Are your customers leaving their carts deserted because your website responds slowly?
You have the best products on your e-commerce website. But is it really worth it without the right foundations?
Slow and always buffering websites frustrate customers. Your website needs a dependable, flexible, and scalable framework.
But, how do you know which framework is best for your e-commerce needs?
To help you make the best choice, we have handpicked the top 5 e-commerce frameworks of 2024.
Read ahead to make the most of your eCommerce platform.
What is an E-Commerce Framework?
E-commerce frameworks are platforms used to develop e-commerce websites or stores. They are the foundation for your online store, making them look good and holding everything together.
Developers use the framework’s code, tools and libraries to build features such as catalogs, payment getaways and customer profiles.
An e-commerce framework helps you
- Update inventory in real-time
- Process payments
- Manage shipping options
- Securing customer data and more.
Thus, be sure to select the right e-commerce framework for your website as it can make or break your online business.
3 Types of E-Commerce Framework
SaaS, OpenSource and Headless Commerce are the three most common types of frameworks. Let’s look at them in detail.
- SaaS E-Commerce Framework
SaaS (Software as a Service) is a commonly used platform for e-commerce development services. You can work with this framework on a subscription rather than buying it.
SaaS frameworks offer various functionalities with limited customization options. However, they are becoming popular due to their APIs and pre-built integrations.
Example: Shopify and BigCommerce
- Open Source E-Commerce Framework
Open-source software gives you complete access to the source code. You can modify and tailor the source code according to your needs, and the good part is that it offers almost limitless customization options.
However, these frameworks are ideal for companies with dedicated software development teams. You will also be responsible for installing the software, ensuring it stays updated and providing crucial security patches.
Example: WooCommerce and Magento
- Headless E-Commerce Framework
A headless e-commerce framework lets you separate the front-end and back-end, giving you better control and flexibility. The best part of a headless framework is that it can integrate with both SaaS and Open-Source frameworks.
You can also use your back end to power multiple front ends. However, the total cost of ownership can be high, and the complex architecture can require expertise.
Example: Shopify and Magento
Top 5 E-Commerce Frameworks 2024
The e-commerce market is booming. According to Statista, retail e-commerce market sales are expected to reach $8 trillion by 2027. Here are the top 5 e-commerce frameworks of 2024.
- BigCommerce
BigCommerce is an open SaaS e-commerce platform. It offers flexible APIs and robust features. Its core platform components enable extension and connection to any other environment.
- It offers robust APIs for customizations and integrations
- Allows businesses to sell across multiple platforms
- SEO-friendly
- Provides detailed reporting and analytics
BigCommerce offers 24/7 support worldwide prioritizing your growth and business scalability.
- Shopify
Shopify is another famous e-commerce platform. It delivers low technical barriers to building a store with basic functionalities.
Known for its simplicity, ease of use and reliability, Shopify is a hosted platform that handles server management and security, allowing you to focus on managing your store.
- User-friendly interface
- Low or no-code
- Offers a wide range of professional themes and customizations
- Eliminates the hassle of third-party gateways
- Offers scalability to all business sizes
Shopify is easy to manage making it a perfect choice for businesses of all sizes, including small and mid-sized businesses. It offers great customer support and a combination of built-in tools.
- Magento
Magento is a scalable and versatile open-source e-commerce platform. It offers multiple drag-and-drop customizations. Moreover, you can host Magento on the cloud or your personal servers.
- Offers unlimited customization options
- Offers scalability for all business sizes
- Can handle large product catalogs and high-volume traffic
- SEO friendly
Magento has several experienced developers. You must depend on them to set up, maintain and update your store.
- WooCommerce
Another popular self-hosted platform, WooCommerce, is an ideal choice for WordPress users. It provides an open-source framework for WordPress websites.
You have complete control over customization and store management, making it a widely popular choice.
- It is cost effective
- An easy-to-use platform for WordPress users
- Offers an array of plugins and themes
It does not offer single-page checkout and requires additional costs for premium themes, plugins and hosting services.
- Squarespace
Squarespace is an e-commerce platform built on a SaaS framework. It permits you to create and manage your store without your dependence on software developers.
- Offers built-in inventory tools and template designs
- Built-in features, such as SEO tools, email marketing and social media integrations
- You get a wide range of customizations and responsive templates
- Does not require much technical expertise
Even though it is a simple platform, do not miss out on understanding all the features for efficient management and taking your site further.
Which E-Commerce Framework is Ideal for You?
A reliable and scalable e-commerce framework is crucial for any business. A perfect platform should balance performance, scalability and features.
Some platforms offer easy setups with minimal features, while some offer several features but require costly development. However, the choice is completely up to you and your business needs.
The good news is that GreenApex can assist you in identifying the right framework for your business needs and expanding your business.