The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Ecommerce Platform for Your Business in 2023
When it comes to setting up an online store, there are many options to choose from. Choosing the best e-commerce platform can be a daunting task, as each platform offers a unique set of features, pricing, and integrations.
However, with so many options available, it's important to compare and find the one that fits your specific business needs and goals.
In this article, we'll look closely at some of the top e-commerce platforms.
The Ultimate 10 Best E-commerce Platforms in 2023
lists the following e-commerce platforms as the best:
These platforms are considered to be the best based on various factors such as cool marketing features, SEO, multichannel functionality, and more. The article suggests comparing these platforms to find the best fit for your needs.
1. Shopify
Shopify is a popular e-commerce platform that provides businesses with a one-stop solution for building and growing their online store.
It offers a wide range of features, from a template-based site builder to comprehensive product catalogs and easy payment options.
With its user-friendly interface and flexible design, Shopify is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced e-commerce entrepreneurs.
What are the benefits of using Shopify?
One of the key advantages of Shopify is its scalability. No matter how big your business is, Shopify can accommodate your needs and help build trust and reputation among users.
With an astonishing amount of add-ons and integrated functions, the platform ensures satisfaction for even large stores.
Shopify's ease of use is another central selling point. It's as easy as plug-and-play, allowing small businesses to start selling quickly and with everything they need including - hosting, website builder, payment gateway, order tracking, and marketing tools.
This quick and affordable solution has made Shopify a go-to choice among e-commerce platforms.
What are some limitations of Shopify?
However, it's important to note that you should be aware of a few limitations and subtler facts about the platform upfront.
The platform has also faced some controversy, as one of the websites hosted by Shopify was found to be engaging in illegal activity, leading to questions about the platform's responsibility in monitoring the websites it hosts.
2. BigCommerce
Have you ever stumbled upon an e-commerce platform that promises to unravel the mysteries of online retail management with effortless grace? Look no further than BigCommerce, a cloud-based solution that purports to offer businesses the complete package to establish and operate their virtual storefronts.
With BigCommerce, merchants can effortlessly maneuver their products, orders, and customers, as well as harmoniously integrate with sundry third-party platforms such as shipping carriers, social media, and marketplaces.
Features of BigCommerce
BigCommerce proffers a smorgasbord of features aimed at assisting businesses in creating, growing, and managing their online stores.
The following are some of the salient features that the platform offers:
1. Customizable Themes: BigCommerce boasts an array of themes that businesses can use to give their online stores a professional and unique appearance.
These themes are adjustable and can be altered to align with the brand's aesthetics.
2. Inventory Management: BigCommerce's inventory management system is efficient and flexible, enabling businesses to manage their stock levels and track their products.
This system is engineered to streamline the process of inventory management for businesses.
3. Multichannel Selling: BigCommerce supports multichannel selling, allowing businesses to sell their products through various channels, including their online store, social media, and marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay. This feature facilitates businesses in reaching a more extensive audience and increasing their sales.
4. E-commerce Integrations: BigCommerce integrates with various e-commerce tools and platforms, including marketing tools, shipping carriers, and payment gateways, to aid businesses in streamlining their operations and maximizing sales. The platform's integrations make it easier for businesses to manage all aspects of their online store.
Pricing
BigCommerce offers three plans for small businesses, with pricing that scales based on the additional features. The plans range from $29.95 to $299.95 per month, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.
Benefits of Using BigCommerce
Using BigCommerce for your online store has several advantages, including:
1. Scalability: BigCommerce is highly scalable, allowing businesses to start small and grow as their needs change.
2. Ease of Use: BigCommerce is user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for businesses to manage their online store.
3. Built-In Tools: BigCommerce provides a range of built-in tools, such as payment processing, shipping integrations, and inventory management, to help businesses streamline their operations and concentrate on growing their business.
Criticisms of BigCommerce
Although BigCommerce has many positive aspects, Some users have reported that the platform is expensive compared to other e-commerce solutions, while others have criticized its features as being average and not standing out from the crowd.
3. Wix
Wix is a cloud-based website builder that provides users with various tools and features for creating and maintaining their websites.
It offers a drag-and-drop editor, a large app store, and a range of SEO tools to help businesses increase their online visibility.
Wix is an excellent option for those who want a code-free website-building experience, making it a popular choice for small business owners and beginner web designers alike.
Brimming with Advantages
1. Ease of Use: The drag-and-drop editor and massive collection of templates are a testament to the intuitive nature of Wix.
Even for those without prior experience, the platform makes it a breeze to craft a professional-looking website.
2. Enormous App Store: The expansive app store, overflowing with additional tools and features, grants users the power to customize their website to their exact specifications.
The app store encompasses a wide range of options, from marketing aids to e-commerce functionality.
3. Potent SEO Tools: Wix provides a plethora of SEO tools aimed at boosting a business's online visibility.
These tools include site optimization, Google Analytics integration, and the ability to incorporate keywords for improved search rankings.
4. Customization Galore: Wix's robust customization options allow users to tailor their website to their unique needs, including custom fonts, images, and more.
5. Free Domain Name and Hosting: The platform also offers its own web hosting and domain name services, with free and paid options available, making it a convenient one-stop shop for managing one's digital persona.
Consider the Shortcomings
While Wix offers many benefits, there are also some limitations to be aware of:
1. Limited Ability to Change Templates: One of the most common complaints about Wix is its limited ability to change templates.
Once a template is selected, users may find it difficult to switch to another option without starting from scratch.
2. Software Limitations: Wix also has some software limitations that may impact users, including limited design options and limitations on custom coding.
4. ShopWired
ShopWired, one of the best e-commerce platforms, a UK-based e-commerce enabler founded in 2013, has generated a significant buzz in the eCommerce realm, embodying an impeccable reputation for excellence.
Dubbed a fully hosted platform, this behemoth has been instrumental in propelling the e-commerce dreams of over 8,500 businesses, including the likes of Wowcher and EDF Energy, to fruition.
A recent Trustpilot review has referred to ShopWired as the epitome of e-commerce platforms in the UK, garnishing compliments for its exceptional Live Chat customer service team.
The same review even went on to extol the virtues of a team member named Chris, for his invaluable support and assistance.
ShopWired's outstanding performance has been echoed by the wider community, with an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 428 Trustpilot reviews.
ShopWired pride itself on offering a plethora of professional, free, and customizable themes optimized for maximum success and designed with mobile commerce in mind.
These themes are not just aesthetically pleasing, but are also responsive, ensuring a seamless experience across a multitude of devices.
As per a review on Capterra, ShopWired is a comprehensive e-commerce tool, catering to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises, boasting features such as bulk uploading, reporting, email marketing, gift cards, SEO management, referral awards, tax settings, and much more.
5. Zyro
The cutting-edge eCommerce website builder, Zyro, leverages the power of Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize the web development process.
This innovative platform promises an extensive suite of tools and features, designed to simplify and accelerate website creation, delivering professional-quality results in record time.
Unleashing the Power of AI in Website Building
1. AI-powered website building: Zyro harnesses the might of AI to streamline website building, infusing relevant elements and content into your website with ease.
This transforms the web development experience, making it more efficient and time-effective.
2. Integrations with marketing and analytical tools: Additionally, the platform offers seamless integrations with various marketing and analytical tools, enabling you to monitor your website's performance and make informed decisions.
3. Mobile-friendly templates: The templates available on Zyro are optimized for mobile devices, ensuring that your website remains visually appealing on all screens.
4. 30-day money-back guarantee: With a 30-day money-back guarantee across all plans, Zyro is a risk-free investment for anyone looking to launch a new website.
5. Payment options: Moreover, the platform supports a broad range of payment options, including popular credit and debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
Pricing Models to Suit Your Needs
Zyro presents a range of pricing plans to cater to the diverse needs of its users. Starting at just $0.99 per month, the platform is an affordable choice for small businesses, hobbyists, and anyone seeking a simple website-building solution.
However, it's essential to note that the cost of the plans may vary based on the features you require and the duration of your subscription.
A User Interface Designed for Ease of Use
The user interface of Zyro prioritizes ease of use, delivering a drag-and-drop builder and intuitive navigation, even for those without coding experience.
The platform offers a broad collection of templates and designs that you can customize to meet your specific needs.
Pros and Cons of Using Zyro
The key benefits of using Zyro include its simplicity, affordability, mobile-friendliness, and integrations.
However, the platform's tools and integrations may be limited for small businesses and service providers compared to other website builders.
Additionally, large e-commerce stores may find that the features of Zyro are not scalable enough to support rapid growth.
6. Volusion
Volusion, the epitome of eCommerce excellence, stands out as a beacon of hope for small businesses looking to make a mark in the online world.
Boasting an impressive 30,000 active stores, it is a popular and one of the best eCommerce platforms for small business owners seeking to establish an online presence.
Exemplary Features and Effortless Usability
Volusion has undergone a comprehensive transformation, elevating its user interface to new heights of user-friendliness and accessibility.
The platform offers over 300 visually captivating designs, with the majority being mobile responsive, catering to the modern-day consumer.
The backend of the platform is intuitive and straightforward, simplifying the process of managing products in your Volusion store.
At the core of Volusion lies the cloud-based eCommerce software, VOLT, a flexible block-based system that empowers novice users to create a functioning store by leveraging pre-built themes and customizing content blocks.
This feature-rich platform offers support at every journey step, making it an ideal choice for those without a technical background.
Affordable Pricing Options to Fit Every Budget
Volusion offers a plethora of pricing plans, catering to every budget, starting at just $35 per month. Although its pricing may not be the strongest point, it remains a worthwhile investment, with prices higher than other popular eCommerce platforms such as BigCommerce and Shopify.
Unwavering Performance and Reliability
Volusion is a reliable and robust e-commerce software, a suitable choice for mid-sized companies with an exceptional grasp of selling features.
With a 3.5 rating, it is deemed a worthy option for small business-friendly e-commerce.
However, it's important to keep in mind that no platform is perfect, and every e-commerce platform comes with its limitations.
The key is to determine if these limitations are significant enough to be deal-breakers for you.
7. Sellfy
A newer entrant into the world of eCommerce, Sellfy is shaking things up with its versatile offerings for businesses and creators alike.
Boasting a unique emphasis on digital products, Sellfy has its sights set on catering to the creative community - filmmakers, painters, artists, designers, musicians, and writers.
With its simple and user-friendly interface, Sellfy is making it effortless for these individuals to sell their work online, transforming the digital marketplace.
Features of Sellfy
1. Integration made effortless: Sellfy has bridged the gap between traditional e-commerce platforms and modern innovation.
With the option to integrate with your existing website or build a new online store directly on the platform, Sellfy is your one-stop shop for all eCommerce needs.
2. Ease of use and flexibility: Sellfy is designed with the end-user in mind, and its ease of use is one of its biggest strengths.
With the ability to launch a store and start selling products within minutes, Sellfy streamlines the entire eCommerce process.
Furthermore, its cloud-based technology makes it a flexible and scalable platform, perfect for businesses looking to grow their online presence.
3. Built-in marketing tools: Sellfy's built-in marketing tools set it apart from the competition.
With performance tracking and incentivized spending options, Sellfy is elevating the e-commerce game. Additionally, its digital product platform is designed to be straightforward, even for those with limited coding or design experience.
4. Suitable for all types of businesses: Sellfy is the ideal choice for established businesses with a large social media following or a pre-existing website, as well as for businesses just starting out.
With features tailored to meet the needs of beginner users, Sellfy offers a versatile solution for businesses of all types.
5. 100 times easier: Many users have raved about Sellfy, claiming it provides a 100 times more accessible e-commerce experience compared to building their own website store.
This is especially appealing for small businesses with limited budgets and manpower, as it saves time and resources that would otherwise be spent on website development.
The verdict
While there are pros and cons to using Sellfy, it is an overall great choice for businesses looking to sell both digital and physical products with ease.
Its built-in marketing tools and flexible cloud-based technology make Sellfy a scalable solution that can help businesses grow their online presence.
8. Squarespace
Are you trying to create and run your online business with ease and efficiency? Squarespace could be the best eCommerce platform for you if this is the case.
Squarespace makes it simple to navigate between pages and manage your inventory, marketing, and much more thanks to its sleek and contemporary interface.
Squarespace has several distinctive features, including fully integrated e-commerce capabilities.
This is unusual among website builders, and you can quickly add other services to your package if you need them, such as abandoned cart recovery.
Squarespace is not only easy to use, but it also excels in terms of marketing capabilities. With an emphasis on its e-commerce platform, our testers gave it an overall rating of 4.7 stars out of 5.
Since its launch in 2004, Squarespace has established a solid reputation as one of the most popular content management systems and e-commerce platforms on the market.
Their degree of accomplishment is demonstrated by the fact that they power 1.3 million websites and online retailers and have even run advertisements during the Super Bowl.
Among the top e-commerce systems, Squarespace was selected "Best Overall E-Commerce Platform" in 2023.
Squarespace is an economical choice for people wishing to build up a basic but functional e-commerce website because its e-commerce pricing starts at $16 per month for the Basic Commerce Plan.
Finally, Squarespace is the perfect option for e-commerce newcomers as well as seasoned pros that value style and website aesthetics.
The platform provides extensive e-commerce functionality and professional-looking themes, making the site-building process quick and easy.
9. Magento
The Magento Commerce platform is a labyrinthine, highly customizable open-source e-commerce content management solution, originally developed by Varien Inc and now masterminded by Adobe.
This behemoth of a platform has a rich history, having been unleashed upon the world in 2008, before being acquired by eBay and eventually ending up in the hands of Adobe.
Today, Magento handles a staggering $100 billion in gross merchandise volume annually, establishing itself as a dominant player in the e-commerce arena.
The Features of Magento Commerce
The appeal of the e-commerce platform lies in its extensive feature set, offering an array of capabilities and customization options that make it an ideal choice for businesses in need of robust development support.
Despite its reputation as a powerful platform, it has been criticized for its complexity, with some experts claiming it may not be suitable for smaller operations or businesses with limited technical resources.
The Advantages of Magento Commerce
There are numerous benefits to utilizing Magento Commerce as your e-commerce platform, including:
1. Self-hosting: The option to host your e-commerce site on any PHP web hosting provides complete control over your site.
2. Customization: The ability to easily find developers to tailor your store and add the features necessary to make it stand out from the crowd.
3. Expandability: The capacity to incorporate almost any type of feature into your site, making it an attractive option for large and rapidly growing businesses.
The Disadvantages of Magento Commerce
Despite its many positive features, Magento Commerce platform also comes with several drawbacks, including:
1. Steep learning curve: The platform has a notoriously steep learning curve, making it challenging for new users to get up and running.
2. Technical budget: Magento requires a certain level of technical expertise to set up and customize, and a substantial technical budget is necessary to fully exploit its potential.
3. Lack of user-friendliness: Some experts have noted that while Magento's admin and daily operations are relatively straightforward, the setup and customization process can be less user-friendly.
Who is Magento Suited for?
The utilization of Magento Commerce platform is optimal for firms possessing a seasoned web engineer with a longing for a robust e-commerce website, inclusive of a plethora of sophisticated functionalities.
If one is equipped with the technical financial capacity and is prepared to expend the requisite effort and duration to comprehend the intricacies of the platform, a Magento storefront will embody the quintessence of choice.
Conversely, if an individual is seeking a more intuitive and less convoluted platform, it may be judicious to examine alternative platforms with a more accessible learning curve.
10. WooCommerce
The realm of eCommerce has never been more accessible with the advent of WooCommerce - a plugin for the acclaimed website builder, WordPress.
This open-source eCommerce platform offers a multitude of possibilities for businesses and individuals alike, seeking to delve into the online marketplace without breaking the bank. With seamless integration into the WordPress framework,
WooCommerce has garnered a massive following among those who value the versatility and user-friendliness of the platform.
Features Galore with WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a feature-rich platform, loaded with a plethora of benefits for businesses looking to establish an online presence. Some of its most notable offerings include:
1. Integration: WooCommerce integrates with a vast array of platforms, including Facebook, Square, Stripe, MailChimp, and many more, providing a single platform to manage all your eCommerce needs.
2. A Marketplace for Extensions: With hundreds of extensions readily available in the WooCommerce marketplace, users can add new functionality and features to their online stores with ease.
3. A Community that Thrives: The platform has a large and active community of developers and experts who continually contribute to its growth and evolution, ensuring it stays ahead of the curve.
Customizing WooCommerce to Your Needs
WooCommerce is the pinnacle of personalization because of its open-source design, which enables customers to customize the system to meet their unique requirements.
WooCommerce gives you the tools and resources to do it, whether you want to tweak the look or add new functionality.
When choosing extensions for your online business, bear in mind that too many might negatively impact website performance.
Pros and Cons of WooCommerce
WooCommerce, like any platform, is a labyrinthine conundrum that presents both opportunities and obstacles.
To delve into this conundrum, let's examine the pros and cons of using the confusing and complex WooCommerce as the driving force behind your online store. Let's first check out the pros:
1. It's Free: WooCommerce, in its purest form, is a free entity, making it a befitting option for endeavors and individuals who seek to embark on an online selling journey without incurring a hefty expenditure.
2. The Core of Customization: With its open-source essence, WooCommerce embodies the essence of customization, enabling users to manipulate and tailor the platform to match their specific and unique needs.
3. The Ease of Integration: WooCommerce seamlessly integrates with a multitude of platforms, ranging from Facebook, and Square, to Stripe, thereby providing the user with an effortless means of managing their online store and reaching a vast audience.
Secondly, the disadvantages:
1. The Dichotomy of Dependency: As a plugin for WordPress, WooCommerce does not come equipped with hosting or security, which the user must procure independently.
2. The Slowing of Speed: An excessive number of extensions can impede the performance of your website, hence, it is imperative to exercise caution and select wisely when opting for extensions to enhance your online store.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the e-commerce industry is continually changing, making it difficult to select the best e-commerce platform for your online business.
But with the appropriate platform, you can streamline corporate processes, enhance client shopping, and eventually increase sales.
Every platform, from Shopify to WooCommerce, has its own features and advantages, so be sure to take your particular demands into account before choosing.
If you're still not sure which e-commerce platform is right for you, why not try asking yourself the following question:
"What are my eCommerce goals, and which platform can help me achieve them?"
By taking the time to consider your goals, you'll be well on your way to finding the best e-commerce platform for your business. Happy selling!
