Which eCommerce Platform is Best for Small Businesses in 2023?

Introduction

As eCommerce sales are projected to reach an astounding $8.1 trillion by 2026, small business owners are presented with an enormous opportunity. However, with numerous eCommerce platforms available, choosing the right one for your online store can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide aims to help ambitious eCommerce entrepreneurs select the best platform for their online store, taking into account crucial factors such as features, pricing, and ease of use.

We'll review top platforms and provide valuable tips for making the right choice. Additionally, we'll explore how FreightAmigo can assist in saving time and money on shipping, creating a delivery experience that customers will love.

eCommerce Platforms vs. eCommerce Marketplaces

Before diving into specific platforms, it's essential to understand the key difference between eCommerce platforms and marketplaces. eCommerce platforms like Shopify enable sellers to create their own custom stores, while marketplaces like eBay and Amazon host third-party sellers. Both options offer great ways to sell products online, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.

Here's a quick comparison of the two sales channels:

Which is right for you?

The choice between an eCommerce platform and an eCommerce marketplace depends on your specific needs and goals. If you want complete control over your online store and require a wide range of features, an eCommerce platform is the best option. As an affordable website builder, eCommerce platforms are also a good choice for businesses that plan to grow rapidly.

On the other hand, if you're looking for an easy-to-use platform with a large customer base, an eCommerce marketplace might be a better fit. Marketplaces are also a good option for online sellers who are just starting out.

Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing between an eCommerce platform and an eCommerce marketplace:

• Your target audience: Where do your target customers shop online? If they're already shopping on a particular marketplace, it may be beneficial to sell on that platform.
• Your product selection: If you have a large or unique product selection, an eCommerce platform may be a better option. Marketplaces may have restrictions on the types of products that can be sold.
• Your budget: eCommerce platforms can be more expensive than marketplaces, so factor that into your decision.
• Your time commitment: Managing an online store on an eCommerce platform can be time-consuming. If you don't have a lot of time to commit to managing your online store, a marketplace may be a better option.

Our recommendation is to consider using both eCommerce platforms and marketplaces to maximize your online sales. This approach allows you to take advantage of the best features of each while creating and growing your sales channels sustainably.

What to Consider When Choosing an eCommerce Platform

When selecting an eCommerce platform, it's crucial to consider the features that are important to your business. Some common features to look for include:

Product management

This feature allows you to add, edit, and manage your products. It should include features such as product descriptions, images, categories, and variants.

Payment processing

This feature enables you to accept payments from customers. It should support a variety of payment methods, such as credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay.

Shipping integration

This feature allows you to integrate with shipping platforms like FreightAmigo, offering a variety of benefits, including:

• Comparing shipping rates from multiple carriers to get the best deal for your customers
• Generating shipping labels quickly and easily, without switching between different carrier websites
• Tracking shipments in real-time, so you and your customers always know where their orders are
• Managing returns and exchanges efficiently, with minimal hassle for your customers
• Offering a variety of shipping options to meet the needs of your customers, including express shipping, standard shipping, and economy shipping
• Integrating with your existing eCommerce platform to create a seamless checkout experience for your customers

With FreightAmigo shipping integration, you can save time and money on your order fulfillment process while providing your customers with a great delivery experience.

Marketing Features

This feature provides you with tools to market your eCommerce store and products. It may include features such as SEO tools, email marketing tools, and social media integration tools.

Inventory management

This feature helps you track your inventory levels and ensure that you have enough products in stock to meet customer demand.

In addition to these common features, some eCommerce platforms also offer more advanced features, such as:

• Abandoned cart recovery: This feature sends automated emails to customers who have added products to their cart but then abandoned it
• Customer accounts: This feature allows customers to create accounts on your eCommerce store and save their shipping and billing information for future purchases
• Advanced product filtering and search: This feature allows customers to easily find the products they are looking for by filtering and searching your product catalog
• Multi-language support: This feature allows you to translate your eCommerce store and products into multiple languages

Pricing

eCommerce platforms range in price from free to hundreds of dollars per month. The price you pay will depend on the features you need and the size of your business. If you're just starting out, you may want to choose a free eCommerce platform. However, keep in mind that free platforms may have limited features and may not be scalable for large businesses. As your business grows, you may need to upgrade to a paid eCommerce platform, which typically offers more features and scalability.

Ease of use

If you're not tech-savvy, you'll want to select an eCommerce platform that is easy to use and set up. Look for a platform that offers drag-and-drop tools and easy-to-follow instructions. You should also be able to find helpful tutorials and support resources online.

Scalability

If you plan to grow your business rapidly, you'll need to pick an eCommerce platform that can scale with you. Look for a platform that can handle many products and orders. You should also choose a platform that offers features such as abandoned cart recovery and customer accounts to help you manage your growing business.

Support

It's important to choose an eCommerce platform that offers good customer support. This is especially essential if you're not tech-savvy or if you need help setting up your eCommerce store. Look for a platform that offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat. You should also be able to find helpful tutorials and support resources online.

Additional considerations for small business owners

In addition to the general factors listed above, there are also some specific things to consider if you are a small business owner. You may want to choose a platform that:

• Offers a free plan or a low-cost monthly plan
• Offers free web hosting and a custom domain
• Is easy to use and customize, even if you don't have any coding experience
• Offers integrations with other business tools, such as accounting software and CRM software
• Has a good reputation and a large community of users

Choosing the right website builder for your small business is an essential decision. By considering the factors listed above, you can select a platform that meets your needs and helps boost your online sales. Here are some additional tips for picking from all the eCommerce platforms for small businesses:

• Do your research: Read reviews of different eCommerce platforms for small businesses and compare their features and pricing.
• Ask for recommendations: Talk to other small business owners and see what eCommerce platforms they are using.
• Start with a free trial: Most eCommerce platforms offer a free trial, so you can try the platform before you commit to a paid plan.

Taking the time to choose the right eCommerce platform for your successful online store can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run. So be sure to carefully consider your needs and budget before making a decision.