The pandemic has led to digital transformation and e-commerce businesses. Due to the pandemic restrictions, businesses have gone online for their promotion and utilized digital platforms for conducting transactions. In fact, the global retail trade of the e-commerce industry went from 14% in 2019 to 17% in 2020.
There are a handful of ways you can start a business online. You can develop your business website, use social media channels, or take advantage of e-commerce platforms. Of course, the latter is the most viable option, as these digital platforms are already well-established.
Are You Starting an Online Business This Year? Consider These E-commerce Platforms!
If you’re wondering what e-commerce platforms to venture into, here are the best ones you might want to consider:
1. BigCommerce
Sure, there is no one-size-fits-all for different types of businesses. But among all, BigCommerce is the best all-in-one platform in the e-commerce industry. This can be attributed to its flexibility in meeting the needs of businesses of all sizes. So whether a small-scale, medium-sized, or big-time business, you can take advantage of this digital platform.
BigCommerce is known for its rich platform with a lot of functional features. It is also notable for its comprehensive reporting. Ultimately, it offers affordable pricing plans to choose from. Its best features include selling on social media, adding blogs, uploading products in bulk, using tons of payment portals, and integrating with hundreds of applications.
2. Shopify
Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms worldwide. It is said to be the best choice for dropshipping. As an online store, you use this platform to sell goods or products. When a customer is interested in those products, you purchase the items straight from a third party and deliver them right at the customer’s doorsteps. That’s how dropshipping works.
Shopify is an easy-to-use platform with a Shopify POS lite system and plenty of features. These features include live chat, online invoices, various payment portals, syncs with social media, and about 3,200 apps integrated into the Shopify app store. You can either seek out suppliers anywhere globally or use a Shopify app such as Oberlo to connect your store to thousands of suppliers.
3. Magento
Magento is the preferred choice for large businesses worldwide. It used to be an on-premise, open-source solution for businesses with IT investments and development teams. But in recent years, it launched a cloud, open-source solution that makes it a top-notch e-commerce platform.
What’s good about Magento is that it offers the most customizable solution for large companies. This means that you have full control over your website while maintaining server autonomy. Its best features include site search tools, instant purchase options, tons of themes and extensions, access to global shipping providers, and returns management software.
4. Wix
Wix is regarded as the best platform for small businesses. This easy-to-use platform is best for those launching a startup or growing a small business online. All it takes is to create an e-commerce website and take advantage of Wix’s various unique features. Get a subscription package —from Business Basic to Business Unlimited and Business VIP to Enterprise.
Wix is notable for its simple website builder incorporated with sales and marketing tools. You can also take advantage of features such as adding unlimited products, using recovery tools, selling on social media, taking bookings for services, streaming music, and videos, and integrating apps.
5. Squarespace
The last on the list is Squarespace, which is ideal for startups and small businesses as well. If you’re looking to launch a startup or grow your small business, this platform is perfect for you. It offers robust promotional tools that will help scale up your business and help you earn money easily and quickly.
What’s good about Squarespace is that it provides a mobile app for entrepreneurs. This means that you can use this platform anywhere in the world. Also, it has a simple website editor yet various professional design templates to choose from. Its best features include unlimited bandwidth and storage, basic search engine optimization (SEO), conversion and sales analytics, promotional popups and banners, and email marketing features.
The global pandemic doesn’t have to stop you from launching and running a business. And when it comes to this, the best course of action is to go digital. That said, consider using one of these best e-commerce platforms: BigCommerce, Shopify, Magento, Wix, and Squarespace. With all the key details discussed above, you’ll know what works for you and your business. Choose the right e-commerce platform for your business!
