Most online store owners would agree that finding the right website builder with essential ecommerce features can be an overwhelming task.
However, by understanding the key capabilities like inventory management, payment integrations, and marketing tools, you can choose the ideal platform to launch your successful online business.
In this post, we will explore the must-have features of top website builders catering to online stores' diverse needs, from Shopify and Squarespace to Wix and BigCommerce. You will discover how to select the best ecommerce solution based on pricing, customization, scalability and more to maximize your online store's potential.
Introduction to Website Builders for Ecommerce
Website builders provide easy-to-use platforms for creating professional online stores without needing coding skills. They offer intuitive drag-and-drop editors, built-in ecommerce features, and hundreds of customizable templates to launch an online business quickly.
Key website builder capabilities for ecommerce include:
- Building product pages and catalogs
- Integrated payment gateways
- Inventory and order management
- Marketing tools like email and social media integration
- SEO optimization
This article explores the essential website builder features online retailers should look for, how to choose the right platform for your business needs, maximizing sales with the right ecommerce website builder solution, and more.
Decoding the Best Website Builder for Online Store Success
An effective ecommerce website builder enables anyone to create stunning online stores and start selling products with minimal effort.
The best ecommerce website builders provide user-friendly site builders combined with robust backend tools to manage the entire shopping journey. Must-have features include:
Intuitive site builder: An easy drag-and-drop editor to customize site design and layout without coding. WYSIWYG editors provide live previews.
Responsive themes: Professionally designed and mobile-optimized themes to ensure your store looks great on all devices.
Product management: Tools to easily add products, variations, descriptions, images, pricing and more.
Multiple payment options: Integrate payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe for secure online transactions.
Order tracking: Monitor and fulfill orders efficiently with inventory syncing across sales channels.
Marketing capabilities: Optimize stores for search and promotions with built-in SEO tools, email marketing, and social media integration.
Carefully compare website builders using the above criteria to determine the right platform for your online business.
Maximizing Ecommerce Potential with the Right Website Builder
Website builders enable launching fully-featured online stores quickly, efficiently and affordably compared to developing custom ecommerce sites.
Reasons retailers should leverage website builders include:
- Speed to market: Get your online store up in days instead of months. Site builders have streamlined workflows to launch faster.
- Cost savings: Avoid expensive web development and hosting costs. Many website builders offer free basic plans.
- Ease of use: Intuitive drag-and-drop site builders require no coding expertise. Easily make changes anytime.
- Scalability: Seamlessly upgrade as your business grows. Handle more traffic and sales with premium plans.
- Responsive design: Mobile-friendly stores reach customers anywhere. Fully optimized sites increase conversions across devices.
- Built-in marketing: Harness email, social, SEO and promotion tools to boost brand awareness and sales.
The right website builder empowers online retailers to turn great ideas into successful businesses faster. Focus more on sales and marketing rather than site development.
What is the best website builder for online store?
When choosing the best website builder for an online store, there are a few key features to consider:
Inventory Management
A robust inventory management system is essential for tracking product details, variants, pricing, quantities, and more. The website builder should make it easy to add and update products. Features like bulk upload capabilities help streamline inventory workflows.
Shopify and BigCommerce have excellent built-in inventory management tools. Wix and Squarespace integrate with third-party systems like Cin7 and TradeGecko for inventory needs.
Multiple Sales Channels
The ability to sell products across multiple channels expands reach and revenue potential. An omnichannel sales strategy requires channel integrations for online stores, marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, social media shops, and brick-and-mortar POS systems.
Shopify and BigCommerce enable connectivity to dozens of sales channels out-of-the-box. Wix and Squarespace offer channel integrations through their app marketplaces.
Secure Payment Options
Offering customers a choice in payment methods encourages higher conversion rates. The website builder should provide secure payment integrations with leading gateways and fraud protection tools.
Shopify Payments, Square, and Stripe integrate with most website builders. Solutions like BigCommerce also include built-in gateways. SSL certificates provide encryption for safe transactions.
Evaluating needs around inventory, sales channels, payments, and other ecommerce features will determine the best website builder for an online store. Leading SaaS platforms provide the tools for retailers to build, manage and grow their business.
What is the best site to start an online store?
When choosing the best website builder to start an online store, the top options to consider include:
Shopify
Shopify is one of the most popular ecommerce platforms. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop store builder and a vast app store to extend functionality. Key features include:
- Easy setup with professional themes and templates
- Robust inventory management and order fulfillment
- Seamless integration with secure payment gateways
- Marketing tools like email campaigns and coupons
Shopify is a great choice if you want to quickly launch an online store with minimal hassle. Its simplified backend and customizable storefront cater well to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Square
Square provides an omnichannel solution combining brick-and-mortar POS with online stores. Key ecommerce features include:
- Unified platform to sell in-person, online, and on-the-go
- Inventory syncing across sales channels
- Easy to set up with free web hosting
- Seamless integration with other Square tools
If you already use Square or want to sell both online and offline, its synced inventory and cross-channel data make it an ideal pick.
Ecwid
Ecwid offers a free plan to help small businesses test online sales before upgrading. Key highlights:
- Free plan allows up to 10 products
- Easy integration with existing sites
- Mobile commerce support
- Expandable premium plans
Ecwid is a smart choice if you want to experiment with online selling before fully committing. Its free tier and integration options make it easy to get started.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce powers online stores with higher volumes and complex needs. Features include:
- Enterprise-level security, speed, scalability
- Advanced promotion and merchandising
- Customizable checkouts
- Built-in shipping solutions
If you anticipate significant web traffic and sales, BigCommerce provides robust tools to manage and optimize at scale.
Evaluating business needs and ecommerce priorities helps determine the best platform. Elements like budget, product catalog size, and technical capabilities play a role. Testing different website builders to find the right fit can pay dividends in the long run.
Which platform is best for building a store online?
When deciding on the best ecommerce website builder for your online store, it's important to consider your business's specific needs and goals.
Shopify
Shopify is one of the most popular options for larger ecommerce businesses. Some key benefits include:
- Robust features for managing and selling inventory at scale
- Built-in support for secure payment gateways
- Powerful analytics and reporting
- Hundreds of integrations with marketing, fulfillment, and other business apps
However, Shopify's monthly fees tend to be higher than competitors. The platform may be overkill for very small or new online stores.
Wix
Wix is better suited for smaller ecommerce ventures. Advantages include:
- User-friendly drag-and-drop site builder
- Customizable templates and designs
- Lower monthly fees than Shopify
- Integration with Wix Payments
But Wix provides less advanced functionality compared to Shopify. It can be limiting as your business grows.
Squarespace
Squarespace strikes a balance with medium-sized stores in mind. It offers:
- Strong emphasis on visuals and branding
- Built-in search engine optimization
- Integrations with email marketing and analytics tools
- Simple product and order management
However, Squarespace charges extra fees for ecommerce transactions. And it has fewer app integrations versus Shopify.
The "best" ecommerce website builder depends on your business's size, budget, features needed, and future goals. Evaluating your specific requirements will determine the ideal platform.
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How to create an online shopping website?
Creating an online store allows entrepreneurs and small business owners to sell products or services on the web and tap into the growing ecommerce industry. Here are the key steps to launch your own online shopping website:
Decide on a target audience
Define your ideal customer avatar - their demographics, values, needs and shopping behavior. This will guide your branding, product selection and marketing. For example, target busy professionals looking for convenient healthy meal options.
Find a business idea and choose your products
Research market trends and analyze competitors to identify gaps or opportunities. Select products you can competitively price and source sustainably. For an online grocery, focus on quality local produce and healthy snacks.
Choose an ecommerce platform
Evaluate website builders like Shopify and Wix that allow creating online stores without coding. Consider features like templates, payment integration, and inventory management. Shopify is ideal for ecommerce but Wix provides greater design flexibility.
Determine your business structure
Decide if you want to be a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC or corporation. This impacts taxes, liability and paperwork needed to operate legally. A limited liability company structure offers personal asset protection.
Design your brand
Create a brand identity that resonates with your audience. Determine logo, color scheme, images, packaging and messaging that reflects your values. Aim for a cohesive look across your online storefront, emails and social media.
Set up your ecommerce website
Select a template, add products, customize pages and settings. Make calls-to-action prominent. Enable one-page checkout. Add an online chat option for instant customer support. Integrate payment solution and shipping carriers.
Connect a payment gateway
Link payment processors like Stripe or PayPal to accept credit cards securely. Consider fraud protection tools and global payment methods to reduce risks and enable international sales.
Get your store ready for launch
Test site functionality thoroughly pre-launch. Import products into inventory system. Set up analytics and email collection. Create social media channels. Run advertising campaigns to drive initial traffic. Offer promotions to incentivize purchases.
With the right ecommerce platform, you can create a professional online store in weeks. Focus on providing real value to customers and streamlining the shopping experience.
Essential Features for Online Stores
Ecommerce website builders should provide key functionality to effectively create and manage online stores. Here are some must-have features:
Inventory Management: The Backbone of Ecommerce Platforms
Robust inventory management enables store owners to easily track product quantities, receive notifications for low stock, and sync inventory across multiple sales channels. Choose a website builder like Shopify or BigCommerce that offers:
- Customizable dashboard to view and update inventory levels
- Barcode scanning to simplify inventory tracking
- Rules engine to automate inventory management
- Multi-location inventory tracking for warehouses and brick-and-mortar stores
With efficient inventory management, online retailers can focus on sales growth rather than manual inventory updates.
Seamless Payment Integrations for Secure Online Payments
Integrating secure online payment gateways like Shop Pay and PayPal is essential for converting site visitors into paying customers. Key features include:
- One-click checkout to reduce abandoned carts
- Support for popular payment methods like credit cards, Apple Pay, etc.
- Fraud protection with services like 3D Secure to prevent chargebacks
- Payment reporting to reconcile transactions
- International currency and language support
Choose an ecommerce platform with out-of-the-box payment integrations to quickly start accepting online orders.
Creating Compelling Product Pages for Digital Products
For online stores selling digital downloads, website builders should provide tools to easily create and customize product pages. Features like:
- Media galleries for showcasing digital products
- Customizable templates for product pages
- Tools for bundling products
- Options for hosting and delivering digital files
- Integrated review system
With the right product page tools, showcasing digital products becomes effortless.
Harnessing Ecommerce SEO and Marketing Tools for Growth
Expanding an online store's reach requires built-in SEO and marketing capabilities like:
- Search engine optimization (SEO) tools to improve site visibility
- Email marketing integrations with providers like MailChimp
- Social media management tools
- Analytics to identify sales opportunities
- Abandoned cart recovery features
Choose an ecommerce website builder that helps drive traffic and conversions out-of-the-box.
Mobile Commerce: Optimizing for the On-the-Go Consumer
With rising mobile usage, ecommerce sites must be optimized for smaller screens. Essential features include:
- Fully responsive design
- One-page mobile checkout
- SMS/text message notifications
- Mobile analytics
An online store builder that facilitates mCommerce helps retailers reach always-connected consumers.
With robust core features for managing inventory, payments, product display, marketing, and mobile commerce, online retailers can effectively run their business from a single platform. Choosing the right ecommerce website builder is crucial for long-term success.
Comparing the Best Online Store Builders
When choosing an ecommerce website builder, it's important to consider key features like inventory management, payment processing, themes, and scalability. Here's an overview of some top options for building an online store:
Shopify: A Comprehensive Ecommerce Solution
Shopify is the most widely used platform for independent online stores. With a vast app store and integrations, it offers versatile functionality for managing:
- Product catalogs and inventory
- Multiple sales channels (web, mobile, social media, brick-and-mortar)
- Secure payments with Shopify Payments
- Marketing tools for promotions and customer engagement
Shopify also provides beautiful themes, detailed sales reports, and the ability to scale from small shops to enterprise-level operations. Its customizable backend and no transaction fees make it a flexible and affordable solution.
Squarespace: Combining Aesthetics with Ecommerce Efficiency
Squarespace strikes a balance between visual appeal and ecommerce features. Its elegant templates and intuitive drag-and-drop editor allow anyone to quickly build an attractive online storefront.
While its ecommerce capabilities are less advanced than Shopify, Squarespace still enables key functions like:
- Product management with variations and discounts
- Integrated payment processing
- Automated post-purchase emails
- Abandoned cart recovery
For small to medium shops that value design, Squarespace streamlines launching a professional-looking store while handling necessary ecommerce tasks.
Wix: The Best Free Website Builder for Small Online Stores
Wix empowers beginners to easily create free websites with its user-friendly editor and extensive template library. While more suited for simple online stores, its ecommerce features include:
- Digital and physical product listings
- Secure payment options via Wix Payments
- Order management and fulfillment integrations
- SEO customization for product pages
With no transaction fees on paid plans, Wix allows store owners on a budget to sell online and establish their web presence for free.
BigCommerce: Scaling Enterprises with Advanced Ecommerce Features
Designed for rapidly growing brands, BigCommerce powers sophisticated stores with tools tailored for multi-channel sales and streamlined operations. It enables functionalities like:
- Complex product catalogs and global inventory tracking
- Integrated shipping carriers and order processing
- Robust SEO, PPC, and email marketing tools
- API flexibility and B2B ecommerce options
While BigCommerce requires a paid plan, its enterprise-grade performance, security, and support offer an end-to-end system for established ecommerce businesses aiming to expand online.
Evaluating critical ecommerce features across leading website builders can help online sellers identify the right platform based on business needs and growth goals. Elements like design, functionality, scalability and cost should align with long-term visions for taking a store to the next level.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Ecommerce Platform
When selecting an ecommerce platform, store owners should evaluate key factors like budget, product types, design needs and growth plans to choose the right website builder.
Cost-Effectiveness: Evaluating Pricing and Transaction Fees
Leading website builders for online stores offer different pricing models based on features, bandwidth and transaction volumes. Comparing setup costs, monthly subscriptions, transaction fees and payment gateways upfront is essential. For example, Shopify starts from $29/month while BigCommerce has a $29.95/month plan. However, BigCommerce caps transaction fees at lower sales volumes. Understanding these variables will prevent unexpected costs as your business grows.
Design Flexibility: Customization Options and Ecommerce Templates
The level of design customization and ability to edit code varies across website builders. Shopify offers a wide range of free and paid themes with custom CSS/HTML editing. Wix has hundreds of customizable templates but limited code access on certain plans. Assessing builders based on your current and future design needs is important. Consider functionality like drag-and-drop editors, high-resolution image support, galleries, blogs and flexible product display options.
Future-Proofing Your Online Business: Scalability and Performance
Review technical specifications like bandwidth, storage space and built-in CDNs while choosing an ecommerce platform. Shopify and BigCommerce easily handle high sales volumes but can get expensive for smaller stores. On the other hand, affordable builders like Squarespace and Gator Website Builder work well for niche sites but offer less room to scale. Considering long-term business goals is key while balancing budget needs.
Ecommerce Security: SSL Certificates and Data Protection
Security features like SSL certificates for safe transactions and data encryption are non-negotiable for any online store. All leading website builders provide SSL certificates on their ecommerce plans. However, understanding their security protocols beyond basic SSL is important. For example, Shopify offers extensive protection via Web Application Firewall and DDoS mitigation while BigCommerce leverages Cloudflare for security and CDN services.
Conclusion: Building a Successful Online Store
Summarizing Key Ecommerce Builder Features
When choosing a website builder for an online store, some of the most essential features to consider include:
- Inventory management: Track product quantities, receive notifications for low stock, and easily update details. Builders like Shopify and BigCommerce have robust backends to manage inventory.
- Multiple payment options: Offer customers flexibility with payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, Apple Pay. Shopify Payments also helps streamline checkout.
- Responsive themes: Ensure your store looks great on all devices with mobile-friendly themes. Builders like Wix and Squarespace have extensive theme libraries.
- SEO optimization: Improve site visibility with built-in SEO tools for meta tag management, URL structures, alt text, etc.
- Security: SSL certificates, site backups, and partnerships with security providers help secure customer and payment data.
Next Steps in Ecommerce: Launching Your Online Store
With a robust ecommerce website builder in place, focus on expanding your online store:
- Market research: Analyze competitor sites and consumer purchasing behavior to refine your product selection and positioning.
- Digital marketing: Develop email, social media, and content campaigns to attract customers and promote products.
- Data analysis: Use analytics to identify sales trends and opportunities to improve conversion rates.
By leveraging the right website builder and optimizing your ecommerce operations, you can successfully build, launch, and grow your online business.
