The Best Ecommerce Website Builder

Did you know that online sales are projected to reach almost a quarter of all retail sales by 2026? This staggering statistic highlights the immense potential for small businesses to tap into the world of ecommerce and expand their customer reach. In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence and a user-friendly web store is essential for success.

If you’re a small or medium-sized business looking to venture into online sales, you need a reliable and efficient ecommerce website builder. This is where the best ecommerce platforms come into play, offering a range of features and tools to help you create a visually appealing, easy-to-navigate, and highly functional online store.

Key Takeaways:

• The growth of online sales presents immense opportunities for small businesses.
• An ecommerce website builder is crucial for establishing a strong online presence.
• The best ecommerce platforms provide features and tools to design and manage an online store.
• Choosing the right ecommerce website builder involves considering budget, features, support, and analytics capabilities.
• Ecommerce website costs include monthly fees, payment gateway fees, and transaction fees.

The 6 Best eCommerce Website Builders

After conducting extensive research on over 50 eCommerce website building options, I have identified the top six platforms that are perfect for small and medium businesses. These website builders offer a wide range of features and tools to help businesses set up and manage their online stores effectively.

1. Shopify: Known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, Shopify is an excellent option for businesses of all sizes. It offers customizable themes, secure payment gateways, and comprehensive inventory management.
2. Square: Square is a popular choice for businesses already utilizing Square for payments. It seamlessly integrates with Square’s point-of-sale system and provides a simple and intuitive website building experience.
3. Ecwid by Lightspeed: Perfect for businesses looking for a flexible and scalable solution, Ecwid by Lightspeed offers seamless integration with existing websites and social media platforms. It also provides multilingual support and various payment options.
4. BigCommerce: BigCommerce is ideal for rapidly growing businesses, offering robust features like unlimited product listings, built-in SEO tools, and multi-channel selling capabilities.
5. WooCommerce: Built as a plugin for WordPress, WooCommerce is a customizable and open-source platform. It offers a wide range of extensions and themes to create a unique online store.
6. Wix: With its user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, Wix allows businesses to create stunning online stores without any coding knowledge. It also offers a variety of customizable templates and advanced SEO features.

These six eCommerce website builders provide the necessary tools and features needed to establish a successful online store. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced business owner, these platforms offer the flexibility and functionality you need to thrive in the digital marketplace.

What Makes The Best eCommerce Website Builder?

When evaluating an eCommerce website builder, there are several key features that set apart the best platform from the rest. As a tech-competent person, I understand the importance of choosing a website builder that not only meets my needs but also offers the best features for creating a successful online store.

1. Visually Appealing and Responsive Websites: The best eCommerce website builders allow me to create a visually appealing and mobile-responsive online store without the need for technical expertise. With drag-and-drop editors, customizable templates, and a wide range of design options, I can create a stunning storefront that captures the attention of my customers.
2. Ability to Sell Physical and Digital Products: A top eCommerce platform should offer the flexibility to sell both physical and digital products. Whether I’m selling physical goods like clothing or digital products like ebooks or software, I need a website builder that supports my diverse product offerings.
3. Full-Service eCommerce Functionality: The best eCommerce website builders provide a comprehensive set of features and tools to streamline the online selling process. These include inventory management, order management, secure payment gateways, shipping options, and marketing tools to promote sales and increase customer engagement.
4. Compatibility with Other Business Apps and Services: Integration with other business apps and services is crucial for a seamless workflow. The ability to connect my eCommerce website builder with accounting software, email marketing platforms, analytics tools, and other essential business applications allows me to efficiently manage my online store and track its performance.

Ultimately, the evaluation process involves testing each eCommerce website builder to ensure it meets my criteria and requirements as a tech-competent person looking to build a successful online business. By carefully considering these best features, I can choose the best eCommerce website builder that aligns with my vision and business goals.

How to Choose the Right eCommerce Website Building Platform for Your Online Store

When it comes to setting up an online store, choosing the right eCommerce website building platform is crucial. There are several factors to consider to ensure that you select a platform that meets your specific business needs. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Budget: Determine how much you are willing to invest in your eCommerce website. Some platforms offer free plans, while others require a monthly subscription fee. Take into account any additional costs such as payment gateway fees and transaction fees.
2. Features: Evaluate the features offered by each platform. Consider whether you need built-in SEO tools, customizable templates, inventory management capabilities, or integration with third-party apps. Look for a platform that provides the features necessary for your online store’s success.
3. Familiarity with website builders: Assess your own familiarity with website builders. If you are a beginner, look for a platform that offers a user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop functionality. On the other hand, if you have technical expertise, you may prefer a platform that allows for more customization options.
4. Support: Consider the level of support provided by each platform. Look for platforms that offer comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and customer support channels such as live chat or phone support. Responsive support is crucial in case you encounter any issues or need assistance with your online store.
5. Analytics: Analytics is essential for understanding your online store’s performance. Look for platforms that provide robust analytics tools, including visitor tracking, sales reports, and conversion metrics. These insights will help you make data-driven decisions to optimize your online store.
6. eCommerce software fees: Carefully review the eCommerce software fees associated with each platform. This includes monthly fees, payment gateway fees, and transaction fees. Compare the costs and ensure that they align with your budget and projected sales volume.

By thoroughly evaluating these factors, you can choose the right eCommerce website building platform for your online store. Remember that the platform should align with your budget, offer the necessary features, provide support when needed, and enable you to track and analyze your store’s performance effectively.

How Much Does an eCommerce Website Cost?: eCommerce Software Fees

The cost of an eCommerce website includes various fees such as a monthly fee, payment gateway fees, and transaction fees. When determining the overall cost of an eCommerce website, it’s important to consider these factors:

• Monthly Fee: The monthly fee for an eCommerce website can range from free to a few hundred dollars, depending on the platform and the included features. Some platforms offer basic plans at no cost, while others have tiered pricing structures based on the size and needs of your business.
• Payment Gateway Fees: Payment gateway fees are the charges incurred when processing credit card payments on your eCommerce website. These fees can vary depending on the payment gateway you choose to integrate with your online store. It’s essential to research and compare different payment gateway providers to find one that offers cost-effective rates.
• Transaction Fees: Transaction fees are additional charges calculated as a percentage of each sale made on your eCommerce website. These fees are often in addition to the payment gateway fees and are typically implemented by the eCommerce platform or payment processor. Be sure to consider transaction fees when evaluating the overall cost of your online store.

It’s crucial to carefully consider the costs associated with an eCommerce website to ensure it fits within your budget. By understanding the monthly fees, payment gateway fees, and transaction fees, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals.

The Best eCommerce Website Builders at a Glance

When it comes to creating and managing online stores, small and medium businesses have a plethora of options to choose from. Among the best eCommerce website builders available, Shopify, Square, Ecwid by Lightspeed, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Wix stand out.

Shopify, a leading eCommerce platform, offers a wide range of features and tools designed to help businesses build a visually appealing and responsive online store. Square provides an all-in-one solution that allows businesses to accept payments, manage inventory, and even create a free online store. Ecwid by Lightspeed offers seamless integration with existing websites and social media platforms, making it easier than ever to start selling online.

BigCommerce is another popular choice, offering robust eCommerce functionality combined with customizable templates and marketing tools. WooCommerce, a plugin for WordPress, enables businesses to turn their existing websites into powerful online stores. And for those looking for a user-friendly and visually stunning website builder, Wix is an excellent option.

By selecting the right eCommerce website builder that aligns with their specific needs and goals, businesses can create an online shop that not only looks professional but also drives sales and growth. Whether it’s Shopify, Square, Ecwid by Lightspeed, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, or Wix, each platform offers unique features and benefits that can help businesses succeed in the competitive online marketplace.