Ecommerce Website Builder: The 9 Best Options for Your Business
Launching an online business might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, it can be a smooth, rewarding journey. The key component for budding ecommerce entrepreneurs is a solid website builder. It simplifies creating an online store, letting you focus on building your brand and growing sales without getting bogged down by technical complexities.
There are numerous ecommerce website builders designed specifically for online stores. However, they’re not all the same, and finding the one that best suits your business needs can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top nine ecommerce website builders available today, outlining the benefits of each so you can choose the perfect match for your business.
1. Shopify
Best for: Simple, robust ecommerce solutions
Shopify is widely regarded as the best ecommerce website builder, offering a user-friendly interface that makes setting up an online store quick and easy, even for those with no coding experience. Shopify is packed with features that help you find customers, streamline operations, and boost sales.
Notable Features:
- Access to thousands of third-party apps to enhance store functionality
- Multichannel selling capabilities across marketplaces and social platforms
- Built-in SEO tools to boost visibility
- Mobile app for on-the-go management
- Integration with Shopify POS to connect physical and digital stores
- Over 100 payment gateways supported
Pricing: Plans start at $29 per month (if billed annually) with a free trial available.
2. Squarespace
Best for: Visually appealing, customizable online stores
Squarespace focuses on aesthetics, offering visually stunning templates and a drag-and-drop builder to customize your online store. While it doesn’t have as many comprehensive business features as Shopify, it’s a good option for those prioritizing design.
Key Features:
- Responsive templates with image scaling
- Customizable layouts and design options
- Built-in marketing tools
- Automatic post-purchase email sequences
Pricing: Plans start at $16 per month (billed annually) with a 14-day free trial.
3. Square Online
Best for: Free, simple setup with scalable features
Square Online, formerly Weebly, allows you to create a basic online store for free. While its features are limited on the free plan, upgrading unlocks more functionality like custom domains and advanced analytics.
Top Features:
- Real-time shipping calculations
- Bulk inventory management tools
- Integration with Square payment systems
- Drag-and-drop builder
Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $29 per month (billed annually).
4. BigCommerce
Best for: Enterprise-level ecommerce needs
BigCommerce is an excellent choice for larger companies with complex ecommerce needs. It offers robust features and integration options for scaling your business, making it a great option for businesses that require more flexibility and customization.
Helpful Features:
- Multi-language and multi-currency support
- Omnichannel sales (Amazon, Google Shopping, etc.)
- API and SDK for checkout customization
- Flexible themes built with HTML, CSS, and Javascript
Pricing: Plans start at $29 per month (billed annually) with a 15-day free trial.
5. GoDaddy
Best for: Beginners with light ecommerce needs
GoDaddy’s website builder is known for its simplicity, making it ideal for those new to ecommerce. While it lacks some of the advanced features found on other platforms, it offers a quick and easy way to start selling.
Notable Features:
- Digital wallet payments (Venmo, Google Pay)
- POS integration for in-person and online sales
- Social media integrations
- Mobile-friendly templates
Pricing: Plans start at $11.99 per month (billed annually).
6. Wix
Best for: Small businesses and individual sellers
Wix offers a free website builder with a drag-and-drop editor, allowing small businesses to create ecommerce sites quickly. Upgrading to a paid plan unlocks ecommerce capabilities like online payments and abandoned cart recovery.
Key Features:
- User-friendly customization tools
- Integration with eBay, Facebook, and Google Shopping
- SEO-optimized product pages
- Free SSL certificate
Pricing: Ecommerce plans start at $17 per month.
7. WooCommerce
Best for: WordPress users looking to add ecommerce features
WooCommerce is an open-source plugin that adds powerful ecommerce functionality to any WordPress site. It offers extensive flexibility and customization, making it ideal for tech-savvy users who want complete control over their store.
Features:
- Responsive themes for mobile shopping
- 100% open-source code
- Large community of contributors for support
- No third-party software access
Pricing: Free plugin, but costs can vary based on themes, extensions, and hosting services.
8. Shift4Shop
Best for: Quick online sales setup
Formerly known as 3dcart, Shift4Shop offers an easy-to-use shopping cart system with a variety of ecommerce features. While it lacks some design customization options, it’s ideal for those who want to start selling quickly.
Key Features:
- Built-in SEO tools
- Free design templates
- Zapier integrations for extended functionality
- Abandoned cart recovery
Pricing: Plans start at $29 per month.
9. Ecwid
Best for: Integrating with existing websites
Ecwid makes it easy to add ecommerce functionality to existing websites. You can connect it to platforms like WordPress, Weebly, and Drupal or use it to create a simple store with a company.site domain.
Key Features:
- Free plan for up to five products
- Mobile app support
- Integration with social media and marketplaces
- Automatic tax and inventory management
Pricing: Free forever plan with limited features; paid plans start at $21 per month (billed annually).
How to Choose the Best Ecommerce Website Builder
1. Budget and Growth Plans: Consider your initial budget and potential future expenses as your business grows. 2. Technical Skills: Look for a builder that matches your comfort level with software and backend tasks. 3. Customization Needs: Determine the level of customization you need for features like product pages or checkout experiences. 4. Payment Options: Ensure the platform offers secure and convenient payment methods for your customers. 5. Support Availability: Look for platforms with robust customer support and resources to guide you.
Ecommerce Website Builder FAQ
Is it easy to create an online store?
Yes, platforms like Shopify allow you to build an ecommerce website quickly with user-friendly tools.
How much does it cost to build an ecommerce website?
Using a website builder, costs can be as low as $30/month.
What are the best free ecommerce website builders?
Shopify, Squarespace, Square Online, BigCommerce, GoDaddy, Wix, WooCommerce.
What fees are associated with ecommerce website builders?
- Monthly Fee: Typically $30–$40 for basic plans.
- Payment Gateway Fees: Around 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction.
- Transaction Fees: Additional fees may apply if not using the platform’s gateway.
