eCommerce Platforms for Small Businesses

Choosing the right feature rich tool with a user-friendly interface for growth

What You Should Consider When Choosing One:

1. Access To Essential Features

When choosing a platform, you want to focus on finding the one that offers all of the essential features that can help you grow and scale your business. Identifying the platform with the right features can make or break the overall growth of your small business as a whole. Finding the platform with the most features that you can leverage to grow your business will put you in a better position to compete successfully within the marketplace.

2. Cost

You will need to factor several things into the equation when you are looking at the cost of integrating the platform into your business model. For one, you want to look at the comprehensive pricing of the platform itself and the potential transaction cost that will impact your business. A platform like Shopify will cost you on a per-transaction basis along with the storefront fee. If your company does a lot of transactions, it might get very costly as you scale your business. Whereas, a platform like BigCommerce might be much better suited for companies that do a lot of transactions. However, you have to compare the value that you are getting with the cost to ensure that you are not giving up essential features due to higher pricing.

3. Access To Experts

As a small business, you likely don’t have access to developers. Because of this, a platform like Shopify, which has a curated list of Shopify Experts to choose from can help you get started the right way. Not only will hiring an expert end up saving you time, but it can ensure that you get a fully customized and great looking website to maximize your eCommerce potential.

Choosing the right platform comes down to knowing what you need out of an eCommerce platform in the short and long run to succeed. Finding one that offers essential core features that you can leverage in your business is vital. But you also want one that is fully scalable to your intended business goals.

  • Plenty of storefront customization options
  • Massive selection of powerful themes and apps
  • Friendly 24/7 customer support via multiple channels
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  • Sell on your own website and on Facebook, eBay, Amazon and Pinterest
  • Intuitive user interface
  • Superior SEO benefits
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  • Intuitive backend dashboard with large colorful icons and on-screen tutorials
  • 24/7 customer support available via live chat and phone
  • Excellent SEO and site maintenance tools
  • 14-day free trial
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  • Lots of excellent free and premium themes to choose from
  • Loads of information about WooCommerce is available online
  • You get to choose your own hosting provider, domain name provider, plugins, themes and more
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  • Excellent modern templates
  • A solid eCommerce platform
  • Easy-to-use website editor
  • Many integrations available
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  • Beginner friendly - Drag & Drop
  • Huge selection of free themes
  • Allows you to launch your store in minutes
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  • Easily integrates into most website builders, blogging tools and social network
  • Excellent built-in features and great selection of third-party apps
  • Affordable pricing structure with even better prices for businesses with fewer products
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eCommerce platforms integrate a user-friendly interface and pair it with a feature-rich platform, making it a powerhouse marketing and business tool for small businesses. Choose the right platform to deliver the best results to grow your business.

Recommended Platforms:

Shopify

Shopify is a comprehensive e-commerce platform that enables entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes to set up an online store and sell products. It's incredibly user-friendly, allowing even those with minimal technical skills to create a fully functioning e-commerce website. From product management to payment processing, Shopify provides tools to help you run your online business.

Key Features:

  • Intuitive Online Store Builder: Customizable website designs and easy-to-use templates.
  • Diverse Payment Options: Supports multiple payment gateways, including Shopify Payments.
  • Integrated Hosting: Reliable, secure web hosting with unlimited bandwidth.
  • Extensive App Marketplace: Access to thousands of apps to extend functionality.
  • 24/7 Customer Support: A dedicated support team is available around the clock.

Pros:

  • User-Friendly Design: A simple interface makes it easy for non-techies to use.
  • All-In-One Solution: From hosting to analytics, everything you need is in one place.
  • Scalability: Grows with your business, from small shops to large enterprises.
  • Marketing Tools: Built-in SEO features, social media integration, and email marketing.
  • Customizability: Plenty of themes and apps to tailor your store.

Cons:

  • Costs Can Add Up: Monthly fees plus app subscriptions can get pricey.
  • Transaction Fees: You'll incur additional fees unless you use Shopify Payments.
  • Limited Customization Without Coding: You might need developer skills for advanced customizations.

Best for:

Entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to start selling online quickly and with minimal fuss. The platform is also great for established companies aiming to scale up their online presence.

Pricing:

Pricing starts from $29/month for the Basic plan. There's also the Shopify plan at $79/month and the Advanced Shopify plan at $299/month for larger enterprises.

What makes it stand out:

Shopify's ease of use, rich feature set, and scalability make it an ideal choice for small businesses. You don't need to be tech-savvy to launch an online store. Plus, with a vast ecosystem of apps and plugins, you can craft a unique customer experience tailored to your brand.

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BigCommerce

BigCommerce is an all-encompassing e-commerce platform designed to help businesses of all sizes launch, manage, and grow their online stores. With an array of in-built features and integrations, BigCommerce caters to various industries and brings the convenience of omnichannel selling to merchants everywhere. It's primarily recognized for its scalability, allowing businesses to expand without worrying about switching platforms as their needs increase.

Key Features:

  • Robust Product Management: Add products quickly, configure inventory, and manage your catalog efficiently.
  • Responsive Design Templates: Choose from various customizable, mobile-responsive templates.
  • SEO and Marketing Tools: Built-in SEO features and marketing tools to boost online visibility.
  • Integrations: Wide range of integrations with third-party apps and services like payment gateways and shipping providers.
  • Analytics and Reporting: Detailed insights into your store's performance to help make data-driven decisions.

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface: Easy navigation for non-technical users.
  • No transaction fees: BigCommerce doesn't charge extra fees on sales.
  • Scalable: Grows with your business, handling increased traffic and sales smoothly.
  • 24/7 support: Access to round-the-clock customer support for any issues.
  • Multi-channel selling: Sell on various marketplaces and social media from one platform.

Cons:

  • Cost of add-ons: While the base plan is inclusive, some advanced features may require additional paid apps.
  • Learning curve: Some features can be complex for beginners.
  • Theme variety: Limited free themes compared to some competitors.

Best for:

  • Businesses looking to scale rapidly.
  • Entrepreneurs who plan to use multi-channel selling.
  • Small businesses wanting a comprehensive, out-of-the-box e-commerce solution.

Pricing:

Pricing starts from $29.95 per month for the Standard plan and increases based on the features and level of customization needed. There's a Plus plan at $79.95 per month and a Pro plan at $299.95 monthly. Enterprise solutions are also available with custom pricing for larger businesses.

What makes it stand out:

What sets BigCommerce apart from other e-commerce platforms is its strong focus on scalability and no transaction fees. Plus, it offers unlimited products, file storage, and bandwidth even on its lower-tier plans, making it cost-efficient for growing businesses. Its comprehensive tools, built-in features, and partnerships with top-tier service providers save time and simplify complex processes. It lets business owners focus more on strategy and sales than managing their e-commerce platform's backend. The platform supports various sales channels, including web storefronts, brick-and-mortar locations, and online marketplaces, thus enhancing its appeal to businesses seeking a broad market reach.

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Volusion

Volusion is an all-inclusive e-commerce platform designed to help small to medium-sized businesses quickly get their online stores up and running. Its user-friendly interface and features give entrepreneurs the tools to create, manage, and expand their e-commerce presence. With Volusion, you can design a store that looks professional, operates smoothly, and satisfies your customers' shopping needs.

Key Features:

  • Drag-and-drop website builder: Customize your online store without needing any coding knowledge.
  • Responsive themes: Select various themes that work well on any device.
  • Built-in SEO tools: Improve your store's visibility on search engines.
  • Powerful analytics: Gain insights on store performance, customer behavior, and more.
  • Product management: Easily add and manage your products and inventory.
  • Secure checkout: Process payments securely with built-in PCI compliance.

Pros:

  • No transaction fees: Keep more of your profits since Volusion doesn't take a cut of your sales.
  • 24/7 customer support: Get help anytime via phone, chat, or email.
  • Unlimited product options: Offer unlimited product variations without limits.
  • Built-in education resources: Learn with Volusion's comprehensive learning material as you go.
  • Robust integration options: Connect your store with numerous apps and tools to expand its functionalities.

Cons:

  • Bandwidth limits: Depending on your plan, you might be charged extra if you exceed your monthly bandwidth allowance.
  • Theme customization can be limited: While there are many themes, customizing them heavily may require technical skills.
  • Fewer integrations than competitors: Volusion has fewer third-party integrations than some leading e-commerce platforms.

Best for:

  • Store owners with limited technical skills: Because of its simplicity and support.
  • Entrepreneurs looking for an all-in-one solution: Especially those who appreciate a platform that includes hosting, shopping carts, and more.

Pricing:

  • Pricing starts from: Basic plans typically start at $29 per month.
  • Payment plans: Various tiered pricing plans range from basic to more advanced, with additional features.

What makes it stand out:

Volusion shines due to its all-in-one e-commerce solutions tailored for ease of use. It's particularly appealing to small businesses since it waives transaction fees, enabling merchants to hold on to more of their hard-earned money. Plus, the 24/7 customer support ensures that help is always at hand, which is reassuring when running an online business. With its solid features and a focus on providing a robust selling platform, Volusion stands out as a strong contender in e-commerce solutions.

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WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a customizable, open-source eCommerce platform built on WordPress. It's designed for small to large-sized online merchants using WordPress. What started as a simple plugin has now transformed into a versatile solution that powers over 37% of all online stores. This plugin lets users turn their WordPress websites into fully functioning e-commerce stores.

Key Features:

  • Easy WordPress Integration: Seamlessly blends with WordPress websites.
  • Extensive Customization Options: Through themes and plugins.
  • Product Variety: Supports physical, digital, and affiliate products.
  • Inventory Management: Tools to manage stock levels and backorders.
  • Payment Gateways: Wide range of payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfers.
  • Shipping Options: Settings for free, flat rate, and live rates from major carriers.
  • SEO-Friendly: Leverages WordPress's SEO capabilities.
  • Analytics and Reporting: Understand your audience with detailed stats.

Pros:

  • Flexibility: Tweak and transform any aspect of your store.
  • User-Friendly: No need for technical expertise to get started.
  • Community Support: Large community for help and resources.
  • Cost-Effective: The core plugin is free; only pay for advanced features if needed.
  • Scalability: Suitable for small shops and huge online stores.

Cons:

  • WordPress Dependency: Only works with WordPress websites.
  • Potentially High Costs: While the plugin is free, costs can add up with additional extensions and themes.
  • Learning Curve: Some users might find the options overwhelming.

Best for:

  • Small to medium businesses looking to start or expand online sales.
  • Users already familiar with or willing to use WordPress.

Pricing:

Free for the core plugin, but costs can vary widely for extensions and themes, which can range from $0 to $300.

What makes it stand out:

WooCommerce's integration with WordPress, flexibility, and scalability make it a powerhouse for anyone looking to build a tailored, robust online store. With its ongoing developments and enhancements, it remains ahead of many competing platforms in providing a user-friendly, cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

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Squarespace

Squarespace is an all-in-one website-building platform that empowers users to create high-quality websites without needing to know a line of code. With its user-friendly interface, Squarespace is renowned for its sleek, professional templates and robust features that suit various needs, from bloggers to small business owners.

Key Features:

  • Drag-and-drop website builder: Easily construct and customize web pages.
  • Customizable templates: Choose from an extensive gallery of stylish designs.
  • Responsive design: Every design automatically includes a mobile view.
  • E-commerce functionality: Sell products and services directly from your site with integrated shopping carts and secure checkout.
  • Built-in SEO tools: Optimize your site for search engines right out of the box.
  • Analytics: Track your website’s performance and gain insights on visitors.

Pros:

  • Intuitive design tools make it easy for beginners.
  • No need for plugins: In-built features reduce dependence on third-party apps.
  • Regular updates enrich features and optimize the user experience.
  • 24/7 customer support: Get assistance whenever you need it.
  • Comprehensive resource center provides guides and video tutorials.

Cons:

  • More expensive than some competitors for the features provided.
  • Limited third-party integrations may restrict advanced functionality.
  • Less flexibility for developers wanting to customize beyond the provided tools.

Best for:

Ideal for small business owners, photographers, bloggers, and artists looking to design a professional online presence without technical complexity. It's suited for those who value design and ease over granular control.

Pricing:

Pricing starts from $16 per month when billed annually for the Personal plan. There are also Business, Basic Commerce, and Advanced Commerce plans with progressively more features at higher prices.

What makes it stand out:

Squarespace stands out with its stunning design templates and all-in-one platform, which includes hosting, domain registration, and a website builder in a single package. It's an excellent pick for those prioritizing aesthetics, ease of use, dependable support, and built-in tools for growing their online presence. This design-centric approach makes Squarespace a go-to for visually-led businesses and professionals.

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Wix

Wix is a user-friendly online platform that lets you create your beautiful website without coding. It’s like a canvas for your web ideas - you can start from scratch or choose from a vast library of templates tailored to various industries and personal styles.

Key Features:

  • Drag-and-drop website builder: Move elements around with your mouse and drop them where you like.
  • Wide range of templates: Hundreds of designer-made templates to fit any business or personal need.
  • Customizable designs: Flexibility to personalize everything from layouts to fonts to colors.
  • Mobile optimization: Ensures your site looks great on all devices, like smartphones and tablets.
  • App Market: Extend functionality with apps for bookings, events, and more.
  • SEO tools: Built-in features to help your site rank better on search engines.
  • E-commerce functionality: An integrated platform to sell products directly through your website.

Pros:

  • Intuitive interface: It’s easy to use, making website building accessible to beginners.
  • Regular updates: Wix frequently adds new features and templates.
  • No coding skills required: You don't need to be a programmer to make a professional-looking site.
  • Robust app market: Add extra features as your business grows.
  • 24/7 support: Reach out for help anytime via live chat, phone, or email.

Cons:

  • Limited flexibility for advanced users: Wix’s builder can feel restrictive if you know how to code.
  • Website transition: Moving your site off Wix to another platform can be tricky.
  • Ad-supported free plan: The free version comes with Wix ads on your website.

Best for:

Small businesses and individuals who need a professional online presence quickly and without much hassle. It is not ideal for large-scale, complex business websites or those needing advanced customization.

Pricing:

Pricing starts from $14 per month for the Combo plan, designed for personal use, and goes up to $39 per month for the VIP plan, which includes more professional features. They also offer Business and e-commerce plans starting at $23 per month, which allow you to accept online payments.

What makes it stand out:

Wix is known for its simplicity and the freedom it gives non-tech-savvy users to create and launch a website in minutes. The combination of its vast template gallery, extensive app market, and reliable customer support makes Wix a go-to website builder for small businesses looking to make their mark online.

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Ecwid

Ecwid is an easy-to-use, powerful e-commerce solution designed to help small businesses scale and sell products online across various platforms. It's a widget that integrates into any existing website or social media page and turns it into a fully functional online store. With Ecwid, you can set up a storefront in minutes and manage your inventory, sales, and marketing all from one place.

Key Features:

  • Multichannel Selling: Sell on websites, mobile phones, social sites, and marketplaces like Google Shopping, eBay, and Amazon.
  • Responsive Design: The storefront adapts seamlessly to any screen size, ensuring a mobile-friendly shopping experience.
  • Integration Capabilities: Integrates with WordPress, Wix, Weebly, and more.
  • Global Reach: Multi-language support and the ability to sell globally with over 50 international payment options and real-time shipping integration.
  • Comprehensive Dashboard: Manage your store on the go with a centralized control panel on desktop and mobile.

Pros:

  • Ease of Use: Setting up Ecwid is straightforward, making it great for those not tech-savvy.
  • Cost-Effective: It offers a free plan for small business owners on a tight budget.
  • No Transaction Fees: Ecwid doesn't charge extra fees per sale, letting you keep more profits.
  • Regular Updates: The platform frequently updates with new features and enhancements without disrupting your business.
  • Security: Provides a secure checkout experience and is PCI DSS validated Level 1 Service Provider, the gold standard for security for e-commerce solutions.

Cons:

  • Limited Customization: The free plan has basic customization options, and you'll need to upgrade for more advanced features.
  • SEO Limitations: While Ecwid is SEO-friendly, there may be limitations in SEO customization compared to other dedicated e-commerce platforms.
  • Lesser-known Platform: Some customers might be less familiar with Ecwid than more prominent names like Shopify or WooCommerce, which might affect trust.

Best for:

Ecwid is perfect for small business owners who want to start selling online quickly and those who already have a website but want to add an e-commerce component without a complete overhaul.

Pricing:

Ecwid offers a free plan, which lets you kick start your online store instantly at no cost. Paid plans start as low as $15 per month and scale up based on features and the number of products you wish to sell.

What makes it stand out:

The real charm of Ecwid lies in its simplicity and ability to be a one-stop-shop for e-commerce. The platform's multichannel capability, user-friendly interface, and robust security make it an exceptional choice for small businesses looking to expand or establish their online presence. What's more, you get all this without worrying about the common headaches of software updates or security patches; Ecwid handles it all, letting you focus on growing your business.

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Detailed Overview

Below, we will be going over some of the most popular eCommerce platforms that can propel your business forward into the digital age.