Best Platforms to Build an E-commerce Store
One may say, that building an online store is a piece of cake these days. On the one hand, it’s true. There’s no need to have extensive programming knowledge or to hire someone with experience in setting up websites. There are various online platforms giving the possibility to do it on your own. Many of them are easy-to-use and very intuitive, which makes them suitable even for a layperson. However, on the other hand, the number of platforms, multiplicity of their features and strong competition in the e-commerce industry can make retailers dizzy.
That’s why we decided to prepare an analysis of a few platforms available on the market. We’ve selected those, we believe are the best and we reviewed their features. Hopefully, it’ll facilitate the decision-making process!
1. Shopify
Shopify is the most popular e-commerce stores’ builder. 800 000 stores around the world, which generates $800 billion worth of sales, is based on this platform. Shopify was created by a group of people who wanted to build an online store but they couldn’t find a good tool for it. So they developed it themselves. They knew what is necessary to set up an online business and equipped the platform with appropriate features.
With Shopify, you can start, run and grow a business. It has a drag-and-drop store builder, which makes the process quick and simple. The store can be customized in terms of design, themes, colors and images. The platform gives a possibility to sell both online and offline, as well as manage payments and shipment and advertise products.
Additionally, there are more than 2500 applications integrated with Shopify, that can make the store even more. Heraldbee is one of them, so a Shopify user can easily automate Google Shopping campaign with Heraldbee App.
Shopify is available in three pricing plans: $29, $79 and $299 per month, but even the cheapest option is a great deal, enough for an average-sized business.
Who is it perfect for?
If someone is looking for a quick and simple, yet effective solution, Shopify is the platform to choose. Setting up an account, starting a shop and adding products only takes a few minutes. There’s also many Shopify Apps available to develop the shop.
2. WooCommerce
WooCommerce powers over 28% of all online stores. It’s an open-source platform for online businesses which works as a plugin for WordPress based websites.
With WooCommerce, shop owners can freely customize the store and adapt it to their needs with countless themes and various attributes. They can manage all aspects of the store, from products to orders. Similarly to Shopify, WooCommerce gives a possibility to sell online and offline. Additionally, it is compatible with other WordPress plugins and extensions. Heraldbee is one of them, which means Heraldbee App can be used to advertise products sold via WooCommerce store.
The platform has no limitations with regards to a number of users and products but also countries to operate in.
Who is it perfect for?
It’s extremely convenient for retailers who already have a WordPress based website and just want to add a shop to it. Additionally, the plugin itself is free of charge. Costs might only be generated by buying a domain, paid themes, extensions, etc.
3. BigCommerce
The team behind BigCommerce states that what drives their business is “customers first” attitude and constant need for innovation. It’s visible in their platform. BigCommerce doesn’t work as a drag-and-drop store builder, however, it is still highly customizable when it comes to themes or checkout.
The platform is integrated with WordPress. It also features mobile store’s support.
BigCommerce stores are SEO friendly with high site’s speed and customizable URLs. It’s recognized by stability and security, as well as great customer’s support. The platform offers a wide range of possibilities to scale a growing business.
There are three pricing plans available: $29.95, $79.95 and $249.95 per month.
Who is it perfect for?
It will be beneficial for merchants selling via multiple channels. One of the main BigCommerce advantages is the fact, that it can integrate many storefronts and allow retailers to manage all of them within BigCommerce. Whenever a product is added or updated to the BigCommerce platform, other channels are updated accordingly.
4. Squarespace
Squarespace Commerce is part of the Squarespace range of services which includes website and e-commerce shops building, domains searching, marketing and scheduling. It has been popular among high profile, famous brands.
With easy drag-and-drop builder Squarespace offers a lot of customizable themes, allowing for rich product display. The product itself can be physical or digital, but it can also be a service.
With Squarespace, a retailer can sell an unlimited number of products.
Squarespace has an app which makes it possible to manage a store with a mobile phone.
The pricing varies between $26-$46 per month, depending on a payment method.
Who is it perfect for?
The company values creativity more than anything. So the variety of available designs and their high quality makes the platform perfect for retailers who appreciate the store’s appearance and expression.
5. Wix
Wix is another website building platform which offers Wix Stores app with a drag-and-drop e-commerce shop builder. The platform services all aspects of a web-based store from designing it to orders, payments and shipment.
It is suitable for small retailers who are just starting their adventure with e-commerce. At the same time, it requires no programming knowledge and is quick to set up.
Wix assures a store built on their platform is adjusted to any device. It performs above average when it comes to the page’s speed.
Wix Stores is free, but it has to be added to the Wix based website. In order to activate sales via Wix Stores shop, one needs to have one of the Wix premium pricing plans which vary between $23-$29 per month.
Who is it perfect for?
With more than 500 professional templates and over 250 additional apps, Wix will certainly satisfy the needs of all kinds of businesses. On the other hand, it’s believed to be one of the most user-friendly and simple e-commerce tools on the market.
There’s no single platform which would be the best for everybody. Every online business is different so it’s important to review available options. Depending on the aspects you value the most, select the platform suitable for your business and enjoy your new e-commerce store!
Feel free to contact us in case of any questions via our support chat. We can offer tips for your store as well!
Start your marketing campaign with Heraldbee today!
