7 necessary e-commerce integrations when getting started

There are many things to consider when setting up your online store. There are a few basic integrations that every e-commerce business needs. Here are 7 necessary e-commerce integrations when getting started.

Your website is your storefront. Furthermore, utilizing a website builder integration allows you to create a professional-looking website without hiring a custom developer and designer. Additionally, many website builders come with various applications, features, and integrations that help streamline sales and fulfillment. For example, some of e-commerce’s most popular website builders include Shopify, BigCommerce, Square, and Wix. Specifically, Shopify offers an easy-to-use platform with lots of built-in features for managing an online store. Likewise, BigCommerce provides powerful tools for creating an online presence and selling products. Ultimately, choosing the right website builder depends on your business’s specific needs and budget. But in general, these services make it simple to get an e-commerce store up and running quickly.

Making sales online requires a way to receive and refund money. Your payment gateway is a necessary e-commerce integration when getting started. There are many to choose from, and your website builder probably has a few preferred payment gateway options. To decide on which payment gateway integration is right for you, consider the following:

• What payment methods do you need
• Best ways to accept money
• Available payment options (the more, the merrier)
• Integrations available for your website
• Customer data security
• Cost-effectiveness
• How chargebacks are handled
• Customer support resources

Every e-commerce CEO loves counting their cash from sales but loathes crunching numbers, especially when taxes get involved. You should consider accounting software a vital e-commerce integration when you start. Things to consider when you select an accounting solution are the number of users, regular updates (to stay current with best practices), an easy-to-use format, and getting started training, as well as automated billing, payments, and cash forecasting. Ensure your software can either provide your accountant with essential reporting or your accountant or their team can easily access it. Lastly, your accounting software must integrate easily with your e-commerce platform and payment processing systems.

When you start selling online, you must deal with unhappy or confused consumers. A robust customer support system will ensure customers get help and support immediately. Here are some of the best customer support software implementations in 2022, according to Snov.io.

• Hubspot
• Zendesk
• Gorgias
• Help Scout
• LiveAgent

If you have a product, you need a way to manage your inventory. Inventory management systems integrate seamlessly with your sales systems. Ensuring your stock is updated-to-date, accurate, and tracked in real-time will prevent stockouts, missed sales opportunities, and optimal ordering. A fulfillment service provider typically offers this type of software integration. Make sure they can integrate with your POS systems or they are willing to build custom APIs.

Customers want to know where their orders are at all times. The “Amazon Prime Effect” has led to consumers expecting orders delivered in 2-days or less. This isn’t always possible but keeping a consumer informed when their package will be delivered minimizes frustration when things take a bit longer. You can only offer this “satisfaction” boosting information if you have detailed, real-time shipping and fulfillment integrations. Your carrier can offer some level of insight, and if you work with a white-glove fulfillment team, they can provide this detail, and many will have a system that can notify customers on your behalf.