The value of the global eCommerce retail sales in 2021 will be $4.921 trillion and is expected to grow even more in the coming years. How do you get a piece out of that market?
If you’ve got a good eCommerce-based business idea, All you have to do is to launch the online store and begin selling.
To begin the process, the first step is to find the most suitable eCommerce platform for startups. Selecting the best platform will help make the next steps easier.
There’s no issue when it comes to options. There are plenty of choices, to begin with. However, only a handful are suitable for startups.
In this article, I will provide you with the top seven Startup comfortable eCommerce platforms. Take a look and get the details before you begin.
What exactly is an eCommerce startup? – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
A startup founded on selling digital or physical products via a website is known as an eCommerce-based startup.
There are generally two kinds of eCommerce platforms, one free and the other based on SaaS (Software as a Service).
The aim of an eCommerce business can be used to simplify the purchasing process easier for customers who are not able to buy.
People can choose from a variety of ways to sell online.
Why You Need An E-Commerce Platform? – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
If someone suggests you use the eCommerce platform, you may be thinking, why not your own eCommerce platform?
Yes, it’s possible to build your eCommerce platform that has numerous variations. However, it’s not feasible for a startup. It’s costly to create everything completely from scratch.
However, you’ll have everything in place when you use eCommerce platforms. It is possible to start at no cost with certain platforms. There’s no need to pay developers or any other cost. For eCommerce startup companies, the best option is, to begin with, a no-cost plan and then move to premium when needed. The most difficult part is selecting the most suitable eCommerce platform based on the requirements I’ve covered in the final section of this blog post.
What are the factors to consider when selecting the best Ecommerce Platform? – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
It’s no surprise that you’ll find a variety of eCommerce platforms on the marketplace. However, if you’re considering the most appropriate one for your eCommerce startup, take into consideration the following points:
Easy of Use – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
Your aim is to build an eCommerce store with no trouble, isn’t it? Therefore, whatever platform you select, be sure that it is user-friendly. It shouldn’t contain too many technical aspects.
If you can, try to find demonstrations to help you get a better understanding of the procedure. This will provide an overview of the specifics. If the features seem simple to understand, then go for it.
Integration of Third-Party Tools – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
In the present-day web development industry, most web platforms permit the integration of third-party tools for advanced capabilities. In the case of eCommerce, it is essential to have a seamless third-party integration process.
Tools such as ShopEngine provide you with more control over your online store. Integration of advanced features isn’t any extra effort or technical expertise.
Inventory Management – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
If the idea for the startup relies on tangible goods, inventory management can be a huge problem. An efficient inventory management system can help ensure that demand and supply are in balance.
Therefore, when looking at the capabilities of an eCommerce platform, be sure to look at inventory management. If you’re not certain about a particular feature, call support and request an explanation of the management system.
WooCommerce has earned a name for its superior inventory management system. Also, review the information to determine to see if it is able to meet your needs.
SEO-Friendly – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
If you’ve got a brilliant business idea and make the most effective products, however, no one is purchasing it. It sounds odd? But, if you’re unable to get people to your location, there’ll be no sales.
It is essential to optimize your site to be optimized for Search Engines if your eCommerce platform is SEO friendly and offers the tools required that allow you to increase traffic and make more sales.
Insights – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
For eCommerce sites, visitors come from many sources. The demography of traffic, the average time spent on the site, and other data can help you determine where you can enhance the store’s performance.
The most effective eCommerce platforms are utilized to give insight into stores. For instance, you’d be aware of the geographic data for traffic and age, click-through rates and much more.
Top 7 eCommerce Platforms for Startups – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
Are you wondering about the top eCommerce platforms that let you begin with ease?
After extensive investigation, I’ve settled on the top seven eCommerce websites that are simple to use, well-organized, and free to begin with.
WooCommerce – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
Key Features
. One-click WooCommerce installation in WordPress
. Integrated third-party payment system
. The drag and drop function that allows you to create the store
. Product listing that is hassle-free with integrated feature
. Ideal for small businesses to large companies
When compared to the other eCommerce systems, WooCommerce has the maximum market share. The percentage of market shares for WooCommerce is 27%, and it is expanding rapidly.
This platform is based on WordPress CMS and takes only a few minutes to set up. There are no complex steps to follow. Simply install WooCommerce onto your host plan, and then install WooCommerce, then that’s it.
The user-friendly interface and the numerous third-party applications made this platform very well-known. It’s the most convenient part that you can also transform your old eCommerce sites into WooCommerce.
Read Also: E-Commerce Marketing Strategy
There are two options to go with WooCommerce, both Saas and free.
Free versions are the best to use for direct-selling eCommerce platforms. It is a SaaS platform. WooCommerce is the best choice for subscription-based eCommerce stores.
After you have installed WooCommerce, you can build the entire store with just an application like Shopengine. Shopengine is the latest WooCommerce Elementor builder, offering a complete eCommerce solution.
Pros
. Video and documents are free.
. Beginner-friendly dashboard
. Third-party integration that is hassle-free
. SEO-friendly and secure
Cons
. The SaaS model requires a monthly payment.
. Advanced features require plugins from third parties.
Shopify
Key Features
. Features dropshipping ready with all the features
. Shopify offers experts to engage to help with the store.
. More than 6000 apps are available to be integrated with Shopify.
. Wholesale products are ready to be sold.
If you’re searching for the most effective eCommerce dropshipping platforms, Shopify would be an ideal option. It is an eCommerce SaaS platform.
If your startup concept is similar to a small-scale company model, do it.
The greatest thing about Shopify is that numerous apps can be used for various needs. Implementing new features shouldn’t take too long if you’re just beginning your shop.
With Shopify, you can offer many different items. In particular, if you’re planning an idea to begin dropshipping, Shopify is the perfect solution. The traffic via Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest will be more successful in Shopify.
As with WooCommerce, Shopify also allows the conversion of stores on different platforms to Shopify.
If you’re considering starting with a small store and then expanding it over time, Shopify is not the ideal eCommerce platform. In this situation, you can transfer your shop from Shopify to WooCommerce.
Pros
. Templates for email marketing that are pre-built.
. Automated message option for customer dealing
. It is easy to give a custom discount.
. There are enough resources to understand the procedure.
Cons
. Doesn’t offer any free options
. Must have the technical expertise
BigCommerce – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
Key Features
. Ideal for selling a large assortment of items
. Promotes social commerce to generate more money
. Simple API integration for marketing automation
. It supports multi-currency as well as multi-languages.
BigCommerce is a cutting-edge eCommerce system that’s appropriate for startups particularly, if you are planning to offer something original and want to give your store the appearance of a custom style.
The BigCommerce brand gained a lot of attention due to its capabilities. BigCommerce has many options to incorporate everything you could imagine to create an eCommerce store.
In comparison with WooCommerce, BigCommerce has a smaller market share. Yet, it’s an ideal choice for small businesses because of its simple-to-navigate dashboard.
BigCommerce lets you sell through multiple wholesale channels, wholesale products, and much more.
If you already have an eCommerce store, you could convert it directly to BigCommerce. It is possible to even integrate WordPress in conjunction with BigCommerce.
As stated, you’ll be able to customize your shopping experience using BigCommerce Checkout customization theme customization, mobile optimization, and much more.
The most appealing aspect is that it’s a strong eCommerce platform for SEO. You can improve the robots.txt metadata, metadata, and URL for better rankings.
Pros
. Global CDN for speedy loading
. We are ready to integrate B2B payment.
. Native POS system for sales information
. It is simple to integrate custom discount.
Cons
. To customize your store, you’ll need to recruit BigCommerce members. BigCommerce
. Themes and plugins are expensive.
Magento – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
Key Features
. Flexible features to be used on a brand new website.
. Ordering and managing products without the hassle
. Ample resources to master the procedure
. User dashboard that is easy to navigate
In the past, most eCommerce websites were built on the Magento platform. They now have a tiny market share. Still, it can be an ideal alternative for entrepreneurs.
Adobe now controls the platform. Adobe has added the latest features on eCommerce sites and now offers premium subscriptions. If you’re thinking of implementing an eCommerce platform with quality graphics, Magento is a great choice.
The platform currently runs using an SaaS model; you will need to pay for it before you can start. However, you can begin with the open source software that is completely free. However, you will need expertise in the field. For the SaaS model, there are various pricing options, and users can request the opportunity to try a demonstration before launching.
Magento is like WooCommerce. It is similar to the WooCommerce platform. It has a drag and drops features to build an eCommerce website without the need to write code. In most cases, it’s a little difficult for novices.
If you can afford a decent budget for the site within the plan for startup, then you can choose to go with magenta.
Pros
. Provides suggestions to improve
. Templates and UIs of high-quality
. A vast library of information
. Improved customer care
Cons
. The free option is only available to the open source
. There are fewer options to integrate third-party tools.
WIX – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
Key Features
. A large library of pre-built media for eCommerce websites
. Inbuilt payment system to facilitate users’ use
. Cart and checkout pages default to.
. Free currency switcher , and automatic sales tax
Wix is a very similar content management system similar to WordPress. With Wix the website builder, you can create any type of website without having to write code.
In addition to the regular web builders, Wix offers a separate service for eCommerce, also known by the name Wix eCommerce. As with the normal builder, it also has the drag-and-drop feature.
The eCommerce component of Wix is based on the SaaS model. The website owner must pay per month in order to access the feature. The basic plan starts at $17 per month. Each package will contain storage space and have limited features.
Utilizing Wix allows even the most basic person to create an eCommerce site, which is an enormous savings for small businesses. Choose the plan that you prefer and create a mobile-friendly store with all the required pages.
It has a huge gallery of media, blog templates, and additional features. The management of inventory and orders is a breeze.
Pros
. Includes free SSL certificates
. There is no need to pay an additional fee to integrate payment systems.
. Features multichannel inventory management
. SEO tools that are built-in to help increase the amount of traffic
. This is suitable for both physical as well as digital products.
Cons
. The free option won’t work on eCommerce sites.
Squarespace – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
Top Features
. Pre-designed templates for designing flexible websites
. Webinars regularly to educate on the method.
. Its support center is active and welcoming to beginners.
. No-hassle product listings and catalogs
Do you want to create an online store with templates? You should consider Squarespace, which makes it simple. It is suitable for various types of websites, including eCommerce.
As an eCommerce company, you are able to offer a variety of items here. It could be digital items, physical goods, artwork, etc.
Whatever format you prefer, there are related templates. There are no reasons to create the entire process from scratch. Pick a template and alter the sections to meet the needs of your business.
Squarespace has all the tools needed for eCommerce companies. There is a default payment integration, a variety of extensions, ready checkout pages, and much more.
It doesn’t matter if you have no idea about the platform. They have a vast collection of materials. Explore them and discover how to implement the functions.
Pros
. It is easy to control the inventory of the product.
. Flexible options for shipping
. Integration of APIs from third-party tools
. All popular payment integrations
. Marketing tools are accessible on the platform.
Cons
. Doesn’t include many tools from third parties
BigCartel – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
Top Features
. Drag and drop functions to create the store
. Artists created it therefore it’s extremely artist-friendly
. Does not require third-party software for new stores
. Simple to navigate dashboards and deeper insight
If you’re searching for the most reliable international eCommerce platforms for selling artwork and other designs, look at BigCartel. BigCartel platform. It’s a special eCommerce platform designed specifically for artists and companies based on art.
The platform enjoys popularity with a particular segment of people who prefer to market creative works such as art, design, and other craft.
The best part is that even though it’s a SaaS-based company model, they’re offering the option of a free service. With the free plan, you can upload up to 5 items.
With premium packages, they provide access to even more details. In particular, they could access Google Analytics data, monitor your products’ inventory, the shipping process, and much more.
Creating a store in which to sell art and other unique designs is relatively simple. There is no need to study any technical terms.
Pros
. High-quality UI/UX
. It is easy to track orders and shipping
. Autopilot sales tax system
. It allows for bulk editing, which helps to reduce time
Cons
. No default payment integration
Which One Should We Recommend? – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
We’ve listed 7 eCommerce platforms that are suitable for startups in this list. If you’re contemplating which one we recommend the most.
Each of the mentioned eCommerce platforms have distinct attributes. However, if you look at the benefits and drawbacks, WooCommerce is the winner. If you have a large concept for a startup or a smaller web-based store WooCommerce gives you complete assistance.
Once you have mastered WooCommerce, you can discover the features of third-party tools. Many developers are developing innovative WooCommerce plugins. The latest tools are often introduced to the market, which benefits modern eCommerce stores.
However, if your idea for a startup is founded on a dropshipping business model, we suggest Shopify. You will get greater support for the delivery of your product to storage for the products. Additionally, you will get the essential tools and apps to drop-ship stores. Pick the right strategy, to begin with and then take it to the next level.
What is the process behind Ecommerce Platforms Function? – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
In essence, eCommerce platforms permit website creation using their resources. Based on the business, the eCommerce platform can provide the capability of uploading the product’s information without technical skills, adding new sections to the site, and much more.
The most appealing part is that eCommerce platforms are equipped with standard inventory management for products and orders management software. Everything is available on the dashboard.
Certain eCommerce platforms offer detailed information and SEO-friendly tools that can improve traffic. Therefore, if you start an eCommerce business based on a platform, it can be beneficial in reducing website design costs.
Where do you begin when it comes to a New Ecommerce Website? – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
After you have selected an eCommerce platform, it’s time to pick an appropriate domain name and hosting plan. Next, set up the tools you need to run your business.
We suggest installing WordPress on your hosting account if you’ve chosen to use the WooCommerce platform. Go on your WordPress website and download WooCommerce. Here you can upload your products and other information.
To create an effective eCommerce shop, we strongly suggest Shopengine – the ultimate WooCommerce solution. It will provide everything an eCommerce store that new needs.
For other platforms, the procedure is similar. Select the domain name, hosting plan, and then the tools required for the platform you are using.
Frequently asked questions – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
Are you a good candidate for an eCommerce business a good idea to begin?
Launching an eCommerce-based business model is a great option for the coming years. The market is expanding rapidly following the pandemic. Most people are becoming accustomed to shopping online.
Which eCommerce is the best one for startups?
For those who are just starting out, WooCommerce is the best eCommerce platform since it’s cost-free to get started. Additionally, WooCommerce has the best assortment of third-party tools available to add new features to an online store.
Do I have the ability to start an eCommerce site with an unfinancially low cost?
Yes, you can. Select an eCommerce platform with an option for free. Begin with a free account and create the website. Once you have made profits or have a budget, purchase the premium subscription and tools and add advanced features.
Is WooCommerce cost-free to begin?
Yes, the basic plan is completely free to begin. There’s a higher-end option as well with the SaaS model. This model is ideal for digital products that sell.
What’s the price to build an SaaS web-based eCommerce website?
It’s all about the platform to build your eCommerce website. If you’re using WooCommerce creating a SaaS website isn’t going to require programming.
Final Words – Best Ecommerce Platform for Startups in 2022
Now, you clearly understand the best eCommerce platform to pick for your startup. Don’t get caught up in technical issues. Check out the capabilities of different platforms and pick one most appropriate to your startup’s nature.
Additionally, depending on the platform you select it is possible to incorporate additional tools and applications. Pick the right tools to make your store look and function easy. If you need to select the best tools, then go for it.