The best ecommerce platforms for small businesses offer a powerful website builder on the frontend with detailed order management tools, sales and product features, and marketing solutions on the backend. They must also be easy to set up and maintain at an affordable price. Based on my evaluation, the best ecommerce platforms for small businesses are:
Key Takeaways
- Shopify provides an all-in-one package with advanced business tools, making it a top choice for small businesses.
- Wix offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, ideal for those without technical expertise.
- BigCommerce is known for its robust scalability, perfect for businesses planning to grow.
- Squarespace combines beautiful design templates with powerful ecommerce features.
- WooCommerce is a flexible, open-source solution for WordPress users.
Shopify
Shopify stands out as a top choice for small business owners looking to establish an online presence. Its comprehensive set of tools makes it easy to create and manage online stores, catering to users of all technical levels. Shopify supports multi-channel retail, allowing businesses to sell online, in person, on social media, and on marketplaces.
With Shopify, you can design your store using more than 100 professionally designed themes, requiring zero coding skills. The platform also offers competitive shipping rates from carriers like USPS, UPS, and DHL Express, making it easier to manage logistics.
- Inventory & order management
- Shopify Fulfillment Network for outsourcing fulfillment & returns
- Shopify Balance for faster payments
- Shopify Lending for secure business financing
- Shopify Flow to automate your business processes
Shopify’s streamlined interface and rich app store extend the functionality of online shops, making it a preferred choice for many small businesses.
Wix
Wix is a versatile platform that emphasizes customization and design freedom, making it an excellent choice for brands aiming to create a unique online presence. Founded in 2006, Wix has grown into one of the largest and most popular website builders globally. Initially a website builder, it has evolved into a dedicated eCommerce platform with features tailored for online businesses.
Wix’s drag-and-drop editor allows users to design virtually any layout without needing to code, which is particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an easy setup process. The platform includes a variety of tools specifically designed for eCommerce, such as product galleries, inventory management, order management, and shipping and tax management.
One of the standout features of Wix is its extensive third-party app and extension marketplace. Users can integrate their store with accounting services like QuickBooks or shipping coordinators like Shippo with a simple one-click install. Additionally, Wix can be connected to thousands of other apps through Zapier, enhancing its functionality.
Wix is ideal for e-commerce startups: avoiding early stage pitfalls by focusing on platform selection and trust-building design.
Pros
- Best-in-class design functionality and top-notch SEO tools
- Wix Owner mobile app
- Free domain included
Cons
- No low stock alerts
- Basic product management tools
- Too much creative freedom but cannot switch templates midway
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a robust ecommerce platform designed primarily for large enterprises, but growing small businesses can also reap the benefits of its international commerce features and multichannel selling tools. With BigCommerce, you can easily manage sales on social media and third-party marketplaces.
One of the standout features of BigCommerce is its powerful analytics and extensive capabilities, which are engineered to optimize large-scale operations. The platform also offers a flexible API, allowing seamless integration with third-party applications.
While BigCommerce might seem like overkill for small retailers just starting out, its Essentials plan provides a similarly powerful platform at more affordable prices. This makes it a viable option for small businesses looking to scale.
Even those with very little technical experience can create customizable, professional-grade online stores using BigCommerce’s drag-and-drop editor. This ease of use is one of the main advantages of the platform.
Additionally, BigCommerce is a hosted ecommerce platform, meaning you don’t need to pay for web hosting separately as your site will run on BigCommerce servers.
Squarespace
Squarespace is a versatile website builder and hosting platform that empowers users to create professional websites without any coding expertise. Founded in 2003, it has grown to serve millions of users globally. Squarespace is celebrated for its stunning designs and easily customizable templates.
This all-in-one platform is particularly favored by creatives and small business owners who seek a blend of style and functionality. It offers a cohesive experience by integrating design, hosting, and e-commerce features seamlessly.
Key Features
- Designer-quality templates
- User-friendly interface
- Integrated hosting and domain management
- Comprehensive e-commerce tools
Squarespace is perfect for solopreneurs and small retail businesses who want a modern, trendy online presence without needing advanced technical skills.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a powerful plugin that allows you to turn a WordPress site into a fully functional online store. Its basic version is free, but it offers extensive customization options through a wide range of extensions. With these extensions, you can manage online bookings, sell subscriptions, and handle recurring payments. Additionally, WooCommerce supports a variety of shipping companies, making it a versatile choice for small business owners.
Key features include:
- Integration with various sales channels such as online stores, in-person sales, online search, marketplaces, and social media.
- A mobile app with limited functionality.
- Native POS support.
WooCommerce is ideal for those who want full control over their online store’s design and functionality. Its open-source nature allows for high customization, especially if you have the technical skills to design and code websites.
WooCommerce has a G2 rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, reflecting its reliability and user satisfaction.
Weebly
Weebly, powered by Square, offers seamless integration with other Square-owned tools, including a secure online shopping cart and inventory management. Weebly’s platform is ideal for small businesses looking for simplicity and ease of use.
Key features of Weebly’s ecommerce platform include:
- Filterable product search tool
- Optimized mobile checkout
- Order management and processing
- Flexible shipping options
Weebly stands out for its beginner-friendly interface and free plan that allows you to sell physical items. While it may lack some advanced ecommerce features, it provides all the essential tools to get your online store up and running.
Weebly is perfect for small business owners who want a straightforward, no-fuss solution to start selling online.
Volusion
Volusion is a solid choice for small business owners looking to establish an online presence without breaking the bank. Volusion’s site builder is user-friendly, making it easy to set up your store quickly.
Pricing Plans
Volusion offers several pricing plans to cater to different business needs:
- $35/month (Personal): Build a store with Volusion templates, sell up to $50k in a year, list 100 products, get one user account, and access either live chat or email support. Payment processing fees are 1.25% of the transaction value.
- $79/month (Professional): Includes everything under the Personal plan with an extension to $100k in sales per year.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable rates
- Easy to use
- Low payment processing fees
Cons:
- Lacks blogging feature
- No phone support
- Not as intuitive as some competitors
If you plan to keep your online store small and want to minimize operating expenses, especially in terms of processing fees, Volusion is a great option.
Magento
Magento, now known as Adobe Commerce, is a robust platform designed for enterprises. It offers a drag-and-drop interface that simplifies the process of building and managing an online store. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who may not have extensive technical skills.
One of the standout features of Magento is its integration with other Adobe products, such as Experience Manager, Analytics, and Real-Time CDP. This makes it ideal for advanced personalization and delivering unique shopping experiences to customers.
Magento supports multicurrency and multi-storefront capabilities, making it a versatile choice for businesses looking to expand globally. Additionally, it provides real-time shipping quotes, even on its basic plan, which can be a significant advantage for retailers.
Magento is a workhorse of a platform, offering all the bells and whistles you’d expect from software aimed at big companies.
However, it’s important to note that Magento comes with a hefty price tag. While most deals are customized, you can expect to pay at least $22,000 per year for a basic Adobe Commerce store with less than $1 million in sales.
3dcart
3dcart, now known as Shift4Shop, is a versatile e-commerce platform that offers a robust free plan. This makes it an attractive option for small business owners who are just starting out. The platform provides a comprehensive set of features that cater to various business needs, including order management, inventory tracking, and SEO tools.
Key Features
- Free plan available
- Comprehensive order management
- Inventory tracking
- SEO tools
Pros
- Robust free plan
- Versatile features
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- May not be suitable for everyone
- Limited customization options
If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution to launch your online store, 3dcart could be the right choice for you. However, it’s essential to evaluate whether its features align with your specific business needs.
PrestaShop
PrestaShop is an open-source platform that offers extensive customization through add-ons. Free to download, it provides paid hosting options to suit various business needs. This flexibility makes it a strong contender for small business owners looking to tailor their online store to specific requirements.
- Customization: With a wide range of add-ons, you can customize your store to meet your unique business needs.
- Cost: While the platform itself is free, you will need to consider the cost of hosting and any premium add-ons you might require.
- Community Support: Being open-source, PrestaShop has a large community of developers and users who can offer support and share solutions.
PrestaShop is ideal for those who want a highly customizable and scalable e-commerce solution without the initial cost of a subscription.
Conclusion
Choosing the right ecommerce platform is crucial for the success of your small business. The best platforms offer a powerful combination of user-friendly website builders, comprehensive order management tools, robust sales and product features, and effective marketing solutions—all at an affordable price. After extensive research and evaluation, the platforms highlighted in this article stand out as the top choices for small business owners. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your online presence, these platforms provide the tools and flexibility needed to grow your business. Remember, the right platform can make a significant difference, so take advantage of free trials and find the one that best fits your unique needs and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ecommerce platform for small businesses?
The best ecommerce platforms for small businesses offer a powerful website builder on the frontend with detailed order management tools, sales and product features, and marketing solutions on the backend. They must also be easy to set up and maintain at an affordable price.
How do I choose the right ecommerce platform for my small business?
Choosing the best ecommerce platform for your small business depends on your needs and goals. Consider factors like budget, features, ease of use, and scalability. It’s a good idea to test several options by signing up for free trials before making a final decision.
Why is Shopify considered the best ecommerce platform for small businesses?
Shopify is considered the best because it provides sellers with the most advanced business tools required to run a successful ecommerce store. It is a ‘plug-and-play’ all-in-one package that is easy to use and highly scalable.
Can I sell on Amazon using an ecommerce platform?
Yes, in addition to selling through your ecommerce website, you can also sell on Amazon to generate more sales. It’s a good strategy to check what products are best to sell on Amazon and see if there’s a cross-match with your product portfolio.
What are some tips for choosing an ecommerce platform for a small business?
When choosing an ecommerce platform, consider factors like ease of use, cost, scalability, and the tools provided for daily activities. It’s important to find a platform that will run smoothly and efficiently without breaking the bank.
Are there free trials available for ecommerce platforms?
Yes, many ecommerce platforms offer free trials. This allows you to test the features and usability of the platform before committing to a paid plan.
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