Ecommerce Platform

[bilsonx]

I am currently using 3DCart. I am looking for a fairly basic platform that I can optimize for SEO and have a good design look. One thing I do not like about the 3DCart templates is that they don't look too professional to me. When I go to my competitors websites they seem to have a much more professional look. I looked at Shopify and they seem to have a very professional look and a lot of features. They seem a little high priced since the cheapest plan is $29.95 with transaction fees. But on the other hand, I would think that they are making more money which would give them the upper hand on providing better service. Any opinions on 3DCart or Shopify, or even someone else that would be a better option for me? Here is a link to my current website with 3DCart:

http://www.rcnitroshop.com/

Here is a link to one of the only products I have done a lot of SEO on.

http://www.rcnitroshop.com/nitro-monster-truck

I am very new to this and trying to learn so and help and advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[VivaArturo]

Hi Bill,

With regards to ecommerce there are only tow carts I use that is Magento and bigcommerce.

From your question I would go with bigcommerce it is simpler to set up as with Magento you would initially need a bit of technical experience. It is always best t have your site designed for your needs.

I would following the steps below for an ecommerce store and thi sis based on my testing and measuring results.

1. Build store example with bigcommerce
2. use store template
3. drive traffic to site with adwords
4. rank site through seo (also use data from adwords to see what converted)
5. once additional cash flow comes in develop your own design

I have run tests using a professional design vs a template from the store and I have nt noticed much difference. I know that this will be market dependent.

hope this helps

[blu42media]

I agree with Arthur on this.  I have Magento experience and it's certainly not for beginners; however, it is quite powerful and there are great modules available for SEO!

-John

[Francisco_Meza]

Bill, you want to grow fast in the web development world? Get magento now. It's free. It will demolish all other software (except maybe aspdotnetstorefront).

I made a video on installing magento on my new site:

http://www.buildwebsitebusiness.com/forums/forum/79-wordpress-magento-installation/

Watch this too:

http://www.magentocommerce.com/summer-webinar-series

[zigojacko]

Hi Bill,

Check out my response to this on your other question.

In response to the above, most free ecommerce templates are poor and unprofessional, it would be worth looking into hiring a designer that can build you a bespoke template, this would serve you better going forward.

It sounds like you are swaying towards self hosted solutions as per this and your replies on your other question - there will always be restrictions in your websites development with these solutions, I posted my recommendation for this though in the other thread.

[Francisco_Meza]

Bill, I agree for the most part if you are saying "free ecommerce templates". FREE ecommerce software is completely different. I just want newbies to know the difference. Also, many people can have a custom design made for $150 to $200 in photoshop. Then go to oDesk.com and have someone in a developing country code and install it for another $150. I have done this many times.