Writer: Jordan Sprogis
Editor: Lillian Castro
Reviewer: Cristian Lopez
Key Takeaways
Trusted web hosting provider, Bluehost, has officially launched two new suites to its platform: eCommerce Essentials and eCommerce Premium.
Already a leader in WordPress hosting, Bluehost’s new eCommerce features aim to simplify and centralize everything a seller needs to launch and grow an online business.
Branded as an “intuitive, all-in-one toolkit,” eCommerce Essentials gives small businesses and developers access to staging environments, payment integrations, and engagement boosters.
eCommerce Premium includes tools and plugins designed to drive traffic and personalize the experience, from gift card integration to one-click checkout and promotional campaign management.
Here’s a look at eCommerce Essentials:
What newbies may also like is that the plans allow for simple migration to another host. It’s nice to see a provider that understands their platform may not fit all needs (though it does seem like it could).
The new offerings only reflect the growing entrepreneurial trend among the younger generations, noted Satish Hemachandran, CPO of Bluehost.
“At Bluehost, we understand the unique needs of today’s content creators and entrepreneurs who are building personal brands or online stores and turning their passion into profit,” said Hemachandran.
Last year, the focus was on small businesses and pandemic-era hobby shops. Now, it’s clear the market has evolved with influencers and entrepreneurs becoming the most sought-after gigs.
And web hosts need to be able to keep up.
From 9-to-5 to Link-in-Bio
A recent study found that Gen Alpha, in particular, is rejecting the traditional 9-to-5 careers that millennials, Gen Xers, and baby boomers once aspired to.
As influencer culture shapes the new face of entrepreneurship, the next generation is eager to get involved.
“With this launch, we are empowering creators with the right resources to strengthen their brand, increase their income, and succeed in the digital economy,” Hemachandran added.
It’s a prime example of keeping up with the times — or just keeping up with the people shaping them. For example, a key trend among hobbyists/influencers/small business owners is the “link in bio” strategy.
The “link in bio” directs followers to a single landing page where they can browse products, explore brand collaborations, and make purchases with one click.
But for those with more to offer than a one-page summary, a full website is very necessary.
Bluehost’s new solutions help make that seamless by giving creators the ability to build their own branded e-storefronts that also connect directly to their social platforms.
It’s all about removing friction and making it easier for creators to convert engagement into income.
Instagrammer and NYC school teacher Alyssa Tucker has noticed a clear shift in how younger generations view creativity.
“[B]ecause there is so much technology, social media, computer games, and YouTube, they think of creativity in a different way,” Tucker told Fortune.
Dr. Diane Hamilton, a business behavioral expert, also predicts a change in future work priorities: With automation taking over repetitive tasks, there may be more emphasis on creativity and strategic thinking.
Since Gen Alpha is the first to grow up with AI, it’s no surprise that the younger generations are leaning into influencer culture and digital entrepreneurship.
Bluehost’s new eCommerce plans, for instance, include social media integrations and tools to build campaigns from a single dashboard.
So, what does this mean for hosting providers? Well, they should seriously consider offering tailored services that can meet the new generation’s demands.
Otherwise, the future of eCommerce could end up becoming nothing more than a social media marketplace.
