The 6 Best E-Commerce Platforms for Small Businesses

Starting an e-commerce business is an exciting journey, but choosing the right platform can be overwhelming. At 898 Marketing, we often get questions about what e-commerce platforms are the best, and we’re here to tell you! Choosing and setting up the right platform for your small business can make a huge difference in managing your products and scaling your business. Let’s explore some of the best e-commerce platforms for small businesses, considering ease of use, features, scalability, and cost.

1. Shopify

You’ve probably heard of Shopify as it’s one of the most popular e-commerce platforms out there. Shopify is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful features. It’s an excellent choice for small businesses due to its flexibility and extensive app store.

Key Features:

  • Easy to set up and use with no coding skills required.
  • Offers a wide range of customizable templates.
  • Integrates with numerous third-party apps for added functionality.
  • Excellent customer support and extensive documentation.
  • Scalable plans to grow with your business.

Cost: Starts at $29/month for the Basic plan, with advanced plans available as your business grows.

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2. WooCommerce

If you host your website through WordPress, WooCommerce is a great option. This powerful tool gives you more control over your site’s customization.

Key Features:

  • Highly customizable with a variety of themes and plugins.
  • Seamless integration with WordPress, leveraging its SEO benefits.
  • Large community support and extensive documentation.
  • No transaction fees on sales.

Cost: Free to install, but you’ll need to pay for hosting, themes, and any additional plugins you might need.

3. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is another robust e-commerce solution that offers a wide range of built-in features. It’s particularly suitable for fast-growing, small businesses.

Key Features:

  • No transaction fees on any plans.
  • Supports multi-channel selling (e.g., on Amazon, eBay, and social media).
  • Advanced SEO tools and analytics.
  • Comprehensive suite of tools for managing your store.

Cost: Starts at $29.95/month, with more advanced plans available.

4. Squarespace

Looking for aesthetics and simplicity? Squarespace would be your best option. Squarespace is known for its designer-quality templates and ease of use.

Key Features:

  • Stunning, mobile-responsive templates.
  • Integrated blogging platform for content marketing.
  • Built-in SEO and analytics tools.
  • 24/7 customer support.

Cost: E-commerce plans start at $26/month.

5. Wix

Wix offers a highly intuitive drag-and-drop builder, making it easy for anyone to create a professional-looking online store without any technical skills.

Key Features:

  • User-friendly drag-and-drop interface.
  • Hundreds of designer-made templates.
  • Comprehensive app market to extend functionality.
  • Built-in SEO tools and analytics.

Cost: E-commerce plans start at $23/month.

6. Adobe Commerce (Formerly Magneto)

Adobe Commerce is a highly flexible platform suitable for businesses with technical expertise or those willing to hire a developer. It’s ideal for businesses with complex needs and large product catalogs.

Key Features:

  • Extremely customizable and scalable.
  • Robust features out of the box, including advanced SEO and marketing tools.
  • Large community and extensive marketplace for extensions.
  • Powerful analytics and reporting tools.

Cost: The open-source version is free, but you’ll need to pay for hosting and development costs. This is more suitable for larger businesses.

Which platform will you choose?

Choosing the right e-commerce platform for your small business depends on your specific needs, technical skills, and budget. Shopify and BigCommerce offer powerful, scalable solutions with excellent support, while WooCommerce provides great flexibility for WordPress users. Squarespace and Wix are perfect for those who prioritize ease of use and design, and Magento is best for businesses that need a highly customizable solution.

Evaluate your business requirements carefully and take advantage of free trials to test these platforms before making a decision. With the right platform, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful online store.

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