Developing an eCommerce website is essential for online business growth and success. Thanks to some fantastic website-building platforms, you can set a fully functional eCommerce website on your own. After reading this article, you can decide which platform is best according to your business requirements and resources.
Following are the top-rated platforms for building eCommerce websites without coding expertise.
1.Shopify
Shopify is the most advanced platform for developing an eCommerce website that is available today. It specializes in creating and building eCommerce websites and is very simple to use.
The paid website building platform provides all the necessary functionalities required for creating a seamless user experience in online shopping.
Prices
A 14- days free trial is available without providing your credit card details to check out this platform’s potential and services.
Afterward, there are three payment plans available according to the complexity and features;
a. Basic Shopify Website plan- $2/month
It is suitable for startups to grow their business online and in-person selling.
b. Premium Shopify Website plan- $79/month
If you have one retail store, this package will create a smooth online shopping experience.
c. Advanced Shopify Website plan- $299/month
This package is well suited if you want to develop websites for more than two retail stores.
Countless templates, various payment options, and active customer service make Shopify a top-ranked eCommerce website building platform for 2021.
Learn how businesses can optimize their product pages on Shopify
Limitations
Shopify is one of the most popular platforms for eCommerce, but some drawbacks repel small businesses.
a. Commission based sales on Shopify
Sometimes small businesses avoid creating a website on Shopify because they deduct a small cut from every sale they make.
Though Shopify already charges businesses monthly fees to develop a website, commissions per sale are a bit unacceptable for small businesses.
b. Businesses cannot make product category levels
Another drawback that businesses find in Shopify is that it does not allow them to create sub-categories. It is impossible to subcategorize accessories on an eCommerce website.
For example, Men> accessories. But, users cannot build watch or cufflinks level subcategories on Shopify.
c. Shopify does not offer a mobile application for shopping
Most of the customers use mobile to shop online. When it comes to Shopify eCommerce, there is a whole gap and an application for the consumer end is still not developed. It is challenging for businesses to grow business without a mobile shopping application like Amazon.
2.Wix.com
People are encouraged to start their business now, more than ever. But, there are many challenges that you face while initiating your business. Creating a professional digital presence and smooth functionality is one of the most critical complications you can meet. A professionally coded website can cost you a handsome amount of money. Therefore Wix.com is becoming one of the top-rated platforms with drag and drop options to build an entire website.
Price
Prices for almost every category and level of business are available on Wix.
All the prices mentioned below are for developing basic websites for blogging and other purposes;
- VIP – $24/month
- Unlimited Package- $12/month
- Combo-$8/month
- Connect Domain- $4/month
If you are interested in developing a fully functional eCommerce website, then;
Business VIP -$35/month
Business Unlimited -$25/month
Business Basic -$17/month
Limitations
The price variations allow businesses of almost every size to become an eCommerce business on a small budget. Let’s have a look at the drawbacks of building a Wix website. This will guide you in making the right decision for your business.
a. Basic Plan does not remove ads
To market their website platform, Wix shows ads on the basic plan. Too many ads can irritate the audience while completing aconversion. Therefore, it is considered as one drawback for using the basic strategy of the Wix website.
b. Limits Creativity
The drag and drop option tones down creativity as you have to choose from the available options. It is not a huge drawback, but at the same time, some businesses may feel that their website is not designed as intended.
c. No SEO plugin available
Other eCommerce website platforms have their plugins or specifications to provide SEO tools that help you keep your website optimized. But Wix does not offer any SEO wizard to guide you in optimizing the content. Some might consider it a deal-breaker, but there is always a way. In such a case, businesses might have to put a little effort and optimize the content using other free SEO tools.
3.WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an open-source eCommerce plugin for WordPress websites. It is one of the most commonly used plugins all over the world since 2011.
You can build a customized eCommerce website with essential plugins for free. Some plugins might cost you, but a fully functional website is quickly developed on a small budget. If you have enough knowledge to build a website, WordPress is the best choice for your eCommerce business.
But, you can also outsource making your eCommerce website to an expert.
Price
WooCommerce Wholesale Pro Suite
It provides businesses with almost all essential plugins to run their eCommerce website on an annual subscription package.
- One Site – $149
- Two Sites – $179
- Three Sites- $199
- Or More – $200 above
Limitations
Around22% of the top eCommerce websites today use Woocommerce. But before making any decisions, keep in mind a few drawbacks that might affect your website model.
Extension Payments
Despite using the basic package for website creation, you might want to add more features. In such cases, businesses need to pay for desired extensions. Small businesses avoid customizations if they have a low budget.
Excluded Legal Texts
Any legal texts like terms and conditions, privacy protection, shipping regulations, etc., are not included in WooCommerce websites. Companies make extra effort to write and incorporate privacy policies, shipping regulations, and returning options on their own.
Requisite Technical Knowledge
To set up and maintain the WooCommerce website, sufficient technical knowledge is required. For example, as an individual website developer, you must know PHP, MySQL, SSL, etc. Therefore, if a business has limited resources, it is better to outsource website development.
Guide to set upECommerce store with WooCommerce
Wrapping Up
During the pandemic, the inevitable shift towards digital platforms leaves us no choice but to blend with the increasing trend. However, there are numerous platforms available for businesses to formulate their eCommerce websites. But, if you are starting a business or trying to shift your existing business, then the above-mentioned website platforms are top-rated for 2021.
At Your Service
Accurate Digital Solutions also offers a number of e-commerce website building services. These include:
1.B2B eCommerce Marketing
It is significant for business growth to plan and execute marketing campaigns as per business model.
We evaluate marketing channels that will bring businesses more potential customers and deliver cost effective campaigns.
2. B2C eCommerce Marketing
We target the right audience through right channels and provide
seamless user experience and optimal conversion rates for eCommerce businesses.
3. Competitive Research and Keyword Planning
By in-depth analysis of your competitors we help you stay ahead of the competition. Competitive targeting and planning ad campaigns is our speciality.
4. Search Engine Optimization
Let your business have constant growth with our search engine optimization services. We will help you stay on top of search engine result pages and acquire more traffic. Boost your business in no time with our combined SEO and PPC services.
Everyone has their strengths. It is challenging for businesses to evaluate and decide the best platform for developing their business website. That’s why Accurate Digital Solutions is at your service to provide you with complete website development and operations according to your eCommerce business requirements.
With our experience and expert skill set, businesses can focus on their products and services and rely on us for a high conversion rate.