Top ecommerce platform for small business

Picking the right e-commerce platform is like choosing the right pair of shoes for a long walk—it's gotta fit just right. For small businesses, this choice can make a world of difference. With so many options out there, it feels a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. But don't worry, we've sifted through the noise to bring you the cream of the crop. Whether you're tech-savvy or just starting out, there's something here for everyone. Let's dive into our top picks for the best ecommerce platforms that can help your small business thrive online.

Key Takeaways

• Shopify offers a full suite of tools for building and managing your online store, starting at $39 per month.
• WooCommerce integrates with WordPress, providing flexibility and customization for small businesses, though some features may cost extra.
• Wix provides over 500 templates and supports numerous payment gateways, with plans starting at $17 a month.
• Squarespace is user-friendly with drag-and-drop design and marketing features, starting at $25 a month.
• BigCommerce is ideal for businesses needing robust security and multi-channel selling, with prices beginning at $39 a month.

1. Shopify

Shopify stands out as a top choice for small businesses looking to set up an online store quickly and efficiently. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Shopify makes it easy for anyone to get started.

Why choose Shopify? It's simple. Shopify offers a comprehensive package that includes everything you need to run an online store. From customizable themes to integrated payment gateways, Shopify has you covered.

Key Features

• Ease of Use: Shopify's onboarding process is straightforward. You can have your store up and running in minutes.
• Customizable Design: Choose from over 70 themes to create a site that reflects your brand.
• Multi-Channel Selling: Sell your products online, in-person, and across various platforms.
• 24/7 Support: Access help anytime through live chat, email, or phone.

What Makes Shopify Unique?

Shopify is an ecommerce software that integrates with over 100 payment gateways, including PayPal and Bitcoin, and offers features like abandoned cart recovery and automatic taxes. Its 14-day free trial offers a quick start for small business owners.

Shopify makes it easy to create an online store, but choosing the proper style, optimizing checkout, and using sales channels may set you apart. My Founding Partner's ecommerce package gives you professional tips on how to use Shopify's capabilities to easily attract and convert consumers.

2. WooCommerce

WooCommerce is an open-source plugin for WordPress, making it a top choice for those familiar with the platform. It's a flexible and customizable option that allows you to tailor your online store to fit your specific needs. One of the standout features of WooCommerce is its ability to integrate seamlessly with WordPress, offering a cohesive experience for store owners.

Key Features

• Customization: WooCommerce offers a wide range of themes and plugins, allowing you to create a unique store that reflects your brand.
• Payment Options: You can accept payments through platforms like PayPal, Stripe, and WooPayments, providing flexibility for both you and your customers.
• Analytics and Reporting: Get insights into your store's performance with built-in analytics tools.
• Inventory Management: Keep track of your stock levels and manage your products effortlessly.

Pricing

While WooCommerce itself is free, there are costs associated with running a WooCommerce store, such as hosting, domain registration, and SSL certificates. You'll also find that some plugins and themes are paid, which can add to your expenses.

Ideal For

WooCommerce is a customizable and scalable solution for small businesses, especially those using WordPress. It offers affordable ecommerce solutions tailored to individual needs, allowing users to create and expand their online stores.

Related: How to Grow an Ecommerce Business: Strategies for Scaling Up

3. Squarespace

Squarespace is an easy-to-use platform for small businesses to build an online store, offering drag-and-drop tools, customizable templates, and the flexibility to sell products and services. It supports rich product listings, high-quality images, and videos to engage customers.

Key Features

• Pricing: Starts at $23/month for the Business plan.
• Free Trial: 14 days, with a one-time extension available.
• Sales Channels: Sell on your online store, in-person, or via social media and marketplaces.
• Mobile App: Manage your store on the go with the Squarespace mobile app.
• Native POS: Available through the mobile app for seamless in-person transactions.

Squarespace's user-friendly interface, marketing tools, and robust inventory management make it popular among e-commerce site owners for quick site setup, shipping, fulfillment, and pickup integration.

Additional Benefits

• Recurring Billing: Perfect for subscription-based businesses.
• Scheduling and Calendar Integrations: Ideal for service-based businesses.
• Email Marketing and Social Media Integrations: Boost your marketing efforts with built-in tools.
• SEO Tools: Enhance your site’s visibility with Squarespace’s SEO features.

Related: How to Start an Ecommerce Business: A Beginner's Blueprint

4. Wix

Wix is a user-friendly platform for small business owners to create a professional online store with over 500 customizable templates, over 50 secure payment gateways, and mobile-optimized storefronts, making it a top choice for seamless online transactions.

Here's what you can expect when you choose Wix:

• Mobile Optimization: All templates are responsive, ensuring a seamless shopping experience on any device.
• Payment Flexibility: Choose from over 50 payment gateways.
• SEO Tools: Built-in tools help improve your store's visibility on search engines.
• Marketing Features: Use email campaigns, social media ads, and promo codes to boost your sales.

Wix is a great option for beginners, but building a truly effective ecommerce store takes strategic planning. Choosing the right design, optimizing for SEO, and integrating the best payment solutions are all crucial steps. With MFP, you’ll receive guidance on how to make Wix work for your specific business needs, ensuring a smooth and profitable online presence.

5. BigCommerce

BigCommerce stands out as a robust platform for small businesses aiming to grow their online presence. It's trusted by major brands like Samsung and Dell, which speaks volumes about its reliability and capabilities. If you're looking for a platform that can handle your business as it scales, BigCommerce is a top contender.

Here's what makes BigCommerce a great choice:

• Ease of Use: With its visual editor, you can create sleek, responsive websites without needing to know any code. This means you can focus more on your products and less on website design.
• Performance: Thanks to integration with Google Cloud Platform and Cloudflare, sites built on BigCommerce are incredibly fast. Fast-loading sites mean happier customers and better sales.
• Comprehensive Features: From built-in SEO tools to conversion and marketing tools, BigCommerce offers a suite of features to help your business thrive. You can also sell across multiple channels, including social media and marketplaces.
• Customer Support: You get 24/7 support through live chat, email, and phone. This ensures that help is always available when you need it.
• Flexible Pricing: Start with a 15-day free trial, then choose from plans like Standard ($39/month), Plus ($105/month), or Pro ($399/month). There's even a custom Enterprise option for larger needs.
• Payment Options: Integrate with popular payment processors like Stripe and PayPal, and offer customers the ability to use coupons, discounts, and gift cards.

BigCommerce is a versatile platform for businesses looking to enhance their online sales, offering tools for growth and effective scaling, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and expansion.

Related: Delivering Good News and Protecting Your E-commerce Promotion

6. Weebly

If you're looking for a straightforward way to build an online store, Weebly is a solid choice. It's a user-friendly platform that makes creating professional websites a breeze, especially for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Weebly provides a range of ecommerce tools that allow you to sell both physical and digital products with ease.

Here are some features that make Weebly stand out:

• Unlimited Products: Easily add as many items as you want to your store.
• Customizable Product Pages: Create new product pages on your desktop or through the app, complete with item badges, tax, and shipping calculations.
• Marketing Tools: Utilize pop-up notifications, lead capture, and SEO tools to boost your sales.

Weebly offers various plans for small businesses, including Performance-tier with priority support and Professional-tier with phone support, community forums, chat, email, and inventory management features. However, a well-structured store requires thoughtful setup, product organization, and marketing automation. My Founding Partner's ecommerce package provides step-by-step coaching.

The Right E-commerce Platform

The choice of an ecommerce platform depends on your specific needs and business goals. It's crucial to explore options and find the perfect fit for your small business. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Squarespace offer features to help businesses succeed. The best platform aligns with your business goals and simplifies your life. It's essential to find a platform that fits your budget and future plans, as it can significantly impact the smooth operation and growth of your business. Visit our website for valuable insights and resources to help you succeed.