Top 10 Best E-Commerce Platforms 2024

What is an E-Commerce Platform?

In the era of technological development, especially the Internet, online business is an indispensable service. Online shopping is increasingly prioritized by many customers when the world has just experienced the COVID-19 epidemic (online shopping has become a habit). E-commerce platforms act as software solutions, helping businesses set up and operate their online stores. Its functionalities include aspects such as hosting, payment processing, website design, and more. Essentially, it offers a comprehensive set of tools to manage your store seamlessly. Notable examples of e-commerce platforms include Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix, and Squarespace.

Premium e-commerce platforms boast a wide range of features and integrations, empowering users to tailor their store exactly to their requirements. Furthermore, these platforms prioritize user-friendliness, ensuring a quick and hassle-free setup process for your store.

Let’s join SiSu Freedom to learn about the 10 best e-commerce platforms today!

What are the types of E-commerce Platforms?

• Software-as-a-Service (SaaS):
  E-commerce solutions from SaaS platforms such as Shopify and BigCommerce are delivered exclusively through the Internet, relying solely on software. This proves to be an accessible entry point for smaller businesses, as the infrastructure is pre-configured and ready for use. Customization involves theme adjustments or the integration of extensions through apps.
• Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS):
  Distinguishing itself from SaaS, PaaS platforms involve both software and hardware components. Similar to SaaS, PaaS typically levies a monthly usage fee and offers setup and support, making it a viable option for smaller companies. Magento stands out as a leading player in this domain.
• On-Premise Platform:
  Local hosting by the companies themselves characterizes on-premise e-commerce solutions, managed by their in-house IT staff. This approach grants established enterprises with ample resources greater control over their sites, making it a preferred choice for some.

Why do you need an E-commerce platform?

As design attracts a huge global audience numbering in the billions, creating an e-commerce platform that works for your business is paramount. The absence of this indispensable tool creates challenges for basic business functions. E-commerce platforms expertly manage critical operations, from navigating complex orders to facilitating seamless payment transactions.

Furthermore, the multifaceted capabilities inherent in e-commerce platforms, including aspects such as customer relationship management (CRM), inventory monitoring, website architecture, and warehouse handling, play a key role in not only streamlining operational processes but also driving improved scalability. The complex combination of these elements creates a path of development that enhances the business, ensuring a dynamic and unpredictable journey.

The Best E-Commerce Platforms of 2024

1. Shopify: Best for AI Functionality

At the top of the list, a very familiar name is Shopify. It is a leading e-commerce platform, known for its advanced feature set specifically designed for effective online selling. Its special strength lies in its series of dropshipping integrations, which facilitate easy online selling without the burden of maintaining inventory. The platform boasts a comprehensive onboarding process, which aims to help users generate enough revenue to offset the cost of their plan at the end of the three-day trial period.

In most cases, sellers find the Basic plan ($29 per month when billed annually) to be more than enough for their store’s needs. This plan includes benefits like up to two staff accounts, shipping discounts, POS access (via Shopify POS Lite, which is great for small events), and abandoned cart recovery.

In addition to the Basic plan, Shopify offers many other subscription levels, from a $5 monthly option to an enterprise-level plan that exceeds $2,000 per month. As the cost of the plan increases, transaction and credit card processing fees will decrease, along with significant discounts on shipping. The Starter plan costs $5 per month, and allows selling via social networks and messaging apps, but lacks a standalone online store to serve those who don’t require a dedicated website.

Features:

• Unified Order Management System for Your Entire Business
• Exceptional SEO Tools with Impactful Results
• Robust Analytics Tools for In-Depth Insights
• Customer Profiles, Accounts, and Groups Management
• Take Action on Abandoned Checkouts with Reviews
• Seamless Payment Integrations and Diverse Options
• Explore the World of Shopify Dropshipping
• Enhance In-Store Operations with Shopify POS

2. Wix: Best Drag-and-Drop Editor

Coming in at number 2 on the Best E-Commerce Platforms list is Wix – a leading all-in-one website builder that offers a highly customizable drag-and-drop website editor. Known for its intuitive interface and user-friendly experience, Wix offers a variety of high-quality online store templates that are free to use. Furthermore, it presents feature-rich plans designed to simplify the online selling process. These plans include valuable features like the ability to sell an unlimited number of products, implement an abandoned cart recovery strategy, and facilitate recurring payments.

However, something to note is that Wix has limits on storage capacity, capped at 50GB. Choosing unlimited storage comes with a higher price, specifically $159 per month with the Business Elite plan. This cost factor can pose a challenge for online stores with extensive inventory and content-heavy websites, especially those that rely on many product photos and incorporate blogs for marketing. Content.

Features:

• Dynamic Editor: A seamless Drag & Drop editor that functions flawlessly and allows you to relish the process of shaping your website according to your envisioned design.
• Diverse Templates: Choose from a collection of over 500 templates, easily customizable to cater to the unique needs of every user.
• Swift Performance: Experience exceptional speed as the entire platform operates with impressive efficiency, loading each element in the blink of an eye.
• Blog Management: Design and oversee your blog effortlessly through a straightforward and user-friendly dashboard.
• Personalized SEO Strategy: Allow Wix to assist you in crafting a personalized SEO plan, guiding you through the fundamentals of optimizing your website for search engines.
• Wix ADI: Harness the power of artificial intelligence as it walks you through every aspect of your site, providing guidance and insights.
• Mobile Optimization: Seamlessly work on the mobile version of your website independently for an enhanced user experience.
• Corvid by Wix: Elevate your site’s performance by utilizing Wix’s open development platform, Corvid, for advanced customization and improvements.

3. Shift4Shop: Best Free E-Commerce Platform

For those based in the U.S., your Shift4Shop plan comes at no cost if you utilize its credit card processor. However, you will incur standard credit card processing fees of 2.9% plus 30 cents per order. The plan offers robust features, including unlimited staff accounts, the flexibility to list as many products as needed and support for variations and digital downloads.

Opting for PayPal as your processor requires enrollment in a paid plan, with prices starting at $29 per month and scaling up to $299 per month. The number of staff accounts increases with the cost of the plan, providing greater flexibility and functionality as you move up the pricing tiers.

Features:

• Streamlined store design using a virtual store editor.
• Simplified product upload procedure.
• Assistance for recovering abandoned carts.
• Search engine optimization (SEO) assistance.
• Integration options for payment processing through Shift4 or PayPal.
• Mobile-friendly support.
• Efficient inventory management.
• Email marketing capabilities.
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics.
• Diverse shipping options.

4. Ecwid: Best for no Transaction Fees

Ecwid stands out as a premier e-commerce platform due to its absence of transaction fees (excluding standard credit card processing fees) and its provision of a free plan. Despite its unique name, which is a blend of “e-commerce” and “widget,” Ecwid caters specifically to existing websites, such as WordPress blogs. By incorporating Ecwid’s code into your site using HTML, you effortlessly transform it into a fully operational e-commerce store, eliminating the need to build a new site.

For those opting for the Venture plan, priced at $14.08 per month with annual billing, features include multichannel selling and point-of-sale (POS) capabilities. The Business plan, available at $29.08 per month with annual billing, offers additional perks like product variations, staff accounts, and abandoned cart emails. Moreover, with an annual subscription to the Unlimited plan at $82.50 per month, users gain access to their own branded iOS or Android shopping app.

Features:

• Seamless Integration: Easily integrates into existing websites, blogs, or social media pages (e.g., Facebook).
• Mobile-Friendly: Boasts a mobile-responsive design for a smooth shopping experience across devices.
• Cross-Platform Selling: Enables merchants to sell products on various platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, and eBay.
• Flexible Payment Options: Supports multiple payment gateways, including major credit cards, PayPal, Stripe, and regional methods.
• Shipping and Tax Computation: Assists in calculating shipping costs and taxes, accommodating a variety of shipping carriers.
• Efficient Inventory Management: Provides tools for managing product catalogs, tracking stock levels, and handling product variations.
• SEO Optimization: Supplies SEO tools to optimize product listings for improved online store visibility.
• Responsive Storefronts: Designs storefronts to be responsive, ensuring consistency and appeal across different devices.
• Robust Security Measures: Employs security protocols, including SSL encryption, to safeguard customer and transaction data.
• App Integration: Allows merchants to extend store functionality through various apps in the Ecwid App Market.
• Customer Relationship Management: Empowers businesses to manage customer information, track order history, and implement discounts or loyalty programs.
• Product Filtering and Search: Supports product filters and search functionality for easy product discovery by customers.
• Analytics and Reporting Tools: Equips merchants with tools to track sales, monitor inventory, and generate reports for informed decisions.
• Automatic Updates: Automatically update to provide access to the latest features and security patches.
• Social Media Connectivity: Facilitates integration with various social media platforms, enabling direct sales through these channels.

5. Square Online: Best for Omnichannel Selling

Square is extensively utilized across diverse industries, be it a restaurant or a traditional brick-and-mortar boutique, owing to its chip reader and point-of-sale (POS) solutions. It earns a spot among our top recommendations due to its provision of a free plan, inclusive of multichannel selling options. This enables users to conduct sales on their e-commerce site, as well as on Facebook and Instagram. The platform’s inventory management feature facilitates seamless stock tracking, regardless of where a sale takes place.

However, the drawback of the free plan is the presence of Square ads. For those opting for paid plans, starting at $29 per month with annual billing, additional benefits include a free domain name for a year, an ad-free experience, and the ability to upload custom fonts. If a tailored plan to meet specific needs is desired, custom quotes can be requested.

It’s important to note that both the Free and Plus plans come with credit card transaction fees of 2.9% plus 30 cents.

Features:

• Website Dashboard: Provides a focused view for site-related activities upon login.
• Main Square Ecosystem Dashboard: Encompasses the entire Square ecosystem with dedicated sections for various services.
• Multiple Dashboards: Square Online features several dashboards, meeting the standard for SaaS platforms.
• Navigation Complexity: The process of navigating through dashboards may not be immediately obvious, leading to potential confusion.
• Essential SaaS Feature: Square Online aligns with the SaaS standard, offering an anticipated Dashboard feature.
• Login Experience: Users are directed to the dashboard upon signing up, ensuring quick access to key functionalities.

6. BigCommerce: Best for Boosting Sales

Coming in at number 6 on this list is BigCommerce – designed specifically for online sales, offering plans with all the features needed for lead generation and sales. Starting at $29 per month (billed annually), plans include unlimited storage, bandwidth, and products. The platform supports flexible sales with multiple currencies for international transactions and diverse payment options such as Apple Pay, Google Pay ,and Amazon Pay.

Creating an online store with BigCommerce is relatively simple, similar to Squarespace and Shopify, with a manageable learning curve. However, unlike Squarespace, the domain name is not included in the package and not all themes are free.

One notable difference is that BigCommerce plans place a cap on annual revenue. The basic plan is capped at $50,000, requiring a higher plan, like the Plus plan at $79 per month, for up to $180,000 in annual revenue. While this may impact the affordability of scaling, the platform’s integrated sales and marketing tools contribute to its overall value, making it This has become a viable option for many businesses.

Features:

• Single Page Checkout: Accelerates the checkout process, minimizing the chance for customer reconsideration.
• Mobile Payments: Partners with PayPal for popular mobile payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Compatible with Stripe, Authorize.net, and over 60 other gateways.
• Multi-channel Sales: Integrates with major platforms like Amazon, eBay, Google, Facebook, and Pinterest for extensive visibility. Simplifies management through the Channel Manager.
• Multiple Currencies: Handles diverse currencies, managing tax calculations and shipping costs for global sales.
• Unlimited Products: Comprehensive product entry and storage, including detailed attributes for automation.
• Ratings and Reviews: Enables customer reviews, leveraging social proof for enhanced reputation.
• Marketing Tools: Built-in tools for social sharing and proofing, with additional features like customer segmentation and customizable discounts/coupons.
• Abandoned Cart Recovery: Exclusive to Plus plans and above, aids in recovering abandoned carts, potentially justifying the upgrade cost.
• Dashboard Utilization: A thoughtfully designed dashboard offers guidance on login, with customizable features for a personalized and user-friendly experience.

7. Squarespace: Best for Beginners

Squarespace provides a diverse selection of appealing templates, including many free options. While it lacks a free plan, its Business package starts at just $23 per month (with annual billing). This plan allows for the sale of an unlimited number of products, customization with CSS and JavaScript, and includes a professional email address from Google. There’s a lower-cost plan starting at $16 per month (billed annually), but it does not include e-commerce features.

For $27 per month (annual billing), the Basic Commerce plan offers point-of-sale (POS) capabilities, ideal for brick-and-mortar stores or those selling at markets. It also includes e-commerce analytics and the ability to tag products in Instagram posts. The Advanced Commerce plan, priced at $49 per month (annual billing), enables subscription sales and automated emails for abandoned carts.

It’s important to note that without either of the Commerce plans, a 3% transaction fee applies to sales. These fees are in addition to the standard credit card fees charged on each plan.

Features:

• Designs: Dozens of modern and minimalistic templates easily customizable to suit your preferences.
• Rich Image Manager: Add and organize images effortlessly using a drag-and-drop builder. Edit images with simplicity.
• Blogging: Design and manage your blog seamlessly.
• Commerce: Sell products through an online store, utilize Point of Sale, manage subscriptions, and address other business needs.
• Analytics: Detailed analytics to track traffic, popular content, sales, and more.
• Connected Services: Extend Squarespace functionality by connecting with third-party services.
• SEO: No plugins are needed; Squarespace provides all the essentials for an SEO-ready site.
• Ad-Free: No forced ads unless you choose to monetize by placing your own.
• Support: Fast and friendly customer support.

8. Weebly: Best Value

Ranked 8th in our list of recommended Best E-Commerce Platforms is Weebly – a website-building tool that is highly appreciated for its simplicity and user-friendly interface. Despite having the same ownership as Square, these two e-commerce platforms offer different products. Weebly’s website plans cater specifically to the needs of online retailers on a budget.

In terms of price, Weebly offers excellent value, offering a free forever plan with unlimited products—a valuable option for those looking to launch an online store without an initial investment. head. However, this package does not support domain connection so it is not suitable for business use. The cost-effective Professional plan costs just $12 per month (billed annually) and includes features like a free domain, SSL, inventory management, shipping labels, a calculator, and a tax calculator.

Features:

• Drag & Drop Editor: Effortlessly move elements around with a simple drag-and-drop interface.
• Beginner-Friendly Templates: Choose from over 50 templates that are easily editable and modifiable.
• Responsive Themes: Ensure your site is automatically mobile-friendly with responsive themes.
• eCommerce: Swiftly launched an online shop with many features and options.
• Video Background: Easily add a video background to any element on your site.
• Site Search: Provide seamless site search functionality for your visitors.

9. WooCommerce: Best Free WordPress Plugin

Coming in at number 9 is WooCommerce, which works as a plugin that turns a WordPress website into an online store. The basic version is free, offering extensive customization through many extensions. These extensions support a variety of functions, including online booking, subscription sales, and recurring payments. With WooCommerce, you can integrate diverse shipping options, launch coupon referral programs, accept pre-orders, offer online courses, and more. Renewal prices range from $0 to approximately $249 each.

Note, however, that as a WordPress plugin, using WooCommerce requires investing some time to learn WordPress, which may not be the most user-friendly content management system (CMS). Despite this, WordPress is highly customizable and flexible. Additionally, you will need to purchase a domain name, SSL certificate, and web hosting separately. Many businesses also choose premium themes to simplify creating an impressive online store with fewer design customizations.

Features:

• Product Management: Easily add, manage, and customize products, including attributes, variations, and inventory.
• Order Management: Track orders, manage statuses, generate invoices, and notify customers about order updates.
• Payment Options: Support various payment gateways (e.g., PayPal, Stripe, credit cards).
• Integrate with local payment methods for flexibility.
• Shipping Options: Set up shipping zones, and methods, and offer flat rate, free shipping, or real-time calculations.
• Provide customers with shipping tracking information.
• Tax Management: Configure tax settings based on location and product type.
• Automate tax calculations for streamlined processes.
• Reporting and Analytics: View sales reports, monitor stock levels, and analyze product performance.
• Extensions and Add-ons: Extend functionality with diverse plugins and extensions.
• Seamlessly integrate with third-party services.
• Customization: Customize store appearance using themes and implement advanced customization with hooks and filters.
• Security: Secure payment transactions with SSL.
• Mobile Optimization: Responsive design for mobile devices.
• Mobile app options for convenient store management on the go.
• SEO-Friendly: Optimize product pages for SEO.
• Manage clean URLs and metadata for enhanced visibility.
• Community and Support: Join an active community for support and discussions.
• Multilingual and Multicurrency Support: Reach a global audience by supporting multiple languages and currencies.
• User Accounts and Guest Checkout: Allow customers to create accounts or checkout as guests.
• Coupons and Discounts: Easily create and manage discount coupons.

10. CoreCommerce: Best for Preexisting Websites

Ranked at the bottom of the Best E-commerce Platforms list is CoreCommerce. It excels in curating personalized e-commerce experiences for both emerging and well-established businesses. Offering a pricing spectrum from free to $229 per month, it accommodates companies across diverse growth stages. The highest-tier package transcends standard features, enabling intricate custom programming for a nuanced customer experience.

In the realm of cybersecurity, CoreCommerce takes the lead with Level 1 PCI Compliance—an indispensable feature in our security-focused era.

For businesses eyeing global expansion, CoreCommerce proves to be an invaluable ally. Facilitating transactions in multiple languages and currencies, it offers restricted access options for suppliers, streamlining inventory management. The platform’s mobile-centric administrative capabilities empower businesses to handle orders, add products, and track marketing efforts on the go, ensuring operations aren’t confined to a single location.

Features:

• Tailored E-commerce Experiences: Excels in crafting personalized online shopping experiences for both new and established businesses.
• Global Expansion Support: A valuable ally for businesses looking to expand globally, supporting transactions in multiple languages and currencies.
• Restricted Access Options: Provides limited access options for suppliers, streamlining inventory management.
• Mobile-Centric Administration: Empowers businesses with mobile-centric administrative capabilities, facilitating on-the-go order management, product additions, and tracking of marketing efforts.
• Operational Flexibility: Ensures operations aren’t confined to a single location, offering flexibility for businesses with diverse needs.

Other E-Commerce Platforms To Consider

1. Big Cartel

Big Cartel stands out as one of the most budget-friendly platforms for establishing an online store. Remarkably affordable, it provides free plans that uniquely enable you to link your own domain name and showcase up to five products. Primarily designed for online sellers in creative industries, it remains versatile for any online seller seeking an uncomplicated and economical solution to create an online store.

With Big Cartel, you can effortlessly sell products through your website, in person, or on Facebook. It encompasses essential features for online retailers, including order management and inventory tracking. While user-friendly, it lacks extensive customization options and isn’t tailored for those selling services or subscriptions online.

2. Zyro

Zyro distinguishes itself with a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring a full refund if the platform fails to meet your satisfaction. The added benefit of 24/7 customer support enhances its allure as a standout feature for any e-commerce platform.

For sellers, a singular plan is available at the affordable price of $3.59 per month. This plan includes complimentary email services for the initial three months and a free domain name for the first year. Standard features also encompass unlimited bandwidth and storage, providing a comprehensive package for users.

3. GoDaddy

For a GoDaddy e-commerce plan, the initial cost is $29.99 per month (billed annually) for the first year, and it renews at $44.99 per month (billed annually) thereafter. This plan allows you to connect to an unlimited number of social media platforms and send up to 100,000 emails per month.

With this plan, you can effortlessly list products and accept payments through PayPal, credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Additionally, you have the flexibility to create banner displays and set promotional pricing. While GoDaddy does provide a free plan, an e-commerce plan is necessary to list any products.

How To Choose the Best E-Commerce Platform

With a plethora of e-commerce platform options available, it becomes crucial to focus on the features that matter most to your business. What suits one seller may not be suitable for all, especially if, for instance, you have a small inventory of only seven different items.

Consider the following key factors when selecting an e-commerce platform:

1. Pricing: Affordability is crucial for small businesses setting up their online store. Look not only at the monthly pricing but also at the processing fees. Some platforms may have low monthly fees but high processing fees, so evaluate the overall value based on your sales volume.
2. Ease of Use: The best e-commerce platforms ensure easy web design and online store management. Seek a platform with a user-friendly website editing interface and intuitive integrations.
3. Features and Inclusions: Each e-commerce platform offers a similar yet distinct set of features. Consider what matters most to you, such as free domain names, SSL certification, built-in email marketing tools, or drop shipping integrations.
4. Capabilities: E-commerce platforms vary in features and capabilities. Identify your unique needs, ensuring that the platform supports essential features like selling physical or digital goods, managing subscriptions, or offering online courses.
5. Design and Customization: Opt for e-commerce platforms that empower users without web design or coding knowledge. Assess the availability of prebuilt themes, templates, built-in features, and customization options for themes or templates.
6. Customer Support: Quality support is crucial when needed, so choose a platform that offers reliable support through your preferred contact method.

Essential E-Commerce Features

Regardless of the e-commerce platform you opt for, there are essential features that every business needs for online success. These include:

1. Payment Processing: Accepting payments online is essential. While all platforms offer payment processing, verify the types of payments they accept. Some may require your own payment processor or merchant account.
2. Shipping: Shipping integration is vital. Ensure the chosen platform aligns with your business needs, especially if you deal with large items requiring freight shipping.
3. Inventory Management: Effective inventory management prevents overselling or stockouts. While most platforms offer inventory management, the level of detail and features may vary.
4. Customer Management: A good e-commerce platform provides customer management features, including customer accounts, wishlists, order history, and loyalty programs. This enhances the customer experience and helps track orders.
5. Analytics: Detailed analytics are essential for business insights. Confirm that the platform provides analytics covering conversion rates, average order value, customer lifetime value, and more.
6. Marketing: Marketing features such as coupons, abandoned cart emails, and social media integrations are crucial for driving traffic and sales to your store.
7. Product Management: Efficient product management ensures accuracy and organization. Look for features like product variants, inventory management, and product reviews.
8. Mobile Optimization: Mobile optimization is key for a visually appealing and functional store on mobile devices. Choose a platform that is responsive and mobile-friendly.
9. Security: Security measures are vital to protect customer data and prevent fraud. Ensure the platform offers features such as SSL certificates, password protection, and PCI compliance.

Types of E-commerce Platforms: Self-hosted vs. Cloud-based

E-commerce platforms can be categorized as either cloud-based or self-hosted. With self-hosting, you manage your own server, providing greater control over aspects like security, uptime, and scalability. While it can be a hassle, it offers more autonomy.

On the contrary, cloud-based e-commerce platforms are hosted by the provider, relieving you of server maintenance concerns. However, this convenience comes at the expense of reduced control over your site.

Limitations and Challenges

E-commerce platforms come with certain limitations and challenges. Consider the following:

• Cost: E-commerce platforms can be expensive, especially with extensive features. Research needed features and compare platform costs for suitability. Beware of advertised free plans, often with limited features or higher processing fees.
• Complexity: Establishing and utilizing e-commerce platforms may involve intricate processes. Choose a user-friendly platform with features like 24/7 customer support, clear documentation, and an intuitive interface. Avoid overly complex platforms or those with limited support hours.
• Limited Customization: Some platforms offer limited customization options. If extensive customization is crucial, ensure the chosen platform can meet your needs. Otherwise, you may incur unnecessary expenses on workarounds and customizations.
• Lack of Control: The degree of control over your website varies between hosted and self-hosted platforms. Choose based on your autonomy requirements to align with your preferences before making a commitment.

Additional Considerations

Considerations Beyond Features and Limitations:

• Store Size: The scale of your store dictates the platform you need. Starting small? A basic, straightforward platform works. A large or intricate store requires a feature-rich platform.
• Inventory Turnover: High turnover demands a platform capable of handling substantial traffic and transactions efficiently.
• Payment Methods: Ensure the chosen platform supports your preferred payment methods. Some platforms are compatible only with specific payment providers.
• Shipping Methods: Like payment methods, ensure the platform aligns with your desired shipping methods. Incompatibility may necessitate workarounds or a different platform, especially for dropshipping.
• Localization: Selling globally? Opt for a platform supporting multiple languages and currencies to meet diverse customer needs.
• Omnichannel Capabilities: Planning to sell across various channels? Confirm that your chosen platform supports your omnichannel strategy, as not all platforms offer this feature.
• Scalability: Choose a platform capable of growing with your business. This ensures it can meet your evolving needs, preventing the hassle and cost of switching platforms later on.
• Integrations: Ensure the platform integrates seamlessly with other software you use, such as accounting and CRM tools. Incompatible integrations may require workarounds or necessitate a change in platform.
• Design and Customization: The degree of design and customization options varies among platforms. If you seek extensive control over your website’s appearance, choose a platform that aligns with your customization needs. While more flexible platforms may have higher upfront costs, they often save money in the long run by avoiding the need for workarounds.

How Much Does an E-Commerce Platform Cost?

The cost of an e-commerce platform varies significantly based on your required features and functionality. Simple platforms with basic features may start at $10 per month, while more sophisticated ones with advanced capabilities can exceed $500 per month. Enterprise-level businesses might incur costs in the thousands monthly.

Several factors impact e-commerce platform pricing:

• Number of Products: A larger inventory requires a platform that can handle it, typically incurring higher costs compared to platforms suited for smaller inventories.
• Size of Store: Larger or more complex stores necessitate platforms with more powerful features, often resulting in higher costs than those designed for smaller stores.
• Payment Methods: Supporting multiple payment methods may increase platform costs compared to those accommodating only one payment method.
• Payment Processing: Platforms processing payments for you usually involve a per-transaction fee, often a percentage of the total transaction amount plus a fixed fee.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Some platforms charge a monthly fee for SEO optimization, either as a standard feature in higher-tiered plans or an add-on with a higher base price.
• Web Design: Premium platforms may offer custom web design services at an additional cost, varying from hundreds to thousands of dollars based on store size and complexity.
• Migration: Switching platforms might incur fees based on the complexity of the move. Enterprise-level stores often face these charges, while some small business platforms may charge a nominal fee or offer the service for free.

2024 E-Commerce Trends

E-commerce has significantly impacted businesses, either propelling them to success or causing setbacks in recent years. With an increasing number of consumers turning to online platforms for their shopping requirements, the digital landscape is saturated with choices across various retail sectors. Keeping up with e-commerce trends is essential for businesses aiming to thrive in any industry.

To assist you and your business in maximizing your online presence for profitability, we’ve gathered key e-commerce trends in 2024.

Increased Reliance on Online and Mobile

In a survey by eMarketer, global retail e-commerce sales surged to approximately $2.3 trillion in 2017, marking a substantial 24.8% rise from the previous year. Mobile sales accounted for $1.4 trillion, constituting 58.9% of digital sales—an 18.7% increase from 2015. With consumers increasingly relying on the digital realm, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, these figures are anticipated to show continuous growth.

The convenience, ease, and contactless experience of online shopping, whether on desktops, tablets, or mobile devices, have become ingrained in consumer habits. Online shopping is now more user-friendly, accessible, and widespread than ever before. As technologies and algorithms progress, sustained growth in businesses through e-commerce is expected. If your business is not yet online or if your digital presence needs enhancement, adapting to the demands of today’s diverse shoppers across various platforms is crucial to navigating a swiftly evolving market.

Younger Generations

The Millennial Shopping Habits: Trend Report revealed that 80% of individuals aged 20 to 40 predominantly engage in online shopping. Enhancing online platforms to align with the preferences and interests of younger consumers can significantly elevate sales potential and conversion rates. A straightforward method to gauge your site’s attractiveness is by researching the demographics that resonate with your site’s design and functionality. Consider the reach of your marketing efforts—can adjustments to site design, user experience, or innovative approaches to social media marketing be implemented?

Social Media

Product marketing and shoppable ads have seamlessly become part of various social media platforms, including Facebook, X (Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. Approximately 68% of users acknowledge making purchases through social media, with nearly all expressing the intent to make such purchases in the coming year. Establishing a robust social media presence for your business and adeptly marketing your products on these platforms can effectively connect you with these consumers, potentially boosting your sales. If your current social media strategy isn’t yielding the desired results, it might be worthwhile to explore alternative approaches.

Environmental Concerns, Sustainability and Business Values

People all over the world are showing increased environmental awareness. The growing trend in supporting businesses committed to sustainable practices signifies a consumer base eager to endorse positive business values. Concepts such as carbon neutrality, fair trade, sustainable and local sourcing, promoting positive company culture, and other environmentally and socially responsible movements have gained traction. considerable attention. Companies that practice thoughtful environmental management are receiving higher interest and business than their counterparts.

A study conducted by First Insight found that consumers of all ages now expect companies to adopt more sustainable practices. Shifting your company to a greener business model and aligning your company values with modern consumer expectations can enhance your sales potential and accelerate the growth of your base. loyal customers. Demonstrating accountability for your company may involve seeking B-Corp status and pursuing relevant certifications in your industry, such as organic or fair trade certification.

Visual Commerce and Video

As the e-commerce landscape continues to transform, the significance of delivering compelling product presentations becomes increasingly evident. Static images of products no longer suffice. Modern consumers, before making a purchase commitment, exhibit a growing desire to delve deeper into a product. Offering videos, reviews, and interactive content can significantly enhance a product’s marketability in the online realm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best e-commerce platform?

The optimal e-commerce platform is the one tailored to your business, potentially differing from what suits other enterprises. To identify the most suitable platform, take into account your budget, inventory size, and specific requirements like POS or multichannel selling. Among our highly rated e-commerce platforms are Squarespace, Square, and Ecwid.

What is the best page builder plugin for WordPress?

Numerous excellent page builder plugins for WordPress can convert the standard page and post editor into an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. The most noteworthy solutions, known for user-friendliness, affordability, and high ratings, include Elementor, Beaver Builder, and WPBakery.

What is the best B2B e-commerce platform?

Each service mentioned in this guide offers features suitable for business-to-business (B2B) selling. However, for larger companies engaged in significant monthly sales volumes to other businesses, exploring enterprise-level platforms might be more advantageous.

What is a headless e-commerce platform?

A headless e-commerce platform separates the front-end of the website (the “head”) from the back-end (the “body”), where the e-commerce functionality resides. While this approach offers increased flexibility and customization, it may pose challenges in terms of setup and management.

What is an open source e-commerce platform?

Open-source e-commerce platforms provide access to and allow modification of your website’s code. This is beneficial for those seeking to incorporate custom features or integrations into their site. WooCommerce is a prominent example of a widely used open-source platform.

What is B2B e-commerce?

B2B e-commerce involves businesses selling products or services to other businesses online. Platforms like Shopify, designed for B2B selling, and transaction-based marketplaces like Alibaba, fall within this category.

Why do e-commerce sites fail?

An e-commerce website may face failure due to various factors. Insufficient traffic generation is a frequent cause, along with issues like lacking essential features or functionality, subpar customer service, and a failure to prioritize marketing and SEO efforts.

Which e-commerce platform is best for dropshipping?

In 2017, Shopify acquired Oberlo, a widely used dropshipping app. Together, they collaborate seamlessly to facilitate the importation of products into your store, available for customers to purchase.

How do I build an e-commerce website?

There are various approaches to constructing an e-commerce website. You can opt for an e-commerce platform like Shopify or BigCommerce, offering comprehensive solutions for a quick start. Alternatively, you may choose WordPress with either the WooCommerce or Ecwid plugin. Lastly, a do-it-yourself website builder like Squarespace is also an option.