7 Best Shopify Alternatives for Small Ecommerce Businesses
Table of Contents
Introduction
- Why consider Shopify alternatives?
Shopify Alternatives for Small Ecommerce Businesses
- BigCommerce
- Wix
- Squarespace
- WooCommerce
- OpenCart
- Big Cartel
- Volusion
Pros and Cons of Each Alternative
- BigCommerce
- Wix
- Squarespace
- WooCommerce
- OpenCart
- Big Cartel
- Volusion
Conclusion
- Which Shopify alternative is right for you?
FAQ
- What is Shopify?
- Why would someone want to use a Shopify alternative?
- What are the benefits of using a Shopify alternative?
- Are there any downsides to using a Shopify alternative?
- How do I choose the right Shopify alternative for my business?
Shopify Alternatives for Small Ecommerce Businesses
Introduction
Shopify is a popular ecommerce platform that offers a wide range of features and tools to help businesses sell their products online. However, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Whether you're looking for a more affordable option or one that offers more customization, there are several Shopify alternatives available for small ecommerce businesses.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at seven of the best Shopify alternatives and explore their pros and cons.
1. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a relatively smaller ecommerce hosting platform, yet it hosts the online stores of major brands such as Ben and Jerry's and Skullcandy. On the surface, the core functionalities of Shopify and BigCommerce appear to be very comparable. Both firms provide full website hosting services as well as tools for building a website store and blog without writing a single line of code.
BigCommerce, on the other hand, shines out in a few important areas, like the option to have an infinite number of staff accounts in your store and Chipper HQ shipping rules engine. These options, combined with the zero percent transaction fees, made BigCommerce the clear winner in this category.
2. Wix
Wix provides users with both a free and paid option for creating a visually appealing website. With over 10 years of experience in the market, Wix websites have various options to offer that you should consider. Wix is an excellent entry-level website builder that can assist anyone in getting online. It may not be the best answer for advanced users, and it's expensive, maybe more than those of other options, but it does the job.
3. Squarespace
Squarespace, like Shopify, is an all-in-one website builder that's suitable for both novices and specialists. The platform allows anyone to create any type of website while also providing extensive tools for design, SEO, and analytics. And like other website platforms, you don't have to worry about hosting, domains, or HTML code when using Squarespace to manage your ecommerce shop.
Squarespace's online marketing features are most likely what set it apart from the competitors, such as a blogging module, an SEO-friendly structure, social media integration, social media snippets, marketing analytics, Amazon, Facebook pixel, and Google Ads integration.
4. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free and open-source WordPress plugin that functions as an ecommerce platform. Like Shopify, you can use it to sell things and develop an online store. Because it's open-source, it's free to use and can be customized to your liking. Developers can modify the code as much as they want, and it remains compatible with WordPress. You also don't need to learn how to write code because you can add third-party plugins for practically any functionality you require. However, despite being free, you must install WordPress, pay for high-quality site hosting, and perform some maintenance work to keep your plugins all up to date.
5. OpenCart
OpenCart is a free to use and open-source ecommerce platform that includes everything you need to get started with an online store. This is advantageous for individuals who require a fully adaptable platform through their business. Unlike WooCommerce, it does not require the installation of WordPress. However, you must own your own web server, pay for hosting, domain, etc., which must match a few conditions, such as being written in PHP, have curl enabled, and having a database. On the other hand, it implies that it's completely free, and as long as you follow the appropriate instructions, you don't need to know how to code to use it, and you may personalize it by installing any of the innumerable third-party tools designed for it.
6. Big Cartel
Big Cartel is a lightweight ecommerce platform that aids small enterprises and creatives like artists, painters, woodworkers, and so on. The platform enables you to create an online store without the hassle of complicated features. It allows you to easily establish a visually appealing website, sell things, manage orders, and accept payments. However, because there's no learning curve, it will lack any additional features that you may require in the future if you plan on increasing your inventory or developing your customer base.
7. Volusion
Volusion, like Shopify, is an all-in-one ecommerce platform, so you don't need to download or install anything to get started with your internet business. All you have to do is sign up and choose a template. It includes all the tools you need to get started with your ecommerce business and sell things online. Order fulfillment, a search feature, text-rich product pages, SEO tools, marketplace integrations, and more are all available. Volusion allows you to include more products in your catalog and caters to business owners who require more advanced capabilities, making an excellent alternative for starting and growing your store.
Pros and Cons of Each Alternative
- BigCommerce
- Pros: Infinite number of staff accounts, Chipper HQ shipping rules engine, zero percent transaction fees
- Cons: Smaller platform, fewer integrations
- Wix
- Pros: Visually appealing website builder, extensive options for design
- Cons: Expensive, not suitable for advanced users
- Squarespace
- Pros: All-in-one website builder, extensive tools for design, SEO, and analytics
- Cons: Expensive, limited ecommerce features
- WooCommerce
- Pros: Free and open-source, customizable, compatible with WordPress
- Cons: Requires WordPress installation, maintenance work
- OpenCart
- Pros: Free and open-source, fully adaptable platform
- Cons: Requires web server, hosting, domain, etc., limited support
- Big Cartel
- Pros: Lightweight ecommerce platform, visually appealing website builder
- Cons: Limited features, not suitable for scaling
- Volusion
- Pros: All-in-one ecommerce platform, extensive tools for ecommerce, marketplace integrations
- Cons: Expensive, limited design options
Conclusion
Choosing the right ecommerce platform for your business can be a daunting task. While Shopify is a popular choice, it may not be the best fit for everyone. Fortunately, there are several Shopify alternatives available for small ecommerce businesses. Whether you're looking for a more affordable option or one that offers more customization, there's an alternative out there for you.
Consider the pros and cons of each platform before making a decision. Think about your business's specific needs and goals, and choose the platform that best aligns with them. With the right ecommerce platform, you can take your business to the next level and achieve your goals.
FAQ
What is Shopify?
Shopify is an ecommerce platform that allows businesses to sell their products online. It offers a wide range of features and tools to help businesses manage their online stores.
Why would someone want to use a Shopify alternative?
There are several reasons why someone might want to use a Shopify alternative. For example, they may be looking for a more affordable option, one that offers more customization, or one that better aligns with their business's specific needs and goals.
What are the benefits of using a Shopify alternative?
The benefits of using a Shopify alternative vary depending on the platform. Some may offer more affordable pricing, more customization options, or more advanced features.
Are there any downsides to using a Shopify alternative?
Yes, there are downsides to using a Shopify alternative. For example, some platforms may have a steeper learning curve, fewer integrations, or limited support.
How do I choose the right Shopify alternative for my business?
To choose the right Shopify alternative for your business, consider your business's specific needs and goals. Think about what features and tools you require, and choose the platform that best aligns with them.
