7 E-Commerce Platforms for Integrating With Third-Party Apps

Choosing the right e-commerce platform can make or break a business in today’s competitive marketplace. Insights from a Chief Executive Officer highlight the seamless third-party integrations offered by Weebly, while a Sr. Director of Global Marketing points to Shopify’s excellence in cross-border integrations. This article compiles expert recommendations, starting with Weebly and concluding with the importance of choosing based on business needs and scale. Discover the seven invaluable insights that can guide your e-commerce platform decision.

Want to get quoted in MarketerInterview.com content just like this? Apply to become a contributor today!

Weebly for Seamless Third-Party Integration

The e-commerce platform I recommend for integrating with third-party apps is Weebly eCommerce. A feature of Weebly eCommerce that sets it apart is its seamless integration with marketing tools, such as Mailchimp. This allows businesses to automatically sync customer data, create segmented email campaigns, and track performance all within the same ecosystem.

A small online boutique selling handmade jewelry, for example, could use Weebly’s Mailchimp integration to send personalized emails based on purchase history. If a customer buys a necklace, the system can trigger an email recommending matching earrings or bracelets. This automated and targeted approach helps businesses engage customers more effectively, driving repeat sales without the need for manual intervention. The ease of connecting tools like this makes Weebly a strong choice for businesses looking to enhance their e-commerce functionality.

Mushfiq Sarker, Chief Executive Officer, LaGrande Marketing

Shopify Dominates with Comprehensive Integrations

Shopify dominates with integrations. Their app store has everything, and their webhook system is solid. Pretty much every SaaS tool has a Shopify integration ready to go—payment processors, shipping tools, accounting software, marketing stuff, all just click and connect. Their API is reliable and when you need custom integrations, they’re straightforward to build. Plus most third-party apps handle all the tricky parts like data syncing and updates automatically.

WooCommerce works through WordPress plugins which is both good and bad. You can integrate with almost anything since WordPress is everywhere, but sometimes the plugins conflict with each other or break after updates. The REST API is decent for custom integrations. Big advantage is you can directly access the database and code when you need to force things to work together. No monthly fees for integrations since most plugins are one-time purchases, but you’ll spend more time maintaining everything.

Lunar is interesting if you’re building custom integrations on Laravel. Since it’s just a Laravel package, you can use any PHP package or API directly—no need for special plugins or apps. The models are standard Eloquent, so connecting to other systems is just regular Laravel development. It has a REST API built in for frontend stuff. The trade-off is you’ll build most integrations yourself, but you get total control over how they work. Good option if you’re already heavy into Laravel and need something super custom.

Pick based on this:

• Need something reliable that works with everything? Shopify.
• Want full control and know WordPress? WooCommerce.
• Developer building custom stuff on Laravel? Lunar is worth checking out.

Vincent Schmalbach, Web Developer, AI Engineer & SEO Expert, Vincent Schmalbach

Shopify Excels in Cross-Border Integrations

In considering e-commerce platforms that facilitate third-party integrations, Shopify presents a compelling option, particularly for businesses navigating the complex requirements of cross-border trade and data protection.

Drawing from our experience with integration projects worldwide, several practical considerations support this recommendation:

The platform’s API architecture aligns well with privacy requirements. This becomes particularly relevant when managing customer data across multiple systems and jurisdictions.

Shopify’s out of the box integration capabilities tend to be more comprehensive compared to other, more bespoke platforms. The platform supports connections with regional payment providers, tax systems, and logistics networks that are essential for European operations.

The developer ecosystem is well-structured, offering documentation in multiple languages and supporting both REST and GraphQL APIs. This proves advantageous when working with development teams across different European regions.

From a practical standpoint, the platform handles multi-currency transactions and VAT calculations efficiently—crucial aspects for businesses operating across EU member states. The integration capabilities extend naturally to ERP systems and accounting software, facilitating compliance with local reporting requirements.

Perhaps most notably, the platform’s approach to data synchronisation aligns with modern business practices, offering real-time updates whilst maintaining data sovereignty requirements.

Tal Valler, Sr. Director of Global Marketing, Celigo

BigCommerce for Flexible API Capabilities

I recommend BigCommerce as a robust e-commerce platform for integrating with third-party apps. BigCommerce stands out for its flexibility and strong API capabilities, allowing seamless integration with a wide range of applications, from shipping solutions to advanced analytics tools. This is particularly beneficial for Best Online Cabinets, as it enables us to connect our custom cabinet offerings with inventory management systems and customer service platforms efficiently. 

The platform also supports a variety of payment gateways and marketing tools, making it easier to implement tailored strategies that enhance customer experiences. The scalability authorizes us to grow without frequent platform changes to continuously evolve our business as we expand our kitchen cabinetry lines and explore new trends.

Josh Qian, COO and Co-Founder, Best Online Cabinets

WooCommerce for Customizable Integrations

For online stores looking to integrate smoothly with third-party apps, WooCommerce is an excellent option. Built on WordPress, it offers flexibility that’s often overlooked. WooCommerce’s strength lies in its open-source nature, allowing for extensive customization. This aspect can be particularly beneficial if you have specific needs or niche products, as you can tailor the platform without the constraints of a more rigid system. Plus, there’s a vast community of developers who continually create and update plugins, ensuring you have plenty of tools at your disposal.

A practical way to make the most of WooCommerce is to leverage its robust plugin library. Instead of limiting yourself to built-in features, explore the wide range of available plugins tailored for various functionalities. For instance, you can enhance your store’s analytics capabilities or optimize your site’s loading speed effortlessly. Keeping your plugins updated is crucial as it helps maintain security and compatibility, ensuring your third-party integrations run smoothly alongside WooCommerce without hiccups. This approach can lead to a seamless operation that’s both efficient and scalable.

Jean Chen, COO & CHRO, Mondressy

Salesforce Commerce Cloud for Pre-Built Integrations

I would recommend Salesforce Commerce Cloud because it integrates with a wide range of third-party applications. Through its B2C Commerce LINK program, Commerce Cloud offers pre-built integrations with services like PayPal, Bazaarvoice for reviews, and Avalara for tax processing. 

If you’re looking for custom integrations, Salesforce provides tools like the Web Services framework and Open Commerce API (OCAPI), supporting both real-time and batch data exchanges. These capabilities allow e-commerce businesses to connect their platforms to most third-party apps on the market

Hilan Berger, COO, SmartenUp

Choose Based on Business Needs and Scale

There are several platform options that integrate well with 3rd party apps—budget, tech experience, and business requirements are some of the variables that will determine which platform is most appropriate. 

For small companies: 

Shopify: 

• An intuitive user interface   
• A vast app marketplace  
• Excellent client service  
• Ideal for a range of company sizes  

BigCommerce: 

• A platform that can grow   
• Advanced SEO and marketing features  
• Great for companies with larger sales volumes

WooCommerce:

• Very adaptable   
• An open-source system  
• Requires technical know-how
• Lots of control over the store

For larger businesses:

Magento: 

• Incredibly adaptable and configurable   
• Ideal for intricate e-commerce processes  
• Requires a high level of technical proficiency

Lori Fields, Founder, Director of Ecommerce, Amazon Strategist, Jay Street Partners

Want to get quoted in MarketerInterview.com content just like this? Apply to become a contributor today!