Magento is one of the most popular platforms for eCommerce in the world, but how many Magento websites operate in the UK?
The UK actually boasts the second-highest percentage of Magento websites in the world, with over 12,500 sites using Magento 1 and over 8,500 using Magento 2. In this article, we’re going to take a look at why Magento is so popular in the UK, and why it might be a great idea to use the platform for your website or eCommerce store. Let’s take a look!
What is Magento?
Magento is an open-source platform used for eCommerce purposes, and allows its users direct control over the design, management, and utilisation of their website.
Why is Magento so popular?
Magento remains a popular eCommerce platform for big business due to its scalability, as well as its enhanced security in comparison to other CMS platforms. Magento also offers simple integration with third parties (such as Google analytics and assorted plug-ins), highly customisable design, comprehensive customer support, and a reputation for enhanced mobile design.
Here are just a few other reasons many businesses in the UK opt for Magento:
High speed loading
Having a fast-loading interface is essential for any website that wants to rank well on Google and maintain a low bounce rate and a positive customer experience. Magento is renowned for offering high-speed loading, with one of Magento’s own company missions being to create the fastest loading websites in the world.
SEO functionality
SEO is non-negotiable when it comes to eCommerce, and Magento comes with a wide range of advanced SEO options that allow you to optimise your store for search engine visibility. While on-site SEO is essential, don’t forget that you’ll also need to optimise your eCommerce store with off-site pages too – that’s where a Magento SEO agency comes in handy.
Security
Magento regularly releases new security patches, meaning that you can be sure your site – and your customers’ private information – is better protected from hacks and leaks. One downside to this is that you’ll need to ensure to install the new security patches regularly, so you might want to have a Magento expert on hand to complete these for you.
Mobile functionality
With so many customers now making purchases from mobile, it’s essential to choose a mobile-friendly eCommerce platform for your business. While other popular platforms such as WordPress and Shopify can be modified to ensure responsive mobile use, Magento is the world-leader when it comes to creating functional, fast mobile eCommerce sites.
Should I use Magento for my eCommerce business?
Whether or not you use Magento for your eCommerce business simply depends on what type of eCommerce business you’re looking to build, and how much experience you have with Content Management Systems and eCommerce plugins. Here are three points we’d recommend taking into consideration before opting for Magento:
Scalability
Scalability – aka the ability to grow your business – should be a key consideration when choosing an eCommerce platform. If you’re realistically planning to scale your business within the next few years, Magento might be the right CMS choice. Used by some of the world’s largest retailers and big-name brands, Magento offers full scalability, and allows you to manage your inventory via an integrated, centralised system – even if you expand your business into a brick-and-mortar store.
Ease of use
Ease of use should also be a key consideration before choosing an eCommerce platform – especially if you’re a beginner. Being unable to navigate your CMS with ease could result in you having to pay hundreds – if not thousands – on a Magento technician or expert to do it for you. If you’re new to eCommerce, you might prefer to stick to something with a simpler interface, such as Shopify or WordPress.
Customisation
If you already have a clear idea of how you want your website to look and work, Magento is probably the most efficient platform for your business. With full customisation options and easy integration with third parties, Magento offers the most comprehensive range of customisation options, allowing you to create a unique eCommerce site that aligns with your creative goals.
Bottom Line
In short, Magento is an incredibly popular eCommerce platform in the UK, most notable for its efficient security system, high customisability, and enhanced mobile design.
