Among various types of e-commerce platforms, we’ve selected 3 types of platforms that can help your small business grow.
Key Highlights
- The suitable e-commerce platform depends on the type of business along with the sector it functions in.
- Small businesses can leverage marketplaces to reach out to potential customers.
- Businesses can create their own online stores through Shopify.
One of the major predicaments of small businesses is how to increase their digital presence.
The question assumes significance as businesses increasingly target clients through digital marketing campaigns and search for suppliers online.
Given the pace of digitalisation of commerce, an ICRIER study postulated that businesses that are unable to integrate with e-commerce platforms may face a survival threat in future.
Hence, we’ve done the job for you and compiled a list, incorporating 3 types of e-commerce platforms you can leverage to increase the digital presence of your business.
In fact, using an e-commerce platform could be beneficial for your business at times.
According to a report by the Deccan Herald, Indian enterprises recorded a 25% growth during the BFCM sale of Amazon as compared to business-as-usual days.
Then let’s delve know about various e-commerce platforms available to businesses in India.
3 Types of E-commerce Platforms for Business Growth
Businesses may require different types of e-commerce platforms depending upon whether their business model is B2B or B2C, their target audience, the industry or sector, and the size of the business.
However, these e-commerce platforms can help you grow your business in most scenarios:
1. Shopify (E-Commerce Facilitator)
Shopify is a platform that helps Businesses establish their digital presence by creating an online store, while facilitating various types of functionalities including the capability to manage inventory or operate a Point of Sale (POS) system from a mobile phone.
It works as a facilitator by connecting businesses with various sales channels and marketplaces.
In contrast to a marketplace wherein the platform itself takes care of the website designing, order processing, and shipping among other things, businesses that want to retain control over these functions can choose Shopify to create their online stores.
2. Indiamart (B2B Marketplace)
Oriented towards B2B commerce, Indiamart hosts a plethora of enterprises on its platform.
Whether you’re a manufacturer, wholesaler, or exporter, you could use the reach of Indiamart to grow your clientele.
The platform occupies a humongous 60% share in the online B2B classified sector, supporting both buyers and sellers with easy discoverability of businesses.
3. Amazon (B2C Marketplace)
With a global presence, Amazon is a leading B2C marketplace with increasing penetration in India.
In India, the marketplace had 295 million visitors per month in May 2023, occupying the first position in terms of traffic during that month.
Amazon allows businesses to target customers with paid ads and provides insights for inventory optimisation.
Being a global marketplace, Amazon helps businesses connect with customers in more than 100 countries.
To help exporters, Amazon runs a Global Selling Programme, with subsidies for Indian exporters for a limited period.
Given the pace of digitalisation, it may not be an option to ignore e-commerce for any business.
Depending upon the nature of your business and your target audience, you can use the aforementioned platforms to reach out to potential customers.
