MC Commerce is deeply integrated into each Network Site and is made up of the following components
Online Store#
A Online Store is essentially a collection of products (goods or services) offered for sale. Operators can setup 1 or more Online Stores on a MainCross Network Site to sell goods or services.
An Online Store can be a Marketplace or Shopfront.
Marketplace#
We use the term "Marketplace" for the Online Store that operates at the Network level. It lists products linked to the network level, as well as all the products linked to a channel level. In other words, the Marketplace lists all products available across the network.
A Marketplace is operated by the Network Operator.
There is only one marketplace at the system destination /marketplace.
Shopfront#
We use the term "Storefront" for an Online Store that operates at a Channel level. It may:
- list products linked to the channel (this is the default) OR
- list products derived from a Dynamic Collection
A Shopfront can be operated by the Network Operator or by a Channel Operator.
A Channel can have only 1 Shopfront. (The Network can have any number of Shopfronts, each linked to a Channel.)
Product Classification and Smart Filtering#
Product classification methods enable Smart Filtering which enhances online shopping with dynamic facets that adapt to user searches. This innovative product classification method boosts conversion rates by utilizing taxonomy, attributes, and tags tailored for optimal user experience.
Read more in the dedicated help article.
Search#
All products are searchable across all content and classification metadata - ie taxonomy, attributes and tags. Additionally, if there are enough products on the Network Site, AI assisted search will be enabled for better search performance.
Sorting#
Not yet available.
Dynamic collections#
The Marketplace URL changes with every search, filter and sort applied, and hence one can move back and forward and all previous searches will automatically show up, and get loaded.
Creating a Dynamic Collection
Open the marketplace, perform search and/or filtering and/or sorting to get to the desired subset of products, and copy the resultant URL. This is the encoded Dynamic Collection URL, which:
- can be shared with anyone to recreate the same search results without having recreate the same state of search and filtering.
- can be embedded in a Featured Page.
Further reading: How can we showcase specific products on the homepage?
Product definitions#
Each Product is defined using a comprehensive product builder that allows easy creation of any product - good or service.
Products can be added via the Product Catalog at Network and Channel levels.
- When added in the Product Catalog at the Network level, the product is automatically linked at the Network level.
- When added in the Product Catalog at a Channel level, the product is automatically linked at that Channel level.
Product variants#
Upto 2 options per product can be created at this time. Each option can have unlimited values. Eg
- Option 1 = Size
- 4 values = Small, Medium, Large, Extra large
- Option 2 = Color
- 5 values = Yellow, Blue, Black, White, Green
The combination of all the values of the options automatically produces all the variants. In the above example there would be 4 x 5 = 20 variants.
The price for each variant can be individually controlled.
Product pages#
Each Product has a dedicated unique permanent URL. The Product page shows all the product data, images, attributes and allows for purchase.
Product pages present Structured Data to search engines for superior SEO.
Products can be shared. The share link contains the referral code of the member for tracking.
Embeds#
Individual product
Any individual Product can be embedded in a Post or a Featured Page. This is a rich embed and allows members to purchase directly from the post.
Collection
Any Marketplace Collection can be embedded in a Featured Page. One can configure search + filters + sort on the Marketplace, and then embed the resultant Marketplace Collection URL using the Marketplace Block in the Page Builder.
