Today, over 22% of global retail sales are expected to happen online by 2025 [Source: Statista]. This shows the huge growth of ecommerce. It’s a great time for entrepreneurs and businesses to go online. Ecommerce website builders are key tools. They help create, manage, and grow online stores.
There are many ecommerce platforms out there, each with its own strengths and prices. It can be hard to pick the best one for your business. Whether you’re starting small or you’re a big company, the right ecommerce website builder is crucial for your online success.
Key Takeaways
- Online sales are projected to account for over 22% of global retail sales by 2025, highlighting the immense growth potential of ecommerce.
- Ecommerce website builders provide the necessary tools and features to create, manage, and grow an online store efficiently.
- With a wide range of ecommerce platforms available, it’s crucial to choose the right one that aligns with your business needs and goals.
- Factors to consider when selecting an ecommerce platform include ease of use, customization, scalability, security, and customer support.
- Pricing, hosting, integrations, and user reviews are also important considerations when choosing an ecommerce website builder.
Understanding E-commerce Platforms
An ecommerce platform is the digital base for your online store. It gives you all the tools you need to start, run, and grow your e-commerce business. You can build your online store, manage products, process payments, and fulfill orders with it. It’s the main place for your online sales.
What is an E-commerce Platform?
An ecommerce platform is a software that lets businesses sell online. It has many features and tools, like:
- Customizable online store design and branding
- Product management, including inventory tracking and updates
- Secure payment processing, including integration with popular payment gateways
- Order management and fulfillment
- Marketing and promotional tools, like email campaigns and SEO optimization
- Reporting and analytics to track sales, customer behavior, and more
Choosing the Right Platform: Key Considerations
When picking an ecommerce platform, think about these important things:
- Technical Expertise: Check if your team knows enough tech. Some platforms need a lot of coding skills, while others are easy to use.
- Product Volume and Complexity: Look at how many products you have and how complex they are. Some platforms work better for small inventories or custom items.
- Growth Potential: Think about how big your business might get. Choose a platform that can grow with you, handling more sales and new features.
- Budget: Figure out how much you can spend each month. This includes fees, payment gateway costs, and any extra services.
- Required Features: Make a list of the features you need, like selling on multiple channels, managing inventory, or advanced marketing tools.
By thinking about these factors, you can pick the ecommerce platform that fits your business best. This will help your online store succeed in the long run.
Top E-commerce Platforms in 2024
Choosing the right e-commerce platform is key when starting an online business. In 2024, the top platforms offer various features, pricing, and audiences to meet different business needs. Shopify, WooCommerce, Ecwid, Jumpseller, Selldone, and PayPro are among the leading choices.
Shopify is a top e-commerce solution with a G2 rating of 4.8 out of 5. It’s great for big e-commerce businesses. Prices range from $29 to $299 monthly, with a $1 first-month deal. It has a user-friendly design, lots of features, and over 8,000 apps to add more functionality.
WooCommerce is a popular open-source platform with a G2 rating of 4.4 out of 5. It’s known for being customizable and affordable. It works with WordPress, making it flexible for businesses of any size, from small startups to big e-commerce companies.
- Ecwid: This platform is simple and affordable, letting businesses add an online store to their website or social media.
- Jumpseller: It has a beautiful design and is easy to use, perfect for businesses wanting a nice online store.
- Selldone: Selldone is great at managing inventory, offering a full solution for sales and operations.
- PayPro Global: This all-in-one platform has many features like payment processing, subscriptions, and tax management for businesses of any size.
In 2024, these e-commerce platforms offer a wide range of features, pricing, and audiences. This lets businesses pick the best solution for their needs and goals. Whether you’re starting small or you’re a big company, there’s a platform to help you launch your dream store and succeed online.
| Platform | G2 Rating | Pricing | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | 4.8/5 | $29 to $299 per month | User-friendly, robust features, 8,000+ apps |
| WooCommerce | 4.4/5 | Cost-effective, flexible for businesses of all sizes | Customizable, open-source, integrated with WordPress |
| Ecwid | N/A | Affordable, seamless integration with existing websites | Simple, easy to use, suitable for smaller businesses |
| Jumpseller | N/A | N/A | Visually appealing, user-friendly interface |
| Selldone | N/A | N/A | Powerful inventory management, comprehensive e-commerce solution |
| PayPro Global | N/A | N/A | All-in-one e-commerce solution, payment processing, subscriptions, tax management |
“Launching an online store is easier than ever with the many e-commerce platforms in 2024. These solutions help businesses of all sizes succeed in the digital marketplace.”
Shopify: User-Friendly and Robust
Shopify is a top choice for creating an online store. It’s easy to use and packed with features. This makes it great for businesses of all sizes to grow online and manage their stores smoothly.
Pros and Cons
Shopify shines with its easy website builder and a huge selection of themes. It also works well with many apps and services. This lets merchants customize their stores and add features like inventory management and secure payments. But, Shopify has transaction fees on some plans, which might be a problem for businesses with lots of sales.
Pricing and Target Audience
Shopify starts at $29 a month, making it affordable for any business size. It’s perfect for both new and experienced online sellers. It offers solutions that grow with your business.
Let’s look at how Shopify compares with other ecommerce platforms in terms of price and user satisfaction:
| Platform | Monthly Price | G2 Star Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify | $29 | 4.4/5 |
| Shift4Shop | $29 | 3.9/5 |
| Square Online | $29 | 4.2/5 |
| Squarespace | $28 | 4.4/5 |
| BigCommerce | $29 | 4.2/5 |
Shopify’s prices and ratings are competitive, making it a top choice for businesses wanting to start or grow an online store.
WooCommerce: Customizable and Cost-Effective
WooCommerce is a top ecommerce platform that works great with WordPress sites. It’s free and open-source, offering lots of customization and a big community for extra help. But, it does need some tech skills to set up and run, especially for those new to it.
Pros and Cons
WooCommerce stands out for its flexibility, ability to grow, and many plugins available. It lets businesses customize everything from managing stock to improving customer experiences. Yet, being self-hosted means owners must handle server upkeep, security, and updates, which can be tricky.
Pricing and Target Audience
WooCommerce is perfect for entrepreneurs who know their tech and small to medium businesses wanting a flexible and affordable online store. Even though it’s free, running a WooCommerce store costs money for things like domain names, hosting, SSL certificates, and payment gateways. The guide says the yearly cost can be from $120 for hosting to 2.9% + $0.30 per sale for payment fees.
“WooCommerce currently powers 3.6 million online stores, showing its big success and wide use in ecommerce.”
WooCommerce is great for many businesses, from tech-savvy starters to big companies using WordPress already. Its flexibility and control over costs make it a strong choice for those wanting to start or grow their online shop.
Ecwid: Simple and Affordable
For entrepreneurs wanting to start an ecwid online store, Ecwid by Lightspeed is a great choice. It’s easy to use and won’t break the bank. It’s perfect for businesses with a few products, making it easy to start selling online.
Ecwid’s free plan lets you begin quickly and easily. You can list products, set up payment and shipping, and design your site. As your business grows, you can easily move to a paid plan for more features like email marketing and managing your stock.
About 87% of online sellers start an online store to earn money. With Ecwid, starting is easy, and hosting your site costs just a few dollars a month. Plus, using dropshipping means you don’t need to buy inventory upfront.
Ecwid is great for small businesses and new online store owners. It’s easy to use and has lots of features. This lets entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality without spending a lot of money.
| Platform | Free Plan Details |
|---|---|
| Ecwid by Lightspeed | Forever Free plan with no transaction fees, up to 10 products |
| Big Cartel | Free plan with up to 5 products |
| Wix | Free plan with up to 500 MB of bandwidth and storage |
| Weebly | Free plan with unlimited digital and physical products |
| Square Online | Free plan with unlimited product listings |
If you’re starting out or own a small business, Ecwid’s ecommerce platform is a great choice. It’s simple and affordable, helping you launch your online store and start earning online today.
“Ecwid by Lightspeed makes it easy to start an online business without breaking the bank. Their free plan has everything I needed to get my store up and running quickly.”
Jumpseller: Beautiful and User-Friendly
Choosing the right ecommerce platform is key when starting an online store. Jumpseller is a top pick for its good looks and ease of use. It’s perfect for businesses that focus on design and have a smaller product range.
Pros and Cons
Jumpseller offers a smooth online shopping experience with its easy-to-use interface and stylish themes. The drag-and-drop builder and marketing tools like email marketing and coupons make running your store simple. But, it might not be the best for those wanting full customization.
Pricing and Target Audience
Starting at $29 a month, Jumpseller is budget-friendly for small to medium businesses. It’s ideal for those wanting a beautiful online store without needing lots of tech skills.
| Feature | Jumpseller | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Starts at $29 per month | Requires additional fees for plugins and services |
| Transaction Fees | No transaction fees | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction with WooCommerce Payments |
| Shipping Services | Integrated shipping methods for free | Requires additional yearly fees for shipping services like FedEx or UPS |
| Payment Gateways | Supports multiple payment gateways including PayPal and Stripe | Limited availability of payment gateways with WooCommerce Payments |
| SEO Tools | Built-in SEO tools for free | Requires a paid plugin like Yoast WooCommerce SEO |
| Multilingual Support | Free built-in multilingual feature | Requires a paid third-party plugin for translation |
Jumpseller is great for businesses wanting a pretty and easy-to-use online store. It’s affordable and has all the right tools. Start with Jumpseller today and reach new heights in ecommerce.
Selldone: Powerful Inventory Management
For businesses looking for a strong ecommerce platform, Selldone is a great choice. It has many features for companies with complex inventory or selling across many channels.
Selldone is rated 8.1/10 by experts and ranked #15 in ecommerce platforms. It supports over 146 currencies and works in 190 countries. This makes it perfect for businesses wanting to reach customers worldwide. Selldone also has everything you need for handling lots of orders, from startups to big companies.
Selldone is known for its strong inventory management. It lets businesses manage stock across different locations and warehouses. This helps them keep track of their inventory easily. Plus, it has CRM tools to help manage customer relationships better.
Even though Selldone might be a bit harder to use than some other platforms, its advanced features are great for complex inventory needs or expanding online sales. It has a white-label solution, automation, and real-time analytics. This makes it a powerful tool for ecommerce growth.
“Selldone has been a game-changer for our business. The robust inventory management capabilities and multichannel selling features have allowed us to streamline our operations and reach a wider customer base.”
– John Doe, CEO, XYZ Retail
PayPro Global: All-in-One Solution
In the fast-changing world of ecommerce platforms and online store builders, PayPro Global is a top choice for businesses of all sizes. It has over 15 years of experience and is trusted by thousands of software vendors globally. They handle millions of orders and make payment processes smooth.
PayPro Global supports 25 languages, offers over 70 payment methods, and works with more than 110 currencies. This means it can reach customers worldwide. It also helps businesses make more money with special offers, recovering lost sales, and boosting sales rates.
PayPro Global is known for its great customer support. Their team is always ready to solve any selling problems, making customers happy with their payment help.
Also, PayPro Global follows strict rules to keep businesses safe and legal online. It’s PCI DSS Level 1 and GDPR compliant, giving businesses peace of mind.
“PayPro Global has been an invaluable partner in growing our online business. Their all-in-one solution and exceptional customer support have been instrumental in increasing our sales and lowering marketing costs.”
If you’re looking for a powerful ecommerce platform for global sales, PayPro Global is a great pick. It has everything you need to grow your online store successfully.
Alternative Options and Niche Platforms
There are many ecommerce platforms beyond Shopify, WooCommerce, and Ecwid. These options range from big solutions for large stores to easy-to-use platforms for specific needs. They offer choices that go beyond the top names in the industry.
BigCommerce, Wix E-commerce, and More
BigCommerce is great for stores that sell a lot, especially those focusing on B2B sales. It has advanced features for businesses that need to grow and have many options. Wix E-commerce is easy to use for those already on Wix, making it a one-stop-shop. There are many other platforms out there, each with its own strengths and who they help.
Specialized Platforms for Makers and Creators
Platforms for makers and creators are becoming more important. They offer features like customizable stores, marketing tools, and community support. These platforms help makers and creators build a strong online presence. They also help them reach more people while keeping their products true to their brand.
| Platform | Pricing | Key Features | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| BigCommerce | $29-$299/month | Scalable, enterprise-level features, focus on B2B | High-volume stores, B2B-focused businesses |
| Wix E-commerce | $17-$55/month | Seamless integration with Wix website builder, user-friendly | Wix website users, small to medium-sized businesses |
| Etsy | $0.20 per listing, plus 5% transaction fee | Dedicated platform for handmade, vintage, and craft items, community support | Artisans, designers, small-scale producers |
| Squarespace | $16-$46/month | Beautiful, customizable designs, integrated ecommerce features | Small businesses, creatives, entrepreneurs |
Looking at these different ecommerce platforms can help businesses and creators find the right one for them. They can match their needs and who they want to reach.
Enterprise Solutions for Large-Scale Businesses
As your ecommerce business grows, picking the right enterprise ecommerce solutions is key for success. These platforms handle high sales, complex inventory, and detailed reports well. They are vital for big ecommerce needs.
Enterprise-level ecommerce solutions need a bigger investment but offer the right tools and support for big businesses. They have advanced features that grow with your business. This ensures your online store can manage more sales and complexity.
For big businesses, there are two main ecommerce options: on-premises and cloud-based platforms. On-premises give more control and customization. Cloud-based platforms are great for scaling and saving on costs.
Top ecommerce platforms for big businesses include Salesforce Commerce Cloud, BigCommerce, and Adobe Commerce (Magento). Each has unique features and benefits for different business needs.
Choosing the right ecommerce platform means looking at scalability, customization, system integration, omnichannel support, analytics, and total cost. The right choice helps big businesses make the most of their online presence and grow sustainably.
Best Website to Start Online Store: Comprehensive Comparison
Choosing the right ecommerce platform is key to launching your dream online store. It’s important to compare the top options to pick the best one for your business. The best platforms offer easy-to-use interfaces and strong customization options for businesses of all sizes.
Let’s explore some top websites for starting an online store in 2024:
- Wix – Wix has been a leader in website building for over 14 years, with over 100 million websites powered by it. It’s easy to use, thanks to its drag-and-drop interface and many templates. This makes it simple for businesses to create a great online look.
- Shopify – Shopify is a top choice for ecommerce, with over 1 million websites running on it. It’s known for its strong features and ability to grow with your business. Shopify is perfect for businesses wanting a solid online sales base.
- Hostinger – Hostinger is a great alternative to Wix, offering website building and hosting for just $2.49 a month. It has AI tools and 24/7 live chat support, making it ideal for small and medium businesses.
| Platform | Pricing | Payment Processing | Shipping Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wix | Plans start at $27/month | Wix Payments or other credit card processors | Discounted shipping rates with USPS and other carriers |
| Shopify | Basic Plan starts at $29/month | Built-in payment processing | Discounted shipping rates with USPS, UPS, DHL |
| Hostinger | Plans start at $2.49/month for the first 12 months | Integrates with various payment gateways | Facilitates in-store pickup and local delivery |
When picking the best website for your online store, consider the features, pricing, and capabilities of each platform. This ensures you choose one that fits your business goals and budget. A detailed comparison helps you launch your online store smoothly and successfully.
Key Factors in Choosing the Right E-commerce Platform
Choosing the right e-commerce platform is key to your online business’s success. You need to think about several important factors. These include your tech skills, the size of your product catalog, your growth goals, your budget, and the features you need for your business.
First, consider your tech skills. If you’re not tech-savvy, go for a platform like Shopify or Wix E-commerce. They’re easy to use and don’t require much tech knowledge. But, if you have a big product catalog or complex needs, look at WooCommerce or BigCommerce. They offer more customization options.
Next, think about your budget. E-commerce platforms have different price tags. Some offer basic plans at a lower cost, while others require a bigger investment for more features. Make sure to check the pricing, including any extra fees, to see if it fits your budget.
| E-commerce Platform | Pricing Range | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify | $29 – $299/month | Small to medium-sized businesses |
| WooCommerce | Free (with hosting and domain costs) | Small to medium-sized businesses, especially WordPress users |
| BigCommerce | $29.95 – $299.95/month | Small to enterprise-level businesses |
To pick the best e-commerce platform, weigh your business needs, tech skills, and budget. Choose a platform that offers great usability, flexibility, and growth potential. This will help your online store succeed in the long run.
“Choosing the right e-commerce platform is a crucial decision that can make or break the success of your online business. Take the time to carefully consider your needs and options to ensure you select a platform that will provide the right foundation for your long-term growth and profitability.”
Conclusion
In today’s digital world, having an online store is key for businesses to grow. By picking the right ecommerce platform, entrepreneurs can manage their stores well. This gives customers a smooth experience and helps the business grow.
There are many ecommerce platforms out there, each with its own strengths. They suit businesses of all sizes. By looking at the main factors and comparing top platforms, you can find the best one for your online store. This way, you can make your business dream come true.
Starting a business comes with its own set of challenges. But with the right ecommerce platform and a strong plan, you can make your online store a success. This will help your business grow and succeed in the long run.