Ecwid by Lightspeed

Apr 08, 2024

Overview:
- Ecwid by Lightspeed is an e-commerce solution tailored for small businesses to convert existing websites into functional Ecwid stores. Ecwid integrates with payment options and social media platforms, offering API access for extended functionality.

- Ecwid serves as a widget that you can add to an existing website or social media page (Wordpress, Webflow, etc.) to convert it to a storefront.
- Pricing ranges from a free plan to a $99 monthly Unlimited plan. Around 50% cheaper if billed annually (vs. monthly).

More “custom” functionalities

- Request for Quote (changing/disabling ‘Add to Bag’ button)

- - Documentation
  - Integrate another app from Ecwid App market or third-party service (Jotform, Google forms, etc.) to collect requests
  - Requires some basic CSS code and customization

- Product Filters

- - Documentation
  - Available for Business and Unlimited plans only
  - A single product can be assigned to multiple categories (use commas to separate distinct categories)

- Google Reviews

- - Documentation
  - Integrate a widget (such as SociableKit) that displays the company’s Google Reviews

- - Utilizes JavaScript code

Things to know

- Instant site

- - Guide
  - Simple standalone ‘one-page’ storefront with offered themes - no need to integrate into existing website
  - The home page utilizes more pre-built features rather than customizability

- User login

- - User accounts require email authentication and verification upon signup/login
  - Users can track orders and see history
  - No password necessary

- Custom domain names

- - May point the custom domain name to Ecwid instant site
  - Google domains acquired by Squarespace in September 2023

- Live chat

- - Use the live chat tool for customer support - the representatives are helpful and provide good information

Cons

- Business pricing plan and above allow for product filtering
- Limited SEO capabilities