When creating an online business, you need to choose the right platform that will suit your business. How do you resolve which is the best e-commerce platform for your business? It would help if you compared different website builders until you find the right one. There are key features you can look for when selecting the right platform. These include:
- Shopping cart
- Security
- Mobile compatibility
- Order management
- Communication
- Reports
- Payment gateway integration
- Scalable infrastructure
- Logistics integration
- Content management systems
Here are some of the best e-commerce platforms currently available in the market.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is an e-commerce platform suitable for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with large or complex catalogs. Also, both B2B and B2C can operate on the same platform. It has a user-friendly interface with customizable templates without the need to know how to code. Thus, making it efficient in designing your store, marketing, and selling of products.
Notably, the platform has offices worldwide to help you with any concerns you may have. On the upside, it is flexible, excels with multi-channel selling, and has a strong SEO performance. It even has a comprehensive unrestricted cart feature. The prices of the platform vary and increases for high volume stores. The Standard plan goes for $29.95 per month, while the highest-priced Enterprise plan is available upon request. Moreover, BigCommerce supports payment in multiple currencies for your business.
Wix
Wix is an e-commerce platform that is cloud-based and works through drag-and-drop features making it suitable for small businesses and solopreneurs without a web designer. In addition, Wix offers an extensive range of templates and designs that work in favor of the business owner.
In spite of its low SEO performance, it has many free and fantastic themes, is simple to set up, and includes marketing automation. In terms of pricing, the plans start from $17/month to $500/month.
Shopify
Most people have heard or even used Shopify, having started in 2004; it has gained popularity over time. If you are a small-to-medium sized business, then it’s the right platform for your shop. Most of the essential features come integrated with the platform making it easy to upgrade with third-party extensions. They comprise components such as interface design, content marketing, and performance analysis.
Its loading time is super-fast, allows various channels, and social selling with 1-click selling. However, you cannot customize the checkout process and upgrading features will need a developer. Not only is it low in its SEO, the app comes at a hefty price to boot. The Basic Shopify costs $29/month, while Shopify costs $79, and Advanced Shopify costs $299.
WooCommerce
For the best single platform to run both affiliate and e-commerce, consider WooCommerce. It integrates WordPress to make it more functional. It has other extensions for integrating payment gateways, shipping, and email marketing. Others include social media and 1-click selling.
Furthermore, it’s a free site fit for small businesses familiar with WordPress, hence it can be challenging for users without prior WordPress experience. It offers the best services for SEO and is highly customizable. Although the site is free, one incurs hosting cost which could be pricy.
Volusion
Volusion is one of the longest-lasting e-commerce platforms which has stood the test of time. It’s suitable for startups and small businesses in need of an immediate site with room for growth. It comes with most of the essential features, operates through a drag-and-drop method, and does not require you to go through the app store.
Subscription prices start at $29/month for their Personal plan, while their most premium package requires contact with the vendor beforehand. Apart from a well laid out dashboard, it has a boundless onboarding, and a help center. However, it’s a slow platform that the developers are working to improve.
Conclusion
The above are some of the best e-commerce platforms available in the market. Some are easy to set up and use, while others require professional help. To summarize, the best e-commerce platform for you will depend on your type of business and its needs. In any case, it is required to stay up to date with your platform of choice since technological advancement continues every day.
