How to Select an e-Commerce CMS
Selecting the right Content Management System (CMS) for your e-Commerce web site will impact how you operate your online storefront. The CMS will not only control how you manage your website content, but also control the process by which customers browse your products and complete purchases. Many CMS options are on the market, and each has strengths and weaknesses. Carefully evaluating the options will help you select the e-Commerce CMS that will be most beneficial to your retail website.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Make a list of features you consider mandatory, as well as a list of features that would be nice to have but are not necessary. Write out a checklist to use when comparing CMS options.
-
2
Keep the technical constraints of the user in mind. Avoid any tendency to select a highly technical solution since people without any particular technical expertise may be using the e-Commerce CMS. Choose a CMS that inventory managers, sales staff, those doing record keeping or anyone who will use the CMS can easily understand.
-
-
3
Review the options between an open source e-Commerce CMS or a commercial software package. An open source CMS is usually free of charge and has add-on applications to enhance the product. The downside is that the source code is typically viewable, increasing security risks. Commercial packages are more secure because the source code is encrypted, but these packages cost thousands of dollars.
-
4
Identify the hardware and operating systems requirements of your web server and computer system. Carefully check e-Commerce CMS requirements to find one that is compatible with your equipment. Some CMS packages require Unix, while others use Windows NT. If your servers are outsourced, meet with your network administrator or web host to ask what type of hardware you have.
-
5
List the types of inventory management features your business requires, such as having the CMS adjust the inventory every time a purchase is made or sending management an alert when it is time to order new stock. Compare your list to the inventory management features of the CMS options you are considering.
-
6
Read the features list of each CMS for the payment processing options. Write down any plug-ins the software has for common online payment systems, and establish your own account with any of the online processors you wish to use. Input your account information into the CMS settings for payment processors.
-
7
Create a credit card gateway if you want to allow customers to use credit cards when purchasing items. Contact your local bank to discuss options for setting up a credit card gateway on its network, or contact a national vendor, such as authorize.net or plugnplay.com, to set up an account.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
