COURSE TITLE: E COMMERCE

PAPER CODE: CIT 4203

LECTURER:
TOPIC: Web Based Tools for E-commerce

Objectives:
 Introduction
 Web based tools for E commerce
 Definition and significance
 Categories of Ecommerce tools
 Advantages of E commerce tools
 Examples
 Conclusion

Introduction:

What are E-Commerce tools?

Ecommerce tools are pieces of software like apps, platforms, and plug-ins that help business
owners manage their online stores.

While there are many different kinds of ecommerce tools, they all share a common purpose: to
streamline, organize, and automate the processes of running and growing an ecommerce store.

Ecommerce tools are literally the building blocks of any online store, they help in keeping track
of: customer support, marketing, logistics.

Basics of Web-Based Tools:

Web-based tools are software applications that are accessed via a web browser and do not
require any installation on the user's device. These tools are essential for various tasks ranging
from website development to data analysis in the digital realm.

Definition and Significance:

 Web-based tools refer to software applications or services that are hosted on

remote servers and accessed through the internet using a web browser.
  They play a vital role in enhancing productivity, collaboration, and efficiency,
especially in E-commerce, where businesses operate predominantly online.

2. Categories of Web-Based Tools:

Web-based tools can be broadly categorized into several types based on their
functionality and purpose. Some common categories include:

 Website Development Tools: Tools used for creating, designing, and

maintaining websites.

 E-commerce Platforms: Platforms that facilitate online buying and selling of

goods and services.

 Marketing and Analytics Tools: Tools for promoting products/services,

analyzing customer behavior, and measuring marketing effectiveness.

 Payment Gateways and Security Tools: Tools ensuring secure online

transactions and data protection.

 Customer Service and Communication Tools: Tools for providing customer

support and facilitating communication with clients.

i. E-commerce Platforms:

They are Platforms that facilitate online buying and selling of goods and services.

The first step to building an online store is choosing the right ecommerce platform.

An ecommerce platform essentially is the software that an ecommerce store uses to take care of
core needs, from product pages to order fulfillment

It needs to be user friendly, fast, and reliable to ensure a smooth shopping experience, which
can directly influence customer satisfaction and return rates.

 Examples: Shopify, WooCommerce (WordPress plugin), Magento.

ii. Website Development Tools:

They are tools used for creating, designing, and maintaining websites.

Examples: Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, website builders such as Wix
and Squarespace.

CMS for e-commerce websites

Content management system (CMS).

A good CMS provides a vast range of options for Omni channel content management
for B2B and B2C spaces. It gives a central location from which to distribute content
across every channel, automate workflows, and compose digital experiences that fit
your goals. Example;
WordPress

WordPress can help in developing a blogging strategy to build and nurture customer
relationships, establish a brand, and generate recurring traffic.

iii. Marketing and Analytics Tools:

These are tools for promoting products/services, analyzing customer behavior, and measuring
marketing effectiveness.

Examples: Google Analytics, Mailchimp, Hootsuite.

Mailchimp (Marketing tool)

Email newsletters are a powerful ecommerce tool: They provide a direct channel to customers
and offer a dedicated space to share updates, promotions, and other information.

Google Analytics (Analytic tool)

With an ecommerce tool like Google Analytics, it’s possible to gather insights about returning
visitors as well as data around real-time stats like: How many people are on the website? Where
is the traffic coming from? How are visitors engaging with products?

iv. Payment Gateways and Security Tools:

These are tools ensuring secure online transactions and data protection.

Examples: PayPal, Stripe, SSL certificate providers like Let's Encrypt.

SSL certificate providers (Let's Encrypt, Comodo)

Helps to troubleshoot, test, check, generate, verify, convert, and otherwise manage common SSL
issues.
A website needs an SSL certificate in order to keep user data secure, verify ownership of the
website, prevent attackers from creating a fake version of the site, and gain user trust.
Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption is possible because of the public-private key pairing that SSL
certificates facilitate.
Website security scanners (Sucuri, Qualys)
V. Customer Service and Communication Tools:

These are tools for providing customer support and facilitating communication with clients.

Examples: Zendesk, Intercom, Skype.

Skype is software that enables the world's conversations. Millions of individuals and
businesses use Skype to make free video and voice one-to-one and group.

An intercom system is an electronic device that enables two-way communication between

people . Intercom systems also allow people in a building to grant property access to visitors by
opening a door or gate remotely. Intercom systems have taken many forms throughout history.
Advantages of Web-Based Tools:

 Accessibility: Users can access web-based tools from any location with internet
connectivity, enabling remote work and collaboration.

 Cost-effectiveness: Many web-based tools offer subscription-based pricing

models, reducing upfront costs associated with software purchases.

 Scalability: Web-based tools can easily scale to accommodate growing business

needs without requiring significant infrastructure upgrades.

 Updates and Maintenance: Updates and maintenance are typically handled by

the service provider, relieving users of the burden of software maintenance tasks.

Examples of Web-Based Tools:

 Website Development Tools: Content Management Systems (CMS) like

WordPress, website builders such as Wix and Squarespace.

 E-commerce Platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce (WordPress plugin), Magento.

 Marketing and Analytics Tools: Google Analytics, Mailchimp, Hootsuite.

 Payment Gateways and Security Tools: PayPal, Stripe, SSL certificate providers
like Let's Encrypt.

 Customer Service and Communication Tools: Zendesk, Intercom, Skype.

CONCLUSION:

Understanding the basics of web-based tools lays the foundation for leveraging them effectively
in various aspects of business operations, including E-commerce. By harnessing the power of
these tools, businesses can streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and drive
growth in the digital marketplace.