Ecommerce platform

What is an ecommerce platform?

An ecommerce platform is a digital system that helps businesses build and run their online stores. It offers a complete set of tools to showcase products, handle payments, track inventory, manage orders, and engage with customers, all in one place. Whether you’re starting a small store or scaling a large brand, an ecommerce platform provides the foundation to sell and grow online efficiently..

Why is an ecommerce platform important for online businesses?

Ecommerce platforms simplify online selling. Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, they let you launch and scale your online store without needing to code everything from scratch. With features like SEO tools, integrations, and mobile optimization, ecommerce platforms help businesses sell more efficiently and reach a wider audience.

What are the types of ecommerce platforms?

There are mainly three types:

• Hosted Platforms: Everything is managed for you (e.g., Shopify, BigCommerce).
• Self-Hosted Platforms: You host it on your own server and customize it (e.g., WooCommerce, Magento).
• Headless Platforms: Backend and frontend are separate, giving developers full control (e.g., Commerce Layer, Fabric).

How do ecommerce platforms work?

They serve as the backbone of your online store, handling both the front-end customer interface and the backend management. You can upload products, customize the store layout, track sales, offer subscriptions, and integrate with tools like CRMs and email marketing software.

Example of ecommerce platform

A skincare brand uses Shopify, a hosted ecommerce platform, to sell both one-time purchases and recurring subscriptions directly from its website.

Driftcharge Tip

If you want ease of use, go with hosted platforms. For full control and customization, self-hosted or headless solutions might be better.

Ganesh Pawar

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Ganesh Pawar is the founder of Driftcharge, a subscription management app designed to help Shopify merchants streamline and scale their subscription businesses. With a deep focus on solving real-world pain points—like legacy account page support, flexible subscription options, and advanced analytics—Ganesh is passionate about building tools that drive growth and retention.