom line.
Start with these eight questions you should ask before selecting your payment processor and gateway.
Popular WordPress E-commerce Plugins
Lastly, once you establish your website’s foundation and know what and where you will sell, you can begin to research plugins that best suit your business’s precise needs.
The following is a list of some of the most favored WordPress e-commerce plugins:
- Most popular e-commerce plugin.
- Sufficient for small shops with up to 10 products.
- Ideal for those selling digital products.
- Developed for website owners with simple needs.
Additional WordPress Plugins to Explore
HubSpot
- All-in-one marketing tool
- On-site SEO and technical SEO assistance
- Website speed optimization
- Comprehensive firewall and security scanner
