So you’ve decided to take your business online and create an ecommerce store. Congratulations! But with so many different platforms available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Four popular options are Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix, and Squarespace. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice for you will ultimately depend on your specific needs and goals.
Here’s a breakdown of each platform to help you make an informed decision:
Shopify:
- Strengths:
- Ecommerce-focused: Designed specifically for online selling, offering a robust suite of features, including product management, inventory control, marketing tools, and payment processing.
- Scalability: Accommodates businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.
- App store: Offers a vast selection of apps (over 6,000) to extend functionality and cater to specific needs.
- Offline selling: Integrates with Shopify POS to facilitate in-person sales.
- Weaknesses:
- Pricing: Can be more expensive than other options, especially for larger businesses.
- Customisation: While offering themes, advanced design customisation might require coding knowledge or additional apps.
BigCommerce:
- Strengths:
- Scalability: Similar to Shopify, suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Built-in features: Offers many features out of the box, reducing reliance on third-party apps.
- Large product volumes: Handles large product catalogs efficiently.
- Open API: Allows for greater customisation and integration with other platforms.
- Weaknesses:
- Complexity: Can have a steeper learning curve compared to other options.
- Limited app store: Offers fewer apps than Shopify, although it still covers most essential needs.
- Offline selling: Requires additional apps for in-person sales.
Wix:
- Strengths:
- Ease of use: Drag-and-drop interface makes it beginner-friendly, even for those with no coding experience.
- Affordability: Offers multiple pricing plans, including a free plan with limited features.
- Design flexibility: Wide range of customisable templates to create visually appealing stores.
- Weaknesses:
- Ecommerce limitations: Lacks some advanced features found in Shopify and BigCommerce, such as abandoned cart recovery and built-in marketing tools.
- Scalability: May not be suitable for businesses with large product catalogues or high transaction volumes.
- Limited app store: Fewer app options compared to Shopify and BigCommerce.
Squarespace:
- Strengths:
- Design focus: Renowned for its beautiful and modern templates, ideal for design-oriented businesses.
- Ease of use: Similar to Wix, offers a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Content management: Integrates well with blogging and content creation, suitable for businesses selling alongside informative content.
- Weaknesses:
- Limited ecommerce features: Similar to Wix, lacks some essential features for serious ecommerce businesses.
- Scalability: Not ideal for businesses with large product volumes or high growth potential.
- Limited app store: Fewer app options compared to Shopify and BigCommerce.
Choosing the Right Platform:
Consider these factors when making your decision:
- Your technical skills: If you’re new to ecommerce, Wix or Squarespace might be easier to manage. For more complex needs, Shopify or BigCommerce might be better.
- Your product catalogue size: If you have a large number of products, BigCommerce or Shopify might be the better choice due to their scalability and robust features.
- Your budget: Wix offers a free plan, while other platforms have paid monthly subscriptions. Choose a plan that fits your budget and feature needs.
- Your growth plans: If you anticipate significant growth in the future, consider platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce, which can scale with your business.
Ultimately, the best platform is the one that best meets your unique needs and goals. By carefully considering your requirements and comparing the strengths and weaknesses of each option, you can make an informed decision and set your online store up for success. Let us know if we can assist you.
