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How to Find the eCommerce Platform an Online Store is Using
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How to Find the eCommerce Platform an Online Store is Using

Ecommerce

After you are done reading this post, you will learn the easiest ways to find the eCommerce platform an online store is using.

Knowing the eCommerce framework an online store makes use of – has always been a challenging task for many.

On like WordPress, we can easily detect websites that make use of it. In the case of eCommerce, the reverse is the case.

Otherwise, the eCommerce was built with the amazing WordPress Woo-commerce plugin – then you can easily detect that it was built under the WordPress framework.

Apart from WordPress, there are so many other frameworks that can be used to develop outstanding eCommerce.

Best frameworks for developing eCommerce

Now how can we know if an eCommerce was built with Magento, Abante, or any other framework?

Let’s look at it this way

OK! Mr. Smith is a web developer; he just won a contract to build an eCommerce store to looks exactly like and has the full functionalities of Konga.com. Mr. Smith knows he can develop a perfect eCommerce with WordPress Woo-commerce.

Mr. was so happy thinking the job would be an easy task. He immediately navigated his web browser to Themeforest to buy the best WordPress Woocommerce theme and other necessary plugins from CodeCanyon.

Mr. Smith succeeded in building an outstanding eCommerce that is better than Konga.com in terms of functionalities and responsiveness.

Mr. Smith was happy he did it. He then uploaded it to the server, but his client rejected the job, saying he wanted a 90% clone of Konga.com.

Unfortunately, Mr. Smith doesn’t know the framework that was used to develop Konga.com. So it will be a much bigger task for him to achieve his client’s needs. Else he wants to start writing codes from scratch.

If only he knew the framework that was used, it would have saved him much time and built his client’s confidence in him too.

This is more than seven weeks now, and he has yet to get the job done to the taste of his client.

In case you know Mr. Smith, tell him to navigate to this post

Manual Website Inspection

One of the simplest ways to identify an eCommerce platform is through manual inspection. Here are some techniques:

  • Checking the Footer: Often, the platform’s name or logo is mentioned in the website’s footer.
  • Inspecting the Source Code: Right-click on the webpage and select “View Page Source.” Look for comments or meta tags that might indicate the platform.
  • Using Browser Developer Tools: Press F12 to open the developer tools and check the network and resources tab for clues.

Using Online Tools

There are several online tools designed to detect the technologies behind websites:

  • BuiltWith: Enter the URL of the online store, and BuiltWith will provide a detailed report on the technologies used.
  • Wappalyzer: Another powerful tool that identifies various technologies, including eCommerce platforms.
  • SimilarTech: Provides insights into the tools and platforms a website uses.

Browser Extensions

Browser extensions can make identifying an eCommerce platform even easier:

  • Detailed Guide on Using Extensions: Extensions like Wappalyzer and BuiltWith are available for both Chrome and Firefox.
  • Recommended Extensions: Install and activate these extensions to see the technologies used on any website you visit.

Analyzing the URL Structure

Sometimes, the URL structure can give away the platform:

  • Common URL Patterns: Look for common patterns, such as “/cart” or “/checkout” paths.
  • Examples and Case Studies: Many platforms have distinct URL structures that you can recognize with practice.

Examine the Design and Features of the Website

Certain design elements and features are specific to particular platforms:

  • Recognizing Template Designs: Many platforms offer unique templates that can be easily recognized.
  • Identifying Platform-Specific Features: Features like payment gateways or customer review systems can also provide hints.

Explore the Website’s Meta Tags

Meta tags can contain valuable information about the website’s backend:

  • How to View Meta Tags: Use the “View Page Source” option and look for meta tags in the HTML code.
  • What to Look For: Keywords like “Shopify,” “Magento,” or “WooCommerce” can be giveaways.

Check the Platform-Specific URLs

Some platforms use specific URLs for their admin or login pages:

  • Admin and Login URLs: For example, Shopify stores often use “/admin” for their backend.
  • Example URLs for Different Platforms: Familiarize yourself with these to quickly identify the platform.

Reviewing the Website Page Source

Going deeper into the page source can reveal platform-specific codes:

  • Identifying Platform-Specific Codes: Look for scripts and libraries unique to certain platforms.
  • Using the “View Page Source” Option: This option can uncover hidden clues within the code.

Contacting the Website Owner

If all else fails, you can directly reach out:

  • How to Approach: Send a polite email or message asking about their platform.
  • What to Ask: Be straightforward and explain why you’re interested.

Using Social Media and Forums

Communities and forums can be valuable resources:

  • Joining Relevant Communities: Platforms like Reddit have dedicated communities where you can ask for help.
  • Asking for Insights: Engage with members and ask if they recognize the platform.

Utilizing Professional Services

If you need a definitive answer:

  • Hiring Experts: Consider hiring a professional to analyze the website.
  • Using eCommerce Consultants: Consultants can provide in-depth insights and recommendations.

Conclusion

Identifying the eCommerce platform an online store uses can be incredibly beneficial for your business strategy. By using the methods outlined above, you can uncover this information with ease.

Whether you are conducting competitive analysis or simply curious, these techniques will help you get the answers you need.

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