Starting an online business can be daunting, especially if you’re starting in the world of ecommerce and e-businesses. On the bright side, there are tons of different platforms to choose from, each with its strengths and weaknesses, but it can be hard to analyze where to start.
As per Statista, the top eCommerce platforms include Squarespace, WooCommerce, Wixstores, Shopify, etc. the infographic below lists the leading eCommerce platforms worldwide.
Source: Statista – Top eCommerce Platforms
The infographic above must have given you insights into business choices. However, what exactly decides an excellent platform to launch your business!
Well, there are tons of parameters that matter, but the one that you must have includes the following:
- The open-source platform means you can get support from the community and experts.
- Easy installation and easy configuration.
- The customizable design allows users to have a variety of themes and templates.
- SEO friendly, which helps your online store rank higher on search engines like Google.
- Integration with multiple social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., allows customers to share their experiences on social media platforms. It also enables customers to make payments through social media accounts.
- Multiple languages are supported, including English, French, German, etc., making it easier for your business to expand globally.
Based on the above-listed parameters, I have gathered 10+ of the most popular ecommerce platforms in one list. You can avail the information you need without doing all the research yourself!
- Squarespace Online Stores
- WooCommerce
- WixStores
- Shopify
- Magento
- Weebly eCommerce
- Prestashop
- Ecwid
- BigCommerce
- Sellfy
- Odoo
- Zyro
Let’s explore these eCommerce platforms in detail.
Squarespace Online Stores – Fully Customizable Platform
Squarespace Online Stores is easy to use, highly flexible and has a clean and professional look. It is a fully customizable platform which sets it apart from the others. A single package is an attractive option, but there are no advanced features like 3rd party integrations, and you need to pay more if you want to sell certain types of products.
The chief benefits of using Squarespace Online Stores are its simplicity and ease of use. It is one platform that you can be sure your customers will find easy to use. You can also be sure that you will have no trouble with your site since a complete user manual is available. Also, all changes to your site are instant, so you don’t need to wait for a tech team to update it.
It has an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a flexible product editor that allows you to customize products with images, videos, descriptions, and more. One imposing feature is that Squarespace has automated SEO tools built into its software which optimize content based on keywords used by search engines. It provides real-time analytics reports and customer support via email or live chat.
Top Benefits of Using Squarespace Online Stores
- Flexible product variants
- Sell unlimited products
- Advance inventory management
- Suitable for digital & physical products.
- Advance automatic emailing
- Configures sales taxes
WooCommerce – Thousands of Themes
It’s no surprise to see WooCommerce on the list of best eCommerce platforms. It offers the most popular plugins for WordPress. Thanks to its wide range of extensions and themes, you can set up a fully functional store with a few clicks.
Additionally, you get access to invaluable features such as compatibility with all major payment gateways and shipping services, accessible data migration from other platforms, etc. You can also hire eCommerce developers to ensure greater store customization while launching your business.
The notable plugin also comes with custom templates created by professional designers, product fulfillment by Amazon or even Printful (additional fees apply). WooCommerce provides geolocation services that allow you to create coupons based on users’ locations.
Top Benefits of Using WooCommerce
- Free Plugin
- Advance control
- Thousands of themes
- Multiple features available
- High security
- Fast loading speed
WixStores – End-to-End Order Fulfillment
WixStores is a popular ecommerce platform that allows you to build your online store in no time. While it fails to offer as many features as some of its competitors, it does provide an easy-to-use interface and great functionality. The website builder behind WixStores also offers other services, such as web hosting and domain registration, so you can easily handle all of your online needs from one place.
However, the biggest drawback with WixStores is that it’s not designed specifically for ecommerce. As a result, some users find themselves limited in setting up advanced features such as fulfillment and order tracking.
Top Benefits of Using WixStores
- Highly scalable
- Sales across multiple channels
- Secure online payments
- Manage order fulfillment end-to-end
- Advanced marketing tools
Shopify – Easy to Set Up & Use
Shopify is easy to use with high-quality, customizable templates. If you’re looking to get up and running quickly and effortlessly, look no further than Shopify. One unique advantage Shopify has over all other small business platforms is its integration with Stripe.
Stripe is a notable payment processor that allows merchants to accept credit card payments without any additional hardware or software. It means fewer hoops to jump through when getting started.
With a pricing model designed for small businesses, Shopify truly is one of the best options on our list—not only does it have a low barrier to entry, but it provides value far beyond what competitors can offer.
Top Benefits of Using Shopify
- Quick & easy to set up & use
- Zero tech worries
- Secured Platform
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Advance SEO tools
- Multiple marketing tools
Magento – Flexible CMS
Magento is one of the top 10 e-commerce platforms used by business stores. Even with its complexity and extensive features, it is suitable for mid-sized enterprises, large businesses, and corporations. With many add-ons, Magento is a great solution to start an online store quickly.
Magento comes with multiple features to create a custom and professional website. You can also choose multiple free and paid extensions, which you can easily integrate into your store. It has some limitations, but it is one of the top 10 e-commerce platforms used by business stores.
The main limitation of Magento is its complexity. You might find it challenging to use all features of the Magento platform. This platform is not user-friendly; hence, only experienced professionals should use it. In addition, you need to have good knowledge about coding because, without it, there will be no way for you to customize your site as per your needs and requirements.
Top Benefits of Using Magento
- SEO-friendly
- Mobile-friendly
- Faster online store
- Easily customizable
- Flexible CMS
- Third-Party Integration
Weebly eCommerce – Easier than ever interface
An affordable website solution for business owners and entrepreneurs, Weebly eCommerce focuses on crafting easy-to-use templates that are fast to load on any device, from tablets to desktop computers. Weebly’s website builder has been touted as one of the fastest website builders..
You can also use the drag-and-drop interface on mobile devices, which gives business owners more flexibility when setting up their site and editing pages. It is especially evident if you are using a tablet or smartphone instead of a laptop.
Accessing your website from any device is critical when you have customers scattered across multiple regions, time zones, or countries!
Top Benefits of Using Weebly eCommerce
- Fully integrated website
- Advance dashboard
- Upgraded look & feel
- Automated emails
- Easier than ever interface
Prestashop – Multiple-currency pricing
Prestashop is an open-source shopping cart solution that you can use to sell your products online. It allows merchants to set up multiple-currency pricing, sales tax rules, and shipping options for their customers. Prestashop also includes features to help your business grow.
The software makes it easy to add user accounts and offers a simple interface that lets business owners keep track of inventory levels, perform basic marketing tasks, and manage orders from their desktop or mobile device. Prestashop was designed with new business owners in mind—and is free to download and use.
Top Benefits of Using Prestashop
- Easy to install
- User-friendly
- Demographic assistance
- Budget-friendly
- Portability
- High on functionality
Ecwid – Multiple payment options
One of the top ecommerce platforms for small businesses, Ecwid offers a suite of tools that makes setting up your store easy. Some highlights include responsive design, flexible shipping options, and integrations with online payment processors. If you’re looking to get started quickly, Ecwid is worth considering.
It is undoubtedly one of the best ecommerce platforms for small businesses because it’s straightforward to use. Moreover, with Ecwid, you can sell products on your website or on marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. It’s also easy to set up an online store through a social media account like Facebook or Instagram.
You don’t require any coding to get started. Notably, you can customize every aspect of your store, from colors and fonts to product descriptions and shipping options. However, if you’re uncomfortable doing that yourself, tons of pre-made templates will help make your site look great.
It is an excellent option if you want to get a professional-looking online store up and running quickly without hiring someone else to do it for you.
Top Benefits of Using Ecwid
- Affordable solution
- Usable on existing site
- Outstanding support
- Multiple payment options
- Secure service
BigCommerce – Product Syndication
Counted among the renowned eCommerce platforms, BigCommerce makes it easy to launch an online store. It’s got a clean, modern UI that considers mobile commerce and has tons of features like payment options and shipping integrations. You can sell anything on your site—not just products but also downloads and memberships.
There are even some advanced features you won’t find elsewhere, like product bundling, abandoned cart recovery emails, and page-level discounts. Like WooCommerce, there’s a lot of flexibility here, with either a free or paid plan available depending on your business needs. They also have powerful shipping features that rival Shopify below.
Top Benefits of Using BigCommerce
- Mobile friendly
- Product syndication
- Customer loyalty
- Easily manage returns
- Payment gateways
- Shipping providers
Sellfy – Smooth Shopping Cart Integration
An up-and-coming platform with a heavy focus on flexibility and ease of use, Sellfy is popular among entrepreneurs looking to start their online store and build their brand. Sellfy offers everything you need to start as an intuitive platform, including professional design templates, simple shopping cart integration, etc.
It also comes with a range of integrations that allow you to sell your products on other platforms such as eBay or Facebook. If you’re looking for a flexible platform that will enable you to grow as your business grows, Sellfy might be just what you’re looking for.
Top Benefits of Using Sellfy
- Intuitive platform
- Professional design templates
- Simple shopping cart integration
- High flexibility
- Social media integration
Odoo – Advance Inventory Management
Developed by Fabien Pinckaers, Odoo is a popular choice among many small businesses. While it offers a robust toolset, Odoo has been criticized for its steep learning curve. Still, some people prefer its flexibility and range of features over other platforms.
Notably, Odoo comes with many features, including a point-of-sale system and inventory management. The company also offers an open-source version, which is free to use.
Top Benefits of Using Odoo
- Extensible architecture
- High customization
- Open-source version
- Latest technology
- Easy to integrate
Zyro
Zyro doesn’t require a web host or any technical know-how to get started. All that is necessary is to create an account and choose a suitable package. You can set up a professional website using hundreds of templates and then edit them yourself.
As with most other DIY platforms, Zyro’s plans include all required upgrades and add-ons—no hidden fees here! You can also add products, customize shipping and payment options, or even build a mobile version if needed.
Top Benefits of Using Zyro
- Lower operational costs
- Easy to optimize
- Multiple addons
- Intuitive interface
- Multiple upgrades
Over to You
Choosing the best platform involves analyzing the company’s needs with your expertise and experience. If you’re new to online business, it’s a good idea to start with something with a lot of support or take help from eCommerce website design India.
If you’re an experienced entrepreneur, you might want to try something more cutting-edge. Either way, there are plenty of platforms that can help your business succeed.
I hope this article helps you choose the best platform to help your business get off to a great start.
Also, Read Here – https://www.dorjblog.com/the-ecommerce-functions-you-should-automate/