What Is an E-Commerce Platform?
The e-commerce platform is a software program that assists companies in creating and managing their online stores. This can cover anything from website design to payment processing to hosting and more. In another way, it's everything you require in one location to manage your shop. E-commerce systems include Squarespace, WooCommerce, Shopify, and Wix.
The most popular and best online store platforms will make it simple to create the precise store you want by providing a large selection of features and connectors. Additionally, they will be simple to use, allowing you to swiftly and effortlessly open your business.
Types of E-commerce Platforms
E-commerce platforms are divided into two categories: cloud-based and self-hosted. Self-hosted e-commerce sites provide more control over features like security, reliability, and scalability but also put you in charge of conducting your server, which can sometimes be difficult.
On the other hand, cloud-based platforms are controlled by the provider, which frees you from having to maintain servers but limits your ability to supervise the website.
- Self-hosted E-commerce platforms
Self-hosted e-commerce platforms are where the store owner is responsible for hosting and maintaining the website on their own server or through a third-party hosting provider. Self-hosted platforms offer flexibility and control but require more technical expertise and resources.
- Cloud-based e-commerce platforms
Cloud-based e-commerce platforms are online store solutions that are hosted and managed by a third-party service provider. Unlike self-hosted platforms, where you need to manage your own server and handle technical maintenance, cloud-based platforms are hosted on the provider’s servers, and they take care of most of the technical aspects for you, such as server management, updates, and security.
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How To Choose the Best E-Commerce Platform?
With numerous of the best online store platforms available, it's crucial to focus on the features that are most important for your business. What works well for one seller might not suit another. For instance, if you only sell a few items, you won’t need software designed to manage a large inventory.
Consider these key factors when selecting the best e-commerce platform:
- Pricing: The budget is, however, the main factor in determining which e-commerce platform small businesses just starting their online store choose. Additional costs associated with e-commerce websites need to be considered, such as monthly subscription costs and transaction fees. Some would offer low charges for subscriptions on a monthly basis but charge a higher amount per processing. Whichever it may be, the best value of any consideration needs to be determined with regard to your business.
- Ease of use: The best online store platforms should ease web designing and online business administration. Ideally, the platform should have an interface with which website modifications are easy to perform and offer seamless connections.
- Features: Each e-commerce platform has a feature set that is both comparable and unique. Which characteristics are most important to you when choosing which one? In particular, take into consideration if they provide drop shipping connectors, integrated email marketing tools, a free SSL certification, or a free domain name.
- Customer Service: It's essential to choose a platform that provides excellent customer care via your preferred mode of contact when you need it.
- Design and Customization: The top e-commerce platforms enable users to create and maintain a comprehensive e-commerce site with ease, even if they have no previous web design or coding skills. Focus on the features that are already included, the option to personalize a theme or template, and the availability of prebuilt themes and templates.
The top 5 e-commerce platforms
Here are the top 5 platforms for ecommerce business:
- Shopify
- Wix
- BigCommerce
- WooCommerce
- Squarespace
Shopify
Shopify is one of the best online store platforms among the top 5 platforms for ecommerce business that allows the building and maintenance of online stores for consumers as well as companies. Without requiring complex technological knowledge, it provides tools for managing items, creating websites, taking orders, and processing payments. Shopify's point-of-sale technology facilitates sales across various channels, such as social media and in-person transactions. In addition, it offers analytics, an app store, and marketing tools for further functionality. Shopify makes online product sales easier and is perfect for small and large businesses.
Key features of Shopify:
- Personalized Store Structures: Choose from various themes that best represent your business.
- Product Management: Adding, organizing, and managing products—including stocks and variations—is a simple task.
- Payment process: For safe and secure payments, use Shopify Payments and other gateways.
- Multi-Channel Selling: You can sell across several channels with Shopify POS, such as social media, online marketplaces, and physical storefronts.
- SEO and Marketing Tools: Built-in SEO features, email marketing, and social media integration are included.
- Order Management: Manage client data, arrange delivery, and keep track of orders.
PROS:
- Three-day free trial; no need for a credit card.
- User-friendly interface including customizable store without coding.
- Offers POS functionality with inventory tracking, staff management, and more.
- Provides the most dropshipping integrations among e-commerce platforms.
CONS:
- Short-term trial period.
- Selection is limited to free themes.
PRICING:
Shopify gives a Basic plan for $29 per month (paid annually). However, there are more plans like Shopify plan ($79), Advanced plan ($299), and Advanced plan ($299).
WIX
With Wix, users can design excellent websites without knowing any code. It's a very flexible website-building platform. Its drag-and-drop website builder, editable templates, and SEO tools make it easier for people, companies, and creatives to develop, launch, and manage websites. To access e-commerce capabilities like online payment processing and multi-channel order management, you can either construct a basic website for free or upgrade to a premium plan.
Key features of Wix:
- Customizable Themes with Drag-and-Drop Editor: Wix's drag-and-drop feature makes it simple to develop and maintain websites by using hundreds of professionally designed templates appropriate for various industries.
- SEO Tools & Blogging Platform: Use integrated SEO tools to boost your site's visibility while managing a blog with content creation, scheduling, and SEO skills to boost traffic and audience engagement.
- E-commerce Features & App Store: Use a wide range of apps for chat, reservations, and other functions to create and manage virtual stores with ease, collect and handle payments, keep an eye on orders, and add more features.
- Wix ADI with Mobile Optimization: Adapt your website to mobile devices automatically, or use Wix's Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) to build a personalized version of your website quickly.
- Web Hosting, Domain Services & Customer Support: With Wix, getting secure hosting, domain registration, and access to comprehensive tutorials, discussion forums, and customer support is simple.
PROS:
- Powerful configuration wizard and integrated SEO features
- 14-day free trial plan available on paid plans
- Sell numerous products
- Free templates available
- An excellent website builder with strong eCommerce compatibility
- Cost-free premium hosting
CONS:
- Analytics and tracking need a paid or subscription package.
- Templates are not switchable once the site is live
- There is a one-year limit on the availability of free domains.
- Storage on the entry-level e-commerce package is limited to 50 GB.
PRICING:
Wix gives a Basic plan for $27 per month (paid annually). However, there are more plans like Light plan ($17), Core plan ($29), Business plan ($36), and Business Elite plan ($159).
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a full-of-function best e-commerce platform that allows organizations of all sizes to set up and run online stores. It provides several easily adjustable themes, sophisticated SEO capabilities, and robust integrated functions for order fulfillment, payment processing, and product administration. BigCommerce is recognized for its scalability, which enables companies to expand without changing platforms. Through its support for multi-channel selling, sales on websites like Amazon, eBay, and social media are made possible. BigCommerce is a versatile option for small and large businesses since it interfaces with many third-party apps and services.
Key features of BigCommerce:
- Designable Storefronts: You can easily and rapidly change the appearance of your store to better represent your brand by choosing from a range of responsive themes.
- Multi-channel e-commerce: BigCommerce streamlines marketplace connection, sales on social media platforms, and even the updating of in-store sales data automatically.
- Shipping Tool: Choose from a variety of shipping partners provided by BigCommerce and receive shipping at the lowest prices in the industry.
- APIs: BigCommerce provides developers with high-performance APIs to employ in the development of their solutions.
- Expert Product Management: Manage stocks, product variants, and extensive catalogs with the use of strong management tools.
PROS:
- 15-day free trial with zero transaction costs.
- Unlimited bandwidth, products, and storage.
- Several integrated tools for marketing and sales.
- An easy-to-use page builder and robust e-commerce plans.
- More than 65 payment solutions.
- Provides built-in store-building features without extra fees.
CONS:
- Expensive premium themes (many are over $200).
- Domain names are not included in the plans.
- Not as cheap as other e-commerce platforms.
- Plans have a limit on the overall quantity of sales.
PRICING:
BigCommerce provides a basic plan of $29 per month (paid annually). However, there are other monthly plans like Standard ($39), Plus ($105), Pro ($399), and Enterprise (Custom pricing).
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free, open-source plugin for the WordPress blogging platform. It transforms a content-driven WordPress website into a store with product listings, a shopping cart, and a checkout for users who want to sell products online. Because of its integration with the platform, it is ideal for businesses looking for a customized e-commerce solution or those that already use WordPress. To add functions like payment gateways, shipping choices, inventory management, and marketing tools, this platform offers a ton of themes and extensions.
Key features of WooCommerce:
- Multi-Language Content: WooCommerce's translation into 24 languages and multiple currency pricing allows you to reach global audiences.
- Jetpack: You can protect your store and maintain it using WooCommerce's Jetpack solution, guaranteeing that sales are always safe.
- Themes and Extensions: Take advantage of risk-free shopping and complimentary one-month samples for an extensive assortment of themes and extensions.
- Payment and Shipping: Offers personalized shipping choices and ties together with a number of payment methods.
PROS:
- Free to use, No extra transaction fees
- Customizable framework and variety of extensions and plugins
- Multiple payment gateways are available
- Many extensions are accessible
- Have customer and admin accounts along with a guest checkout option for buyers.
CONS:
- Do not support on-phone
- Only for WordPress websites
- WordPress learning curve for new users
- You must buy web hosting, a domain, and an SSL certificate separately
PRICING:
WooCommerce provides a Free basic plug-in per month.
Squarespace
Squarespace is a popular website builder that provides an easy-to-use platform for building business websites. It's sufficient for both people and organizations because of its sturdy characteristics and a large selection of customizable layouts. Without significant technical experience, you can quickly build your website, add content, and maintain your online presence.
Key features of Squarespace:
- Drag-and-drop Editor: Squarespace is renowned for its straightforward drag-and-drop editor, which enables users of all experience levels to design websites that look professional without knowing the code.
- Connectivity with Social Media: Permit customers to buy your products directly from Facebook and Instagram.
- Blog Management AI: One of Squarespace's newest features makes marketing easier. All you have to do is give the app a prompt, and it will come up with excellent marketing material.
- Captivating themes: Squarespace offers a wide range of expertly created themes that fit different industries and design aesthetics, guaranteeing that your website is both contemporary and aesthetically pleasing.
- Membership Sales: Because Squarespace makes managing and selling subscriptions easier, it's perfect for companies that operate on a monthly or annual basis.
PROS:
- No need for transaction fees
- Simple beginner-friendly and easy to use with no web design experience requirement
- Free domain name, SSL certificate and unlimited bandwidth, storage
- Access to a variety of free, professionally designed templates
- Easy and simple to update your design
CONS:
- No free plan and multichannel selling
- Individuals with higher-tier plans can modify CSS and HTML files.
- Minimal payment options, including only Stripe, PayPal, or Apple Pay.
- Limitations of worldwide selling, in particular with its multilingual characteristics and the ability to offer things in only one currency
PRICING:
Squarespace provides a basic plan of $28 per month (paid annually). However, there are other monthly plans like Personal ($23), Business ($33), Pro ($399), and Commerce Basic ($36).
FaQ:
Which e-commerce platform is best for dropshipping?
Shopify is widely considered the best platform for dropshipping due to its ease of use, integration with dropshipping apps like Oberlo, and multi-channel selling capabilities.
What is the best B2B e-commerce platform?
BigCommerce and Magento are considered top B2B e-commerce platforms due to their scalability, customizability, and advanced features tailored for business-to-business needs.
How do I build an e-commerce website?
To build an e-commerce website, choose a platform (like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Wix), select a domain name, design your store using available themes, add products, set up payment gateways, and launch your store.
What is a headless e-commerce platform?
A headless e-commerce platform decouples the front-end (user interface) from the back-end (database, inventory management, etc.), allowing developers more flexibility in designing custom user experiences across multiple channels.
What is an open-source e-commerce platform?
An open-source e-commerce platform provides access to the source code, allowing businesses to fully customize their website. Popular examples include WooCommerce, Magento, and PrestaShop.