Choosing the Perfect eCommerce Platform for Your Online Venture or Store
The different eCommerce platform comes with unique features for the varying target audience. Some platforms cater for startups and small businesses, while others come with features suitable for enterprise-level organizations. In other content, some specific platforms are cost-effective, while others are usually expensive or costly.
Many eCommerce platforms have additional functionalities. These additional functionalities are vital in business expansion and enhancing success. When choosing the right eCommerce platform for your services online or to help you sell your products, you must consider a wide range of factors.
Here are the factors you must consider when selecting a good business platform:
- Platform fees (some platforms may be free while others may require startup costs)
- Business size
- Physical store locations, including the online store
- Business status ( either established or brand new)
- Sales and marketing cost or budget
- Target market
- Products or types of goods to be sold
- Desired technical management level
- Priorities like pricing versus the creative control
- Level of management or control over the particular website
- Need for a mobile application for this particular on-the-go business management
How do you know the platform with the best features? Start by creating a checklist of essential features the preferred platform should possess. You should also have a comprehensive list of optional features or components you may prefer on your eCommerce platform. Use these features or the list to narrow your search as you check the available eCommerce solutions.
E-commerce CEOs require help to attain a higher rating. The assistance or help is vital in explaining how we ranked or came up with the ranking. Remember, we don't provide recommendations to receive rewards or commissions from particular companies.
We consider a wide range of eCommerce platform factors, such as
- Features
- Integrations
- Speed and performance
- Ease of use
- Design and themes
- Overall Value
5 Best E-commerce Platforms for Beginners
Now let's explore the best options to consider when starting your online store or venture a small business.
Shopify
"Perfect for small online businesses preferring an all-in-one plug-and-play package"
Shopify is a common name nowadays when discussing an online and eCommerce topic. Why is Shopify a common name? This platform boasts robust industry-leading tools, top-notch sales features, and a huge marketplace of plugins. These features make its app market the perfect choice for small online businesses.
Shopify eCommerce platform ranks among the best options or platforms for genuine online vendors. Its experts design its SaaS-based software to help individuals looking to build a functional online store. The platform provides a wide range of advanced marketing tools than its competitors like Squarespace and Wix. Additionally, Shopify comes with a free and top-notch SSL certificate to provide security.
With these services, you'll enjoy numerous benefits. These benefits range from an integrated payment processing system, live customer support, and discount codes. The platform also allows you to seamlessly synchronize your orders and inventory across various sales channels, not limited to Amazon and eBay. You can also enjoy exploring new sales strategies like dropshipping via plugins.
Pricing
14-day free trial. $29 per month for the vital Shopify experience. You can also pay $299 per month for advanced Shopify.
Integrated sales channels
eBay, Google, Instagram, Facebook, Walmart Marketplace, and Amazon.
Mobile app features
Mobile applications or tools for business management online.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free themes Free trial when starting A wide range of plugins to choose the best one Low online transaction charges Unlimited products or services on all plans Customer support options, including email, 19 languages, content, forum, and phone callback. Fantastic or perfect for various business plans Integrated payment options Over 6000 third-party appsUnlimited bandwidth | Overall fees may add up quickly Limited blogging platform |
Shopify comes with a wide range of marketing tools. These marketing tools range from search engine optimization (SEO) and abandoned cart recovery to email marketing freely. It also has a powerful application that allows you to manage your venture or business from your phone. This app includes features like real-time sales & inventory updates, adding and ordering products, etc.
This eCommerce solution allows you to get and create a stunning online store. You can achieve this goal without requiring skills or knowledge in design, coding, and various technical aspects of online processes.
WooCommerce
“Perfect for small enterprises having an existing or functional WordPress site.”
It's an eCommerce solution with features that capture the attention of online businesses globally. Besides being highly accessible and easy to use, WooCommerce comes with a robust WordPress Content Management System. Why is this software important on the platform? The software powers most functions and activities of the internet.
With the designers building this platform on this top-notch and popular content management system, it's usually simple to get guidance and assistance while creating the online store.
Like other WordPress plugins, this platform can easily connect to your business's WordPress website. This system also comes with various excellent official extensions. With these extensions, you can easily make running or operating your site straightforward and more accessible.
For instance, you select the perfect advanced themes to suit your storefront. In addition, it can help you experiment with different dropshipping tools. This platform is also very flexible due to its open-source nature. However, you'll also require more technical expertise before you start the process.
This feature makes the platform unique and perfect for these businesses. The feature also makes it stand out from the other e-commerce platforms in the market. Remember, you'll also enjoy the inbuilt blogging and a feature that allows you to accept unlimited orders.
Pricing
Regardless of being an open-source solution, it's usually free to get the services of this eCommerce platform. Nevertheless, you must pay for the hosting and gateways.
The platform projects that you'll have to pay $120 annually for the hosting. The domain name registration cost approximately $15 annually, the site theme cost approximately $100 annually, and the shipping cost was $108 annually. You'll also have to pay a 2.9% fee plus 30 cents for each sale. More so, the communication and marketing costs are usually $348 annually, the SEO comes at $79 annually, while the SSL certificate may not exceed $65 each year. Experts approximate the average or total fees to be around $30.
Free trial length
The online platform offers no free trial length. However, you can enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee for the different plans.
Integrated sales channels
Facebook, Google Shopping, eBay, Walmart, Pinterest, Etsy, and Amazon. Remember, these integrations should be more cohesive.
Mobile app features
Add products, manage orders, and view analytics.
Point-of-sale
Various native POS are available
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable but may require self-hosting Unlimited orders and products Unlimited selling allowed Incorporate additional functionalities you desire Built on a top-notch WordPress Huge selection of customizations options and themes | Needs a third-party payment gateway |
This is WordPress’s solution for businesses seeking to thrive online. While WooCommerce started as a blogging platform, it offers a vast website builder. This builder comes with WooCommerce integration, making it easy to sell online.
WooCommerce is open source. Being an open source, it allows high customization, especially with coding and web design skills. The platform has over 6000 third-party integrations that make it easy to enhance the store’s functionality. This property makes it similar to Shopify.
BigCommerce
“Right for small enterprises that have developed into huge enterprises or corporations”
This platform is perfect for small enterprises or businesses wishing to sell across or expand across multiple platforms. BigCommerce is a scalable online selling platform or solution for any online store.
While e-Commerce tools provide various advanced functionality and features, some platforms may require time to master how to use these tools. However, BigCommerce offers different dimensions. The platform allows you to have access to various features you can use to explore. These features mean the platform integrates most or a huge percentage of the functionality you need in the software.
Unlike Shopify, when using Big Commerce, you'll not be depending on any app platform. The platform can help you expand your business and reduce costs. You can enjoy these benefits regardless of whether you’re selling Instagram, Pinterest, eBay, Square, and Amazon.
This online platform offers a wide of range sale features. Nevertheless, you may require able team members who can utilize all advantages. In addition, the platform allows access to fantastic SEO tools that’ll help enhance your website’s visibility.
Pricing
BigCommerce gives access to numerous integrated features. Thus, it makes it unnecessary to check elsewhere for various functionality or needs.
Below is a possible rewrite of the current BigCommerce's pricing information:
- BigCommerce standard plan - $29.95 monthly
- Plus plan - $71.95 monthly if you consider paying annually or $79.95 per month
- Pro plan - $269.96 monthly if considering paying per year or $299.96 monthly
- Free trial length - 15 days
- Enterprise plan - the price for this is customizable depending on your specific needs
Integrated sales channels
Walmart, Price comparisons, Instagram, Etsy, Facebook, eBay, Amazon, and Google Shopping
Mobile app features
View analytics, manage inventory & products, update orders, and customer search.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited products, bandwidth, and storage No transaction fees Affordable payment processing rates Excellent for selling various multiple channelsReview options and product rating24/7 tech support by chat, email, or phone Numerous free apps are available to choose from | Limited free themes available Less easy to set up |
BigCommerce remains a feature-rich and powerful eCommerce platform. Most small businesses find the platform overwhelming. However, it's a top platform you can consider when planning to access or expand technical resources.
Squarespace
“Perfect for a DIY eCommerce website”
This platform offers online businesses craving creative autonomy with an exceptional eCommerce platform. SquareSpace is a website builder that has been hosted on the cloud. It resembles the Wix’s appearance but comes with advanced capabilities, like high-quality social media integration.
If you’re seeking to create or develop an online portfolio or business that emphasizes aesthetics, this platform is a worthy option. You can access contemporary templates or numerous sleek you can modify anytime. Nevertheless, this online tool may not offer numerous features like Shopify.
However, it has a bright side. Any annual plan you choose comes with a free domain and SSL security. In addition, you may benefit from having a mobile-optimized checkout process. In addition, it comes with zero transaction fees for the different plans.
Pricing
These business plans start at $18 per month which makes them reasonably priced or cost-effective. Unfortunately, this platform doesn’t offer a free platform.
Here is the cost for the subscription:
- Personal: $12 per month when you consider annual payment or $16 monthly
- Business: $18 monthly for annual payments or $26 per month
- Basic conference: $26 per month when you pay annually or $30 monthly
- Advanced commerce: $40 monthly when you pay per year or $46 monthly
- Enterprise pricing can also apply
- Free trial length: there is a 14-day free trial available or a one-time, seven-day trial extension.
Integrated sales channels
Google Actions with Shopping Feed extension, Etsy, eBay, and Amazon.
Mobile app features
Scan shipping labels, communicate with customers, track inventory, edit website, and manage orders.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Plenty of fantastic templates to consider Excellent social media integration24/7 customer service Budget-friendly plans Free domain with various annual plans | No app market Large transaction fees Limited payment options. You can only pay via Apply Pay, PayPal, and Stripe |
This online platform is the perfect choice for small-scale businesses seeking an easy-to-use eCommerce website builder. The user-friendly interface makes it the right choice for users with small businesses online. With the drag-and-drop tools, dependable functionality and templates, you can easily establish an online store. Regardless of your technical knowledge and expertise, you can establish and run a successful store.
Developers initially developed this tool as a website builder. However, SquareSpace has quickly developed to cater for various online merchants or tasks. Despite most users offering services instead of products, the platforms can give accommodation for product-based businesses.
The key features of this platform include calendar integrations, robust scheduling, social media integration, and email marketing. In addition, the tool comes with the ability or properties that allows you to embed maps. Embedding maps assists customers locate your physical store.
Wix
“Perfect for image-centric and visual eCommerce site designs”
It’s among the best or most preferred choices for eCommerce platforms regarding performance and value for money. The platform comes with a focus on delivering or providing exceptional performance. This property makes Wix an easy-to-use platform for beginners and intermediaries. As a beginner, you can use it to create your own online website or store. You can create this store while allowing you complete creative and comprehensive control over your particular website. The platform also includes a wide range of features, such as hundreds of templates and a drag-and-drop store builder. In addition, it also features mobile optimization to enhance peak performance.
Wix offers multiple options you can choose from. In addition, the platform comes with a secure checkout system. In addition, you may choose to consider or utilize advanced management tools. These tools help you create visually satisfying or impressive product galleries. You can also use the platform to calculate global tax and ship on the backend. Nonetheless, it's important to understand that this platform may not have as numerous features as Shopify. Wix is usually a platform that focuses on eCommerce
Despite not being one of the most advanced eCommerce website builders globally, it’s the best or most excellent platform you can consider as a beginner.
Pricing
You can use the free version of this platform if you don’t mind the Ads on your website. These Ads come or results with the Ad support. Nevertheless, you may have to upgrade to a higher plan (Business Basic plan) if you’re planning to sell the products. This plan costs approximately $23 per month.
Here are the cost for the other plans:
- Free trial length - zero free trial
- Business VIP - $49 per month
- Business Unlimited - $27 per month
- Business Basic - $23 per month
Integrated sales channels
It’s mandatory for Instagram and Facebook when using the third-party application.
Mobile app features
Ability to manage your webpage or website. With the platform lacking key business tools, such as inventory management, you require another app for your mobile POS.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple secure payments for your client-base High-quality themes, help customize your site You can begin your website development for free Large selection of plugins and apps | No way to move or export your data Limited eCommerce features It’s difficult to add an extra function because it's not an open source |
This platform is a user-friendly website builder having specialized eCommerce features. These features include multi-channel selling, abandoned cart campaigns, and online payments, order tracking. The features come with various paid plans that provide access to analytics tracking. Analytics tracking is important for monitoring eCommerce KPIs.
Considering designs, the platform comes with a wide selection of 500 and more templates. With these templates, it's easy to create your storefront. You can easily use the drag-and-drop interface to customize your online store’s feel and look. In addition, Wix supports third-party dropshipping and subscription-based billing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should I consider when choosing an eCommerce platform for my small business?
When choosing an eCommerce platform for your small business, consider factors such as your business size, platform fees, business status (new or established), product types sold, target market, sales and marketing budget. In addition, you must also consider the desired level of technical management, essential features, and the need for a mobile app for on-the-go business management. Creating a checklist of essential features and optional features you'd like can help narrow down your options.
Is there a free trial available for Shopify, and what are the pricing options after the trial period?
Yes, Shopify offers a 14-day free trial to get started. After the trial period, Shopify's pricing starts at $29 per month for the Essential Shopify plan. There is also an Advanced Shopify plan that costs $299 per month. These plans come with different features and capabilities. Thus, they allow you to choose the one that best suits your business needs.
Which eCommerce platform is best suited for businesses that already have a WordPress website?
WooCommerce is the best eCommerce platform for businesses that already have a WordPress website. It’s built on top of the WordPress Content Management System and seamlessly integrates with your existing WordPress site. WooCommerce is open-source and offers high customization options. These features make it an excellent choice for those with some technical knowledge and who want to extend their WordPress website into an online store.
Does Squarespace support integration with popular sales channels like Amazon, eBay, and Google Shopping?
Yes, Squarespace offers integration with popular sales channels such as Amazon, eBay, and Google Shopping. In addition, Squarespace has social media integration features. With the various features, it's easy to connect and sell your products across various platforms.
Is Wix a suitable eCommerce platform for businesses looking for visually appealing and image-centric website designs?
Yes, Wix is a great eCommerce platform for businesses that prioritize visually appealing and image-centric website designs. It offers hundreds of templates and a drag-and-drop store builder. While not as feature-rich as some other platforms, Wix provides a user-friendly interface and is a good starting point for beginners in eCommerce.
Global Sources: Connecting Businesses Worldwide
Global Sources is a prominent B2B (business-to-business) online marketplace. This platform helps facilitate international trade between buyers and suppliers. Established in 1971, Global Sources has been a trusted platform connecting businesses from around the world for over five decades. The platform provides a wide array of products across diverse categories. It offers products in categories, such as electronics, fashion, home and garden, machinery, and more.
Introduction to Global Sources platform
Global Sources operates as an all-in-one platform where buyers can discover a vast range of products. In addition, the platform helps connect buyers with reliable suppliers from different countries. The platform ensures that all suppliers undergo a thorough verification process. This verification process ensures the authenticity and credibility of their businesses.
In-depth product introduction
Global Sources offers an extensive catalog of products from various industries. With this extensive catalog, it becomes a one-stop shop for businesses seeking sourcing solutions. The platform boasts a user-friendly interface. Thus, it allows buyers to search for products by category, region, or specific keywords.
One of the key highlights of Global Sources is its emphasis on new, innovative, and high-quality products. The platform hosts regular trade shows and exhibitions. At these trade shows and exhibitions, suppliers showcase their latest offerings. Thus, giving buyers the opportunity to stay updated with market trends and cutting-edge technologies.
Buyers can also access comprehensive product information to enable them to make informed purchasing decisions. More so, Global Sources provides features such as supplier reviews, product comparison tools, and real-time communication channels. These features help to streamline the sourcing process.
Global Sources offers a level playing field for small businesses and startups. It allows them to compete on a global scale by sourcing products directly from reputable manufacturers. Why is it important for small online enterprises? It opens up immense possibilities for businesses to expand their product offerings and access a broader customer base.
Global Sources also serve as an essential platform for suppliers. The platform offers these supplies a global stage to showcase their products and establish valuable connections with international buyers. Suppliers can leverage the platform's marketing tools and services. With this, they can increase their visibility and reach potential customers worldwide.
The platform's commitment to quality, reliability, and transparency. These features have made Global Sources earn a reputation as a trusted sourcing partner for businesses across industries. Whether a buyer is looking to source a specific product or a supplier seeks to expand their market reach, Global Sources provides the necessary tools and resources to make these endeavours successful.
Wrapping Up
Getting the perfect e-commerce platform for your needs is not an easy task and a one-fits-all solution. Above the best are the best e commerce platforms for beginners, you can consider. Each company can get a suitable e-commerce platform regardless of budget constraints or specific functionalities.
Despite the numerous options, it’s important to get a user-friendly and easily customizable platform. You should be able to customize the platform to suit or meet your business needs and requirements. Don’t hesitate to experiment or try the different options. Feel free to explore these options before settling on the best ones. Remember, free trials allow you a chance to have an initial assessment of the particular platform to determine if it suits your business.
Read More: Sellers' Comprehensive Guide:
Selling on Major Marketplaces
- Sell on Amazon
- Sell on eBay
- Sell on Etsy
- Sell on Walmart Marketplace
- Sell on Facebook Marketplace
- Sell on Shopify
- Sell on Target
- Sell on Wish
Niche Platforms
Social Media Platforms
Specialized Selling Guides
- Sell Handmade on Amazon
- Sell Used Items on Amazon
- Sell Shirts on Amazon
- Sell Shirts on Etsy
- Sell Shirts on Etsy Without Inventory
- Sell Clothes on GOAT
- Sell Cosmetics Online
- Sell on Amazon Without Inventory
- Sell on Amazon Without Buying Products
