Webshops: Embracing Online Shopping with Tailored Solutions
Among the various online shopping paradigms, webshops have emerged as a powerful force, reshaping the online shopping experience for both businesses and customers alike. It is estimated that online shopping would grow to be a $8.148 trillion industry by 2026 (Forbes).
Webshops, also known as custom-built online stores, offer businesses the freedom to make virtual storefronts according to their unique brand identity and specific customer needs. Unlike conventional e-commerce platforms, webshops empower entrepreneurs to craft a digital shopping haven that reflects their vision, values, and products with unparalleled customization.
How Webshops are Different from E-Commerce
A webshop is an online store where businesses can sell products or services directly to customers over the internet. Visitors can browse products, add items to their cart, and make purchases through the checkout process. The term is commonly used in European countries.
On the other hand, e-commerce is a wide-ranging concept covering all electronic commercial transactions over the internet, including webshops, online marketplaces, auctions, B2B transactions, digital downloads, and electronic banking, among others. It encompasses the entire spectrum of online commercial activities, not limited to a single online store.
Benefits of Using Webshops
Using a webshop and e-commerce are not inherently opposed to each other. However, using a webshop can provide some added benefits over registering for a regular e-commerce platform:
- Brand Identity: Businesses can create a unique online presence and establish their brand identity through a webshop. They can design the whole webshop using their own brand identity, logo and other elements, keeping it aligned with their own identity. On the other hand, in e-commerce platforms, the website itself can not be white-labeled according to one brand’s own elements.
- Direct Customer Relationship: Operating a webshop allows businesses to establish a direct relationship with their customers. They can communicate directly, gather customer data, and offer promotions accordingly, leading to improved customer loyalty and repeat purchases.
- Data and Analytics: E-commerce websites allow businesses the access to the general data that they gather, with little room for fully customizable analytics reports. Whereas, businesses can access and use granular level data on their own webshops. They can track user behavior at a more detailed level, including specific interactions with product pages, checkout steps, and form submissions. This enables personalized product recommendations, increasing the likelihood of customers discovering items of interest and boosting conversion rates. Webshops also empower businesses to implement segmented marketing strategies, tailoring offers and promotions to distinct customer segments. This not only drives higher engagement but also leads to improved conversion rates. Furthermore, meticulous analysis of the customer journey within webshops allows businesses to identify pain points and enhance the overall user experience. Additionally, webshops enable businesses to generate customized reports, offering a comprehensive overview that aids in strategic decision-making.
- Flexibility in Product Presentation: Webshops can get some added benefit and flexibility in terms of product presentation over e-commerce. Products can be featured through a storyline approach. They can also segment their target customers and present product offerings accordingly. On the other hand, most e-commerce platforms require that brands adhere to their rigid approach in product presentation.
- Payment and Shipping Control: With integration of different payment gateways and shipping options can be integrated within a webshop, businesses can have control over payment gateways, shipping methods, and fulfillment processes. Webshops can arrange for different payment schemes on their websites like BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later), installment options. They can also integrate localized payment platforms for different locations such as Alipay in China, Boleto Bancário in Brazil. It is also possible for webshops to integrate real time shipping rates on their websites. They can also provide in store pickup options. Since e-commerce is more of an umbrella platform, providing all these different solutions can be difficult for all the operating businesses.
- Less Competition: In certain cases, operating a webshop might mean facing less direct competition compared to traditional e-commerce platforms where multiple sellers offer similar products. This can provide businesses with a competitive edge in certain niches.
Future of Webshops
As things keep changing constantly in the tech world, webshops will also face some new trends in the upcoming days. Onset of AR, VR, AI, data privacy will have a significant role to play in the webshop landscape in the days to come.
- Personalization through AI: Personalized shopping experiences will continue to be a significant trend. Webshops will leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze customer data and behavior, offering more individualized product recommendations, content, and marketing strategies. Moreover, AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants will become more prevalent in providing efficient customer support, helping webshops handle inquiries and resolve issues effectively.
- Mobile Commerce (m-commerce): Mobile shopping has been growing steadily, and it’s essential for webshops to provide a seamless mobile experience. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and mobile-optimized designs for webshops will become more critical as consumers increasingly shop on their smartphones and tablets.
- Sustainability and Ethical Practices: Consumers are becoming more conscious of environmental and ethical concerns. Webshops that promote sustainability, environmentally-friendly products, and transparent supply chains are likely to attract more customers.
- Omnichannel Shopping: The lines between online and offline shopping are blurring. Webshops will need to provide a seamless omnichannel experience, integrating their online store with brick-and-mortar locations, pop-up stores, and other sales channels.
- Data Privacy and Security: With increased scrutiny on data privacy, webshops will need to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures to protect customer data and build trust with their audience.
- Subscription Models: Subscription-based e-commerce models are gaining popularity, offering customers regular deliveries of products or exclusive access to services. Webshops may explore subscription-based offerings to boost customer retention and revenue.
SELISE Webshops: Empowering Business Growth
SELISE takes pride in its ability to design and develop custom webshops that aid businesses in achieving success in online commerce.
With an unwavering commitment to excellence and efficiency, each webshop SELISE creates ,cater to the unique needs and preferences of its clientele.
At SELISE, the dedicated team ensures that every project receives the utmost attention and dedication, guaranteeing that the clients’ visions are transformed into fully functional and captivating webshops that leave a lasting impact on their target audience.
While webshops for different clients are different, the behind-the-scenes development processes are more or less the same. Angular is used for front-end development, while Ruby on Rails is used on the back-end of the development process. These languages provide a shallower learning curve for the developers and the programmers, which can result in a faster development process, so the end product can be finalized and deployed quickly.
The languages used also are easier to code. Since the same languages can be used for all the projects, for the developers, the skills in these tech stacks are usually transferable. As a result, the final product can be delivered in a short time.
While the current tech stacks undoubtedly benefit the developers, the clients also get some added benefits. For example, if a client’s previous webshop is lacking some features (eg: ‘calendar’ or ‘event’ pages), some of these features can be added through SELISE. Moreover, businesses can have the advantage of having their own webshop built to their specific requirements which ultimately aids them in achieving their goals.
Step into the Future: Partner with SELISE
SELISE is on a mission to change the way businesses connect with their customers through tailor-made webshops that deliver unbeatable shopping experiences.
With webshops, businesses can get more than just a platform to showcase their products; the audience will get with a seamless and user-friendly interface. SELISE understands that each business is unique, which is why webshops are crafted to perfectly cater to the specific needs and preferences of a business.
With SELISE by the side, businesses will have the ultimate toolkit to supercharge sales. The dedicated team is committed to provide the best-in-class solutions that drive rapid digital transformation, unlocking enhanced efficiency and cost savings along the way.
Are you ready to elevate your online presence and take your business to new heights? Get in touch with us today, and let’s embark on an exciting journey towards your organization’s success!.