Launching an online store for small businesses doesn’t have to be complicated. Choosing the right eCommerce solution can be a great help. The best choice depends on your specific needs: budget, ease of use, customization options, and integrations. Below is a comparison of the top eCommerce platforms and recommendations for different types of small businesses. For those wondering what it takes to successfully launch an online store, we’ve covered it in our Webshop Guide.
Most Popular Solution for Small Business
Shopify
Possibly the best platform for a quick start is Shopify. Pricing starts at €27 per month, and its main advantage is ease of use. This means that even users without technical experience can easily navigate it.
Shopify offers many themes and extensions useful for marketing, drop shipping, and SEO. It particularly excels at integrations with social media and marketplaces (e.g., Facebook or Amazon). Shopify Payments simplifies payment processing without the need for external processors. However, note that using third-party processors may incur additional fees. A downside is the limited design customization.
WooCommerce
For those seeking flexibility and customization, WooCommerce is a free and simple integration. All you need is WordPress hosting, which typically costs between €5 and €10 per month. Since it’s open-source, there are no restrictions on site customization, and it offers excellent SEO control. Unlike Shopify, you can use your payment systems without additional fees. However, it requires more technical knowledge for maintenance.
Wix eCommerce
If you’re looking for a simple yet visually appealing design, try Wix eCommerce. This solution is ideal for creatives and beginners who prioritize visual presentation but lack coding knowledge. A wide range of templates and design options are available. Hosting is included, and the starting price of €17 per month suits smaller businesses. However, if you’re planning to scale your business, be aware that this platform lacks scalability and switching to another platform later can be challenging.
BigCommerce
If you’re starting with a clear vision and expect to scale your business soon, BigCommerce is the best option. The higher starting price of €29 per month and the less flexible interface are reasons why it’s not the first choice for smaller companies. However, it’s great for those who want advanced features without relying on plugins. A bonus is B2B support and numerous options for multichannel sales.
Squarespace Commerce
Brands seeking a visually appealing webshop with professional themes can go for Squarespace Commerce. This platform is ideal for creatives, designers, and brands needing an aesthetically polished webshop. It offers excellent marketing analytics, SEO, mobile optimization, and a simple drag-and-drop editor. The drawbacks are limited third-party integrations and reduced flexibility for customization.
Choose the Ideal Solution for Small Business
Ultimately, the platform you choose should align with your capabilities and preferences. If you want a fast and simple setup, choose Shopify. WooCommerce is perfect for those wanting full control and strong SEO. For beginners focused on visual design, Wix is recommended, while Squarespace is a better choice for more advanced design aesthetics. BigCommerce is best suited for those who prioritize scalability and multichannel sales. When choosing a platform, consider your business vision and direction to avoid having to switch platforms shortly after integration.