The digital transformation is like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. The rise of the digital era has not only changed the way data is stored and accessed but, has also revolutionized the way products are sold and purchased. The world of e-commerce is changing rapidly with digitization. Initially, most shoppers were hesitant to use e-commerce websites. It was entirely a new platform for customer and seller interaction. Today, e-commerce continues to gain popularity with significantly safer online transactions and speedy checkouts. E-commerce has made shopping from homes easier and better thus turning more prominent with each passing day.
Once Jeff Bezos, Founder of Amazon.com said, “If you do build a great experience, customers tell each other about that.” Therefore, to create a great experience, there are too many things that go behind an e-commerce website right from choosing a domain name to optimizing for keywords.
However, the most crucial step is selecting an e-commerce hosting plan. There are hosting providers offering comparable plans with basic plans for small enterprises. While the hosting plans differ in cost there are also some essential features that can’t go unnoticed. A hosting plan is the heart of every e-commerce website that keeps it running around the clock.
So, let us check the factors to look up while choosing an e-commerce hosting plan.
1. Security
It is better to look for security in the hosting plan rather than deal with cyber adversity. E-commerce is a customer-driven business; protecting buyer information becomes essential. Investing in a plan that provides robust security to your e-commerce website will help in retaining customers.
Make sure the hosting plans offer SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protection by default. Also, opt for HTTPS, which is more secure than conventional HTTP. The combination of both SSL and HTTPS will protect the flowing information from the customer’s browser to a website. For e-commerce websites, SSL and HTTPS are critical to secure data on pages containing credit card numbers, account details, and personal details.
It is a good practice to check for security in the hosting plan making sure the website doesn’t have weak links in the chain. This will surely help you protect lead pages, payment processing pages, and contact pages of your website.
2. High Performance
Make sure the hosting plan is capable of managing traffic and maintaining performance not only at the initial stage of your e-commerce site but in the future too. If for a high volume of customers your site performance is degrading, you will lose a massive amount of conversions. Invest in plans offering high-speed add-ons because they are worth every penny.
Make sure you opt for a hosting plan capable of handling the massive traffic that comes with the increasing popularity of your online store.
Here is what you should look for to avail high performing e-commerce site:
• Opt for the hosting plan that offers isolated environments for handling and processing orders
• Select a plan having high processing capabilities and speedy site loading
• Dedicated memory storage
• Check for CPU allocation
3. Support for E-commerce and CMS Software
There are very few companies offering hosting plans compatible with all e-commerce and CMS software. Therefore, if you wish to use specific e-commerce software, it is vital to make sure the software is compatible with the hosting plan you choose. Both the software and hosting plan must support the increasing needs of your website since switching from one to another is costly.
Investigate the following details before you settle on software:
• The average overhead cost of an e-commerce website
• The type of add-ons to be purchased to build your online store
• Check if there is a demo that helps you to know if you like or dislike the admin interface
• Check the user reviews
4. Intuitive Administrative Interface
Different companies with a difference in the interfaces and panels are likely to affect your experience managing your site. This vital factor can’t be ignored. A few companies have intuitive, i.e. easy-to-learn and use, while others offer a complex administrative interface.
Make sure the customer is not directed to the site to look for a tiny snippet of information. Before searching for a hosting plan, decide how well you can manage your website.
Also, the errors and log files should be detected quickly, which helps you track all that is happening on your website. Typically, choosing a provider that offers cPanel web hosting is better for the e-commerce site.
5. Strong Database Performance Potential
Since the users don’t just browse your e-commerce website but also search for a specific product, you need to have a plan that supports a robust database. An expert says databases are the heart of e-commerce websites. The database stores all the product information and pages, making the product search simpler for customers.
Choose a plan offering scalable bandwidth that enables your business to grow. A hosting plan that allows accommodating the required files and processing them quickly should top the list.
Final Thoughts
An e-commerce website is the most complex to develop and handle. An e-commerce hosting plan should be selected placing aside the thought of saving a few rupees. Choose a hosting plan that supports your current needs as well as future requirements. Choosing a plan with all the mentioned factors will help you build an online store that exceeds customer expectations.