Ecommerce platforming remains a central focus for businesses aiming to thrive in the competitive digital marketplace. A recent survey by commercetools, a leading developer of composable commerce applications, highlights that enhancing customer experience is the main driver for organizations considering upgrades or replacements of their current ecommerce systems.

Gathering insights from 150 ecommerce managers across various sectors—including retail, wholesale, B2B manufacturing, and consumer packaged goods—the survey revealed compelling statistics that underline the crucial link between platform upgrades and improved user experiences.

Kelly Goetsch, chief strategy officer at commercetools, emphasized the importance of platform migration, stating, “The leading trigger for ecommerce platform migrations is the need to enhance user experiences, which enables differentiation and helps businesses remain competitive. Failing to innovate can, and will, result in serious business consequences.”

The survey’s findings suggest that a significant majority of organizations have noticed tangible benefits from upgrading their ecommerce platforms. Notably, 90% of respondents reported an increase in sales and revenue following their migrations. This is particularly striking, as 30% experienced growth of 30% or more, while 42% indicated an uptick of at least 10%. Such data is a clear testament to the positive impact that improved user experience can have on profitability.

Additionally, 94% of businesses noted enhancements in site performance post-migration. Enhanced performance is critical in the age of ecommerce, where consumers demand fast, responsive, and seamless online experiences. Moreover, 86% of respondents highlighted the heightened customization options afforded by new platforms, allowing businesses to tailor their offerings and create more personalized interactions with customers. In a world where customers expect brands to understand their preferences, this level of customization becomes not just advantageous but essential.

User-friendliness is another significant factor, with 62% of businesses reporting that their new platforms were easier to use. A complicated interface can deter users and lead to abandoned carts, making ease of navigation a key component in maintaining conversion rates. A streamlined platform not only improves customer satisfaction but can also enhance a company’s overall operational efficiency.

When evaluating their ecommerce platforms, businesses tended to prioritize specific factors. The ability to enhance competitiveness was the most crucial criterion, with 67% of respondents identifying it as the primary measure of success. Close behind were total cost of ownership and customer satisfaction, each highlighted by 56% of the participants.

Despite the numerous advantages of platform upgrades, data security concerns remain prevalent, with 36% of potential migrators citing this as a significant obstacle. However, it’s worth noting that only 3% of recent migrators felt their data was insecure during the transition. This disparity suggests that most organizations navigated the process without encountering severe vulnerabilities, indicating that well-structured migration plans can mitigate these concerns effectively.

Monolithic ecommerce platforms, while once the industry standard, pose mounting challenges for businesses today. These traditional systems often lack the flexibility, agility, and scalability that modern enterprises require, leading to higher operational costs. Goetsch pointed out that organizations utilizing composable solutions can better adapt to market needs, thereby maintaining their competitive edge.

A prime example of a company successfully leveraging composable ecommerce is Pet Valu, which moved to the commercetools platform intending to enhance its omnichannel experience. By integrating various touchpoints into a cohesive shopping experience, Pet Valu not only improved customer satisfaction but also positioned itself as a strong competitor in the market.

As businesses assess their ecommerce strategies, it is increasingly clear that upgrading to a more adaptable platform is not merely a choice but a strategic necessity. The connection between improved user experience and increased sales performance is compelling, encouraging organizations to reevaluate their current systems. With the dynamic nature of consumer preferences and market trends, staying ahead of the curve will require businesses to prioritize innovations that enhance user experience.

In conclusion, the findings from commercetools’ survey serve as a clarion call for businesses to recognize the pivotal role that ecommerce platform upgrades play in achieving long-term success. As digital behaviors continue to evolve, the need for robust, flexible ecommerce solutions becomes ever more apparent. Establishing a superior user experience may very well be the key differentiator that propels businesses ahead of their competitors in an increasingly crowded marketplace.