I spent months researching the best eCommerce website builders when I decided to join the eCommerce sector by building out my own sites. But, the more I researched, the harder it became to choose one eCommerce platform over the others.
Finally, after trying so many out, I opted for the website builder that allowed me to design all aspects of the user experience I wanted my store visitors to have with only basic coding knowledge.
Scalability also played an essential role in my decision because I wanted my site to continue expanding as my business grew.
I’ll use my knowledge of many different eCommerce web builders to help you choose the option that will allow your business to develop and thrive.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an eCommerce Website Builder
Thinking too far ahead can prevent you from doing what you can today to set up your business for success tomorrow.
Hence, there’s no need to overthink the email marketing software or keyword research tools before you’ve laid out your online business strategy and set the monthly budget for the upkeep of your e-store.
The costs of setting up an eCommerce website for a small business can vary from $1,000 to $10,000+.
You can cut down the upfront costs of building an online store significantly by choosing a platform that lets you design all website elements yourself.
Moreover, some eCommerce website builders include web-hosting services in their subscription plans allowing you to choose the option that fits your budget.
Besides the budget, you should consider the following factors when picking a website builder:
- The type and quantity of products you’d like to sell
- The brand’s visual identity
- How do you want to promote your products (Social media ads, blogs, podcasts, etc.)
Having a good understanding of each of these factors will make your job easier while assessing a web builder’s features. Let’s look at the aspects that can help you determine which solution best fits your business’s needs.
UI and templates
Hiring a developer to build an eCommerce website can burden your company financially. Instead, you can design your e-store on your own and redirect these funds into its promotion.
Selecting a website builder with an intuitive user interface will make this task easier because it will eliminate the need to search for the tools you need to design a product page or a menu.
In my opinion, website builders with a wide selection of templates are the best option for small businesses.
Customizing a template doesn’t require technical knowledge, which enables you to have your e-store up and running hours after you create an account on a specific platform.
SaaS and Open-Source Website Builders
Do you want to start selling your products as soon as possible?
Or, would you’d like to build a feature-rich online store?
Answering these questions will help you choose between SaaS and Open-Source website builders.
I think SaaS platforms are great for small businesses because they provide hosting services and eliminate the need to code each of the website’s elements.
Moreover, these platforms enable companies to launch e-stores and sell their products quickly.
Opting for an open-source website builder can be a reliable long-term option for small businesses that already have IT departments capable of developing the store’s functionalities.
Customizability and Scalability
The downside of SaaS solutions is that they limit the range of options an e-Store can offer.
Moreover, the maximum number of products sellers can add to their stores or the annual income they can generate are often limited by the pricing plan.
I suggest getting the SaaS website builder’s basic plan and customizing one of its templates if you’re starting out.
Doing so will get you some time to decide if the service the platform offers warrants an upgrade to a more advanced pricing plan.
You should also consider the website builder’s scalability, as some platforms may not be able to support your company’s growth.
Integrations and Product Management
All website builders support integrations with third-party applications that enable you to connect an online graphic design software or SEO tool to your eCommerce website.
Although most options you’ll have at your disposal come with basic product management tools, using a third-party app can make managing vast amounts of products easier.
Going through the website builder’s list of supported integrations will enable you to know how much you can extend its functionalities.
Connecting your online store to different payment gateways or analytics tools is usually free, but purchasing subscription plans for multiple applications will increase your monthly costs.
Security Features and Subscription Plans
Keeping your customer’s data safe is paramount for establishing trust with your clients.
SaaS eCommerce website builders have built-in safety features in the form of SSL certificates or multi-factor authentication processes.
Even so, small eCommerce websites are frequently exposed to financial fraud, bot attacks, and data theft.
Inquiring about the website builder’s safety protocols is one of the most important steps you can take during the selection process.
Your eCommerce website’s security might depend on the subscription plan you choose since basic plans may not include firewalls or SSL certificates.
The level of support and the tools you can use to run your online business will depend on the subscription plan you choose.
Top Ten eCommerce Website Builders for Small Businesses
Not based on any ranking order, here is the list of the top ten eCommerce websites for small businesses.
1. Shopify
You don’t need coding skills to open an online store on Shopify because the platform has thousands of eCommerce website themes members can adjust to their brand’s visual identity.
However, I wouldn’t describe Shopify as solely an eCommerce website builder because it also offers features that enable businesses to manage and promote their products.
Platform’s Transporter App enables entrepreneurs with an established online presence to migrate their store to Shopify.
Point-of-Sale software available in all subscription plans allows businesses to connect their brick-and-mortar and online stores.
The platform allows the integration of drop shipping, wholesale, and Print-on-Demand services to eCommerce stores by connecting them with reliable providers.
None of the plans limit the number of products you can add to your store. Subscription plans include tools retailers need to promote their products on social media, manage orders, ship products or automate the marketing processes.
Shopify’s stores are PCI compliant and SSL-certified, so you won’t have to worry about the safety of your data.
Key features
- Multichannel sales and promotion
- Users can have an unlimited number of stores
- Built-in POD, wholesale and drop shipping options
- Constant email, chat, and phone support
- Store owners can hire an expert to help them build a store
- Shopify supports integrations with more than 6,000 applications
- Robust fraud protection solutions
- The platform doesn’t limit the maximum number of contacts
- Store performance analysis
- Users can create localized versions of their stores for specific international markets
Pricing
The two-week trial period lets retailers test the platform before subscribing to one of the plans.
Besides the Basic, Shopify, and Advanced plans, small business owners can consider the Starter plan that lets them create product pages they can add to their social media channels.
Let’s go through the core features of the platform’s subscription plans.
| PLAN NAME | PLAN DESCRIPTION | PLAN PRICE |
| Basic | Two staff accounts Unlimited contacts and products Four inventory locations Abandoned cart recovery Multilingual stores Basic performance reports | $24/mo. |
| Shopify | Five inventory locations Five staff accounts Professional performance reports eCommerce automations | $69/mo |
| Advanced | Custom prices on international markets Eight inventory locations 15 staff accounts Advanced reports | $299/mo |
Pros and Cons of Shopify
[elementor-template id=”17206″]How to Get Started with Shopify?
1. Open Shopify.com in your web browser, click the Start Free Trial button, and complete the registration process.
2. Launch the store you created and navigate to the Themes submenu in the Online Store menu. Choose a template and click on the Add button to install it.
3. Click on the Customize button after the installation and proceed to modify the template’s homepage, products, pages, blog posts, checkout, cart, and other elements.
4. Specify which products you want to sell and upload them to your store. Optionally, you can create collections or gift cards your customers can explore and buy.
5. Import a customer list CVS file or add a new customer manually by providing their personal data, tax exemptions, and tags the platform will use to add a new customer to a specific group.
6. Connect your store to social media channels you want to use to advertise or sell your products.
7. Go to the Apps menu. Click on the Add button next to the extension you’d like to install. Also, you can use the same menu to adjust the store’s App settings or embed apps from the Website Builder.
8. Give your staff or collaborators permission to access your store from the Settings menu. Launch the eCommerce store you created when ready.
2. Squarespace
Choosing to build an eCommerce website with Squarespace will give you the luxury of not worrying about your store’s backend architecture. It will also allow you to focus on designing the perfect shopping experience for your clients.
The ease of use is among the key reasons the platform has close to four million active subscribers.
Aside from being one of the most reliable website builders for small businesses, Squarespace is also the go-to option for large companies like Target, Harper’s Bazar, or HBO.
The eCommerce templates it offers are designed for specific industries, so you won’t need much time to find the solution for your business’ eCommerce niche.
Social media entrepreneurs can use Squarespace to create single-page Bio Sites to sell their products through social media channels.
Key features
- Users can transfer or search for available domains on Squarespace
- Versatile text, image, and video editing tools
- Businesses can collect the emails of their store visitors
- Built-in SEO and email marketing tools
- Squarespace eCommerce websites have sitemaps and mobile optimization
- The platform generates static URLs for different product categories
Pricing
The core features like an SSL certificate or full access to the template library are included with all pricing plans. Still, the range of features Squarespace’s Personal, Business, Basic Commerce, and Advanced Commerce plans offer varies.
I don’t recommend opting for Personal or Business plans if you want to build an online store for your company because you won’t have access to eCommerce analytics or merchandising tools.
| PLAN NAME | PLAN DESCRIPTION | PLAN PRICE |
| Basic Commerce | 0% transaction fees Social media promotion and sales Point-of-Sales feature Full access to merchandising tools | $27/mo |
| Advanced Commerce | Advanced discount and shipping options Recovery of abandoned carts Product and service subscriptions Custom integrations | Custom |
Pros and Cons of Squarespace
[elementor-template id=”17211″]How to Get Started with Squarespace?
- Browse through Squarespace’s template library
- Choose the template you like and click on the Start With… button
- Transfer an existing domain or get a new one
- Upload the products to the template and arrange their elements
3. Wix
Companies that don’t have a clear vision of the brand’s identity can use the platform’s marketplace to hire freelance web, logo, or graphic designers to help them set up their online stores and create the brand’s image.
Wix offers over 800 templates, including hundreds of eCommerce templates optimized for electronics, accessories, or wellness stores. Besides physical goods, Wix stores can also sell digital and downloadable products as well as subscriptions.
Moreover, you can use the platform’s drop shipping and POD network of suppliers to deliver products from your store to customers around the world. The Wix eCommerce lets you generate leads, organize orders, or manage your store’s transactions.
Key features
- Platform’s Smart Algorithm manages ad campaigns automatically
- Wix has Business Name Generator and Logo Maker tools
- Intuitive website editor
- Users can upload fonts
- Excellent CRM options
- It allows businesses to run email marketing campaigns
Pricing
Wix has Website, Business, eCommerce, and enterprise plans. However, website plans don’t offer a way to accept online payments.
So, opting for one of the platform’s Businesses and eCommerce plans is the best option for small companies. These subscription categories include Basic, Unlimited, and VIP plans.
| PLAN NAME | PLAN DESCRIPTION | PLAN PRICE |
| Basic | No platform’s ads 20 GB storage capacity Up to 5 hours of video content Abandoned cart recovery | $15/mo |
| Unlimited | Up to 250 drop shipping products per month 1,000 Kudo Buzz product reviews Ten hours of video content 35 GB storage capacity | $24/mo |
| VIP | Customized reports Unlimited video content 50GB storage capacity Automated sales tax for up to 500 transactions per month | Custom |
Pros and Cons of Wix
[elementor-template id=”17216″]How to Get Started with Wix?
- Open an account and choose the eCommerce template
- Select the type of products and services you want to sell
- Add your products or services to the store
- Go live
4. BigCommerce
The platform has hundreds of website templates for fashion, beauty, gardening, and other industries.
So, finding an elegant eCommerce solution for your company’s website won’t take much time.
Only a few BigCommerce themes are free, while in most cases, you’ll have to pay between $100 and $500 to get the template you like.
The drag-and-drop page and theme editor lets you arrange the website’s elements freely and make adding products to the store easy.
Aside from giving you the creative freedom to build your e-store’s visual identity, BigCommerce also equips you with marketing, sales, and store management tools.
The Google AMP and Akamai enable companies to optimize their eCommerce website for mobile devices boosting their loading times.
Key features
- Theme and page editor has a wide array of tools
- Advanced product filtering options
- Custom storefronts for existing WordPress websites
- BigCommerce stores connect to online marketplaces
- SEO and email marketing tools
- Simple and efficient checkout
Pricing
You can choose from Standard, Plus, and Pro BigCommerce Essentials plans that include 0% transaction fees, unlimited product and file storage, and unlimited staff accounts.
Let’s see how are these subscription plans different:
| PLAN NAME | PLAN DESCRIPTION | PLAN PRICE |
| Standard | Facebook shops and Instagram checkout Built-in blog Payments in more than a hundred currencies Sales on Walmart, Amazon, and eBay marketplaces | 29.95/mo |
| Plus | Persistent cart and abandoned cart saver Customer segmentation Up to $180,000 in annual sales Stored credit cards | $79.95/mo |
| Pro | Product filtering Up to $400,000 in annual revenue Cross-channel sales | $299.95/mo |
Features like API support, multiple storefronts, and price lists are only available within the Enterprise subscription plan.
Pros and Cons of BigCommerce
[elementor-template id=”17221″How to Get Started with BigCommerce?
- Register on the BigCommerce platform and get a website theme
- Organize the store’s elements and set up the payment options
- Explore the marketing and sales tools included in the plan you selected
5. WOOCOMMERCE
Arguably the biggest downside of WooCommerce is that its users can’t launch a store if they don’t already have a functioning website.
So, before you start planning the visual identity of your online store, you must first complete the website building process on WordPress.
Although it features hundreds of store templates, WooCommerce is developer-friendly because it allows businesses to build custom stores or extend the functionalities of individual themes.
Also, small businesses that don’t feel comfortable customizing a WooCommerce store theme and integrating it with their website can use the platform to hire an expert to complete these tasks for them.
Key features
- Navigating through the store builder is easy
- A mobile app enables business owners to manage their stores on the go
- A broad spectrum of merchandising extensions
- WooCommerce has enterprise store solutions
- It connects small businesses with Amazon, eBay, or Pinterest marketplaces
- Excellent marketing options
Pricing
Unlike most eCommerce website builders, WooCommerce doesn’t have monthly subscriptions.
Instead, users only pay for the services they use, so your store’s upkeep costs will depend on the domain, hosting, and extensions you choose.
The best way to estimate the costs of building a store with WooCommerce is to reach out to customer care agents who can provide you with the exact cost of each service you’d like to use.
Pros and Cons of WooCommerce
[elementor-template id=”17226″]How to Get Started with WooCommerce?
- Log in to WooCommerce using your WordPress account
- Design a store, specify the type of products you want to sell, and pick a checkout option
- Add the plugin to the WordPress website
6. Web.com
This platform lets you choose if you want to build a WordPress website or use its DIY website builder.
All WordPress hosting options are affordable, but the number of WordPress websites you can build depends on the plan you choose.
Optionally, you can use to get a domain and hosting for your website before using its DIY website builder tool to design its elements.
The platform also has an online store builder that gives you access to custom code blocks and a vast stock image library.
Its options include basic SEO tools and store management features, but you can hire the platform’s expert to help you develop an SEO strategy for an additional fee.
Key features
- Shared hosting service with 99.9% uptime
- Bulk editing options
- A broad selection of themes for different industries
- Multiple hosting solutions
- Google Workspace plans for small and large businesses
- It offers domain registration services
Pricing
The platform offers a range of pricing plans, but only a handful of monthly subscription options include eCommerce tools. Website hosting and upkeep services are bundled with each plan, but users must contact customer support to find out the specifics.
| PLAN NAME | PLAN DESCRIPTION | PLAN PRICE |
| ECommerce Essentials | Automatic product list updates Up to five admin email addresses Retailers can sell their products on Instagram and Facebook Stripe and PayPal integrations | $13.95/mo |
| ECommerce Premium | Access to online marketplaces Image editor and bulk editing Built-in CRM tool eCommerce reports | $19.95/mo |
Pros and cons of Web.com
[elementor-template id=”17231″]How to Get Started with Web.com?
- Log in to your Web.com account
- Choose a plan and build an online store
- Add products listings and set payment methods
- Launch the store
7. GoDaddy
Joining the GoDaddy platform will enable you to take care of all aspects of the e-store creation process from the same place.
You can find a domain for your online business and choose between web-based, server-based, and WordPress hosting options before you start building your e-store. All GoDaddy’s store themes are customizable, so you can quickly adjust them to your brand’s guidelines.
The options you’ll have at your disposal largely depend on the pricing plan you choose.
However, all plans include advanced safety features, mobile-friendly design, and analytics tools that enable you to track the performance of your products.
Platform members can sell videos, podcasts, and other types of digital services from their stores.
Key features
- 30-day free trial
- Region-based language support
- Effortless inventory management
- Previews for e-store themes
- Basic SEO optimization for all products
- Online booking options
Pricing
GoDaddy has the following e-Store plans:
| PLAN NAME | PLAN DESCRIPTION | PLAN PRICE |
| Starter | Sales through social media channels 100MB limit for monthly sales of digital goods 100 physical products Full access to the platform’s online marketing tools | $14.99/mo |
| Premium | Stores can have up to 2,500 products 1GB limit for monthly sales of digital goods Order editor and email automation Product filters | $19.99/mo |
| Unlimited | 10GB limit for monthly sales of digital goods Customer group discounts Unlimited physical products | $34.99/mo |
Pros and Cons of GoDaddy
[elementor-template id=”17236″]How to Get Started with GoDaddy.com?
- Create a GoDaddy account and buy a domain if you don’t already have one
- Choose an e-store theme and specify the types of products you want to sell
- Connect your social media account to the store
- Install the GoDaddy Studio and other apps you need to run your store
8. Jimdo
Novice retailers who just started their one-person companies can build an online store on Jimdo without touching the website’s backend.
However, the platform allows developers with sizable experience to use its editor to alter the theme’s code and introduce new functionalities to the store.
Jimdo automates the e-store creation process based on the information you provide, enabling you to go live as soon as you customize the theme you selected and upload the products from the Dashboard.
Still, the platform’s selection of e-store themes, store management, and marketing features are limited, and you must rely on third-party app integrations to obtain all the tools you need to run an e-store efficiently.
Key features
- Contemporary store designs
- Users can edit their website after they publish them
- A wide array of fonts and several page animation options
- Stores can feature product variants
- All themes are optimized for display on different devices
- The platform offers SEO support
Pricing
The level of control you’ll have over your e-Store depends on the subscription plan you choose.
Jimdo currently offers Basic, Business, and VIP plans with common features like free domain, the option to connect the store to your email address, or access to the image library.
Here are each plan’s core features:
| PLAN NAME | PLAN DESCRIPTION | PLAN PRICE |
| Basic | Ten website pages 10GB bandwidth and storage 4-hour customer support response time Five forwarding email addresses | $7.50/mo |
| Business | 20GB bandwidth and 15GB storage Discount codes and social selling 50 web pages Several product layouts | $9.50/mo |
| VIP | Unlimited storage and bandwidth Design analysis One-hour customer support response time Unlimited web pages | $19/mo |
Pros and Cons of Jimdo
[elementor-template id=”17241″]How to Get Started with Jimdo.com?
- Log in to Jimdo using your Google, Facebook, or Apple account
- Go through the automatic online store creation process
- Customize the store, add products and upload content
- Publish the store when ready
9. 3dcart
A quick glance at Shift4Shop’s features reveals why the company labels itself as the best eCommerce SaaS software in the world.
Its design tools give you control over every detail of your e-store’s interface and enable you to create landing pages or product categories.
All online store themes load instantly because they’re Google AMP-enabled and optimized for display on different devices.
In addition, Shif4Shop features open-source shopping cart software that ensures a smooth shopping experience and decreases cart abandonment.
The order management dashboard, phone, and manual order processing or shipping label manager are among the tools that make day-to-day e-store management easier.
The free version of Shift4Shop comes with advanced SEO and marketing tools.
Key features
- IP blocking and 99.94% uptime
- A wide range of eCommerce automation options
- Online store solutions for B2B businesses
- Shift4Shop offers e-Stores designed for Arts & Crafts, Electronics, or Jewelry businesses
- The platform offers different shipping methods
- Sale tax support
Pricing
The platform’s free plan isn’t available to retailers outside of the US, and small international businesses must get a Basic Store, Plus Store, or Pro Store monthly plan to gain access to the Shift4Shop’s features.
| PLAN NAME | PLAN DESCRIPTION | PLAN PRICE |
| Basic Store | Stores can offer unlimited products Real-time shipping updates Cross-selling and upselling options Affiliate program | $29/mo |
| Plus Store | Product Q&As and comparisons Customer list segmentation Dynamic ads on Facebook Up to $250,000 of annual sales revenue | Custom |
| Pro Store | Users can create auto-responder campaigns In-store pickups Up to $1 million of annual sales revenue Back-in-Stock alerts | Custom |
Pros and Cons of 3dcart
[elementor-template id=”17246″]How to Get Started with 3dcart.com?
- Choose a plan and set up an account
- Get one of the website templates and customize it
- Upload products, set up payment methods, and connect your store to social media
- Launch the store
10. Weebly
The selection of online store themes you’ll have at your disposal if you decide to open an account on Weebly will be limited.
Nonetheless, each design emphasizes functionality enabling the visitors to effortlessly navigate the website and find the products they’re looking for.
Platform’s Free and Connect plans don’t include eCommerce features, so you’ll have to opt for the Pro or Business plans if you want to run your store with this SaaS platform.
Weebly’s marketing tools don’t allow you to do much more other than import the contact list and create customer groups or use basic analytics tools.
Key features
- Users can create slideshows, contact forms and embed code from the Weebly Editor
- Weebly offers customizable email templates
- The App Center has a rich selection of eCommerce, marketing, and social apps
- The platform optimizes a website for SEO
- RTS ensures accurate shipping rates
- Bulk inventory import and export
Pricing
Although Weebly has four pricing plans, only two come with eCommerce tools retailers need to manage an online store.
| PLAN NAME | PLAN DESCRIPTION | PLAN PRICE |
| Pro | Unlimited storage of digital goods or physical products Payment processing through Square and third-party providers Site search options Advanced site analytics | $12/mo |
| Business | $100 Google Ads credit Built-in shipping labels Lead generation and pop-up notifications options Automatic tax calculation | $25/mo |
Pros and Cons of Weebly
[elementor-template id=”17250″]How to Get Started with Weebly?
- Click on the Sign-Up button on Weebly’s home page
- Open the website or online store in the Editor
- Add pages, text, images, and products you want to sell
- Preview the e-Store’s design
Frequently Asked Questions about eCommerce Website Bui
Can I Edit Photos with eCommerce Website Builders?
Cropping, rotating, or adjusting brightness and contrast are some of the most common photo editing tasks you can perform with eCommerce website builders.
Are Annual Subscription Plans Less Expensive Than Monthly Plans?
Yes, opting for the eCommerce website builder’s annual subscription is often more affordable than the platform’s monthly plans.
What happens if My Online Store Goes Down?
The platform should fix the issue that caused the online store to crash. However, if the issue persists, you must get in touch with customer support.
My Verdict: How to Know Which eCommerce Website Builder is the Right Solution for Your Business
I wouldn’t be able to develop my online business without the tools that enabled me to promote and sell my products.
So, choosing the right eCommerce website builder played a vital role in my success.
I relied on it to design an online store that attracts customers and provides them with an enjoyable shopping experience.
You can achieve these goals by deciding to build your online store with Shopify, as you can choose from different templates and adjust them to your brand’s needs.
Website builders like Squarespace and Shift4Shop are reliable options for small businesses that want to keep developing.