When you come across a well-designed and user-friendly eCommerce website, you might wonder what platform it uses to power its online store. Knowing the eCommerce platform can provide valuable insights for your own business or simply satisfy your curiosity. In this article, we will discuss several methods to determine the eCommerce platform behind a website.
Start by scrolling down to the bottom of the website and look for any information provided in the footer. Many eCommerce websites mention the platform they use, which can be a quick and easy way to find out. Look for phrases like “Powered by [Platform Name]” or “Built with [Platform Name].”
2. View Page Source
If the footer doesn’t reveal any information about the platform, you can examine the page source code. Right-click on the webpage and select the “View Page Source” option. This will open the HTML source code in a new window.
Once you have the source code open, use the “Find” function (usually Ctrl + F) and search for keywords related to popular eCommerce platforms. Common platform names include WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, and BigCommerce. If you find any matches, it’s likely that the website is using that particular platform.
3. Look for Specific URLs
Some eCommerce platforms have unique URLs that can give away the platform being used. For example, websites using Shopify often have “/collections/” or “/products/” in their URLs. Similarly, WooCommerce-powered websites may have “/product-category/” or “/product/” in their URLs. By analyzing the URLs, you can make an educated guess about the platform.
4. Make Use of BuiltWith
BuiltWith is a popular online tool that provides insights into the technologies used by a website. Simply visit the BuiltWith website (builtwith.com) and enter the URL of the eCommerce website you’re interested in. The tool will provide you with a detailed analysis, including the eCommerce platform being used.
5. Utilize Wappalyzer
Similar to BuiltWith, Wappalyzer is another useful browser extension that can help you identify the technologies used by a website. Install the Wappalyzer extension for your browser and navigate to the eCommerce website you want to investigate. Click on the Wappalyzer icon in your browser’s toolbar, and it will display the eCommerce platform being used, along with other relevant technologies.
6. Contact the Website Owner
If you’re still unable to determine the platform, reaching out to the website owner directly can be a viable option. Look for a “Contact Us” page or any contact information provided on the website. Send a polite email or message asking about the eCommerce platform they use. While responses are not guaranteed, some website owners may be willing to share this information with you.
Conclusion
Identifying the eCommerce platform used by a website can be helpful for various reasons, whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own online store or simply satisfying your curiosity. By checking the website footer, examining the page source code, analyzing URLs, utilizing tools like BuiltWith and Wappalyzer, or contacting the website owner directly, you can successfully uncover the eCommerce platform powering any website. Start exploring and discovering the vast array of eCommerce solutions available!
