TOP 7 Ecommerce Platforms For Small Businesses 

This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best ecommerce platform for small business owners, helping them thrive online. 

Key Takeaways 

• Shopify: Versatile, user-friendly, ideal for scalable businesses, robust in SEO and integrations.
• Squarespace: High-quality design focus, beautiful templates, effective inventory management.
• BigCommerce: High scalability and customization, perfect for established or rapidly growing businesses.
• Sellfy: Simple, efficient for various product types, fast setup, no transaction fees.
• Zyro: Affordable, user-friendly, and supports diverse products.
• Weebly: Ideal for small businesses and beginners, it emphasizes user-friendliness and security.
• Etsy: Best for unique, handcrafted, or vintage items; ideal for small businesses and independent creators in a niche market.

Ecommerce Platforms For Small Businesses

When exploring why small businesses lean towards ecommerce platforms, several compelling reasons emerge:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Ecommerce platforms provide an affordable way to establish an online presence, offering essential tools such as inventory management, payment processing, and customer service at a lower cost than developing these features independently.
• Ease of Use: These platforms are user-friendly and accessible, catering to entrepreneurs with varying technical skills, making them ideal for small business owners.
• SEO Capabilities: Built-in SEO features enhance online visibility and reach in the competitive digital market, which is crucial for small businesses to stand out.

Best 7 Ecommerce Platforms For Small Businesses In 2024

Let’s dive into the top 7 platforms making waves in the small business sector this year.

Shopify

Shopify stands out as a preferred e-commerce platform for its user-friendly nature and versatile features. It simplifies online store creation, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned entrepreneurs.

Key features

• User-Friendly Interface: Platforms like Shopify offer an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface that simplifies customization. This feature is ideal for small businesses as it requires no programming skills, making it one of the best choices for those with limited technical expertise.
• Customizable Themes: The availability of mobile-friendly, customizable themes is crucial for small businesses to establish a unique brand identity online. This flexibility allows for a personalized look and feel of the online store.

• Diverse Payment Options: Supporting various payment gateways, such as PayPal, Stripe, and Square, is essential for accommodating a global customer base and facilitating smooth transactions.

• Efficient Inventory Management: An advanced inventory management system is key for small businesses to track stock levels, set reorder notifications, and manage products across multiple locations.

• Marketing and SEO Tools: Integrated tools for SEO and marketing, including features for search engine optimization, email campaigns, and social media advertising, are vital for increasing online visibility and customer engagement.

• App and Integration Ecosystem: A robust selection of apps and integrations can significantly enhance the functionality of an ecommerce store, providing small businesses with the tools to scale and adapt to changing needs.
• Reliable Customer Support: Access to 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat is a valuable asset for small businesses, ensuring assistance is available whenever needed.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive management tools.
• Sales across multiple channels.
• Varied design options.
• Large app library.
• Multiple payment methods.
• 24/7 customer support.

Cons

• Dependence on external apps.
• High transaction fees without Shopify Payments.
• Possible additional costs from apps and fees.

Pricing 

Shopify offers 3-day free trial and then $1/month for 3 months

• Basic Plan ($39/month): Ideal for individuals and small businesses, offering basic reports, inventory management, shipping discounts, and two staff accounts.
• Shopify Plan ($105/month): Geared towards small businesses requiring professional reporting and more staff accounts.
• Advanced Plan ($399/month): Suited for medium to large businesses seeking custom reporting and lower transaction fees.

The ecommerce platform is best for

Shopify is optimal for businesses dealing with a large volume of physical products. It caters well to high-volume sellers managing multiple warehouse locations and extensive orders. Its ease of use makes it suitable for businesses of all sizes, requiring no technical experience to get started.

User feedback & reviews

Shopify, as a platform, has received extensive positive feedback from its users. Many small business owners highlight its user-friendly interface, which simplifies setting up and customizing an online store, making it accessible even to those without technical expertise. The features, including inventory management, SEO tools, and marketing capabilities, are highly praised for their comprehensiveness and effectiveness in running an online business. 

However, some users point out the additional costs associated with apps and the learning curve in maximizing SEO tools.

Successful Store Examples

Ka’Chava

This health-focused brand utilizes Shopify to sell nutrient-packed meal replacements. Ka’Chava’s Shopify store stands out for its cohesive branding, featuring an earthy color scheme that aligns with its health and wellness theme. The store’s design effectively conveys a sense of quality and trust, showcasing how Shopify leverages to create a strong brand identity and visually appealing online presence.

Magic Spoon

Magic Spoon is another exemplary Shopify store. Reviving the nostalgia of childhood cereals with a grown-up twist, it offers nutritious options through a direct-to-consumer model. This approach highlights Shopify’s versatility in supporting innovative business models and product offerings, catering to a specific market niche while maintaining a solid online presence.

Squarespace

Squarespace is widely admired for its superior design options, making it a go-to for businesses prioritizing aesthetics. Its combination of visually striking templates and robust site features appeals to those seeking a platform that enhances their brand’s visual impact.

Key features

• Sleek Designs: The platform stands out for its superior design options, featuring high-quality and visually appealing templates. Whether you’re a creative professional or a business owner, our meticulously crafted templates enhance the aesthetic appeal of your online presence.

• Smart Inventory: Facilitating seamless business operations, Squarespace boasts an excellent inventory system with analytical tools for precise tracking. This ensures efficient product management, stock monitoring, and valuable insights into inventory trends.

• Commerce Flexibility: Squarespace Commerce is the ideal solution for various industries specifically tailored to cater to diverse business needs. Whether running a restaurant, managing an online magazine, or showcasing your musical talents, Squarespace Commerce provides the flexibility and customization options to meet your unique requirements.
• Brand Empowerment: The platform empowers you to create a tailored online storefront that aligns perfectly with the essence of your brand. It gives you the tools you need to succeed in an ecommerce platform, offering flexibility and customization to showcase your brand uniquely.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Versatile features
• Visually appealing templates
• Robust inventory management
• Effective SEO and marketing tools

Cons

• Limited app selection
• Initial learning curve for navigation.

Pricing 

Squarespace does provide a 14-day trial for free

• Personal Plan: $23/month, suitable for basic, customizable websites.
• Business Plan: $33/month, ideal for growing audience and initiating payments.
• Commerce Basic: $36/month, offering selling tools with no transaction fees, best for businesses starting to sell online.
• Commerce Advanced: $65/month, the most comprehensive plan for extensive ecommerce needs.

The ecommerce platform is best for

Squarespace is particularly suitable for businesses where design and product presentation are paramount. Its ecommerce platform shines for creative industries, such as fashion, art, or boutique retail, where the website’s visual appeal plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining customers.

User feedback & reviews

Squarespace is frequently lauded for its aesthetically pleasing design templates and user-friendly interface. Users appreciate its straightforward, intuitive navigation and the ease of creating visually appealing websites. 

However, some feedback points to a limited selection of third-party apps and a learning curve in mastering certain functionalities.

Successful Store Examples

Sunday State

A lifestyle boutique excelling on Squarespace, Sunday State effectively showcases ethical fashion, clean beauty, and home goods.

Its website is a testament to Squarespace’s strengths in design, with clear calls-to-action, well-organized shop categories, and prominently featured products. The concise, emotion-evoking messaging and clean layout facilitate an enjoyable user experience and easy navigation through their carefully curated collections.

Muff & Co

Specializing in gourmet baking mixes, Muff & Co’s Squarespace site exemplifies a bilingual ecommerce platform. 

The site skillfully displays an array of muffin mixes and related products with a visually appealing, easy-to-navigate layout. High-quality, appetizing images are strategically placed throughout the site, complemented by a warm color palette that attracts attention and stimulates appetite.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a top choice for e-commerce due to its reliable blend of features, apps, and integrations. This platform is highly favored for its customizability, scalability, and robust security, making it an excellent option for businesses at various stages – from stepping into online sales to expanding their digital footprint.

Key features

• Highly Scalable: BigCommerce handles hosting and infrastructural upgrades, ensuring smooth real-time operation regardless of business growth.
• High Customizability: Offers a wide range of themes and an easy-to-use Page Builder for storefront personalization.
• Multichannel Selling: Enables selling across social media, significant e-marketplaces like Amazon and Instagram, and third-party integrations.
• Top-Notch SEO: Features essential HTML tags and microdata collection for improved search engine ranking.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Flexible customizable
• Supports diverse selling channels
• Robust in SEO and security
• Excellent technical support

Cons

• Costs tied to sales volume
• Limited free themes
• English-centric with language limitations.

Pricing 

There is a 15-day free trial for you before picking a plan 

• Standard Plan: $39/month, suitable for new online stores.
• Plus Plan: $105/month, includes additional marketing tools for business growth.
• Pro Plan: $399/month, offers comprehensive features for scaling businesses.
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for large businesses or corporations with specific needs.

The ecommerce platform is best for

BigCommerce is ideally suited for large businesses, corporations, or enterprises that require customizable e-commerce solutions. It is particularly beneficial for companies with access to technical resources or the budget to invest in building and customizing an online store.

User feedback & reviews

BigCommerce has garnered positive reviews for its scalability, customization options, and integration capabilities, making it a preferred choice for growing businesses. Users appreciate its ability to handle increased traffic and sales volumes without compromising performance. 

However, some users find the platform somewhat complex and note that it can be costly as the business expands.

Successful Store Examples

Savannah Bee Company

Started in a home kitchen, Savannah Bee Company has grown into a multi-store brand featured in over 2,000 retailers. Their BigCommerce website efficiently promotes new products and offers a vibrant ecommerce experience. The integration with InStockNotify has notably increased their conversion rate by alerting customers about restocked items.

Solo Stove

Founded by brothers Jeff and Spencer Jan, Solo Stove began with simple outdoor cooking stoves and has expanded to include a range of outdoor lifestyle products. Their BigCommerce site, initially launched with a basic template, evolved with customized features and marketing integrations, resulting in a steady conversion rate and revenue growth.

Skullcandy

This audio lifestyle brand, known for high-performance headphones, transitioned to BigCommerce from Salesforce Commerce Cloud for greater agility and cost-effectiveness. Their complex migration to BigCommerce was successful, resulting in an award-winning website design and increased conversion rates. The integration with Facebook Shop further enhanced their omnichannel selling capabilities.

Sellfy

Sellfy is gaining popularity as an intuitive ecommerce platform, especially favored by creators and small businesses. Its appeal lies in the ease of setting up and managing a store and support for a diverse range of product types, including digital products, subscriptions, print-on-demand items, and physical goods.

Key features

• Build Your Online Store with Ease: Use our user-friendly builder to create your online store. The intuitive design makes the process seamless, allowing you to establish your digital storefront effortlessly.
• Customizable Storefront Templates: Customize your storefront with a diverse range of templates tailored to match your brand identity. Our selection ensures that your online presence reflects the uniqueness of your business.

• Expand Your Reach with “Buy Now” Buttons: Boost your reach by strategically placing “Buy Now” buttons on external sites and social media platforms. Increase accessibility and facilitate seamless transactions for your customers.

• Diverse Product Offering in One Storefront: Sell different product types effortlessly from one unified storefront. Whether digital downloads, physical goods, subscriptions, or print-on-demand items, our platform supports a wide array of products to meet your business needs.

• Comprehensive Marketing Tools: Market effectively with built-in tools designed to elevate your business. Utilize upselling prompts, discount codes, analytics tracking, and an email marketing suite—all conveniently available in one place.

• Seamless Payment Processing: Ensure fast and secure payments through our partnership with trusted platforms like Stripe and PayPal. You only need to forget about transaction fees and maximize your revenue, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

• Advanced Security Measures for Digital Assets: Safeguard digital assets with enhanced security protocols, including PDF stamping and regulated download limitations. Concentrate on providing exceptional value, reassured by the knowledge that your content is secure and your business is safeguarded against potential threats.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Quick store setup
• No transaction fees
• Versatile product management
• Comprehensive marketing tools

Cons

• Limited integrations

Pricing 

• Starter Plan: $29/month, suitable for up to $10k in sales per year.
• Business Plan: $79/month, best for up to $50k in sales per year, with added features like product upselling and cart abandonment tools.
• Premium Plan: $159/month, designed for higher volume sales with additional benefits.

The ecommerce platform is best for

Sellfy is an ideal platform for creators and entrepreneurs who create content online and seek a straightforward way to monetize their work. It’s also well-suited for businesses looking to manage multiple types of storefronts, offering a versatile and user-friendly solution for a wide range of ecommerce needs.

User feedback & reviews

BigCommerce has been well-received for its robust features and scalability, particularly favored by businesses looking to expand. Users appreciate its customizable templates, diverse selling channels, and strong SEO and security features. 

However, some note the platform’s complexity and higher costs associated with growth and revenue increase.

Successful Store Examples

Camie Cragg Fitness

Owned by Camie Cragg, a fitness expert, this website is a hub for health and fitness-related information and programs. 

The site, built with WordPress and integrated with Sellfy, offers a range of fitness programs and eBooks. Its unique approach is evident in including videos and customer testimonials, complete with real-life photos of clients who have seen tangible results from the programs.

Beaute Liberee by Leila Salomee

As a beauty expert, Leila Salomee’s site focuses on 100% natural and eco-friendly hair treatment methods. Although primarily in French, it features videos, links to social networks, and personal insights into Leila’s unique beauty philosophy. Although a single page, the site unfolds Leila’s methodology and haircare approach with impressive eCommerce functionality powered by Sellfy. Visitors can purchase an eBook detailing a 4-week hair treatment course, showcasing the site’s effective use of ecommerce tools for a niche market.

Zyro 

Zyro is rapidly becoming a favorite among ecommerce enthusiasts for its straightforward and versatile platform. It’s particularly appreciated for its user-friendliness and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, which aid in building websites with relevant content and features.

Key features

• Ease of Use: Zyro prioritizes a user-friendly experience, offering a streamlined and intuitive process for setting up an online store. Whether you’re a seasoned e-commerce professional or a newcomer to online selling, the platform’s design ensures that the store setup process is straightforward and accessible. 

• Support for Various Product Types: Diversify your product offerings effortlessly with Zyro’s capability to handle a wide range of products. From print-on-demand goods to subscription services, encompassing digital and physical products, Zyro provides a versatile platform to meet the diverse needs of modern e-commerce.
• Website Embed Feature: Enhance the reach of your ecommerce presence with Zyro’s website embed feature. This facilitates a cohesive user experience for your customers, allowing them to purchase directly from your main website.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rapid Store Setup
• No Transaction Fees
• Versatile Product Handling

Cons

• Limited Integrations
• Limited SEO Capability
• Pricing Concerns

Pricing 

For the business plan, Zyro starts at $3.59/month, offering features like a free domain for one year, 24/7 customer support, various payment methods, and the ability to sell up to 500 products.

The ecommerce platform is best for

Zyro is an ideal platform for creators and entrepreneurs who produce content online and seek an easy-to-use solution to monetize their work.

User feedback & reviews

Zyro has gained positive feedback for its simplicity and user-friendly design, making it a favored choice for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Users appreciate its ease of use, especially when creating and managing an online storefront. 

However, some reviews point out limitations in SEO capabilities and a smaller range of integrations compared to other platforms.

Successful Store Examples

UVE

An event space and wine bar in Italy, UVE’s website exemplifies effective small business web design. 

Utilizing elegant typography and a responsive design, the site offers an exceptional user experience with stunning location imagery. Key features like detailed service information on the homepage and a sticky menu button for easy navigation make the site modern and user-friendly.

Native Union

Specializing in tech accessories, Native Union’s website is a testament to professional design. 

The neutral color palette, thin typography, and focus on products convey a modern, sleek aesthetic. The site skillfully presents deals, services, and products with an interactive slide display and previews different sections, including the shop, blog, and social media.

Weebly  

Weebly, powered and operated by Square, is highly regarded for its seamless integration with Square’s small business platforms, including a secure online shopping cart and inventory management.

Key features

• Drag-and-Drop Website Builder: Weebly’s standout feature is its drag-and-drop website builder, designed to be incredibly user-friendly. This tool is ideal for individuals and small businesses without extensive technical expertise, enabling them to create and customize their online stores. 

• App Center: Weebly’s App Center has seen significant improvements, earning a perfect score for its expanded functionalities. A notable addition is the customer testimonials app, allowing for deeper engagement with this feature. The App Center complements the basic Weebly editor features (like text blocks and image galleries) by offering advanced tools and features, enhancing the website’s overall functionality and user experience.

• SEO: Weebly is recognized for its robust set of SEO tools, scoring highly in research evaluations. Key SEO features include:

• A sitemap and SEO-friendly HTML formatting.
• Editable meta titles and descriptions, customizable URLs.
• Advanced features like alt text for images and page-specific descriptions.
• Newly added keyword support, aiding in targeted content creation and audience engagement.

Pros & Cons

Pros 

• User-friendly interface
• Robust Security
• No Transaction Fees

Cons

• Limited Customization
• Limited Checkout Customization

Pricing 

• Free Plan: Basic usage at no cost.
• Personal Plan: $10/month (billed annually) or $13 month-to-month, suitable for connecting to a custom domain.
• Professional Plan: $12/month (billed annually) or $16 month-to-month, offering more customization options.
• Performance Plan: $26/month (billed annually) or $29 month-to-month, including advanced growth and operation management features.

The ecommerce platform is best for

Weebly is an excellent platform for small businesses and individuals new to online selling. It’s also a good match for businesses that require the management of multiple storefronts, offering a simple yet effective solution for various ecommerce needs.

User feedback & reviews

Weebly is commonly praised for its user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop editor, making it a popular choice for small businesses and beginners in ecommerce. Users appreciate its simplicity and its range of features without charging transaction fees. Some criticisms include limited customization options and a somewhat basic design compared to more advanced platforms.

Successful Store Examples

Create & Cultivate

A media company focused on content, events, and conferences for women, Create & Cultivate showcases how Weebly can support complex and dynamic online platforms. 

Their site promotes various events and offers resources like checklists and worksheets for entrepreneurial women. This example highlights Weebly’s ability to handle diverse content formats and cater to a specific audience, all while maintaining a user-friendly interface.

Eyeconic

Specializing in eyewear, Eyeconic demonstrates the potential of Weebly for ecommerce businesses with significant web sales. 

With a design that makes ample use of white space, their website offers an uncluttered experience, highlighting calls to action and facilitating easy navigation. The site’s intuitive design is optimized for user engagement and ease of product search.

Etsy 

Etsy is widely appreciated for its user-friendly interface and ease of use. This platform is known for empowering independent creators and small businesses, helping them quickly set up and effectively manage their online stores.

Key features

• Diverse Product Range: Etsy is primarily recognized for its extensive collection of handmade goods, catering not only to artisans but also providing a platform for sellers of vintage clothing, crafting supplies, and unique items. This diverse product range creates a marketplace that appeals to a wide variety of tastes and preferences.
• Etsy Plus Trial: Etsy offers a 30-day free trial of Etsy Plus, a subscription service that provides additional seller benefits. This includes listing credits that can be used for promoting products and ad spending to boost visibility within the platform. The trial allows sellers to explore and experience these additional features without immediate financial commitment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Ideal for independent creators and small businesses
• User-friendly platform with a community feel

Cons

• Higher price points for unique items
• Limited customer support options.

Pricing 

• Etsy Standard Monthly Plan: Free, allows selling through Etsy with standard features, including creating coupons and selling via the Etsy app.
• Etsy Plus Plan: $10/month, includes all features of the standard plan plus extras like featured listings, listing credits, ad credits, a free .store domain, discounts on custom domains, promotional materials, and packaging. Also, it provides advanced customization options for the storefront.

While there are no transaction fees, sellers must account for costs associated with listing, shipping, currency conversions, gift wrapping, and transactions, amounting to approximately 15-20% of the sale value.

The ecommerce platform is best for

Etsy is ideally suited for small businesses, artisans, and newcomers to online retail. It’s also a good fit for those managing multiple storefronts, particularly those selling unique, handcrafted, or vintage items, offering a niche marketplace with a loyal customer base.

User feedback & reviews

Etsy is often praised for its user-friendly interface and the ease of setting up and managing a store, making it a popular platform for small business owners and independent creators. Users appreciate Etsy’s niche marketplace, especially for unique, handmade, or vintage items. 

However, some sellers express concerns about competition and the challenges of standing out in a crowded marketplace. 

Successful Store Examples 

Caitlyn Minimalist

Caitlyn Minimalist – This Los Angeles-based Etsy shop, known for its high-quality, elegant, and personalized jewelry, is a prime example of successful branding and product presentation on Etsy. 

Using gold and silver, the owner handcrafts each piece to order. The shop’s popularity, indicated by its more than 200,000 admirers, showcases Etsy’s potential for individual artisans to reach a broad audience and build a solid customer base.

Mod Party

Specializing in gifts, favors, and decorations, particularly for weddings and baby showers, Mod Party has become a go-to source for party planners and celebrants. 

The shop’s success can be attributed to its attractive product photography and active engagement on social media. By leveraging Etsy’s platform, Mod Party effectively markets to a broad audience, catering to various occasions and celebrations.

A Comparison Table Among Popular Ecommerce Platforms For Small Businesses

Choosing the right ecommerce platform can be a daunting task for small businesses. To help with this decision, here’s a comprehensive comparison table that outlines key aspects of the mentioned popular platforms.

	Shopify	Squarespace	BigCommerce	Sellfy	Zyro	Weebly	Etsy
Pricing	Starts at $29/mo	Starts at $18/mo	Starts at $39/mo	Starts at $29/mo	Starts at $3.59/mo	Free, paid plans start at $10/mo	Free, Etsy Plus at $10/mo
Ease of use	Very User-Friendly	User-Friendly	Moderate Learning Curve	Very User-Friendly	User-Friendly	User-Friendly	User-Friendly
Design & Templates	Wide range of themes	High-quality templates	Good customization options	Basic templates	Basic but functional	Limited design options
Integrations	Extensive	Limited	Extensive	Limited	Limited	Limited	Limited
SEO capabilities	Strong	Good	Strong	Basic	Basic	Basic	Basic
Customer support	24/7 Support	Standard support	24/7 Support	Email Support	Standard support	Email & Chat Support	Email Support Only

Key Factor Impact Ecommerce Platforms For Small Businesses

Selecting the right ecommerce platform is critical for small businesses aiming to expand their online presence. The choice can significantly impact how these businesses operate and engage with customers. Here are some key factors to consider:

Pricing

Cost is a major consideration for small businesses. While some platforms may have higher initial costs, they offer more comprehensive tools that could save money in the long run. Conversely, lower-cost options might require additional investments in apps or extensions.

Ease of Use

The ease with which business owners can set up and manage their online store is paramount. Platforms with intuitive interfaces, drag-and-drop editors, and straightforward navigation are ideal for those with limited technical expertise.

Design and Templates

The appearance of an online store can influence customer perception and brand identity. Platforms offering a range of customizable, responsive design templates allow businesses to create an appealing and unique online presence.

Integrations

The ability to integrate with other tools and services, such as payment gateways, social media, and marketing tools, can extend the functionality of an ecommerce platform and streamline business operations.

SEO Capabilities

For online visibility, SEO features are crucial. Platforms with strong SEO capabilities help businesses rank higher in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to find them.

Customer Support

Reliable customer support can be a lifesaver for small business owners, especially those new to ecommerce. Platforms offering robust support through various channels such as email, chat, and phone provide valuable assistance in resolving issues quickly.

Bottom Line 

The ecommerce platforms for small businesses listed here aren’t just selected for their price tag and proven ability to help small businesses succeed online. Each recommendation is backed by a growth story, aiming to help you choose a platform to elevate your business from the ground up.

Ecommerce Platforms For Small Businesses: FAQs