How To Check Which Ecommerce Platform A Site Uses

In this article, we will explore the why and how to check ecommerce platforms a site uses, offering valuable tools and methods for this insightful journey.

6 Best Tools To Check Ecommerce Platform Is Using

To clearly understand the ecommerce platform a site is using, there are powerful tools at your disposal. Let’s explore these tools and how they can aid in your investigation:

Shopify Theme Detector 

The Shopify Theme Detector, developed by Avada’s expert team,  stands out as a trusted and reliable option, providing precise theme identification and also safeguarding user privacy.

What sets it apart is its commitment to user safety and privacy. This tool operates in a secure environment, free from hidden fees or unwarranted data collection. Its user-friendly interface caters to individuals of all skill levels, ensuring a seamless experience for everyone.

Inspect Element

Inspect Element is a browser tool that lets users see and change a website’s HTML and CSS. To use it, right-click on the webpage and select Inspect” from the menu, which opens a window showing the page’s HTML.

To determine the ecommerce platform of a site using Inspect Element, look for specific code hints. For example, “Shopify” in the code points to Shopify being used, while “WP” indicates WordPress. It’s crucial to focus on the ecommerce part of the site, especially if it has various sections,

BuiltWith 

BuiltWhith.com is a stunning website to identify what ecommerce platform is used on websites by simplifying a store’s URL and receiving a detailed profile. This profile includes the store’s ecommerce and shopping cart technologies, along with different details about the website’s construction, such as apps and widgets for advertising and analytics. 

Additionally, BuiltWith offers a browser extension, although it’s not as comprehensive or popular as Wappalyzer’s extensions. Available for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, Wappalyzer adds an icon near the address bar, showing the platform a website uses, with more details accessible via a convenient drop-down menu.

Wappalyzer

Wappalyzer is an advanced technology profiler, ideal for uncovering the various technologies behind websites. It goes beyond just identifying the CMS or framework, offering a broad view that includes aspects like programming languages, analytics, marketing tools, payment processors, CRM, and CDN.

W3techs

W3Techs serves as an information hub, offering in-depth insights into the usage statistics of diverse web technologies.

Operated by a dedicated research and data team, W3Techs covers a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from web hosting and frameworks to website architecture. The platform provides comprehensive overviews of each technology but also facilitates comparisons between different technologies and the companies utilizing them.

For those keen on understanding the ecommerce landscape, W3Techs proves to be a valuable resource. By simply entering the website of interest in the “Sites” tab, users can effortlessly access a wealth of information. 

WordPress Theme Search

WordPress Theme Search, also known as WP Theme Detector, emerges as a valuable and free tool for those seeking intricate details about the WordPress theme employed by a specific website. This tool reveals the name of the theme and also offers insights into its popularity, license, and provider. 

What sets WP Theme Detector apart is its ability to go beyond theme detection. It provides users with information about the plugins installed on the website, adding an extra layer of understanding regarding the site’s functionality.

For users interested in exploring further, WP Theme Detector facilitates easy access to the theme’s official website with a simple click of the Download button.

Different Ways To Check the Online Store 

Understanding the ecommerce platform of an online store involves exploring various avenues. Here, we’ll discuss alternative methods to unveil the technology powering an online store.

View Page Source

Inspecting the page source involves exploring the HTML and CSS code that constitutes the backbone of the website. To initiate this process, right-click on any part of the webpage and choose “Inspect” from the dropdown menu. This action opens the browser’s developer tools, where you can navigate to the “Elements” tab to view the HTML code.

In the HTML code, search for key indicators related to the ecommerce platform. This may include mentions of specific platforms like “Shopify” or unique identifiers associated with the chosen technology. Additionally, inspect the scripts and stylesheets linked in the HTML, as they can offer insights into the underlying technology.

Verifying metadata, such as the title and description, can also provide clues about the ecommerce platform in use. While this method may require a basic understanding of code, it offers a direct and reliable means to uncover the digital fingerprints that disclose the technology powering the online store.

URL Ending

One of the straightforward methods to identify the ecommerce platform of an online store involves analyzing the URL ending. By examining the web address, you can glean valuable insights into the underlying technology.

Start by scrutinizing the structure of the URL. Look for platform-specific keywords such as “shop” or “store” that may indicate the use of a particular ecommerce platform. Analyze multiple pages within the website to identify patterns in the URL structure, as consistent formatting can be indicative of a specific platform.

Subdomains, if present, can also offer valuable information. Some ecommerce platforms use subdomains for their hosted stores, providing a clearer indication of the technology in use.

Checkout Process

An insightful method to uncover the ecommerce platform of an online store involves a careful examination of the checkout process. The intricacies of the checkout stage often provide subtle yet significant clues about the underlying technology.

As you progress through the checkout process on the online store, pay close attention to the flow, form fields, and overall structure. Different ecommerce platforms exhibit unique features during checkout, ranging from the layout to security measures. Observing these details can offer valuable insights.

Additionally, inspect the URLs generated during the checkout steps. Some ecommerce platforms incorporate distinctive identifiers or terms in the URL, providing hints about the technology in use. The payment gateway utilized is another vital clue, as specific gateways often integrate with particular ecommerce platforms.

Once the checkout is complete, explore the order confirmation page. This page may offer additional references or information that can help pinpoint the ecommerce platform.

Product Page Structure

Delving into the structure of a product page within an online store unveils valuable cues that shed light on the ecommerce platform in play. The intricacies of how product information is presented, organized, and coded can provide distinctive features indicative of the underlying technology.

Begin by examining the overall layout and design of the product pages. Each ecommerce platform has its characteristic styling, and these visual elements can serve as initial clues. Elements such as product images, descriptions, pricing, and user reviews are crucial components of a product page. The way these elements are handled may vary between platforms, offering insights into the platform’s identity.

Take a closer look at the URLs associated with product pages. Some ecommerce platforms embed platform-specific identifiers or terms in the URL structure, serving as a subtle but revealing detail.

Check The Footer

A crucial step in unraveling the mystery of an online store’s ecommerce platform involves a careful examination of its website footer. Positioned at the bottom of the webpage, the footer often conceals valuable clues that can provide significant insights into the underlying technology.

As you scroll down to the footer section, pay close attention to the following elements:

• Platform Mentions: Look for any explicit mentions of the ecommerce platform. Some websites openly declare the technology they use in this section.
• Copyright or Attribution Text: Check for copyright or attribution text within the footer. Ecommerce platforms commonly include their name or logo as part of the copyright information.
• Platform-Specific Links: Some platforms include links to their official websites or support pages in the footer. Scrutinize the footer for such links, as they can directly point to the platform in use.

Why You Need To Check What Ecommerce Platform A Site Uses?

Understanding the ecommerce platform a site employs holds significance for various stakeholders. 

• Developer Insights: Knowledge of the platform aids developers in seamless integrations and troubleshooting.
• Marketing Strategies: Marketers can tailor campaigns based on the capabilities and limitations of the platform.
• Competitive Edge: Identifying the ecommerce platform your competitors use provides a strategic advantage.
• Technical Insight: Knowing their chosen ecommerce software reveals the technical backbone of their business operations.
• Informed Decision-Making: This information empowers you to make informed choices about your own ecommerce platform.
• Time-Saving: If a competitor you admire is using a specific platform, they’ve already done some groundwork for you, simplifying your decision-making process.

In Conclusion 

A comprehensive approach that combines these check ecommerce platforms allows you to piece together a clearer picture of the ecommerce platform in play. As technology continues to evolve, staying adept at these investigative techniques ensures you remain well-informed in the dynamic landscape of ecommerce platforms.