Top 5 Platforms of E-commerce Marketplace for Business

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.

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:

1. Shopify
2. Wix
3. BigCommerce
4. WooCommerce
5. 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).