The rapid expansion of the ecommerce industry is inspiring more entrepreneurs to launch their dream online businesses. Yet, many hesitate, thinking the process is too complex. That’s where ecommerce platforms come in—a solution that makes building an online store easy for everyone, regardless of technical expertise!
With so many platforms available, finding the perfect fit can feel overwhelming. If you’re facing the same dilemma, keep reading as we dive into the top six ecommerce platforms. In this article, Unified Computing will walk you through their key features, pricing, and benefits, helping you make an informed decision for your business.
1. Shopify – Best for Beginners and Growing Businesses
Shopify is one of the most popular ecommerce platforms, known for its ease of use and scalability. It’s ideal for both beginners and rapidly growing businesses due to its simple setup and expansive feature set. With Shopify, you can quickly build a store without needing technical expertise.
Pricing:
- Basic: $19/month
- Shopify: $49/month
- Advanced: $299/month
Best for: Beginners and growing businesses looking for a user-friendly platform with the flexibility to scale.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop store builder
- Multiple sales channels (including social media and marketplaces)
- Over 6,000 apps for customisation
- Integrated payment gateway
- Extensive reporting and analytics
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Great scalability
- 24/7 customer service
Cons:
- Transaction fees unless using Shopify Payments
- Limited customisation compared to open-source platforms
Why we picked it:
Shopify stands out for its balance between ease of use and powerful features, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to grow without technical hassle.
2. WooCommerce – Best for WordPress Users
WooCommerce is a free ecommerce platform built on WordPress, offering high flexibility and control. It’s perfect for businesses already using WordPress or those who want a highly customisable solution.
Pricing: Free to download, but additional costs include hosting, security, and premium extensions.
Best for: WordPress users who want complete control over their store’s customisation and functionality.
Key Features:
- Fully customisable with WordPress
- Thousands of plugins and themes
- No transaction fees
- Supports physical and digital products
- SEO-friendly
Pros:
- Flexible and open-source
- Great for SEO
- Large community and extensive resources
Cons:
- Requires more technical knowledge
- Additional costs for hosting and plugins
Why we picked it:
WooCommerce’s deep integration with WordPress and flexibility make it the best choice for businesses that prioritise customisation and control over simplicity.
3. BigCommerce – Best for Large Businesses
BigCommerce is designed to handle the complexities of large and fast-growing businesses. It offers robust features and scalability without the need for third-party apps or extensive development.
Pricing:
- Standard: 29/month
- Plus: $79/month
- Pro: $299/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Best for: Large businesses that require built-in features and scalability.
Key Features:
- No transaction fees
- Unlimited products, file storage, and bandwidth
- Advanced SEO tools
- Multi-channel selling (social media, Amazon, eBay)
- Built-in marketing tools
Pros:
- Built-in advanced features
- No need for expensive third-party apps
- Scalable for large businesses
Cons:
- Slightly steeper learning curve
- Higher price point for advanced features
Why we picked it:
BigCommerce is ideal for large businesses looking for a robust ecommerce platform with built-in features that don’t require third-party integrations.
4. Squarespace – Best for Design-Centric Businesses
Squarespace is an ecommerce platform known for its stunning, professionally designed templates. It’s perfect for businesses that prioritise visual appeal and branding.
Pricing:
- Personal: $16/month (not for ecommerce)
- Business: $23/month
- Basic Commerce: $28/month
- Advanced Commerce: $52/month
Best for: Design-centric businesses looking for a beautiful, highly customisable store.
Key Features:
- Gorgeous templates for online stores
- Built-in SEO and marketing tools
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor
- Blogging capabilities
- Integration with major payment gateways
Pros:
- Beautiful, customisable templates
- Easy-to-use interface
- No need for external plugins for most features
Cons:
- Limited advanced ecommerce functionality
- Transaction fees on lower-tier plans
Why we picked it:
Squarespace is perfect for businesses that prioritise aesthetics and branding, thanks to its beautifully designed templates and user-friendly interface.
5. Wix – Best for Small Businesses
Wix is a highly versatile ecommerce platform perfect for small businesses. It offers a simple drag-and-drop interface that allows you to build a professional-looking store quickly and easily.
Pricing:
- Light: $17/month
- Core: $29/month
- Business: $36/month
- Business Elite: $59/month
Best for: Small businesses that need an intuitive platform with an easy setup process.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop website builder
- Hundreds of templates
- Mobile optimisation
- Built-in SEO and marketing tools
- Supports digital and physical products
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Excellent customer support
Cons:
- Limited scalability for large businesses
- Less flexibility compared to open-source platforms
Why we picked it:
Wix’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface and affordable pricing make it an excellent choice for small businesses looking to create an online store with minimal hassle.
6. Ecwid – Best for No Transaction Fees
Ecwid is an affordable ecommerce platform that excels for businesses looking to avoid transaction fees. It allows you to integrate an online store into your existing website or set up a new one from scratch. With no transaction fees on any plan, it’s a cost-effective solution for growing businesses.
Pricing:
- Free Plan: $0/month (limited features)
- Venture: $21/month
- Business: $39/month
- Unlimited: $89/month
Best for: Businesses looking for an ecommerce platform with no transaction fees and easy integration with existing websites.
Key Features:
- No transaction fees on any plan
- Seamless integration with existing websites
- Supports multichannel selling (social media, marketplaces, etc.)
- Automatic tax calculation and shipping options
- Mobile-friendly store management
Pros:
- No transaction fees
- Free plan available
- Easy to integrate with existing websites
- Supports both digital and physical products
Cons:
- Limited design customisation
- Not ideal for businesses with large-scale operations
Why we picked it: Ecwid’s standout feature is the absence of transaction fees, making it a budget-friendly choice for small to medium businesses. Its ability to integrate with existing websites and support multichannel sales also adds to its flexibility, ensuring businesses can grow without additional hidden costs.
What Types of ECommerce Platforms Are There?
When choosing an online store platform, you generally have three main options:
- Open-source platforms: These give you total control and flexibility over your store. But they’re best for businesses with some technical skills or a development team, as you’ll need to handle setup, customisation, and ongoing maintenance yourself.
- Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms: These are great if you want an easy, ready-to-use solution without worrying about building or maintaining the software. They’re beginner-friendly but also offer some flexibility if you have tech-savvy team members. Many come with useful tools and APIs to customise as needed.
- Headless platforms: These let you separate your online store’s shopping trolley from the content management system (CMS). This gives you a lot of flexibility to make front-end changes (like the design) while still controlling your store’s products, marketing, and sales in the background. It’s popular because of the freedom it offers.
Each platform type has its own strengths, so it’s important to choose one that best fits your business needs and tech skills.
How To Choose the Best ECommerce Platform
With so many options available, it’s essential to focus on the features that align with your business needs:
- Pricing: Look beyond monthly fees and check for hidden costs like transaction fees, which can add up depending on your sales volume.
- Ease of use: An e-commerce platform with an intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality can save time and make store management hassle-free.
- Features and capabilities: Evaluate whether the platform offers essential tools such as SEO features, security measures, and support for physical, digital, or subscription-based products.
- Scalability: Ensure the platform can grow with your business, offering the flexibility to integrate third-party tools and additional features as needed.
- Customer service: Opt for an e-commerce platform that provides robust support, especially during critical moments, to minimise downtime and maintain smooth operations.
- Payment options: Consider a platform that supports a wide range of payment methods, particularly if you sell internationally, to ensure a seamless shopping experience for your customers.
Introduction:
In today’s fast-paced digital world, having the right ecommerce platform can make or break your online business. Whether you’re just getting started or scaling an established store, choosing a platform that meets your needs in terms of usability, scalability, and features is crucial. With countless options available, it’s essential to find one that enhances your business, boosts sales, and grows with you. In this guide, we’ve curated the top six ecommerce platforms that stand out for their power, flexibility, and ability to help you succeed in the online marketplace.
Conclusion:
Making money online is now more straightforward with ecommerce platforms, but choosing the right one is key to unlocking your store’s potential. From beginner-friendly solutions like Shopify to the flexible, no-transaction-fee Ecwid, each of these platforms offers distinct advantages to suit a variety of business needs. As you plan your next move, remember that choosing the best platform is just the start—building a store that reflects your brand and engages your customers is the real goal.
For a streamlined approach to web design and development that brings your vision to life, explore Unified Computing for tailor-made solutions that elevate your ecommerce experience!