10 Best Online Store Platforms for Shopify

Looking to build an online store on Shopify but not sure which platform to choose? Don't worry, we've got you covered. While it may seem overwhelming with so many options available, we have narrowed it down to the top 10 online store platforms for Shopify.

These platforms offer a variety of features to help you create a professional and user-friendly online store. But which one is the best fit for your business? Well, you'll have to keep reading to find out.

• Shopify
• BigCommerce
• Magento
• WooCommerce
• Squarespace
• Big Cartel
• Square Online
• Shift4Shop
• Volusion
• Conclusion

Shopify

Shopify is the leading ecommerce platform that offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features for businesses to sell products or services online. With Shopify, you can easily start your own online store and create a professional website that showcases your business and products. Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, Shopify provides the necessary tools to help you succeed in the competitive world of ecommerce.

One of the key features of Shopify is its comprehensive set of ecommerce solutions. From designing your website to managing inventory and processing payments, Shopify has got you covered. You can easily customize your online store with different themes and templates, ensuring that your website stands out and represents your brand effectively. Additionally, Shopify offers integrated marketing tools to help you promote your products and attract customers.

Another advantage of using Shopify is its seamless integration with multiple sales channels. You can sell your products not only on your website, but also through social media platforms, online marketplaces, and even in-person with Shopify's point-of-sale system. This allows you to reach a wider audience and maximize your sales potential.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce is an ecommerce platform designed specifically for enterprise-level companies, offering robust web hosting, customization options, and international selling tools. While Shopify is a popular choice for many online stores, BigCommerce caters specifically to larger businesses with its comprehensive set of ecommerce features. With BigCommerce, you can create a professional online store and take advantage of its powerful ecommerce website builder. The platform provides reliable web hosting, ensuring your online store is always accessible to customers.

Additionally, BigCommerce offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to tailor your store's design and functionality to meet your specific needs. BigCommerce also provides advanced payment gateways and secure payment processing, ensuring that your customers can shop with confidence. The platform offers inventory management tools, allowing you to easily track and manage your products. Furthermore, BigCommerce includes search engine optimization features, helping you improve your store's visibility in search engine results.

While BigCommerce may not be as user-friendly as some other ecommerce platforms, it excels in providing the tools and features needed to operate at an enterprise level. So, if you're a larger company looking for a powerful ecommerce platform that can handle your business's needs, BigCommerce is worth considering.

Magento

When considering an ecommerce platform for your online store, Adobe Commerce, formerly known as Magento, stands out for its flexibility and ability to handle complex and large-scale ecommerce requirements.

Here are three reasons why Magento could be the best online store platform for your business:

1. Flexibility for Custom Website Setups: Magento offers a highly customizable platform, allowing developers to create bespoke ecommerce websites tailored to your specific needs. This flexibility enables you to design a unique online store that reflects your brand and provides a seamless shopping experience for your customers.

2. Suitable for Developers: If you have technical knowledge or access to developers, Magento is an excellent choice. It provides extensive customization options and advanced features to meet the demands of complex ecommerce requirements. Store owners who value full control over their ecommerce website will appreciate the power and flexibility of Magento.

3. Handling Complex and Large-Scale Ecommerce: With its robust infrastructure, Magento is well-equipped to handle the challenges of managing a large inventory and high order volume. Whether you have thousands of products or a rapidly growing customer base, Magento can scale to meet your needs.

While Magento offers powerful features, it's important to note that it may require more technical expertise for maintenance and lacks some out-of-the-box tools for social commerce and marketplace selling. However, many store owners have found success with Magento, making it a viable option for businesses looking to sell online.

Consider exploring Magento's free trial or paid plans to see if it aligns with your online business goals.

WooCommerce

If you're looking for a versatile and user-friendly ecommerce solution, WooCommerce may be the ideal choice for your online store. As one of the best ecommerce platforms available, WooCommerce offers a range of features to help you create and sell products online.

What sets WooCommerce apart is that it's a free, open-source plugin designed specifically for WordPress websites. This means that you can easily integrate it into your existing website without the need for additional website builders or paid subscriptions.

With WooCommerce, you have the flexibility to customize your online store with various themes and plugins. You can create product listings, manage inventory, and process payments seamlessly. Whether you're selling physical or digital products, WooCommerce offers a range of payment options to suit your needs. From credit card payments to PayPal and even offline methods, you can easily set up a secure payment gateway for your customers.

Another advantage of WooCommerce is that it allows you to track and analyze your sales performance. You can generate reports and insights to monitor your online store's success and make informed business decisions.

While WooCommerce itself is free, keep in mind that additional paid plugins and extensions may be required for certain features or advanced functionality. Overall, WooCommerce offers a powerful and scalable platform to help you create a successful online store.

Squarespace

Squarespace is a user-friendly website builder that offers customizable templates and web hosting. If you're looking for an ecommerce website builder, Squarespace is one of the options you should consider. Here are three reasons why Squarespace could be the right choice for your online store:

1. Customizable templates: Squarespace provides a wide range of professionally designed templates that you can customize according to your brand's needs. These templates aren't only visually appealing but also optimized for mobile devices, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for your customers.

2. User-friendly interface: Squarespace offers a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for anyone, even without technical skills, to build and manage their ecommerce website. You can easily add product pages, set up payment gateways, and manage orders with just a few clicks.

3. Integrated ecommerce features: While Squarespace may lack some advanced ecommerce features compared to platforms like Shopify, it still provides essential tools to run your online store. You can manage inventory, track sales, and offer various payment options to your customers.

Big Cartel

When it comes to pricing options, Big Cartel offers a basic free plan with customizable themes and payment processing, making it a budget-friendly choice for small businesses.

In terms of customization features, this platform allows artists and makers to tailor their online store to their unique brand and style.

Additionally, Big Cartel boasts a user-friendly interface, making it easy for sellers to navigate and manage their store efficiently.

Pricing Options

Big Cartel offers affordable pricing options based on the number of products listed. Here are three key aspects of Big Cartel's pricing options:

1. Simple and Transparent: Big Cartel keeps it straightforward with their pricing plans. They offer a free plan that allows you to list up to 5 products, which is perfect for small businesses just starting out. For those looking to expand, they've paid plans starting at $9.99 per month, which allow you to list more products and access additional features.

2. No Transaction Fees: Unlike some other platforms, Big Cartel doesn't charge any transaction fees on your sales. This means you get to keep more of your hard-earned profits.

3. Flexibility for Customized Products: If you sell customized products, Big Cartel has got you covered. They offer features that allow you to easily manage and sell personalized items, making it a great choice for artists, creators, and niche businesses.

With Big Cartel's affordable pricing options, you can set up your online store and start selling your products without breaking the bank.

Customization Features

With its customizable themes and web hosting, Big Cartel offers artists and makers a platform that caters to their unique needs in the ecommerce world. This platform is ideal for small businesses looking to create their own online store and sell customized products without holding physical inventory.

Unlike other ecommerce platforms, Big Cartel focuses on simplicity and affordability, making it a great starting point for those just getting into the online business scene. With its DIY Print-On-Demand services for selling customized products, Big Cartel allows artists and makers to showcase their creativity and offer unique products to their customers.

The platform also provides store management features, such as real-time sales tracking and customizable themes, allowing small businesses to create a professional online presence.

User-Friendly Interface

The user-friendly interface of Big Cartel makes it easy for small businesses with a niche market to navigate and manage their online store. Here are three reasons why Big Cartel stands out in terms of user-friendliness:

1. Intuitive Design: Big Cartel offers a streamlined interface that's easy to navigate, even for beginners. You can easily customize your ecommerce website with their range of customizable themes and web hosting options.

2. Simplified Selling Process: Big Cartel is designed specifically for artists and makers, providing a simple and affordable solution for selling products. It allows you to list and sell up to five products for free, making it an ideal choice for those looking for an easy setup and start selling.

3. Support and Resources: Big Cartel offers excellent customer support and provides helpful resources to assist you in managing your online store effectively. They also offer SEO features and support for selling digital products and DIY print-on-demand services.

With its user-friendly interface, Big Cartel offers an accessible and straightforward platform for small businesses with a niche market to establish their online presence.

Square Online

Square Online is an ecommerce platform that seamlessly integrates with Square's payment system, providing customizable templates and web hosting for small businesses. If you're looking for a platform to build your online store, Square Online offers a range of features that can help you get started.

One of the key advantages of Square Online is its seamless integration with Square's ecosystem. This means that if you're already using Square for payment processing, you can easily set up your online store and manage your sales volume all in one place.

Square Online offers a user-friendly interface for designing your ecommerce website. With customizable templates and web hosting included, you can create an online storefront that reflects your brand and attracts customers.

When it comes to selling products, Square Online allows you to sell unlimited products, whether it's physical goods or digital downloads. You can easily set up your product listings, manage inventory, and accept credit card payments.

Additionally, Square Online provides marketing features such as the ability to send marketing emails to your customers. This can help you promote your products and drive sales.

Furthermore, Square Online offers SEO features to help improve your website's visibility in search engine results. This can help potential customers find your online store and increase your sales.

Shift4Shop

Shift4Shop is a versatile ecommerce platform that offers built-in payment processing and a range of features for small to medium-sized businesses. If you're looking to start selling online and need an easy-to-use platform, Shift4Shop is worth considering. Here are three reasons why:

1. All-in-One Solution: With Shift4Shop, you don't need to worry about finding separate providers for payment processing, web hosting, and other essential features. Everything is built into the platform, making it convenient and cost-effective.

2. Affordable Pricing: Shift4Shop offers a range of paid plans to suit different business needs and budgets. Plus, they provide a free trial so you can test the platform before committing. This flexibility ensures you can find the right plan for your ecommerce website.

3. Marketing and SEO Features: Shift4Shop understands the importance of online marketing and provides tools to help you reach your target audience. From customizable templates to marketing emails and SEO features, you'll have the resources delivered right to your fingertips. Start receiving tips and guidance on how to optimize your online store for better visibility and increased sales.

With Shift4Shop, you can have a fully functional online store up and running in no time. Take advantage of their user-friendly interface and online marketing tips to maximize your success in the competitive ecommerce market.

Volusion

Volusion is an ecommerce platform that offers built-in payment processing and customizable templates for businesses looking to establish an online presence and conduct ecommerce operations. Whether you're starting a new online store or migrating from another platform like Shopify, Volusion provides the tools and features you need to build a successful ecommerce website.

One of the key advantages of Volusion is its comprehensive set of features for managing online and offline sales. With Volusion, you can easily process payments, track inventory, and fulfill orders, all from a user-friendly interface. The platform also offers features for marketing emails, allowing you to reach out to your customers and promote your products effectively.

Volusion also provides SEO features to help improve your online store's visibility in search engine results. By optimizing your product descriptions, titles, and URLs, you can attract more organic traffic and boost your sales.

If you're considering Volusion, you can take advantage of their free trial to test out the platform and see if it's the right fit for your business. They also offer different pricing plans to accommodate businesses of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the 10 best online store platforms for Shopify.

Each platform offers unique features and advantages, so it's important to choose the one that suits your specific needs.

Whether you're looking for customizable templates, inventory management, or marketing tools, these platforms have got you covered.

Take your time to explore each option and find the perfect fit for your online store.

Happy selling!