B2C + B2B + Content Marketing + POS Integration

Question

I need a new website for my business.  We're a large shoe retailers with 12 different retail locations.  We also have a large B2B business where we sell our work and construction shoes and clothing.  We're passionate about what we do so we blog and write a lot.  Finally, we have an homegrown point of sale system we'd like to connect to our website as well.  Can you tell me which ecommerce platform would be the best to use here?

Answer

Thank you for the conversation today.  Hopefully my many "soapboxes" were helpful and gave you a better understanding of how we approach websites and helping our customers.  

In summary I think the following are important for you:

1. Pick a Platform
   
   If you’re going to eventually "merge" the B2B website with the B2C website, then I think Magento or WooCommerce would be the betters options here.
   
   
2. Responsive Design
   
   You must make your website work on tablets and mobile phones.
   
   
3. Content Management System (CMS)
   
   We like to separate the ecommerce platform (Magento) from the content management system (WordPress).  This gives your website longevity and makes your content "portable" in the future.
   
   
4. Content Marketing / Blogging
   
   Blogging and writing has become so important over the years (it’s the “new” SEO).
   
   
5. POS Integration
   
   Yes, we must get your website integrated with your "homegrown" POS system.  We’ve experts here and have been doing it for over a decade.  This is not a problem for us.
   
   
6. Shoppable Website
   
   The site must be easy to use and have features that enhance the user’s experience.

Here are a few articles you might find interesting regarding the above topics.

• Take Charge of Your Online Marketing
• Google Search Update, Retailers Must Do Content Marketing Now!
• SEO is Nearly Dead. Content Marketing Lives.
• WordPress, The Perfect Content Management System for your E-Commerce Website
• Get Employees & Customers to Blog for You!
• Building a Magento Website is a Lot Like Building a House
• Responsive Design

Please Contact Us if you need any more help in picking the right ecommerce platform and architecture for your business.  Thank you.