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In this article, we’ll take a look at six of the best eCommerce platforms for small businesses, predicted to dominate the market in 2023, and how to determine which one is best for you.
One reason the eCommerce companies listed here are considered the best for small businesses is the fact that they keep up with current trends regarding eCommerce design, marketing, security, e-commerce SEO, shipping, payment processing, and more. Also because they are affordable and scalable.
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Ultimately what makes the best platform comes down to what your business needs are, currently and in the future.
What is an ecommerce platform?
An ecommerce platform is considered an online-based software application for building and hosting a brand’s website consisting of goods and services.
These platforms can provide everything a brand needs to sell products online which include product pages with images, payment processing, automated email receipts, accepting reviews, customer support chats, shipping options, returns, and more.
These platforms all have the following in common:
- Hosting is provided (except for WooCommerce)
- Website Builders Included (also known as Website Editors)
- Encrypted Security (for accepting payments)
- SSL Certificates for Safe Sites
- Website Themes & Templates
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6 Best eCommerce Platforms for Small Business – quick list
You probably don’t have much time to spare, so here’s a quick list of the best e-commerce platforms:
We will also discuss some key factors to consider before choosing an eCommerce platform for your small business. So whether you’re just starting out or are looking to switch platforms, read on for insights on the best eCommerce platforms for small business owners to consider in 2023.
The Best eCommerce Platforms for Small Businesses
1. Wix – Best eCommerce Platform for Beginners
Still the leader in web development with over 200 million users, Wix can handle any type of website project you are working on. With this in mind, WiX can help you create a beautiful online store that’s optimized for selling products and services online, making it a top eCommerce platform.
Also, you get all the tools and support you need to manage your business effectively. You can choose from a wide variety of templates and designs or create your own custom look.
Additionally, Wix makes it easy to add products, manage inventory, process payments, and more. And if you need any help along the way, our team of experts is always available to assist you.
Top WiX Features:
- Wix is user-friendly and easy to use, even for those with no technical background.
- Wix’s wide range of features and tools help you create a successful online store that looks great and converts visitors into customers.
- Wix is an affordable eCommerce platform that offers plans to suit every budget. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale your business, Wix has a plan that will fit your needs.
- With Wix, you get the freedom to customize your store exactly the way you want it. With a drag-and-drop editor, you can easily add or remove features, change your design, and more – without any coding required.
- Wix provides excellent customer support, so you’ll always have someone to help you if you run into any problems.
Base Starting Price for WiX eCommerce:
- $27/mo USD
- Free Trial Offer: YES
2. Editor X – Advanced eCommerce Platform
Although it’s a fairly new player in the eCommerce site-building arena, Editor X is a very sophisticated and advanced e-commerce website-building platform backed by the power of WiX. Its popularity and favor in the market have been extraordinary.
More for web designers and developers, the Editor X builder is state-of-the-art but simplistic enough for the mid-level experience user who has a vast training resource called Academy X to get them on track.
Top Editor X Features:
- Designed for web developers, but is still very adaptable for mid-level users.
- More control than most eCommerce builders with easy coding options.
- Professionally designed templates and themes.
- Process all major credit cards and provide gift cards.
- Add chat, subscriptions, events, bookings, invoicing, quotes, and more.
- Build your own custom user forms, templates, and more.
- Academy X is a professional training resource for all users that includes, classes, webinars, videos, and more.
The Starting Editor X Price:
- $29/mo USD
- Free Trial: YES
3. Shopify – Best Overall Platform for eCommerce
Shopify is a versatile eCommerce platform that is presently powering 2.3 million websites. It offers a simple and user-friendly interface, making it easy to set up and manage your store. Shopify is entrusted by many famous brands such as Red Bull, Kylie Cosmetics, NetFlix, Tesla, and more.
You can choose from a wide range of Shopify themes or create your own custom website design. Shopify also allows you to add features and functionality to your store through apps and plugins.
Given how widely it is used, you can be sure that the platform is efficient and worth trying.
Top Shopify Features:
- Integrate 6,000+ apps directly with your Shopify website, providing extensive functionality.
- Advanced dashboard of your business performance, with a snapshot of crucial digital sales insights.
- You also can hire a Shopify expert who can guide you to make your Shopify website more efficient and thereby increase your business revenue.
- Shopify is highly scalable, so you can start small and grow your business as your sales increase.
- When you use Shopify, you have access to expert support 24/7. Whether you need help setting up your store or troubleshooting an issue, Shopify’s team is always there to assist you.
Starting Price for Shopify:
- $29/mo USD
- Trial Offer: YES
4. Volusion – Built for E-Commerce Growth
Volusion has become a popular eCommerce platform for small businesses. It’s easy to use, has many features, and is relatively affordable. It offers a wide range of features and easy-to-use tools for individuals to create and manage their online stores.
In addition, you can integrate various other platforms with your website. Volusion also offers many other services, such as web hosting, domain name registration, and email marketing.
Top Volusion Features:
- Setting up your store and adding products is quick and easy, and there’s no need to hire a developer to help you.
- Volusion comes with all the features you need to run a successful online store, including a built-in shopping cart, order management, inventory management, etc.
- Volusion is a reliable platform that is always up and running. You don’t have to worry about your store going down or having any technical issues.
- Volusion has a team of knowledgeable customer support representatives who are always happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have. They also offer 24/7 live chat support, so you can get help whenever you need it.
Base Volusion Price:
- $35/mo USD
- Trial Offer: YES
5. Weebly – A Beginners eCommerce Platform
This eCommerce building platform is a very low-cost option and very popular for creating online stores. Weebly has a wide range of features that make it an excellent e-commerce choice for businesses of all sizes.
It offers an easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor, which makes creating your online store quick and easy. Weebly also provides a wide range of templates and themes to choose from, so you can create a unique look for your store. At present, Weebly caters to over 40 million users worldwide.
Top Weebly Features:
- Weebly is easy to use, even if you don’t have any technical skills. Setting up your store and adding products only takes a few minutes.
- Weebly’s eCommerce plans are affordable, starting at just $8 per month. This makes it an excellent option for small businesses or startups.
- Many online store platforms charge transaction fees, but Weebly doesn’t. This will prove to be very advantageous to your business.
- Through Weebly, you can edit and update your website using your mobile device as well.
- Weebly also offers many value-added features like discounts and coupons, product reviews, and abandoned cart recovery.
Starting Price for Weebly:
- $10/mo USD
- Free Trial: YES
6. WooCommerce – Best WordPress eCommerce Platform
WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin that helps you turn your WordPress site into an eCommerce store. It’s one of the most popular ways to create an online store, and for a good reason: it’s easy to use, flexible, and scalable.
So whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned eCommerce veteran, WooCommerce can help you build the store you need. There are two parts to this eCommerce platform: the plugin itself and the optional WooCommerce Services extension.
WooCommerce Services includes additional features and services to help you run your stores, such as shipping labels and payment processing.
Top WooCommerce Features:
- WooCommerce is a free plugin, so you don’t have to worry about paying any upfront costs.
- It’s easy to use. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can easily set up and manage your WooCommerce store by following the step-by-step guide.
- With WooCommerce, you can sell an unlimited number of products and services. This helps in scaling up your online store whenever needed.
- WooCommerce allows you greater control over your store’s design, layout, and functionality.
- Because WooCommerce is so popular, a large community of developers and designers can help you with anything you need.
WooCommerce Starting Price:
- $10/mo USD
- Free Trial: YES
How to Choose an eCommerce Platform: 6 Key Factors
Now that you know which are the major website-building platforms for eCommerce, it’s time to start narrowing down your options. Here are six important elements to keep an eye on:
1. Ease of Use
Even if you’re not a tech expert, the best platforms for eCommerce will be easy to set up and use. Look for a platform with clear documentation and tutorials to get you started.
2. Scalability
As your business grows, you’ll need an eCommerce platform to scale with you. Make sure the platform you choose can handle an increase in traffic and sales without crashing or slowing down.
3. Security
With so much personal and financial information being exchanged online, security is a top priority for any eCommerce business. Choose a robust security platform, such as SSL encryption and fraud detection.
4. Payment Processing Options
You’ll need to offer your customers various payment options, so make sure the platform you choose supports the ones you want to use. Popular options include credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
5. Shipping
If you plan on shipping products to your customers, you’ll need an eCommerce platform that can integrate with shipping carriers like UPS and FedEx. In addition, look for platforms that offer built-in shipping labels and tracking numbers.
6. Customer Support
When something goes wrong with your eCommerce platform, you’ll want to be able to get help from the provider quickly. Look for platforms that offer 24/7 customer support via phone, email, or chat.
By keeping these six factors in mind, you’ll be able to find an eCommerce platform that’s perfect for your business.
Best eCommerce Platforms for Small Businesses Summary
Before choosing the eCommerce platform for your business, it’s essential to be aware of the pros and cons of each option. Consider the 6 key factors when doing your research and choose a platform that will offer you the most flexibility and features.
