E-commerce Platforms and Online Sales Channels

There are multiple ways to sell products and reach customers online, including:

• Your own sales channels, like a dedicated online store
• Third-party platforms, such as Amazon or Etsy

Each method has its advantages and drawbacks, which is why many businesses adopt an omnichannel strategy, selling across various platforms.

E-commerce Platforms

An e-commerce platform enables businesses to create and manage their own online store. Solutions like Shopify help merchants set up digital and physical stores with ease.

Advantages: These platforms provide all the tools necessary to run an online business, from product listings to payment processing. They are great for building a unique brand and controlling the customer experience.

Challenges: Store owners must drive traffic to their website through digital marketing efforts, including SEO, paid advertisements, and social media campaigns.

Online Marketplaces

Marketplaces are e-commerce platforms where businesses can list their products for an existing audience. Popular examples include Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Walmart Marketplace.