APIs (application programming interfaces) enable one application (like an ecommerce platform) to expose the services (like order management, catalogue content, pricing information and customer data) to other applications. A well-defined API is an adhesive that connects data together and allows authorized machines or applications to access the data easily.
Similarly, ecommerce APIs facilitate communications among applications on ecommerce platforms. These APIs are ideally divided into various subcategories like ecommerce payment, platform, inventory, marketing, and marketplace. Each of these subcategories has a different role to play. For example,
- Ecommerce platform APIs help businesses build their online shop (think of Shopify or WooCommerce).
- Payment APIs add purchasing functionality to a website and simplify the process of purchasing goods. It can even integrate with other APIs to provide customers with a seamless buying experience (think of PayPal)
Ecommerce APIs enable businesses to adjust to their customers’ needs smoothly and quickly without investing a lot of resources and time into building or revamping the website. They also help businesses automate, manage, and coordinate their ecommerce operations. The time saved on these facets of running a business can be invested in creating a viable customer experience.
List of high-in-demand Ecommerce APIs with Robust Designs:
1. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is one of the most secure and widely preferred ecommerce platforms. It is an open-source API that plugs into WordPress and transforms the website into a full-fledged ecommerce store. Other benefits that it offers are:
- You can change your subscription type easily
- You can add and remove products from your shop quickly, filter through orders, and retrieve item details
- It is compatible with Amazon, Magento and Shopify
2. Magento
Magento’s ecommerce API features a broad array of capabilities designed to streamline the process of running an online business. It enables the developers to work with multiple resources, such as orders, customers, products, or categories.
The API supports JSON and XML with four HTTP methods – PUT, POST, GET and DELETE and allows you to build your customized ecommerce website.
3. Amazon
Amazon, a global ecommerce leader, has a wide collection of integrations that provide developers with the access to Amazon’s functionality and data through its backend services. Implementing these APIs provides your customers with the best-in-class experience.
Whether you are looking for an API that will provide real-time Amazon product prices, review details or updated product data, Amazon’s integrations can be helpful.
4. eBay
When it comes to ecommerce APIs, eBay is currently ruling in many parts of the world as it has plenty of APIs.
eBay API helps in managing multiple features like searching, buying, or selling any goods over the platform and supports several formats including JSON, XML, HTML, and plain text.
Regardless of the functionality for which you are looking for an API, you can go for eBay as it has an extensive suite of functionalities.
5. Google Content API for Shopping
The Google Content API helps in managing your shopping items programmatically. For example, you have an account with Google Merchant Center. Herein, the API would allow you to upload products, control your inventory, link products on Google Ads, control Google Merchant Center accounts, and even navigate orders and returns.
So, if you are looking for ways to simplify the processes of running an online store, Google Content API for shopping can provide numerous solutions.
Ecommerce APIs are empowering the success of online businesses
Owning and running an online store is challenging, but the right set of ecommerce APIs can make it easy for you and help you take your business to the next level. Whether you are just starting your ecommerce business, or have already established one, API integrations listed above can help you improve functionality and user experience, enhance security, reduce obstacles to innovation and improve automation processes, helping you achieve new milestones.
