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Online store for small business: a guide to choosing the best ecommerce platforms

Online store for small business: a guide to choosing the best ecommerce platforms

| Blog | author: Monika Torokne Nagy

In today's fast-changing market, having an online store is a must for small businesses. It connects your products to millions of potential customers worldwide. No matter what you sell, being online lets you compete with big companies and grow your sales. But with so many ecommerce platforms out there, it can be hard to pick the right one for your business. Which platforms are the best for online store for small businesses? Let's explore the best ecommerce solutions!

Before you start looking at platforms, think about what matters most for your business:

  • Easy to use, yet powerful: You want a platform that's simple to use, even if you're not a tech expert. But it should also have advanced features for growing your business.
  • Affordable: Your budget is important. Look for platforms that give you good value without hidden costs.
  • Customizable designs: Your online store should look like your brand. Choose a platform that lets you customize your store's look.
  • Smooth shopping experience: Your customers should find it easy to browse and buy from your store.
  • Marketing tools: Having great products isn't enough, you need to market them. Look for platforms with built-in tools for SEO, social media, and email marketing.
  • Helpful support: When you need help, responsive customer service can save the day.

Choosing the right ecommerce platform is like picking the right vehicle for a trip. It depends on where you're going, what you're carrying, and how fast you want to get there. Next, we'll look at the top ecommerce platforms for small businesses and see how they compare. Let's find your perfect digital store!

Ecommerce platforms for small businesses

Exploring online selling platforms opens up big opportunities for small business owners. An ecommerce platform is like the software backbone of online store for small businesses. It gives the tools needed to sell stuff online, acting like a virtual version of a physical store but reachable by anyone, anywhere, anytime.

These platforms are super important because they let even tiny businesses compete globally. They set up your digital shop, handling things like payments, stock, and helping customers, all in a website that's easy to use.

Basically, they make online buying and selling smooth, from when a customer first visits your site until they buy something. This efficiency and reach used to be impossible for small businesses, but now it's essential for success online. Ecommerce platforms are changing the game, making it possible for small businesses to thrive in the online world.

Online store for small businesses: the top 6 ecommerce platforms

When small businesses venture into the world of online selling, they face a big decision: which ecommerce platform suits them best? Let's look at some popular options:

Shopify

Shopify is like a handy toolkit for online stores. It's easy to use, strong, and adaptable, suitable for both newbies and pros. Prices range from $24 to $299/month, depending on your needs. It offers various themes, sales channels, and a mobile app. However, transaction fees and premium themes can add up.

WooCommerce

WooCommerce integrates smoothly with WordPress, offering flexibility. While the plugin is free, hosting and other addons may cost a few hundred dollars yearly. It's great for growing businesses but requires some tech know-how.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a robust solution for scaling businesses, starting at $39/month. It offers SEO tools and multi-channel selling. Yet, it might be harder for beginners to grasp.

Squarespace

Squarespace excels in elegance, with plans ranging from $33 to $65/month. It's visually appealing and includes inventory management and SEO tools. However, its ecommerce features might feel limited.

Wix

Wix is known for its simplicity, starting at $27/month. It's easy to customize but might not be as scalable as other options.

Choosing the right platform means considering your current needs and future growth, while staying true to your business's unique identity. Each platform has its strengths, it's about finding the one that fits your vision best.

Magento

Magento is a highly popular open-source e-commerce platform that offers numerous benefits for businesses. It provides extensive features and flexibility, allowing users to customize their online stores to meet specific business requirements. One of the main advantages of Magento is its scalability, making it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises.

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