Would you like to expand but are unsure what the best eCommerce platforms for small businesses are? If you own such a business and want to increase the amount of customers you can reach, then looking towards new platforms can open up a wide range of opportunities. Allowing consumers to shop directly on your small businesses’ website will not only increase your revenue, but allow you to reach people in distant geographical locations.
Since eCommerce is increasing its portion of overall retail sales in the US and around the world in recent years, there is little doubt that expanding into this new field can be vastly beneficial. Yet with so many options at hand, it is not always easy to know what the best eCommerce platforms for small businesses are. Thus, we have compiled a list that will help you take your first steps in the right direction, allowing your business to grow and reach new heights.
If you already read our list on the the 12 most profitable small businesses, you might have noticed that we have some good tips at hand. Yet apart from picking the right industry and business model, finding new and attractive ways to reach customers is also important in order to be successful. Considering the amount of consumer spending going through eCommerce today, which was estimated to be around $200 billion in 2011, it should come as no surprise that technology is a very powerful tool for conducting business. Thus, for the small business owner, making the switch to an online business by using inexpensive software is definitely recommended.
Shop owners seeking to build on their current success, might also benefit from one of the 6 best eCommerce platforms for small businesses we wish to present in the following list. Customers browsing your business’ website might be enticed to purchase an item directly, yet if no shopping cart is available, this sale might never occur. Thus, integrating eCommerce will allow you to take full advantage of these situations, making sure you don’t miss out on potential sales.
The benefits of online shopping should be rather evident, so let’s turn our attention to our list of the 6 best eCommerce platforms for small businesses available on the market today.
6. Shopify
You can purchase a basic plan of Shopify for around $29 a month, making this eCommerce platform a very economic tool for your business. According to users, the software not only looks fantastic, but also performs very well. In addition, this platform comes with solid technical support, allowing you to save time and money when technical issues arise.
5. Magnento
Magento is an open-source eCommerce solution, meaning features can be added according to the necessity of each small business. Available for just $15 a month, this software is not only cheap, but very sophisticated. The only downside is that you need to figure most things out yourself or hire an IT guy, since this platform does not come with any technical support.
4. Bigcommerce
If you want someone to guide you every step of the way, then Bigcommerce is the right platform for your business. For $34.95 a month, you will receive everything from installation, to in-depth training in marketing, along with a wide array of software features and technical support.
3. WooCommerce
This WordPress-based eCommerce platform is great for DIY websites, mainly due to the fact that it is open-source and completely free. Of course this also means that you really must do everything yourself, so unless you have some experience with software, you might want to stay away from this platform. Nevertheless, being free from any contracts and financial costs also has its benefits, making WooCommerce an interesting option for new businesses.
2. Webs
Webs is praised for its easy maintenance, as well as installation, making it a great option for shop owners unfamiliar with eCommerce platforms. At $16.50 a month, Webs is not only an affordable solution, but also one that allows for that much needed flexibility, as the amount of payment options available clearly demonstrates.
1. 3dcart
If you want to have one of the best eCommerce platforms available and pay less than $20 a month, then 3dcart is surely a great option. A built-in link to Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) analytics, social media, and a wide array of features makes this entry-level eCommerce solution an impressive piece of software for small business owners.
