Top Online Store Builders for Your Ecommerce Needs

Welcome to the world of ecommerce, where online stores have become a popular choice for business owners seeking global reach and maximum profitability. Gone are the days of traditional brick-and-mortar stores dominating the market. With the rise of technology, more and more entrepreneurs are turning to online store builders to create their own digital storefronts.

Setting up an online store can be an intimidating task, especially if you are new to the world of ecommerce. However, with the right online store builder, the process becomes much more manageable. From top 10 online store builders to the best online store builder for small business, there are various options available to suit your specific needs.

In this blog, we will dive into the world of online store builders and explore the top choices for ecommerce website development. We will discuss the key features, pricing, and customization options offered by each platform, so you can make an informed decision for your online business. Whether you are a small business owner, a dropshipper, or an established brand, there is an online store builder out there that is perfect for you. Let's get started!

Overview of Top Ecommerce Website Builders

When it comes to selecting an online store builder, you want to choose the best platform that offers the features you need while providing ease of use. Here is an overview of the top ecommerce website builders in the market today, including the best online store builder for small business and the easiest ecommerce website builder:

• Shopify, an industry leader known for its comprehensive features, shopify payments, shopping cart, and sales channels, is the top choice for many ecommerce businesses. It allows you to build a professional ecommerce site hassle-free while offering various sales channels to reach customers.

• Wix, on the other hand, specializes in customization options and ecommerce features, making it the best store builder for those who want complete control over the look and feel of their online store. With Wix, you can create a stunning website with ease, including a custom domain name, shopping cart, and ecommerce features.

• Squarespace, the design-focused platform, offers beautiful templates and intuitive tools to create an eye-catching ecommerce website. It provides inventory management and a free domain, making it the best choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and design.

• BigCommerce is an ideal platform for large businesses, offering unlimited products, advanced features, and various payment options. It is known for its scalability and robust ecommerce platform, making it the top choice for businesses looking to expand.

• Weebly is great for small to medium businesses, offering the easiest online store builder for those new to ecommerce. With its free plan, online store capabilities, and integration with Square, Weebly provides an excellent platform for smaller businesses looking to establish an online presence quickly.

• Now, let's dive deeper into each ecommerce platform, exploring their key features, pricing, and what sets them apart from the competition.

Shopify – An Industry Leader

Embrace the innovation and reliability that Shopify brings to your e-commerce journey. Discover the endless possibilities it offers to elevate your online store's performance. Explore the robust features that make Shopify a top choice for businesses seeking success in the digital market. Dive into the world of Shopify, where you can harness its power to enhance your online presence. Trusted by many as an industry leader, Shopify provides a solid foundation for business owners to thrive in the competitive landscape of e-commerce.

Wix – Best for Customization

Unlock an extensive array of customization options with Wix, a design powerhouse that allows you to tailor your online store to perfection. Elevate your brand identity using Wix's customizable templates and design tools, enabling you to personalize every aspect effortlessly. With Wix's user-friendly interface, stand out from the competition by leveraging its unmatched customization capabilities. Explore Wix's free trial and various plans to find the best fit for your business needs.

Squarespace – Best for Design

Elevate the visual appeal of your online store by leveraging Squarespace's impressive design features. Dive into Squarespace's design-focused strategy to craft a visually appealing e-commerce platform. Infuse your website with artistic elements using Squarespace's design capabilities. Curate a unique and memorable shopping experience through Squarespace's design-centric approach. Unleash your creativity and design skills with the innovative tools provided by Squarespace, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize aesthetics in their online stores.

BigCommerce – Ideal for Large Businesses

For large businesses looking to scale their e-commerce operations seamlessly, BigCommerce offers enterprise-level solutions. Empower your business with robust features tailored for large enterprises, streamlining your online store's growth trajectory. Opting for BigCommerce means handling the unique demands of your expanding business efficiently. Maximize performance with advanced functionalities designed for large enterprises, ensuring efficiency and growth in a competitive market. With BigCommerce, businesses can access tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of a large-scale operation.

Weebly – Great for Small to Medium Businesses

For small to medium businesses, Weebly offers a harmonious fusion of ease-of-use and practicality. Small and medium-sized enterprises can harness the power of Weebly's user-friendly e-commerce tools. Streamline your online store setup effortlessly with Weebly's intuitive platform designed for success. Tailored to smaller businesses, Weebly provides a seamless e-commerce journey. Start your online business venture effectively by utilizing Weebly's array of features.

Detailed Analysis of Each Ecommerce Platform

Now that we have explored the top online store builders and their key features, let's dive deeper into the details of each platform. In the following sections, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the key features, pricing, and customization options offered by Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, BigCommerce, and Weebly. By the end of this blog, you will have a thorough understanding of each ecommerce platform, empowering you to make the best choice for your online business.

Key Features of Shopify

Shopify, the industry leader in ecommerce website builders, offers a wide range of features designed to help businesses succeed online. Let's take a closer look at the key features that make Shopify a top choice for entrepreneurs:

• Abandoned Cart Recovery: One of the standout features of Shopify is its abandoned cart recovery functionality. This feature automatically sends reminder emails to customers who have abandoned their shopping carts, encouraging them to complete their purchase. This helps you capture potential sales that would have otherwise been lost.

• Marketing Tools: Shopify provides a variety of marketing tools to help promote your online store. From email marketing campaigns to SEO optimization, you can easily attract new customers and drive traffic to your site. Shopify also integrates with popular social media platforms, allowing you to sell products directly on channels like Facebook and Pinterest.

• Inventory Management Features: With Shopify, inventory management becomes a breeze. You can easily track and manage your inventory, set up product variants, and receive notifications when stock is low. This ensures that you never run out of products and can fulfill customer orders promptly.

• App Store: Shopify's extensive app store gives you the ability to add additional functionality to your online store. Whether you need advanced analytics, customer support tools, or social media integration, the app store has you covered. With thousands of apps to choose from, you can customize your store to meet your unique business needs.

Pricing of Shopify

When it comes to pricing, Shopify offers various plans to cater to different business requirements. Let's explore the pricing options and understand what each plan offers:

• Basic Shopify: Priced at $29 per month, the Basic Shopify plan provides the essential features for getting your online store up and running. It includes features such as 24/7 customer support, unlimited products, and sales channels. However, it does come with a 2% transaction fee for using external payment gateways.

• Shopify: The Shopify plan, priced at $79 per month, offers additional features, including professional reports, abandoned cart recovery, and the ability to create gift cards. The transaction fee decreases to 1% with this plan, incentivizing merchants to use Shopify Payments, Shopify's own payment gateway.

• Advanced Shopify: The Advanced Shopify plan, priced at $299 per month, is designed for businesses with significant sales volume. It offers advanced features, including advanced report builder, third-party calculated shipping rates, and the lowest transaction fee of 0.5% for external payment gateways.

• Shopify Plus: For larger enterprises with complex ecommerce needs, Shopify offers the Shopify Plus plan, which provides advanced customization, unlimited sales, and priority customer support. The pricing for the Shopify Plus plan is custom, depending on the business requirements.

• It's important to note that all Shopify plans come with a free SSL certificate, ensuring a secure shopping experience for your customers.

Key Features of Wix

Wix emphasizes customization, making it the best store builder for businesses that want complete creative control over their online store. Let's explore the key features that set Wix apart:

• Drop Builder: Wix's drag-and-drop website builder is the core feature that enables users to create stunning websites without any coding knowledge. This intuitive interface allows you to customize the layout, design elements, and content of your ecommerce site effortlessly, giving you complete creative freedom.

• Ecommerce Site: With Wix, you can easily transform your website into a fully functional ecommerce site. Add product pages, customize product listings, and set up payment options, all from the user-friendly interface. Wix makes it easy for customers to navigate your online store and make purchases with ease.

• Social Media Integration: Wix seamlessly integrates with popular social media platforms, allowing you to market and sell products directly through social channels. By connecting your online store to social media, you can reach a wider audience and drive more traffic to your ecommerce site.

• Wix App Market: Wix offers an extensive app market, providing additional features and functionalities for your online store. From marketing tools to inventory management, the app market enables you to enhance your website's capabilities and tailor it to your specific business needs.

Pricing of Wix

Wix offers a range of pricing plans, including options for both basic website building and ecommerce functionality. Let's explore the pricing options for creating an online store with Wix:

• Business Basic: The Business Basic plan, priced at $23 per month, is the starting point for ecommerce functionality with Wix. It offers features such as unlimited bandwidth, custom domain, and 20GB of storage. This plan is best suited for small businesses looking to establish an online presence.

• Business Unlimited: Priced at $27 per month, the Business Unlimited plan includes additional features, such as 35GB of storage, advanced site analytics, and access to the Wix Ascend marketing suite. This plan is ideal for businesses looking for advanced ecommerce capabilities and marketing tools.

• Business VIP: The Business VIP plan, priced at $49 per month, provides premium features, including priority support, 50GB of storage, and unlimited bandwidth. This plan is suitable for businesses that require top-level support and advanced features.

• Additionally, Wix offers an ecommerce plan for online stores with higher transaction volumes. The pricing for the ecommerce plan starts at $500 per month and includes advanced ecommerce features, custom reports, and dedicated support.

• It's worth noting that Wix offers a 14-day free trial, allowing you to test the platform before making a commitment.

Key Features of Squarespace

Squarespace, known for its design-focused approach, offers stunning templates and a user-friendly interface for creating visually appealing ecommerce websites. Let's explore the key features that make Squarespace a top choice for design-conscious entrepreneurs:

• Design Templates: Squarespace offers a wide selection of professionally designed templates, ensuring that your online store looks sleek and polished. The templates are mobile responsive, meaning your site will look great on any device, providing a seamless shopping experience for your customers.

• Commerce Plan: Squarespace's commerce plan is the key feature that enables online store functionality. With the commerce plan, you can accept payments, manage inventory, and set up shipping options. It provides all the essential features for running a successful online store, including customer accounts, abandoned cart recovery, and gift cards.

• Mobile App: Squarespace has a mobile app that allows you to manage your online store on the go. With the app, you can track inventory, fulfill orders, and respond to customer inquiries, all from the convenience of your mobile device. This provides flexibility and ease of management for ecommerce store owners.

• Inventory Management: Squarespace's inventory management tools make it easy to keep track of your products, manage stock levels, and provide accurate information to customers. You can set alerts for low stock, track sales, and organize your inventory efficiently, ensuring that you never run out of popular products.

Pricing of Squarespace

Squarespace offers pricing plans designed specifically for ecommerce functionality, allowing you to build and manage an online store. Let's explore the pricing options provided by Squarespace:

• Business: The Business plan, priced at $18 per month, is the starting point for ecommerce functionality with Squarespace. It allows you to sell products online, includes unlimited bandwidth and storage, and provides 24/7 customer support. However, this plan comes with a 3% transaction fee for each sale made, making it less suitable for high-volume sales.

• Basic: The Basic plan, priced at $26 per month, is the next tier for ecommerce functionality. It includes features such as custom domain, website metrics, and the ability to sell unlimited products. The transaction fee for the Basic plan decreases to 2% per sale, making it a more cost-effective option for businesses.

• It's worth noting that Squarespace offers a 14-day free trial, allowing you to explore the platform and its features before committing to a paid plan.

• For businesses looking for advanced ecommerce features such as abandoned cart recovery, gift cards, and advanced shipping options, Squarespace offers the Advanced plan, which is custom pricing based on the business's requirements.

Key Features of BigCommerce

BigCommerce stands out as the platform of choice for large businesses with extensive ecommerce needs. Let's explore the key features that make BigCommerce an ideal choice for scaling online stores:

• Sales Features: BigCommerce provides a comprehensive set of sales features, enabling you to sell products across different channels with ease. With features like customer groups, advanced pricing rules, and wholesale capabilities, you can create personalized shopping experiences tailored to your customers' needs.

• Payment Gateways: BigCommerce supports various payment gateways, including popular options like PayPal, Stripe, and Square, giving your customers the flexibility to pay using their preferred methods. The platform also offers built-in integration with major payment providers, making setup and management seamless.

• Search Engine Optimization: BigCommerce offers advanced search engine optimization features, ensuring your online store ranks higher in search engine results. With features like customizable URLs, meta tags, and sitemaps, you can optimize your store for better visibility, driving more organic traffic and potential customers.

• Customer Support: BigCommerce provides 24/7 customer support, ensuring that any issues or questions you have are promptly addressed. Whether you need assistance with store setup, customization, or technical support, the customer support team is there to help you navigate the platform and maximize its features.

Pricing of BigCommerce

BigCommerce offers pricing plans designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes, from small to enterprise-level companies. Let's explore the pricing options provided by BigCommerce:

• Standard: The Standard plan, priced at $29.95 per month, is the starting point for online stores with basic ecommerce needs. It offers features such as unlimited products, unlimited storage, and the ability to sell on various channels. This plan caters to small businesses or those who are just starting out.

• Plus: The Plus plan, priced at $79.95 per month, provides additional features, including abandoned cart recovery, customer segmentation, and advanced payment options. It is suitable for growing businesses looking to expand their ecommerce capabilities.

• Pro: The Pro plan, priced at $299.95 per month, is designed for businesses with high sales volumes and advanced features. This plan includes advanced analytics, Google customer reviews, and priority support, providing the tools needed to scale your online store.

• BigCommerce also offers custom pricing for the Enterprise plan, which is tailored to the specific requirements of large-scale ecommerce businesses.

• All BigCommerce plans come with a 15-day free trial, allowing you to test the platform before committing to a paid plan.

Key Features of Weebly

Weebly, known for its ease of use, is the perfect choice for small to medium businesses looking to establish an online presence. Let's explore the key features that make Weebly the easiest online store builder for entrepreneurs:

• Drag and Drop Website Builder: Weebly's drag-and-drop website builder makes website creation a breeze, even for those with no technical experience. You can easily customize the layout, add elements, and rearrange content with just a few clicks, giving you full control over the look and feel of your online store.

• SEO Tools: Weebly provides built-in SEO tools, helping you optimize your online store for better search engine rankings. You can customize meta titles, descriptions, and URLs, ensuring that your products are easily discoverable by potential customers. With Weebly, you can drive organic traffic and grow your online business.

• Email Marketing: Weebly offers email marketing capabilities, allowing you to reach out to customers and promote your products effectively. You can create professional-looking email campaigns, segment your customer list, and track the performance of your marketing efforts, all from the Weebly platform.

• Shopping Cart: Weebly's shopping cart feature enables customers to add products, update quantities, and proceed to checkout seamlessly. It includes features like inventory management, secure payment options, and order management, providing a streamlined shopping experience for your customers.

Pricing of Weebly

Weebly offers pricing plans designed to accommodate small to medium-sized businesses, offering flexibility and scalability for online store owners. Let's explore the pricing options provided by Weebly:

• Free Plan: Weebly offers a free plan that allows you to build a basic website and start selling products online. The free plan provides essential features, including unlimited products, square online, and the ability to accept payments through Square. However, it does have limitations, such as the inability to connect a custom domain name.

• Business Plan: The Business plan, priced at $25 per month, is the first paid plan offered by Weebly. It includes features such as advanced ecommerce features, email marketing tools, and the ability to connect a custom domain. The Business plan is suitable for small businesses looking to scale their online store and take advantage of advanced marketing features.

• Pro Plan: The Pro plan, priced at $12 per month, provides additional features, including password-protected pages, site search, and video backgrounds. This plan is best suited for entrepreneurs looking for advanced website customization options and added security features.

• It's worth noting that all paid plans come with a free domain for the first year, enabling you to establish a professional online presence without additional costs.

How to Choose the Right Ecommerce Platform for Your Business

Now that we have explored the key features, pricing, and customization options of the top online store builders, you may be wondering how to choose the right ecommerce platform for your business. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

• Assessing Your Business Needs: Evaluate your business needs, including the type of products you sell, sales volume, and the marketplaces you want to target. Consider factors like inventory management, payment processing, and sales channels required for your online business to thrive.

• Understanding the Cost: Determine your budget and understand the pricing structures of each ecommerce platform. Consider factors such as transaction fees, pricing plans, and potential hidden costs, ensuring that the platform aligns with your financial goals.

• Determining the Level of Customization Required: Consider the level of customization you need for your online store. Evaluate the available design options, templates, and ease of use of each platform's website builder. Look for features that allow you to create a unique, branded online store experience.

• Evaluating the Importance of Customer Support: Customer support is crucial for any online store builder. Consider the level of customer support provided, including live chat, support hotline, and online resources. A responsive and knowledgeable support team can help you resolve issues quickly, ensuring minimal downtime for your online business.

• By assessing your business needs, understanding the cost, determining the required customization level, and evaluating customer support, you can make an informed decision about the best ecommerce website builder for your online business.

Assessing Your Business Needs

Understanding your product range is key when assessing your business needs, ensuring that your online store effectively showcases what you offer. The volume of sales and payment options required should align with the platform's capabilities for seamless transactions. Customization plays a crucial role, tailoring your store to meet specific branding and user experience demands. Integration with other tools enhances efficiency, streamlining operations for better productivity. Analyzing your target market aids in aligning platform features with customer preferences, optimizing the shopping experience for increased conversions and customer satisfaction.

Understanding the Cost

When considering your online store's expenses, it's essential to analyze the pricing packages and their offerings thoroughly. Take into account extra charges like transaction fees or payment processing costs. Assess each plan's benefits concerning your business objectives and weigh long-term expenses against potential savings from scalable options. Understanding the cost breakdown empowers you to make well-informed decisions for your eCommerce venture.

Determining the Level of Customization Required

When establishing your online store, ascertain the extent of customization needed for your business. Seek an eCommerce platform providing diverse templates and customization features. Evaluate the platform's user-friendliness and interface. Prioritize secure payment methods, inventory control, and shipment tracking capabilities. Assess the pricing structures and customer service offerings.

Evaluating the Importance of Customer Support

When selecting an ecommerce platform, one crucial aspect to consider is the quality of customer support provided. It is essential to choose a platform that ensures round-the-clock customer assistance through various channels like phone, email, and live chat. Additionally, reviewing feedback from other users can give insight into the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team. Assessing the availability of resources such as tutorials, forums, and FAQs is also beneficial as it empowers you to troubleshoot issues independently. Moreover, weighing the value of premium support options against their costs is vital to determine if they align with your business requirements. Evaluating the customer support offerings of different online store builders can significantly impact your overall experience and success in managing your ecommerce store.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Importance of SEO in Ecommerce?

Implementing effective SEO strategies is vital for boosting your online store's visibility in search results. By optimizing your site, you can attract organic traffic, improve user experience, and ultimately increase conversions and sales. Enhance your ecommerce success with strategic SEO practices.

Do These Platforms Charge Transaction Fees?

When operating online stores, some platforms impose transaction fees on sales. The charges vary based on the chosen plan and payment gateway. Consider these fees when selecting a builder to align with your budget. Popular platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and Wix may have such fees based on the plan.

Can You Transfer Your Existing Online Store to a New Platform?

Yes, transitioning your current online store to a new platform is possible. Many ecommerce solutions offer tools for a smooth migration. Remember to back up your data first. When selecting a new platform, consider design, features, and expenses.

Can You Sell Digital Products on These Platforms?

Absolutely! Many leading online store builders support the sale of digital products. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce enable you to offer digital downloads such as ebooks, software, music, or courses. Ensure to explore each platform's features for selling digital goods.

Making the Final Decision

When finalizing your choice, compare pricing, features, and templates of online store builders. Assess integrated payment options and shipping solutions for a smooth customer journey. Review testimonials to evaluate customer satisfaction and support quality.

Recap of the Top Ecommerce Platforms

Exploring leading ecommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Magento reveals diverse features and pricing structures catering to varied business requirements. When selecting a platform, factors such as usability, scalability, customization capabilities, and integrations are crucial for finding the perfect fit for your online store.

Which Ecommerce Platform is the Best Fit for Your Business?

When selecting an ecommerce platform, consider factors like ease of use, pricing, customization, and scalability to align with your business needs. Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and Magento are popular options. Research their features, support, and integrations for informed decision-making.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right ecommerce platform is crucial for the success of your online store. Each platform mentioned - Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, BigCommerce, and Weebly - has its own unique features and pricing plans. It's important to assess your business needs, understand the cost implications, determine the level of customization required, and evaluate the importance of customer support before making a decision.

Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, there is a platform that can cater to your specific needs. Consider factors such as SEO capabilities, transaction fees, the ability to sell digital products, and the ease of transferring your existing online store. With careful consideration and research, you can find the perfect ecommerce platform that aligns with your business goals and helps you create a successful online store.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance in making your decision, feel free to refer to our FAQ section or reach out to our team for guidance. Happy selling!