The Best Small Business Ecommerce Platforms for 2021

Small businesses have a lot to gain from setting up an ecommerce website. With the right platform, you can easily showcase your products or services, process payments, and manage your online store with minimal effort. However, not all ecommerce platforms are created equal, and choosing the right one can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 small business ecommerce platforms for 2021, and help you make an informed decision.

Introduction to Small Business Ecommerce Platforms

Small business ecommerce platforms are software solutions that help entrepreneurs build and manage online stores. They come with a range of features and functionalities that enable you to set up product pages, shopping carts, and payment gateways, among other things. Some platforms are designed specifically for small businesses while others cater to large enterprises. The key is to find a platform that meets your business needs, budget, user experience, and scalability.

When choosing a small business ecommerce platform, it’s important to consider the level of customer support provided by the platform. Some platforms offer 24/7 support, while others only offer support during business hours. Additionally, some platforms offer support through multiple channels, such as phone, email, and live chat, while others only offer support through one channel. It’s important to choose a platform that offers the level of support that you need to ensure that your online store runs smoothly and efficiently.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Ecommerce Platform

Choosing an ecommerce platform is a crucial step that requires careful consideration. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Cost: Consider the platform’s pricing plans and fees, including transaction fees, credit card processing fees, and hosting fees. Choose a platform that fits your budget without compromising on features or support.
• Features: Look for essential features like inventory management, product listings, shopping cart functionality, payment processing, and security features.
• Usability: Choose a platform that is easy to use and comes with a simple, intuitive user interface. Avoid platforms that require extensive technical knowledge or coding skills to operate.
• Scalability: Consider how well the ecommerce platform can grow as your business expands, including how easy it is to add new products, features, and integrations.
• Support: Look for a platform that offers reliable customer support, including documentation, tutorials, and live chat or phone support.

Another important factor to consider when choosing an ecommerce platform is its compatibility with your existing systems and software. If you already have a CRM or accounting software in place, make sure the platform you choose can integrate with them seamlessly. This will save you time and effort in managing your business operations and ensure a smooth flow of data between different systems.

Top 10 Small Business Ecommerce Platforms for 2021

Now that we know what to look for, let’s dive into the top 10 small business ecommerce platforms for 2021:

1. Shopify: The Best All-Around Ecommerce Platform for Small Businesses

Shopify is an all-in-one ecommerce platform that makes it easy for small businesses to sell their products online. It comes with a range of powerful features, including a simple user interface, customizable templates, and multiple payment options. Shopify also offers excellent customer support, including a 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support.

2. WooCommerce: The Best Ecommerce Plugin for WordPress Websites

WooCommerce is a free ecommerce plugin for WordPress that enables users to create an online store without the need for coding skills. It is fully customizable, SEO-friendly, and integrates with multiple payment gateways. WooCommerce also offers a wide range of extensions and plugins that can enhance your store’s functionality.

3. BigCommerce: The Best Scalable Ecommerce Platform for Growing Businesses

BigCommerce is an ecommerce platform that is designed for growing businesses. It offers advanced features such as multi-channel selling, inventory management, and SEO optimization. BigCommerce also uses a content delivery network (CDN) that ensures fast load times for your store.

4. Magento: The Best Open-Source Ecommerce Platform for Large Enterprises

Magento is an open-source ecommerce platform that is ideal for larger enterprises. It offers a range of advanced features such as unlimited product listings, custom shipping, and tax rules, and multiple storefronts. Magento is also highly scalable and customizable, enabling users to tailor their store to fit their specific needs.

5. Wix: The Best All-In-One Website Builder and Ecommerce Platform

Wix is an all-in-one website builder and ecommerce platform that allows users to create a professional-looking online store in minutes. It offers a range of sales and marketing features, including abandoned cart recovery, social media integration, and email campaigns.

6. Square Online: The Best Free Ecommerce Platform for Small Businesses

Square Online is a free ecommerce platform that offers a range of features such as shipping and tax calculators, inventory management, and coupon codes. It also integrates seamlessly with other Square products, including payment processing and point-of-sale systems.

7. Volusion: The Best Ecommerce Platform for Customizable Storefronts

Volusion is an ecommerce platform that is known for its customizable storefronts. It offers a range of design templates that users can tailor to meet their specific needs. Volusion also comes with a range of features such as multi-channel selling, SEO optimization, and mobile responsiveness.

8. Ecwid: The Best Mobile-Friendly Ecommerce Platform for Small Businesses

Ecwid is a mobile-friendly ecommerce platform that enables businesses to sell their products online from any device. It offers a range of features such as product listings, payment processing, and shipping options. Ecwid also integrates seamlessly with popular website builders, including Wix, Weebly, and WordPress.

9. Weebly: The Most User-Friendly Ecommerce Platform for Beginners

Weebly is a user-friendly ecommerce platform that is designed for beginners. It comes with an intuitive drag-and-drop editor that makes it easy to create a professional-looking online store. Weebly also offers a range of features such as customizable templates, an SSL certificate, and integrated payment processing options.

10. Comparison of Pricing Plans, Features, and Integrations of Each Platform

Here’s a quick comparison of the pricing plans, features, and integrations of each platform:

Ecommerce Platform	Pricing Plans	Features	Integrations
Shopify	Starting at $29/month	Multiple payment options, customizable templates, customer support	Over 6,000 apps and integrations
WooCommerce	Free to download	Customizable templates, secure payment processing, SEO optimization	Over 400 extensions and plugins
BigCommerce	Starting at $29.95/month	Multi-channel selling, inventory management, SEO optimization	Over 600 apps and integrations
Magento	Starting at $1,988/year	Customizable storefront, unlimited product listings, advanced shipping options	Over 5,000 extensions and plugins
Wix	Starting at $23/month	Drag-and-drop builder, social media integration, email campaigns	Over 250 apps and integrations
Square Online	Free to use	Shipping and tax calculators, inventory management, coupon codes	Integrates seamlessly with Square products
Volusion	Starting at $29/month	Customizable storefronts, multi-channel selling, SEO optimization	Over 50 integrations
Ecwid	Starting at $15/month	Mobile-friendly storefront, payment processing, shipping options	Integrates seamlessly with popular website builders and social media platforms
Weebly	Starting at $6/month	Drag-and-drop builder, SSL certificate, payment processing options	Over 350 apps and integrations

Tips on How to Choose the Right Small Business Ecommerce Platform

Choosing the right ecommerce platform for your small business can be challenging, but here are some tips to make the process easier:

• Identify your business needs: Determine what features and functionalities are essential for your business, such as payment processing, inventory management, and shipping options.
• Consider your budget: Look for a platform that fits your budget without compromising on features or support.
• Try before you buy: Test out different platforms using a free trial or demo version to see which one fits your needs best.
• Read user reviews: Research feedback from other users to get a sense of the platform’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Invest in customer support: Choose a platform that offers reliable customer support, including documentation, tutorials, and live chat or phone support. Don’t underestimate the value of getting help when you need it.

Another important factor to consider when choosing an ecommerce platform is scalability. As your business grows, you want to make sure that your platform can handle the increased traffic and sales. Look for a platform that offers scalability options, such as the ability to add more products, expand your customer base, and integrate with other tools and services. This will ensure that your platform can grow with your business and you won’t have to switch to a new platform down the line.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Choosing the right ecommerce platform can make all the difference for your small business. By considering factors such as cost, features, usability, scalability, and support, you can find a platform that meets your specific needs. We’ve reviewed the top 10 small business ecommerce platforms for 2021, but ultimately, the best platform is the one that fits your business the best. Don’t be afraid to try out different platforms, and invest in the one that will help you grow your online business with confidence.

It’s important to keep in mind that your ecommerce platform is not a one-time decision. As your business grows and evolves, your needs may change, and you may need to switch to a different platform. Make sure to regularly evaluate your platform and consider if it’s still meeting your needs.

Additionally, don’t forget about the importance of marketing and promoting your online store. Even the best ecommerce platform won’t guarantee success if you don’t have a solid marketing strategy in place. Consider investing in social media advertising, email marketing, and search engine optimization to drive traffic to your site and increase sales.