Not sure which ecommerce platform to go with?
By the end of this guide, you will know the best ecommerce platform you can use this year to help with your business.
Hereβs what we will tackle here:
What ecommerce platforms are for The best ecommerce platforms Insights on the key features and pricing Ready? Letβs get started.
Ecommerce platforms are designed to enable businesses and individuals to create, manage, and scale their online stores.
They provide a comprehensive suite of tools for product listing, order management, and payment processing.
Additionally, these ecommerce solutions offer features for marketing, SEO, and analytics, helping businesses optimize their online presence and understand customer behavior.Β
Ecommerce platforms continue to evolve and offer a diverse range of solutions to meet the varying needs of businesses across different sectors.
1. WooCommerce
WooCommerce powerful and flexible ecommerce platform built on WordPress (you can leverage the most popular content management system).
Itβs renowned for its open-source nature, which provides extensive customization options through themes and plugins.
This platform is particularly favored by those who already have a WordPress website and are looking to extend it into a fully functional online store.
π» Key features
Extensive customization : Users can choose from hundreds of themes and thousands of plugins for deep customization of the functionality and appearance.Seamless WordPress integration : WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPressβββwhich makes it a natural choice for users familiar with the WordPress environment.Wide range of payment gateways : Supports over 140 region-specific payment gateways including popular options like PayPal, Stripe, Amazon Pay, etc.Store management tools : Offers detailed order tracking, customer engagement tools, inventory management, and tax settings.Scalability : Can scale from small stores to large enterprises, capable of handling extensive product ranges and high volumes of traffic and transactions.
π° Pricing
WooCommerce itself is a free plugin , but running a WooCommerce store involves various potential costs, including costs for domain name and hosting, themes, etc.
After exploring WooCommerceβs features, you might be wondering about the best hosting solution to power your online store.
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2. Wix
Wix cloud-based development platform with millions of users worldwide, well-known for its user-friendly interface and versatile design capabilities.
Wix continues to stand out as a top choice for businesses looking to establish or expand their online presence through ecommerce.
It offers a comprehensive suite of tools that cater to a wide range of ecommerce needs , from small startups to large enterprises.
π» Key features
Intuitive website builder : Its drag-and-drop website builder will allow users to create custom ecommerce sites without the need for coding knowledge.Β Comprehensive ecommerce tools : Provides end-to-end merchant solutions, including product management, inventory tracking, order fulfillment, and shipping options.Advanced marketing and SEO tools : Offers SEO features, email marketing campaigns, and social media integration to attract and retain customers.Secure payment options : Supports a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, various digital wallets, and a native payment processor.Mobile management : The Wix Owner app allows users to manage their ecommerce business on the go.
π° Pricing
Wix offers several annual ecommerce plans, catering to different levels of ecommerce activity, ranging from $7 to $46 per month .
3. Shopify
Shopify start, manage, and grow their businesses with ease.
It allows users to create an online store, manage products, and handle sales across multiple channels including online marketplaces and social media.
Additionally, Shopify supports in-person sales through its integrated point-of-sale system, which makes it a versatile solution for both online and offline retail.
π» Key features
Multi-channel selling : Enables businesses to sell not only through their websites but also through social media, online marketplaces, and physical locations.Extensive app integration : Businesses can extend the functionality of their ecommerce websites to include everything from enhanced SEO features to advanced inventory management.Customizable templates : Offers a variety of customizable templates that allow businesses to design their stores according to their brand aesthetics.Shopify Payments : The built-in payment system, Shopify Payments, streamlines transactions by removing the requirement for setting up an external payment provider.Advanced analytics and reporting : Provides detailed analytics and reporting tools that help businesses track sales, customer behavior, and other important metrics.
π° Pricing
Shopify offers several pricing plans to accommodate the varying needs of different businesses, ranging from $19 to $299/month, billed annually .
For more complex businesses, the plus plan is available for $2,300/month on a 3-year term .
4. BigCommerce
BigCommerce prominent SaaS ecommerce platform that offers robust features for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.
Itβs designed to help merchants sell more at every stage of business growth by providing an advanced platform that supports a wide array of sales channels and integrations.
BigCommerce is known for its scalability, security, and comprehensive set of built-in tools that facilitate online selling across multiple marketplaces and social channels.
π» Key features
Multi-channel selling : Excels in its ability to integrate seamlessly with various marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and social media platforms.Advanced security : Known for its high-security standards, including ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and PCI DSS 3.1, Level 1 certifications.Customizable themes : Offers a range of customizable themes that are mobile-responsive.Extensive app marketplace : With over 1000 apps available, BigCommerceβs app marketplace allows businesses to extend the functionality of their stores.Headless commerce capabilities : Gives businesses the flexibility to use WordPress or other front-end systems while managing their commerce engine through BigCommerce.
π° Pricing
BigCommerce offers several pricing plans ranging from $29 to $299/month, billed annually . The enterprise plan is also available under a custom pricing scheme.
5. Squarespace
Squarespace integrates ecommerce capabilities and is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses and creative professionals.
Squarespace allows users to create visually appealing and functional online stores with minimal technical expertise.
Itβs particularly favored by artists, photographers, and boutique retailers who prioritize aesthetics alongside functionality in their digital storefronts.
π» Key features
Stunning, customizable templates : Celebrated for its design-forward templates that are both beautiful and responsive.Β Integrated ecommerce tools : Users can manage products, inventory, orders, and customer information directly from their Squarespace dashboard.Zero transaction fees : On specific plans, Squarespace offers 0% transaction fees.Powerful marketing and SEO tools : Includes built-in tools for SEO, blogging, and social media integration.Abandoned cart recovery : Available on higher-tier plans, this feature sends reminder emails to customers who have left items in their carts.
π° Pricing
Squarespace offers four main pricing plans tailored to different needs, ranging from $16 to $49 per month, billed annually .
Adobe Commerce B2B and B2C markets .
Itβs designed to provide businesses with the ability to create personalized shopping experiences that can scale as the online business grows.
Adobe Commerce is distinguished by its integration with Adobe Experience Cloud solutions , offering deep personalization and unmatched insights to understand customers better.
π» Key features
Integrated Adobe Experience Cloud solutions : Leverages the power of Adobe Analytics, Adobe Real-Time Customer Data Platform, Adobe Target, and Adobe Journey Optimizer.AI-driven Merchandising : Increases sales through personalized buyer journeys powered by Adobe Commerce data and AI-driven merchandising.Composable commerce development : Simplifies the development and integration of composable commerce with a unified developer platform and integrations starter kit.Enhanced B2B ecommerce growth : Supports large enterprise buyers across any business model with enhanced quoting and comprehensive B2B functionalities.HIPAA-ready cloud platform : Offers a HIPAA-ready cloud platform for healthcare and life sciences, ensuring privacy and delivering exceptional patient experiences.
π° Pricing
Adobe Commerce offers a custom-based pricing strategy tailored to a businessβs unique needs and scale.
Businesses interested in Adobe Commerce should contact Adobe directly to request a custom quote that reflects their specific requirements and sales volume.
7. PrestaShop
PrestaShop open-source ecommerce platform that originated in France and has gained substantial popularity worldwide, particularly in Europe and Latin America.
Itβs designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, offering extensive customization capabilities and a robust set of features tailored for online retail.
PrestaShopβs flexibility and scalability make it a competitive choice for merchants looking to build and grow their online stores with a platform that can adapt to their evolving needs.
π» Key features
Extensive customization : Provides a high degree of customization due to its open-source nature.Comprehensive ecommerce Tools : Includes advanced features such as catalog management, inventory tracking, dynamic pricing rules, and promotions management.Multi-language support : Supports over 40 languages, which makes it an excellent option for businesses aiming to reach a global audience.Integrated payment solutions : Offers integration with over 70 payment gateways.SEO and marketing tools : Comes equipped with built-in tools for search engine optimization and marketing, including email and SMS marketing capabilities.
π° Pricing
PrestaShopβs pricing structure is primarily influenced by its open-source model, which allows for free download and installation .
However, running a PrestaShop site involves other costs, including domain name, web hosting, SSL/TLS Certificate, maintenance and updates, and themes.
8. Ecwid
Ecwid small businesses and individuals looking to venture into online sales.
Acquired by Lightspeed and integrated into its suite of commerce solutions, Ecwid stands out for its ease of use and flexibility, allowing sales across various online/offline channels.
Itβs designed to be embedded into any existing website or social media platform, or even utilized as a standalone online store.
π» Key features
Multi-channel selling : Supports selling on multiple platforms, including social media, online marketplaces, and in-person with POS integration.Extensive payment gateway support : With over 70 payment options, including its own Lightspeed Payments for select regions.Mobile management apps : Offers Android and iOS apps for ecommerce store management, allowing merchants to manage their stores on the go.Β Customizable storefront : Merchants can choose from over 70 themes and use the platformβs drag-and-drop functionality to personalize their online store.No transaction fees : Stands out by not charging any transaction fees on sales, which makes it a cost-effective option for small businesses.Β
π° Pricing
Ecwid offers a range of plans for various business needs from $21 to $89 per month, billed annually , including a forever-free plan for those just starting.
9. Salesforce Commerce Cloud
Salesforce Commerce Cloud cloud-based ecommerce platform for creating seamless and scalable online shopping experiences.
It integrates with Salesforceβs suite of products, enhancing its capabilities with powerful CRM features and providing businesses with a comprehensive view of their customers.
This platform is particularly favored by mid to large-sized companies and is popular among fashion and lifestyle brands due to its advanced features and scalability.
π» Key features
Multi-channel capabilities : Excels in managing multiple sales channels, including online, mobile, social media, and in-store.AI-powered personalization : Embedded with Salesforce Einstein AI, the platform offers personalized shopping experiences by analyzing customer behavior and preferences.Global expansion support : Supports global business operations with multi-language, multi-currency, and various international payment methods.Robust order management : Includes order management capabilities that streamline the process of order fulfillment, inventory management, and after-sales service.Seamless integrations : Integrates seamlessly with other Salesforce clouds, including Marketing and Service Clouds.
π° Pricing
Salesforce Commerce Cloud employs a custom pricing model that varies based on the specific needs and scale of the business.
The platform typically charges a percentage of the clientβs gross merchandise value (GMV)βββthe costs then relate to the success and scale of the online store.
10. Shift4Shop
Shift4Shop comprehensive ecommerce platform that offers a wide range of features to support businesses of all sizes in building and managing their online stores.
Itβs particularly noted for its robust functionality and affordability, which makes it a popular choice among small to medium-sized enterprises.
The platform provides an all-in-one solution that includes web hosting, shopping cart functionality, and advanced ecommerce tools.
π» Key features
Multi-channel selling : Supports selling across various channels, including online, social media, and through mobile interfaces.Advanced SEO and marketing tools : Includes built-in SEO tools and a suite of marketing tools for email campaigns, social media integration, and more.Comprehensive payment solutions : Offers integration with over 100 payment gateways, including its own Shift4 Payments.Robust security features : PCI compliant and includes features like two-factor authentication and built-in fraud protection.Extensive customization options : Users can choose from a wide selection of themes and can customize their ecommerce website using built-in tools or direct code editing.
π° Pricing
Thereβs a free , fully-featured enterprise-grade plan for those who use Shift4 Payments and meet a minimum processing requirement of $500/month .
For those who choose not to use Shift4 Payments or do not meet the minimum processing requirement, pricing starts at $29/month .
Selecting the ideal ecommerce platform for your business involves considering your specific needs, such as the scale of your operations, desired features, and budget constraints.
Considering the level of customer support and the community around each platform can also be crucial, as these factors significantly impact the ease of troubleshooting.
Ultimately, the right choice will align with your business goals, ensuring seamless integration, ease of use, and the ability to expand as your business grows.
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