Online sales continue to grow, with almost a quarter of all retail sales projected to happen online by 2026. This highlights the importance of having a web store for small businesses. In this article, we will explore the best e-commerce platforms that cater to the needs of small and medium businesses. These platforms offer solutions for building and managing online stores, allowing businesses to list products, accept payments, handle shipping, and more.
Key Takeaways:
- E-commerce platforms are essential for small businesses to succeed in the online marketplace.
- These platforms provide features for building and managing online stores, allowing businesses to list products, accept payments, and handle shipping.
- Choosing the right e-commerce platform is crucial for achieving online success.
- Consider factors such as budget, features, support, and fees when selecting an e-commerce platform.
- The best e-commerce platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, customization options, robust features, and integration capabilities.
The 6 Best eCommerce Website Builders
Are you a small or medium-sized business looking to establish an online presence and start selling your products or services? Look no further! After extensive research, we have carefully curated a list of the top six e-commerce website builders that are perfect for businesses like yours. These platforms offer unique features and benefits to help you create a professional and successful online store. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
- Shopify: Shopify is a popular choice among entrepreneurs due to its user-friendly interface and extensive range of e-commerce features. It provides a seamless experience for building and managing an online store. With its powerful inventory management, secure payment processing, and customizable themes, Shopify offers everything you need to launch a successful online business.
- Square: Square offers a comprehensive suite of tools to help businesses sell online and in-person. With its user-friendly interface and payment processing capabilities, Square makes it easy to manage inventory, process transactions, and track sales. The platform also provides valuable analytics and reporting features to help you make data-driven decisions for your business.
- Ecwid by Lightspeed: Ecwid by Lightspeed is an excellent choice for businesses looking to sell across multiple channels. With its seamless integration capabilities, you can easily add an online store to your existing website, blog, or social media profiles. Ecwid also offers powerful features such as inventory management, secure payment processing, and customizable design options.
- BigCommerce: BigCommerce is a robust e-commerce platform that caters to businesses of all sizes. It offers a wide range of features, including customizable themes, flexible product options, and advanced SEO tools. BigCommerce also provides seamless integrations with popular marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, making it easier to expand your reach and sell across multiple channels.
- WooCommerce: WooCommerce is a popular choice for businesses using WordPress as their content management system. It seamlessly integrates with WordPress, allowing you to leverage the power of both platforms. WooCommerce offers a wide range of extensions and plugins to enhance your online store’s functionality and provide a personalized shopping experience for your customers.
- Wix: Wix is an all-in-one website builder that also offers a powerful e-commerce platform. With its drag-and-drop editor, you can easily create a stunning online store with no coding experience required. Wix provides a variety of e-commerce features, including secure payment processing, customizable design templates, and advanced shipping and tax settings.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your online business to the next level, these six e-commerce website builders have got you covered. Each platform offers unique features and benefits to suit different business needs and preferences. Take your time to explore each one and choose the best fit for your online store.
Next, we’ll dive deeper into what makes the best e-commerce website builder. Stay tuned!
What makes the best eCommerce website builder?
When evaluating the best e-commerce website builders, there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, the platform should be user-friendly, allowing even mildly tech-competent individuals to build a professional-looking online store. It should also offer the ability to sell any type of product, handle both digital and physical goods, and manage sales taxes and international shipping. Additionally, the platform should be a full-service solution, providing features for managing orders, inventory, and other back-end operations. Integration with other apps and services is also crucial, allowing businesses to streamline their operations. Finally, the platform should offer clear and affordable monthly pricing without any hidden fees.
How to Choose the Right eCommerce Website Building Platform for Your Online Store
Choosing the right eCommerce website building platform for your online store can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s essential to consider a few key factors to make an informed decision. By evaluating your budget, desired features, familiarity with website builders, support options, analytics capabilities, and eCommerce software fees, you can find the perfect platform to meet your business needs.
Consider Your Budget
Start by determining your budget for an eCommerce website building platform. It’s important to choose a solution that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Some platforms may have different pricing tiers, so evaluate each option’s value for the cost.
Evaluate Desired Features
Pay attention to the features offered by each platform and prioritize the ones that are most important to your online store. Consider functionalities such as customizable templates, mobile responsiveness, inventory management, promotional tools, and integration capabilities with other apps and services. Look for a platform that aligns with your specific business requirements.
Assess Familiarity with Website Builders
Consider your level of familiarity and expertise with website builders. Some platforms offer user-friendly interfaces that are suitable for beginners, while others provide more advanced customization options for those with technical skills. Choose a platform that matches your comfort level and ensures a smooth website-building experience.
Ensure Reliable Customer Support
Customer support is essential when it comes to running an eCommerce store. Look for platforms that offer reliable support options, such as live chat, email, or phone support. Having prompt assistance when you encounter any issues can save you time and frustration in the long run.
Track Performance with Analytics
Analytics play a crucial role in monitoring the performance of your online store. Look for a platform that provides robust analytics tools, including data on website traffic, conversion rates, sales, and customer behavior. This data can help you make informed decisions to optimize your store’s performance.
Mind the eCommerce Software Fees
Be mindful of the different fees associated with eCommerce platforms. These can include monthly fees, payment gateway fees, and transaction fees. Review the fee structures of each platform and calculate the overall cost of running your online store. Consider how these fees align with your budget and projected sales volume.
By considering these key factors – budget, features, familiarity with website builders, support, analytics, and eCommerce software fees – you can confidently choose the right eCommerce website building platform for your online store and set yourself up for online success.
How much does an eCommerce website cost?: eCommerce software fees
When considering the cost of an e-commerce website, it’s important to understand the various fees involved. Most e-commerce platforms charge a monthly fee, which can range from free to a few hundred dollars depending on the plan. In addition to the monthly fee, there are payment gateway fees, which are charged when processing credit card transactions. These fees typically include a percentage of the transaction amount and a flat fee. Some platforms may also charge transaction fees on top of the payment gateway fees. It’s essential to take these fees into account when calculating the overall cost of running an e-commerce website.
| E-commerce Platform | Monthly Fee | Payment Gateway Fees | Transaction Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | $29 – $299+ | 2.9% + 30¢ | Varies |
| Square | Free – Custom Pricing | 2.6% + 10¢ – 3.5% + 15¢ | No transaction fees |
| Ecwid by Lightspeed | $0 – $99 | 2.9% + 30¢ – 2.4% + 30¢ | No transaction fees |
| BigCommerce | $29.95 – $299.95+ | 2.9% + 30¢ | No transaction fees |
| WooCommerce | Free – Custom Pricing | Varies | Varies |
| Wix | $23 – $500+ | 2.3% – 2.9% + 30¢ | No transaction fees |
These are just a few examples of popular e-commerce platforms and their associated fees. It’s important to thoroughly research and compare different platforms to find the best fit for your business needs and budget. Keep in mind that while some platforms may offer lower monthly fees, they might have higher payment gateway or transaction fees. Take into consideration your estimated sales volume and choose a platform that offers competitive rates.
By understanding and accounting for these various fees, you can make an informed decision and accurately plan your budget for launching and maintaining your e-commerce website.
Types of E-commerce Platforms: Self-hosted vs. Cloud-based
When it comes to choosing an e-commerce platform for your online store, you have two primary options: self-hosted platforms and cloud-based platforms. Both options have their own advantages and limitations, so it’s important to understand the differences between them in order to make an informed decision.
Self-hosted E-commerce Platforms
A self-hosted e-commerce platform requires businesses to set up and maintain their own servers to host their online store. This option provides complete control over the website and allows for more customization and flexibility. With a self-hosted platform, you have the freedom to design your store exactly the way you want and integrate any additional features or functionalities.
However, self-hosted platforms do come with certain limitations and challenges. Some of the key considerations include:
- Technical Expertise: Setting up and managing your own servers requires a certain level of technical knowledge. You need to have the skills or hire someone who can handle server maintenance, security, and performance optimization.
- Cost: Self-hosted platforms come with additional costs, including server setup, maintenance, and security measures. These costs can vary depending on your specific requirements.
- Complexity: Managing a self-hosted platform requires more time and effort compared to cloud-based solutions. You need to handle software updates, backups, and troubleshooting on your own.
Cloud-based E-commerce Platforms
Cloud-based e-commerce platforms, also known as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms, are hosted by the platform provider. This means that the infrastructure, servers, and technical aspects are taken care of by the provider, allowing you to focus on building and managing your online store.
Cloud-based platforms offer several advantages, but they also have some limitations you should be aware of:
- Convenience: Cloud-based platforms provide a user-friendly interface and require little to no technical expertise. You can quickly set up and launch your online store without having to worry about server setup or maintenance.
- Cost: Cloud-based platforms typically have a monthly subscription fee that covers hosting, security, and software updates. While this fee can vary depending on the provider, it often includes essential features and support.
- Customization: While cloud-based platforms offer various design templates and customization options, they may have limitations compared to self-hosted platforms. You may not have full control over the code or be able to implement custom functionalities.
- Dependency: With a cloud-based platform, you rely on the provider for hosting and maintenance. If there are any technical issues or downtime on their end, it can affect your online store’s performance.
Ultimately, the choice between self-hosted and cloud-based e-commerce platforms depends on your specific requirements and priorities. If you have technical expertise and value complete control, a self-hosted platform may be the right choice. On the other hand, if you prefer convenience, ease of use, and don’t mind some limitations, a cloud-based platform might be a better fit.
Comparison of Self-hosted and Cloud-based E-commerce Platforms
| Factors | Self-hosted Platforms | Cloud-based Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Full control over the website and infrastructure | Dependent on the platform provider for hosting and infrastructure |
| Customization | Highly customizable with the ability to implement custom functionalities | Customization options provided by the platform but may have limitations |
| Technical Expertise | Requires technical knowledge for server setup and maintenance | User-friendly interface with little to no technical expertise required |
| Cost | Additional costs for server setup, maintenance, and security | Monthly subscription fee covering hosting, security, and updates |
| Convenience | More complexity in terms of software updates, backups, and troubleshooting | User-friendly interface with easy setup and maintenance |
Conclusion
Selecting the right e-commerce platform is crucial for achieving online success. By considering factors such as budget, features, support, and fees, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals. The best e-commerce platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, allowing you to easily build and manage your online store without extensive technical expertise.
Customization options are also important to ensure your store reflects your brand and stands out from the competition. Look for platforms that offer flexible design templates and allow you to tailor the user experience to meet your specific needs.
Additionally, robust features and integration capabilities play a significant role in driving online success. The right platform should offer essential features like secure payment processing, inventory management, and order fulfillment. Furthermore, integration with other software and services such as marketing tools and analytics can help you streamline your operations and optimize your online store.
By choosing the right e-commerce platform, you can build and manage your online store effectively, reach a wider audience, and ultimately drive online success. Take the time to evaluate your options and select a platform that best suits your business requirements. With the right tools at your disposal, you’ll be on your way to creating a thriving online presence and maximizing your e-commerce potential.
FAQ
What are the best e-commerce platforms for online success?
The best e-commerce platforms for online success are Shopify, Square, Ecwid by Lightspeed, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Wix.
What factors should I consider when choosing an e-commerce website builder?
When choosing an e-commerce website builder, consider factors such as user-friendliness, the ability to sell any type of product, full-service solutions for managing orders and inventory, integration capabilities, and clear and affordable monthly pricing.
How can I choose the right e-commerce website building platform for my online store?
To choose the right e-commerce website building platform for your online store, consider your budget, prioritize the features that are most important to your business, choose a platform that matches your level of technical expertise, look for reliable customer support and robust analytics, and be mindful of the different fees associated with e-commerce platforms.
How much does an e-commerce website cost?
The cost of an e-commerce website typically includes a monthly fee, payment gateway fees, and possibly transaction fees. The exact cost will depend on the platform and the plan you choose.
What are the types of e-commerce platforms?
E-commerce platforms can be categorized as self-hosted and cloud-based. Self-hosted platforms require businesses to maintain their own servers, while cloud-based platforms are hosted by the platform provider.
What are the limitations and challenges of e-commerce platforms?
Some common challenges of e-commerce platforms include cost, complexity, limited customization options, and lack of control over certain aspects of the website.