Introduction

E-commerce has rapidly evolved, becoming the go-to platform for businesses of all sizes to reach global audiences. For small businesses, having an online presence is no longer a luxury it’s a necessity. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your brick-and-mortar store, building an e-commerce website is crucial in today’s digital landscape. But with so many options available, how do you find the best ecommerce website builder for small business?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key features you should look for, compare the top platforms, and help you make the best choice for your small business in 2024.

To start an online small business, you should consider the following key factors:

What to Look for The Best Ecommerce Website Builder for Small Business

When selecting an e-commerce website builder, it’s essential to consider your business’s specific needs and goals. Here are the most critical factors to evaluate:

Ease of Use

As a small business owner, you’re likely juggling multiple tasks. Managing your website shouldn’t be another full-time job. A platform that is intuitive, easy to navigate, and requires little to no coding knowledge is necessary.

Design Flexibility

Your website needs to represent your brand. A good e-commerce website builder should offer customizable templates that reflect your business’s personality. Look for a builder with various design options to make your site as unique as your products.

Built-in Ecommerce Features

Features are at the core of any e-commerce platform. These include a secure shopping cart, multiple payment gateway options, inventory management, tax and shipping calculators, and product catalogues. Small businesses need an all-in-one solution to simplify the setup and management of an online store.

SEO Capabilities

You won’t make any sales if you will only make sales if you can find your website. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is critical for ensuring your site ranks well on Google and other search engines. Look for e-commerce builders with robust SEO tools like custom meta tags, alt text for images, and fast loading times.

Mobile Responsiveness

More than half of online shopping takes place on mobile devices. If your e-commerce site isn’t optimized for mobile, you’re likely losing customers. The right website builder will ensure your site is fully responsive across all screen sizes.

Scalability

You might be starting small, but you want your business to grow. Choose a platform that can grow with you, whether you add new products, expand into new markets, or even handle a spike in web traffic during busy seasons.

Top E-commerce Website Builders for Small Businesses in 2024

Now that we’ve discussed what to look for in an e-commerce website builder, let’s examine the top platforms available in 2024.

Shopify

When it comes to e-commerce platforms, Shopify is a household name. It’s designed specifically for e-commerce and offers an impressive range of tools for businesses of all sizes.

• Pros: Shopify’s interface is user-friendly and boasts various themes and integrations. It also offers excellent customer support and seamless scalability.
• Cons: Shopify can get pricey, especially if you add apps and features. There’s also a transaction fee unless you use Shopify Payments.

Wix Ecommerce

Wix is known for its drag-and-drop website builder, but its e-commerce platform is also a solid option for small businesses. It’s perfect for those who want to balance website design flexibility and e-commerce functionality.

• Pros: Wix offers extensive design options and is easy to use, even for beginners. The pricing is affordable, and it comes with various apps to enhance functionality.
• Cons: While Wix is great for simple e-commerce needs, it may need the advanced features required for large-scale operations.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce is an e-commerce platform known for its robust functionality, making it ideal for small businesses with growth plans.

• Pros: BigCommerce offers more built-in e-commerce features than most other platforms, so you may not need to rely on third-party apps. It’s also very scalable.
• Cons: The interface can be overwhelming for beginners, with higher pricing than competitors.

Squarespace

Squarespace is primarily a website builder with e-commerce capabilities, making it ideal for businesses that highly emphasize design.

• Pros: Stunning templates and design flexibility. It’s an excellent choice for visually-focused brands like photographers or boutiques.
• Cons: While it has robust design features, its e-commerce tools aren’t as comprehensive as Shopify or BigCommerce.

WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress, making it an excellent choice for businesses already familiar with or using WordPress for their website.

• Pros: Fully customizable, with thousands of plugins and themes available. WooCommerce is highly flexible and works well for businesses that need specific functionalities.
• Cons: WooCommerce requires more hands-on management and technical knowledge than other builders. You’ll also need to handle your hosting.

Weebly

Weebly, owned by Square, is a user-friendly e-commerce platform perfect for small businesses on a budget.

• Pros: Simple to use, with affordable pricing. It’s an excellent option for small retailers or restaurants looking to integrate Square for payments.
• Cons: The design options are more limited than other platforms like Wix or Squarespace.

eBitans

Strengthen your bond in e-commerce with eBitans. Create your preferred website from eBitans within 1 minute and expand your business worldwide.

Comparing The Best Ecommerce Website Builder for Small Business

Pricing

When choosing the best e-commerce website builder for small business platforms, pricing is often the first-factor businesses consider. Most platforms offer tiered pricing, so you can start small and upgrade as your business grows. For example, Shopify’s basic plan starts at $29/month, while Wix offers an e-commerce plan for $23/month. However, be aware of hidden costs like transaction fees, plugins, or premium themes.

Features and Functionality

The functionality you need will depend on your business model. If you’re selling digital products, you might not need the same features as someone shipping physical goods. Shopify and BigCommerce offer the most comprehensive features, while Wix and Weebly are better suited for more straightforward online stores.

Customer Support

Reliable customer support is essential, especially if you need to be tech-savvy. Shopify, BigCommerce, and Wix offer 24/7 chat, email, or phone support. Squarespace and WooCommerce, on the other hand, rely more on community forums and guides.

Customization and Flexibility

If you want total control over the look and functionality of your website, WooCommerce and Shopify are your best bets. While easy to use, platforms like Wix and Weebly offer more limited customization options.

Type of the Best Ecommerce Website Builder for Small Business

Choosing the best ecommerce websites for small business can also depend on your business type. Here are some recommendations based on different business models:

For Brick-and-Mortar Businesses Expanding Online

If you already have a physical store and are expanding online, Shopify or Squarespace is a good choice due to their robust POS (Point of Sale) systems that integrate offline and online sales.

For Small Businesses Focused on Digital Products

Are they selling digital products, such as ebooks or software? BigCommerce and WooCommerce offer powerful tools for digital goods, with features like instant downloads and secure file hosting.

For Small Scale Manufacturers or Artisans

Etsy might be your first thought if you create custom or handmade items. However, if you want more control over your store, Shopify or Squarespace can help you build a brand around your unique creations.

For Small Service-Based Businesses

Service-based businesses, such as consultants or yoga instructors, can benefit from Squarespace or Wix, which integrate e-commerce capabilities with booking systems, membership management, and more.

How to Choose the Right The Best Ecommerce Website Builder for Small Business

Consider Your Business Type and Goals

Start by evaluating your specific needs. Are you selling physical products, services, or digital goods? Do you need advanced inventory management or marketing tools? Align the platform’s features with your business goals.

Evaluate Your Budget

Some platforms, like WooCommerce, are technically free but require hosting and extensions, which can add up. Shopify, on the other hand, has a fixed monthly cost. When choosing, make sure to consider all potential expenses.

Test Multiple Platforms

Many e-commerce website builders offer free trials. Take advantage of these to test the platforms, explore their features, and see if they fit your business well.

Future Proofing Your Business

You might only need some advanced features immediately, but choosing a platform that allows growth is wise. Look for scalable solutions like Shopify or BigCommerce that can accommodate your business as it expands.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an E-commerce Website Builder

Overlooking Mobile Responsiveness

Mobile shopping will continue to dominate in 2024. Ensure that your chosen platform offers a fully mobile-optimized experience. A non-responsive site could lose you a significant portion of potential customers.

Ignoring Long-Term Costs

While some platforms appear affordable initially, additional costs for features, themes, and apps can quickly add up. Be mindful of hidden fees when selecting your e-commerce platform.

Neglecting SEO Features

SEO should always be considered. A platform with poor SEO capabilities can make it harder for customers to find your site, no matter how great your products are.

Case Studies of Small Businesses Using E-commerce Website Builders

Success Story 1: How a Small Retailer Boosted Sales with Shopify

A small fashion retailer launched its e-commerce store using Shopify and saw a 150% increase in sales within the first year. The platform’s user-friendly backend and seamless inventory management made managing a growing product line easy.

Success Story 2: A Crafter’s Journey with WooCommerce

A jewelry maker used WooCommerce to set up an online store integrated with her WordPress blog. By leveraging WooCommerce’s flexibility, she created a customized shopping experience and offered personalized products.

Success Story 3: How a Local Restaurant Used Wix to Expand Online Orders

A local restaurant turned to Wix to build a website for online orders during the pandemic. Wix’s integration with Square allowed them to manage in-person and online payments seamlessly, significantly increasing revenue.

Success Story 4: A Boutique’s Experience with BigCommerce

A small boutique chose BigCommerce for its extensive product management tools. With BigCommerce’s built-in SEO and marketing features, the boutique increased its online presence and saw a marked improvement in search engine rankings.

Conclusion

Choosing the best ecommerce website builder for small business is critical. With so many options available, weighing each platform’s features, pricing, and scalability is essential. Shopify, Wix, BigCommerce, Squarespace, WooCommerce, and Weebly all offer unique advantages, depending on your business model and growth goals.

You can find the best e-commerce website builder to help your small business thrive in 2024 and beyond by carefully considering your needs and testing a few platforms.

FAQs