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ARTICLE #64
The perfect tech stacks to power up your ecommerce store
eCommerce
Digital Commerce
Online Store
Woo Commerce
Digital Marketing
eCommerce
Ecommerce
Digital Commerce
Online Store
Woo Commerce
Digital Marketing
Written by:
5 min read
Updated on: July 22, 2024
Toni Hukkanen
Head of Design
Creative Direction, Brand Direction
Toni Hukkanen
Head of Design
Creative Direction, Brand Direction
A rock-solid eCommerce tech stack can be the difference between a site that hustles and one that fizzles. The right blend of tools not only keeps your customers happy (no more endless loading wheels) but also helps you grow without giving your wallet or developers a heart attack.
And let’s be honest: when everything integrates smoothly—inventory, payments, shipping—you’ll actually have time to focus on the fun stuff, like crafting those unbeatable product descriptions or figuring out the next big campaign.
In this quick chat, let’s walk through the top tech stack combos guaranteed to energize your online store and crank up those sales. Whether you’re launching your dream brand or breathing new life into a longstanding digital shop, these insights can give you a real edge.
A rock-solid eCommerce tech stack can be the difference between a site that hustles and one that fizzles. The right blend of tools not only keeps your customers happy (no more endless loading wheels) but also helps you grow without giving your wallet or developers a heart attack.
And let’s be honest: when everything integrates smoothly—inventory, payments, shipping—you’ll actually have time to focus on the fun stuff, like crafting those unbeatable product descriptions or figuring out the next big campaign.
In this quick chat, let’s walk through the top tech stack combos guaranteed to energize your online store and crank up those sales. Whether you’re launching your dream brand or breathing new life into a longstanding digital shop, these insights can give you a real edge.
What is an ecommerce technology stack?
What is an ecommerce technology stack?
An eCommerce technology stack, often called a “tech stack,” is the combination of software and tools your online store depends on each day. It can cover everything from the frameworks that structure your site’s look and feel to the payment processing system that finalises orders—whether shoppers buy on their phones at midnight or browse from their laptops during lunch.
This setup is split into two key parts. The front end (client-facing) includes everything customers see and click on, like your site’s layout and online storefronts. Meanwhile, the back end (server-facing) handles all the behind-the-scenes work: servers, databases, and the applications that pull in product details, manage orders, and make sure your site keeps ticking along.
An eCommerce technology stack, often called a “tech stack,” is the combination of software and tools your online store depends on each day. It can cover everything from the frameworks that structure your site’s look and feel to the payment processing system that finalises orders—whether shoppers buy on their phones at midnight or browse from their laptops during lunch.
This setup is split into two key parts. The front end (client-facing) includes everything customers see and click on, like your site’s layout and online storefronts. Meanwhile, the back end (server-facing) handles all the behind-the-scenes work: servers, databases, and the applications that pull in product details, manage orders, and make sure your site keeps ticking along.
Four factors to consider when choosing tools for your tech stack
Making the right call for your store starts with a clear grasp of what your business needs, plus any existing third-party services you rely on. Keep these four considerations in mind when deciding how to structure your eCommerce tech stack.
1. Scalability
Scaling matters when your site starts attracting higher traffic and transaction volumes. Platforms such as Shopify and BigCommerce handle spikes automatically, so you don’t need to wrestle with extra server capacity. Meanwhile, open-source options like WooCommerce and Magento may require manual scaling—for instance, upgrading your hosting plan or improving site performance. If your platforms can’t expand quickly without huge cash outlays or extra staff, you risk missing valuable sales opportunities.
2. Complexity
A complex setup can offer plenty of features, but it also means bigger expenses and more time spent on maintenance. On the flip side, a managed or all-in-one platform bundles hosting, security, and support under one roof, sparing you some headaches. Yet you might find it lacks certain advanced capabilities. It all comes down to deciding whether you need every bell and whistle, or if a straightforward approach is enough.
3. Compatibility
Your chosen solutions should work together without friction—and that includes the rest of your operational tools. You can achieve this through direct integration or by using third-party connectors. For example, if your shipping service doesn’t natively integrate with your eCommerce platform, you can rely on tools like ShipStation or Shippo to fill the gap and ensure systems talk to each other.
4. Customisability
A high degree of flexibility allows you to craft a unique shopping experience. Maybe you sell clothing and want large product images and videos on the homepage, or you specialise in electronics and need detailed comparison features. Open-source platforms like WooCommerce or Magento give you a deep level of control, though you’ll probably need a developer’s help. Shopify comes with a simpler interface and pre-built themes, which is easier for non-technical users but offers less creative control.
Making the right call for your store starts with a clear grasp of what your business needs, plus any existing third-party services you rely on. Keep these four considerations in mind when deciding how to structure your eCommerce tech stack.
1. Scalability
Scaling matters when your site starts attracting higher traffic and transaction volumes. Platforms such as Shopify and BigCommerce handle spikes automatically, so you don’t need to wrestle with extra server capacity. Meanwhile, open-source options like WooCommerce and Magento may require manual scaling—for instance, upgrading your hosting plan or improving site performance. If your platforms can’t expand quickly without huge cash outlays or extra staff, you risk missing valuable sales opportunities.
2. Complexity
A complex setup can offer plenty of features, but it also means bigger expenses and more time spent on maintenance. On the flip side, a managed or all-in-one platform bundles hosting, security, and support under one roof, sparing you some headaches. Yet you might find it lacks certain advanced capabilities. It all comes down to deciding whether you need every bell and whistle, or if a straightforward approach is enough.
3. Compatibility
Your chosen solutions should work together without friction—and that includes the rest of your operational tools. You can achieve this through direct integration or by using third-party connectors. For example, if your shipping service doesn’t natively integrate with your eCommerce platform, you can rely on tools like ShipStation or Shippo to fill the gap and ensure systems talk to each other.
4. Customisability
A high degree of flexibility allows you to craft a unique shopping experience. Maybe you sell clothing and want large product images and videos on the homepage, or you specialise in electronics and need detailed comparison features. Open-source platforms like WooCommerce or Magento give you a deep level of control, though you’ll probably need a developer’s help. Shopify comes with a simpler interface and pre-built themes, which is easier for non-technical users but offers less creative control.
Choosing the right business functions to build your ecommerce tech stack
Once you understand how to assemble your stack, it’s time to identify the core functions that power your enterprise. Below are key areas to focus on, along with examples of vendors worth considering.
Content management system (CMS)
A CMS allows you to create, edit, and organise pages without requiring advanced coding expertise. Shopify, for instance, has an intuitive interface where you can manage text, media files, and overall appearance via themes or plug-ins. You could also choose a headless CMS—this keeps your content and front-end separate, giving you even more freedom when designing the user experience.
Shipping and logistics software
As your organisation gets bigger, you may need more sophisticated shipping and fulfilment options. A third-party logistics (3PL) partner can handle storage, packing, and delivery for you, freeing your team to focus on priorities like marketing or product development. It’s an easy way to keep shipments quick and reliable without turning your workplace into a warehouse.
Customer relationship management software(CRM)
CRM systems help you connect more closely with your customers by centralising data, managing sales pipelines, and automating various marketing tasks. Popular choices include Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho CRM. With these platforms, you can stay on top of every customer interaction, spot new sales leads, and keep your audience consistently engaged.
Analytics tools
Data often holds the clues you need to improve your store. Analytics software reveals statistics on revenue, traffic sources, visitor behaviour, and how well your promotional efforts are working. Google Analytics and Adobe Analytics remain popular due to their comprehensive metrics. By monitoring changes over time, you can address weak spots quickly and plan your next steps confidently.
Once you understand how to assemble your stack, it’s time to identify the core functions that power your enterprise. Below are key areas to focus on, along with examples of vendors worth considering.
Content management system (CMS)
A CMS allows you to create, edit, and organise pages without requiring advanced coding expertise. Shopify, for instance, has an intuitive interface where you can manage text, media files, and overall appearance via themes or plug-ins. You could also choose a headless CMS—this keeps your content and front-end separate, giving you even more freedom when designing the user experience.
Shipping and logistics software
As your organisation gets bigger, you may need more sophisticated shipping and fulfilment options. A third-party logistics (3PL) partner can handle storage, packing, and delivery for you, freeing your team to focus on priorities like marketing or product development. It’s an easy way to keep shipments quick and reliable without turning your workplace into a warehouse.
Customer relationship management software(CRM)
CRM systems help you connect more closely with your customers by centralising data, managing sales pipelines, and automating various marketing tasks. Popular choices include Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho CRM. With these platforms, you can stay on top of every customer interaction, spot new sales leads, and keep your audience consistently engaged.
Analytics tools
Data often holds the clues you need to improve your store. Analytics software reveals statistics on revenue, traffic sources, visitor behaviour, and how well your promotional efforts are working. Google Analytics and Adobe Analytics remain popular due to their comprehensive metrics. By monitoring changes over time, you can address weak spots quickly and plan your next steps confidently.
Popular tech stacks for eCommerce
Now that you’re familiar with the main components of a tech stack—and the key considerations—let’s look at some well-known eCommerce solutions. These setups have been tried and tested by many successful online sellers and aim to balance convenience, reliability, and functionality.
Below, we’ll walk through four widely adopted platforms and how each one measures up, from plug-and-play options to those offering total open-source freedom.
Shopify
Shopify is a well-known eCommerce builder with a user-friendly dashboard, built-in inventory features, and a secure payment setup. Its app marketplace includes over 8,000 add-ons, letting you customise your store’s features. You also get handy SEO tools, flexible URLs, and automatic image optimisation. On the flip side, transaction fees may add up if you’re doing high sales volume, and Shopify’s customisation can feel limited if you have very particular requirements.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free plugin for WordPress used by millions of entrepreneurs worldwide. It merges blogging, marketing, and online selling in one place. Because it’s open source, you have extensive freedom to modify your store—although you may need a developer if you’re going for a complex setup. The similarity to WordPress means you’ll get the hang of it quickly, and you can integrate it with an existing site or spin up a brand-new shop.
Magento
Magento (often referred to as Adobe Commerce) provides a wealth of features for businesses with large or fast-rising demands. It manages heavy traffic, multiple languages, and detailed product listings. The Magento Marketplace has over 3,000 free and paid extensions for added functionality. However, it does require a solid level of technical expertise, and most stores need a developer’s help to unlock its potential. Still, if you have the right team, Magento can cover nearly any eCommerce scenario.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a cloud-based option designed for ease of use alongside enterprise-level functions. It features responsive themes, built-in SEO, and a robust set of integrations for payments, shipping, and beyond. One thing to note: there’s a limit of 80 requests per minute (and 1,600 requests per hour) on the API, which might pose challenges if your business relies heavily on external data flows. Some users also find customisation less flexible compared to open-source platforms like Magento or WooCommerce.
Now that you’re familiar with the main components of a tech stack—and the key considerations—let’s look at some well-known eCommerce solutions. These setups have been tried and tested by many successful online sellers and aim to balance convenience, reliability, and functionality.
Below, we’ll walk through four widely adopted platforms and how each one measures up, from plug-and-play options to those offering total open-source freedom.
Shopify
Shopify is a well-known eCommerce builder with a user-friendly dashboard, built-in inventory features, and a secure payment setup. Its app marketplace includes over 8,000 add-ons, letting you customise your store’s features. You also get handy SEO tools, flexible URLs, and automatic image optimisation. On the flip side, transaction fees may add up if you’re doing high sales volume, and Shopify’s customisation can feel limited if you have very particular requirements.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free plugin for WordPress used by millions of entrepreneurs worldwide. It merges blogging, marketing, and online selling in one place. Because it’s open source, you have extensive freedom to modify your store—although you may need a developer if you’re going for a complex setup. The similarity to WordPress means you’ll get the hang of it quickly, and you can integrate it with an existing site or spin up a brand-new shop.
Magento
Magento (often referred to as Adobe Commerce) provides a wealth of features for businesses with large or fast-rising demands. It manages heavy traffic, multiple languages, and detailed product listings. The Magento Marketplace has over 3,000 free and paid extensions for added functionality. However, it does require a solid level of technical expertise, and most stores need a developer’s help to unlock its potential. Still, if you have the right team, Magento can cover nearly any eCommerce scenario.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a cloud-based option designed for ease of use alongside enterprise-level functions. It features responsive themes, built-in SEO, and a robust set of integrations for payments, shipping, and beyond. One thing to note: there’s a limit of 80 requests per minute (and 1,600 requests per hour) on the API, which might pose challenges if your business relies heavily on external data flows. Some users also find customisation less flexible compared to open-source platforms like Magento or WooCommerce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I increase my ecommerce website reach?
Ramping up traffic involves focusing on SEO, using social media to engage people, and publishing valuable content so you become a trusted voice in your niche. For faster results, consider running paid advertising or launching email campaigns to reach specific groups and boost conversions right away.
What are the advantages of using the perfect tech stacks for an ecommerce store?
Choosing a well-suited tech stack leads to fewer glitches, smoother scaling, and enhanced security. Shoppers get an easy path to checkout, while your business benefits from reliable performance behind the scenes. In short, a top-notch stack can improve customer trust, encourage repeat purchases, and streamline daily operations.
What are the best ways to optimise tech stacks for an ecommerce store?
Start by picking platforms and apps that match your goals, then ensure everything works together seamlessly so data flows without hassle. Keep all software up to date, watch for security patches, and use performance metrics to spot areas that need fine-tuning. By regularly monitoring and adjusting your setup, you’ll maintain a reliable store that meets customer expectations.
Conclusion
Building an effective tech stack for your eCommerce store is all about balancing your objectives, budget, and growth plans. By selecting suitable platforms and keeping them fine-tuned, you can enhance your online store, automate everyday tasks, stay a step ahead of rivals, and encourage shopper loyalty. With the right approach—and possibly some help from seasoned developers or agencies—you’ll end up with a strong, scalable system that drives your eCommerce success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I increase my ecommerce website reach?
Ramping up traffic involves focusing on SEO, using social media to engage people, and publishing valuable content so you become a trusted voice in your niche. For faster results, consider running paid advertising or launching email campaigns to reach specific groups and boost conversions right away.
What are the advantages of using the perfect tech stacks for an ecommerce store?
Choosing a well-suited tech stack leads to fewer glitches, smoother scaling, and enhanced security. Shoppers get an easy path to checkout, while your business benefits from reliable performance behind the scenes. In short, a top-notch stack can improve customer trust, encourage repeat purchases, and streamline daily operations.
What are the best ways to optimise tech stacks for an ecommerce store?
Start by picking platforms and apps that match your goals, then ensure everything works together seamlessly so data flows without hassle. Keep all software up to date, watch for security patches, and use performance metrics to spot areas that need fine-tuning. By regularly monitoring and adjusting your setup, you’ll maintain a reliable store that meets customer expectations.
Conclusion
Building an effective tech stack for your eCommerce store is all about balancing your objectives, budget, and growth plans. By selecting suitable platforms and keeping them fine-tuned, you can enhance your online store, automate everyday tasks, stay a step ahead of rivals, and encourage shopper loyalty. With the right approach—and possibly some help from seasoned developers or agencies—you’ll end up with a strong, scalable system that drives your eCommerce success.
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Work with us
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work@for.co
- FOR® Brand. FOR® Future.
We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs
Click to copy
Helsinki, FIN
info@for.fi
Click to copy
New York, NY
ny@for.co
Click to copy
Miami, FL
mia@for.co
Click to copy
Dubai, UAE
uae@for.co
Click to copy
Kyiv, UA
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Copyright © 2024 FOR®
Work with us
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work@for.co
We’re remote-first — with strategic global hubs
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Click to copy
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Click to copy
Dubai, UAE
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Copyright © 2024 FOR®