Ecommerce refers to when individuals or companies buy and sell goods or services online. Ecommerce can be carried out on a smartphone app or online store, on a social media platform, or through an online marketplace.
- Many social media platforms offer in-platform buying and selling features, enabling small businesses or personal brands to sell directly to audiences without an online storefront.
- You can easily sell to existing audiences on channels you already manage without building an ecommerce website..
- Selling on your own website requires active marketing efforts to drive traffic and make sales.
Ecommerce platforms usually include integrations with payment processing services and sometimes offer their own digital payment platforms. These services are the liaison for online transactions between a merchant and a customer’s bank. Payment options are often bundled in the checkout to offer the customer choice.