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7 Best Ecommerce Platforms for tiny Business in 2024


Are you looking for ways to make your tiny business stand out among a sea of online competitors?

A professional-looking online store can be a game-changer. With the correct ecommerce tools for your tiny business, you can reach more customers and boost sales.

But which platform should you choose for your growing business? This post covers the most popular and powerful ecommerce platforms designed specifically for tiny businesses.

7 best ecommerce platforms for tiny businesses

  1. Shopify
  2. WooCommerce
  3. Squarespace
  4. Wix
  5. Weebly
  6. Square Online
  7. BigCommerce

1. Shopify

The Shopify ecommerce platform in action, showing the homepage of a hot sauce store.

  • worth: $29 per month for Shopify Basic.
  • Free trial length: 3 days.
  • Integrated sales channels: Online store, in-person, social media, email, marketplaces, online search, B2B, and more.
  • Mobile app: Yes.
  • Native POS: Yes. 
  • G2 rating ⭐: 4.4/5.

Shopify is the best ecommerce platform for tiny businesses. The comprehensive website builder comes with tools to sell online, in person, on social media, and on marketplaces. With Shopify, you can design your store using more than 100 professionally designed themes—zero coding skills required.

The built-in checkout keeps swap fees affordable, while Shopify POS lets businesses procedure in-person sales. Shopify merchants also enjoy competitive shipping rates from USPS, UPS, DHL Express, and other carriers.

For web hosting, Shopify’s platform offers unlimited bandwidth and online storage, so hosting prices won’t leave up as your tiny business grows.

Shopify comes with email marketing features, abandoned cart recovery, and search engine optimization tools. You can manage your business from your phone using Shopify’s mobile app, where you can fulfill orders, add products, view real-period sales, and more. 

Missing a characteristic? Browse the library of more than 8,000 third-event apps to extend your website’s capabilities.

view what you can make with Shopify, and discover encouragement for your ecommerce store, with these examples from successful tiny businesses that chose Shopify.

2. WooCommerce

WooCommerce page builder showing product options.

  • worth: Free (not including essential ecommerce features like hosting, domain registration, SSL, shipping services, and settlement processing).
  • Free trial length: n/a.
  • Integrated sales channels: Online store, in-person, online search, marketplaces, social media.
  • Mobile app: Yes (limited functionality).
  • Native POS: Yes.
  • G2 rating ⭐: 4.4/5.

WooCommerce is WordPress’s online selling platform. What launched as a platform for blogging websites has now evolved into a website builder for tiny businesses, with the alternative of adding WooCommerce for the ability to make online sales. 

WooCommerce is open source, which means it’s highly customizable if you have the technical skills to design and code websites.

Like Shopify, there are third-event integrations to expand the platform’s functionality. The WooCommerce plug-in is a free business platform, but as your tiny business grows, you may require to pay for these additional integrations.

Monetize your WordPress blog without migrating to a recent platform with the Shopify Buy Button. You can embed the button, products, and a checkout on any type of website.

3. Squarespace

A Squarespace template for a home accessories store with a wooden chair, bowl and napkin
Squarespace has drag-and-drop tools to assist set up an ecommerce store.
  • worth: $28 per month for the Commerce Basic schedule.
  • Free trial length: 14 days, with a one-period extension.
  • Integrated sales channels: Online store, in-person, social media, marketplaces.
  • Mobile app: Yes.
  • Native POS: Yes (mobile app).
  • G2 rating ⭐: 4.4/5.

With its straightforward interface, Squarespace is another alternative for tiny businesses. You can set up an online store using Squarespace’s templates, drag-and-drop tools, and reliable functionality. 

Squarespace originally launched as a website builder, not necessarily an ecommerce platform, but has since added features to accommodate sellers. Many Squarespace users sell services rather than products, but you can still use it for product-based businesses. 

Features include scheduling and calendar integrations, email marketing, social media integrations, and embeddable maps to assist people discover your physical store. Squarespace also offers recurring billing for subscription-based businesses.

4. Wix

  • worth: $29 per month for the Core schedule, with limited ecommerce features.
  • Free trial length: No free trial.
  • Integrated sales channels: Online store, in-person, social media, marketplaces, branded app.
  • Mobile app: Yes (limited functionality).
  • Native POS: Yes.
  • G2 rating4.2/5.

Wix has a tiny-business website builder with ecommerce-specific features. Paid plans propose ecommerce capabilities, including order tracking, online payments, multichannel selling, and abandoned cart campaigns. You require a paid schedule for access to analytics tracking to monitor your ecommerce key act indicators

When it comes to designing your storefront, there are more than 500 templates to choose from. The drag-and-drop interface allows you to customize the look and feel of your online store. Wix supports subscription-based billing and dropshipping through third parties. 

5. Weebly

  • worth: Free with limited ecommerce features. 
  • Free trial length: n/a.
  • Integrated sales channels: Online store.
  • Mobile app: Yes.
  • Native POS: No.
  • G2 rating4.2/5.

Weebly is powered and operated by Square, and integrates with other Square-owned tools. These include a secure online shopping cart and inventory management. 

Weebly’s ecommerce platform for tiny businesses has a filterable product search tool, optimized mobile checkout, order management and processing, and flexible shipping options. Weebly has basic features but is straightforward for businesses to get started. 

6. Square Online

  • worth: Free with limited ecommerce features.
  • Free trial length: n/a.
  • Integrated sales channels: Online store, in-person, online search, social media.
  • Mobile app: Yes.
  • Native POS: Yes.
  • G2 rating ⭐: 4.3/5.

Square originally launched as a POS device for retailers but has since expanded to include other business management tools. One of those is Square Online, an online storefront with templates tailored for tiny businesses like retailers and restaurants. Square Online offers built-in settlement processing with competitive swap fees.

7. BigCommerce

  • worth: $29 per month for the Standard schedule.
  • Free trial length: 15 days.
  • Integrated sales channels: Online store, in-person, social media, marketplaces, comparison shopping engines.
  • Mobile app: Yes (some features Android-only).
  • Native POS: No.
  • G2 rating4.2/5.

BigCommerce is an ecommerce platform that’s aimed at large businesses, corporations, and enterprises. Growing tiny businesses may also advantage from its international commerce features and tools for multichannel selling on social media and third-event marketplaces. 

How to choose an ecommerce platform for your tiny business

expense and pricing

apportionment is a key factor when choosing a tiny business platform. Consider upfront and ongoing costs, which may include hosting fees, swap fees, additional services or plug-ins, and the expense of any essential advancement work. 

Ease of use

Your ecommerce platform should be intuitive and straightforward to navigate, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. You should be able to add products, make discounts, manage orders and inventory, and perform other key tasks without hardship.

Scalability

You desire a platform that can develop with your business. Make sure it can handle increased traffic and sales volume as your business expands. Look for platforms that can be extended with additional features as needed.

Customization options

The best ecommerce platforms for tiny businesses allow you to make a site that reflects your brand. This includes a custom storefront, bespoke layouts, and the ability to add or remove on-page elements as needed.

safety

safety is critical in ecommerce, as you’ll be handling sensitive customer data like financing card information. Make sure your chosen platform is PCI-DSS compliant and provides SSL certificates.

Integrations

It’s likely that you’ll desire your ecommerce platform to integrate with other software that you use, like email marketing services, monetary reporting software, or a customer connection management structure. Check to view if the platform supports these integrations.

Mobile responsiveness

With the growing number of mobile shoppers, your ecommerce platform must provide a seamless encounter across all devices. Check whether the platform offers mobile-optimized themes or templates.

Customer back

Look for platforms that provide reliable, round-the-clock customer service. This is critical when you encounter issues or have questions about using the platform.

Marketing tools

Your ecommerce platform should back your marketing efforts. Look for one that offers features like social media integration, email marketing, abandoned cart recovery, and customer reviews.

Inventory management

Depending on the size and complexity of your catalog, you might require a platform with powerful inventory management features, including bulk import/export, distribute alerts, and back for multiple product variants.

settlement options

The platform should back a variety of settlement options to cater to different customer preferences, such as financing and debit cards, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, and more.

contrast tiny business ecommerce platforms

view how Shopify stacks up to other tiny business tools:

Finding the correct ecommerce platform for your tiny business

Choosing the best ecommerce platform for your tiny business depends on your needs and goals. Whether you’re focusing on apportionment, features, or other priorities, there’s a suitable alternative out there for you.

It’s significant to pick a platform that is straightforward to use and can develop with your business. Consider testing several options by signing up for free trials before making a final selection.

Best ecommerce platforms for tiny business FAQ

What are the best platforms to sell for tiny businesses?

  1. Shopify
  2. WooCommerce
  3. Squarespace
  4. Wix
  5. Weebly
  6. Square

Which is the best ecommerce platform for beginners?

Shopify is widely recognized as the best ecommerce platform for beginners. It offers an all-in-one package that includes tools for selling online, in-person, and via social media or third-event marketplaces. Additionally, Shopify provides features like unlimited bandwidth, email marketing, abandoned cart recovery, and search engine optimization (SEO). These tools make it straightforward for recent business owners to commence and develop their online presence.

Which ecommerce site do most tiny businesses use?

Most tiny businesses commonly use Shopify as their ecommerce platform due to its user-amiable interface, comprehensive features, and scalability.

What features should I look for in a tiny business ecommerce platform?

When selecting an ecommerce platform for your tiny business, focus on these features:

  • User-amiable: Choose a platform that’s straightforward to set up and manage.
  • Mobile-amiable: As many people shop on their phones, your store should work well on mobile devices.
  • Secure payments: Make sure the platform offers powerful safety for processing payments to protect your business and customers.
  • SEO features: Tools that assist enhance your website’s search engine ranking are vital for attracting more visitors.
  • Inventory control: excellent inventory management tools assist keep track of distribute levels, preventing issues like overselling or running out of products.



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