Our Top 10 Small Business Ecommerce Platforms
Let’s take a look at the 10 best ecommerce platforms for small businesses to scale their brands on. Because there’s always gotta be a top 10 list.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Ecommerce platforms are not created equal (I know this firsthand). Small businesses can't just throw a dart to choose the ecommerce platform that'll help them scale their store.
Some are for solopreneurs with few needs. Some are for enterprises with a long list of complex requirements. You need to find the ones that sit somewhere between those.
While the choices are many, the best for your small business are few. You just gotta know what you're wanting from your ecommerce platform.
You want something that's friendly to your budget, easy to use from the jump, deeply customizable without coding, integrated with the best tools, quick to respond to support requests, and so much more.
If you don't have a list of must-haves, start creating one now. It'll help you choose as we unveil our top picks of ecommerce platforms for small businesses, which is informed by our deep well of ecommerce expertise and our super fancy scoring system.
Without further ado...
What is an Ecommerce Platform for Small Business?
An ecommerce platform is the secret weapon for small businesses looking to sell online without getting tangled in tech jargon.
Think of it as your all-in-one storefront, manager, and IT department—without the HR headaches. It’s designed to make setting up and running an online store as painless as possible.
These platforms are packed with features to help you hit the ground running, including:
- Website creation and design. Build a sleek, professional site without hiring a designer.
- Product catalog management. Keep your inventory organized and easy to browse.
- Order processing and tracking. From purchase to doorstep, it’s all handled.
- Secure payment options. Make it easy for customers to pay how they want.
- Marketing and SEO tools. Help customers actually find you (because Google doesn’t take hints).
What makes them perfect for small businesses? They’re built to be simple, affordable, and scalable, so even if your tech skills stop at resetting your Wi-Fi, you can still run a killer online store.
With an ecommerce platform, you can:
- Reach customers beyond your neighborhood (or country).
- Sell 24/7, even while you’re binge-watching your favorite show.
- Cut costs—no need for a fancy brick-and-mortar space.
- Track what’s working with built-in analytics.
- Start small and add features as your business grows.
In a world where people expect to buy anything, anywhere, ecommerce platforms let small businesses show up, sell, and succeed.
Why Trust Our Ecommerce Platform Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing ecommerce software since 2021.
As ecommerce experts ourselves, we know how critical, and how difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.
We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different ecommerce use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews.
Learn how we stay transparent & our review methodology.
Comparing the Best Ecommerce Platforms For Small Business, Feature by Feature
First, we’ll highlight the pricing for each of these lovely small business ecommerce platforms. For more in-depth feature comparisons, click Compare Software below the table. You know you want to.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Subbly Monitor your subscription products from a single panel. | Best for subscription-based ecommerce models | 14-day free trial | From $29/month | Website |
2 | BigCommerce BigCommerce's theme marketplace allows merchants to access already designed, optimized, and mobile-responsive themes. These themes vary in style, allowing merchants the opportunity to customize their stores based on their individual needs and aesthetic preferences. | Best all-in-one ecommerce platform | 15-day free trial | From $29/month (billed annually) | Website |
3 | WP Engine The Genesis framework comes with beautiful templates that you can use to quickly build a custom online store (Source: WP Engine). | Best for non-technical users | Not available | From $25/month | Website |
4 | Shopify Shopify provides users with real-time insights on order management and inventory management (Source: Shopify). | Best customer service | 3-day free trial | From $29/month (billed annually) | Website |
5 | Squarespace Squarespace walks you through creating product cards for physical or digital items to add to your online catalog. | Best online store template library | 14-day free trial | From $15/month (billed annually) | Website |
6 | PrestaShop PrestaShop lets you build out online stores with customizable product recommendations, promoting top sellers or similar items. | Best open source ecommerce platform | 14-day free trial | From $26/month | Website |
7 | Lightspeed Lightspeed ecommerce gives you real-time performance data which you can use to optimize your revenue (Source: Lightspeed ecommerce). | Best cloud-based retail POS system | 14-day free trial | From $59/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
8 | Swell Swell uses headless ecommerce technology to build a robust ecommerce platform (Source: ProductHunt). | Best for headless ecommerce | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
9 | EvolveAR EvolveAR lets you showcase your product in 3D format (Source: EvolveAR). | Best for augmented reality (AR) shopping experiences | Not available | From $99/month | Website |
10 | WooCommerce WooCommerce is a simple Wordpress plug-in that turns your website into a fully functional online store. | Best Wordpress add-on for ecommerce functionality | Free to download | Pricing upon request | Website |
The Best Ecommerce Platforms for Small Business, Reviewed
Now, the good stuff. We’ve reviewed each of these top picks for small business ecommerce platform, including why we picked it, what it looks like, its top features, top integrations, and the pros and cons to look out for.
Subbly is a subscription ecommerce platform that's designed to help small businesses set up and manage their online stores. Excellent option if you're looking to sell products or services on a recurring basis.
Subly is a platform that is easy to use, flexible, and won't break the bank. It's got a clean interface, it's not overly complicated, and it's got a pricing model that's friendly for small businesses. Plus, it's specifically designed for subscription businesses. And, unlike other platforms, it will give you the power to handle almost everything related to your subscription business without the need for a plugin or integration.
I like the way Subbly allows you to integrate with shipping platforms like Pirate Ship but also gives you the option to easily export to a CSV file that you can upload to the platform of your choice or your in-house fulfillment system.
There are a few standout features that I really appreciate. Subbly shines with its customizable checkout process, allowing you to design a seamless experience tailored to your brand and your customers' needs.
Its built-in subscription management system is a true lifesaver, simplifying everything from subscriber tracking to automated notifications and renewals. On top of that, the platform delivers powerful analytics, offering clear insights into your sales and customer behavior so you can make smarter decisions and scale with confidence.
Subbly integrates with HotJar, Twilio, Pirate Ship, Shipstation, Drip, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Intercom, and Klaviyo. You can also set up an integration with Zapier to connect to thousands of additional apps (requires a paid subscription with Zapier).
BigCommerce is an ecommerce platform that helps small businesses scale their online presence and increase sales. It provides tools for creating an online store, managing products, and processing payments, as well as providing analytics and insights into customer behavior.
BigCommerce offers various tools for creating an aesthetically pleasing website with a professional look. It has a drag-and-drop editor that makes designing the storefront easy. There is also an in-depth style editor that allows users to change colors and fonts within the template without needing any coding knowledge. This includes customizable templates that can be used to create unique designs that reflect the business’s brand identity and style. The templates are also mobile responsive, allowing customers to browse the website from any device without compromising on quality or design.
BigCommerce offers powerful marketing tools such as product reviews, discount codes, gift cards, and automated email campaigns. These features help businesses reach new customers by increasing visibility through SEO tactics. The platform allows businesses to create customized product pages which provide detailed information about each product so that customers can make informed decisions when purchasing items from the store. It also has built-in email marketing capabilities so users can easily create campaigns and send out newsletters or promotional emails directly from the platform itself.
Additionally, it integrates with Google Shopping Ads so businesses can list products on Google’s search engine results pages without having to manually upload each product individually. BigCommerce provides built-in payment processing services which make it easy for customers to pay for purchases quickly and securely using a variety of payment methods such as credit cards or PayPal. The platform also integrates with other popular payment providers such as Stripe or Amazon Pay so that businesses can accept payments from more customers around the world.
BigCommerce packs in a powerhouse lineup of standout features to help your business thrive. With customizable templates and a mobile-friendly design, your store will look sharp and work flawlessly on any device. Add a responsive checkout that keeps customers clicking “buy,” and you’re set for success.
Plus, it’s got built-in SEO to boost your visibility, marketing tools to drive traffic, and seamless inventory management and shipping options to keep operations running like a dream. And when you need help? BigCommerce has you covered with 24/7 customer support, multiple payment gateways, and integrations for just about any third-party app you can think of.
Integrations include LiveChat, ShipStation, Georgias, Mailchimp, Quickbooks Online, Yotpo Product Reviews, Justuno, Brightpearl, Acumatica, ActiveCampaign, Hubspot, Klavyio, Shopgate, Printify, and dozens of other apps.
BigCommerce costs from $29.95/month and offers a 15-day free trial.
WP Engine is a web hosting provider that’s primarily used for blogging due to its superfast site speed. Recently, they have started offering their Genesis pro subscription plan that comes with a feature-packed website builder. The framework comes with built-in marketing features.
The Gutenberg-ready site builder can be used to create reusable modules and enable next-level customization on headers, logos, or any aspect of your ecommerce website to match your design language. There’s an open-source community of developers that audit the framework and add new security features.
You can use the sample child theme that sits on the top of the framework to beautifully edit the design of your site without affecting the underlying site code.
There are a few standout features to watch for. WP Engine’s community is a treasure trove of integrations, plugins, add-ons, and extensions, making it easy to customize your site exactly how you want.
Seamless compatibility with WooCommerce and other major ecommerce apps means you can power your store with the tools you need to succeed. Plus, when it comes to speed, WP Engine doesn’t mess around.
Their hosting ensures lightning-fast load times, which not only creates a better experience for your visitors but also gives your site a ranking boost on Google.
The pricing for WP Engine’s startup plan starts at $25 per month.
If you have read my other articles on ecommerce platforms, you might have noticed that Shopify is a frequent feature in them. From storefront to inventory management to marketing tools, Shopify equips an ecommerce site with all the necessary tools to launch and scale an online store in 2021.
Shopify comes packed with features to support your ecommerce journey, including SEO tools, email marketing, and search-optimized product pages to help your store stand out. Its always-on availability and industry-leading stability mean you can count on Shopify to keep your store running smoothly around the clock.
Managing inventory is a breeze with tools to track and adjust stock, or even import and export inventory via CSV files. Plus, Shopify’s robust analytics suite provides valuable insights into your business, like store visits, transaction data, and site speed, so you can make data-driven decisions with confidence.
The product works with other commonly used ecommerce business apps like Oberlo, Facebook Messenger, Amazon, Stocky, Apple Business Chat, and 3k other apps including marketing, reporting, shipping, and customer support. The Shopify mobile app lets you sell products and manage your ecommerce store on the go.
Shopify has direct support via chat and email. Also, it is backed by one of the largest active communities of ecommerce entrepreneurs. You can engage with the community via the Shopify community forum or via social media groups dedicated to the product.
Shopify costs from $29/month when paying monthly, with 2.9% + $0.30/transaction. Shopify offers a 3-day free trial from their website. If you shop around, you can find affiliates who offer 14-day free trials.
Squarespace is a popular website builder and ecommerce platform that allows users to easily create and manage their own websites and online stores. It offers a variety of customizable templates and drag-and-drop design tools, making it easy for users to create professional-looking websites without needing to know how to code. In addition to its website building capabilities, Squarespace also offers robust ecommerce functionality, with features such as inventory management, payment gateway integration, and customizable product pages.
Squarespace stands out for its user-friendly interface and sleek, professional design templates, making it easy to create stunning websites and online stores without breaking a sweat. Its all-in-one platform eliminates the hassle of juggling separate hosting, design, and ecommerce tools, streamlining the process for busy entrepreneurs.
What really sets Squarespace apart is its exceptional customer support. With 24/7 email support, live chat during business hours, and a robust knowledge base, users have plenty of options for finding help. The community forum adds a social layer, allowing users to connect and share solutions.
Squarespace also offers a wealth of online resources, including video tutorials, webinars, and guides, so you’ll have all the tools you need to master the platform and grow your business with confidence.
Squarespace integrates with Flickr, Foursquare, Instagram, Facebook, Soundcloud, AMP, Apple News, Apple Pay, FedEx, PayPal, Stripe, Square, USPS, UPS, Dropbox, Google Search Console, Pinterest, and others.
Squarespace costs from $16/month. Payment processing adds a 0-3% transaction fee per purchase. They offer a 14-day free trial.
PrestaShop is a free and open-source ecommerce platform that enables users to create and manage their own online stores. It offers a range of features and customization options, including product management, payment gateway integration, shipping and tax configuration, and a variety of design templates and modules.
PrestaShop is highly flexible and can be customized to suit the needs of businesses of all sizes, making it a popular choice among small and medium-sized enterprises and startups. With a large and active community of developers and users, PrestaShop also offers a wide range of plugins and integrations to extend its functionality and tailor it to specific business needs.
PrestaShop is a powerhouse of flexibility and affordability, built for businesses with unique or complex ecommerce needs. Its modular architecture is like a digital Lego set—letting you customize every corner of your store with free and paid modules and themes to match your vision. Integrating with payment gateways and shipping providers is seamless, so you can keep operations smooth without breaking a sweat.
What really shines is PrestaShop’s support system. Whether you’re diving into their detailed knowledge base, chatting in the community forums, or opting for professional help, you’ll always have the answers you need.
PrestaShop integrates with QuickBooks, eBay, Amazon, USPS, and ICEcat. Because PrestaShop is open source, you have the option to build your own custom integrations (with some programming know-how).
PrestaShop is free to use.
Lightspeed eCom is a feature of Lightspeed HQ, a cloud-based retail POS system. Lightspeed eCom lets you import stock from your physical store to your ecommerce platform with a one-click system. It gives shoppers live updates on quantity on hand levels.
Lightspeed eCom takes the hassle out of inventory management with its spreadsheet import and export feature, letting you make mass updates in minutes instead of hours. Its analytics dashboard keeps you in the know with daily, weekly, and monthly performance insights, while the conversion report highlights exactly where your store could use some fine-tuning to boost sales.
When it comes to support, Lightspeed’s got what you need. You can reach out by phone, with availability depending on your nearest office, or by email for a more flexible option. Whether you need quick fixes or in-depth help, their team ensures you’re never left hanging.
Lightspeed integrates with apps like Mailchimp, Restock, Stripe, and other retail ecommerce apps. The pricing for the plan that includes the ecommerce features starts at $99 per month.
Swell leverages headless ecommerce technology to create customized customer experiences for your online store.
Swell delivers a robust set of ecommerce tools to help your store thrive, including unlimited pages, real-time shipping quotes, and payment processing to streamline the customer experience.
For inventory management, it goes the extra mile with unlimited product options, variants, and attributes, along with handy tools like bulk editing and product bundling to keep your catalog organized and efficient.
The platform also makes order management a breeze, allowing you to track shipments and edit order items before finalizing. Its in-depth sales reports can be filtered by product, customer, coupon, and more, giving you the insights needed to make smarter business decisions.
Plus, Swell integrates with PayMotion, a multichannel ecommerce platform packed with revenue optimization features designed to boost sales.
When it comes to support, Swell keeps it flexible with phone, email, and live chat options, ensuring help is always within reach.
EvolveAR is an augmented reality tool designed to create immersive, 3D product experiences that captivate customers and drive engagement.
Its 3D display feature allows customers to explore your products like never before, and with call-to-action buttons, you can seamlessly turn curiosity into conversions. The platform’s analytics capabilities track every interaction, delivering actionable insights to help you optimize performance and compare the effectiveness of different CTAs and assets.
When it comes to support, EvolveAR offers a variety of options, including phone, email, chat, and even fax (yes, fax still exists!). There’s also a knowledge base for self-service, though for more complex issues, I’d recommend reaching out directly for faster resolutions.
The basic plan starts at $99 per month.
WooCommerce is a popular ecommerce plugin for WordPress, one of the world's most popular content management systems. It enables businesses of all sizes to easily create and manage their online stores, with features such as product management, payment gateway integration, shipping and tax configuration, and customizable design options.
WooCommerce stands out as a user-friendly and highly customizable ecommerce platform that’s incredibly easy to set up and start using.
Its wide range of design options and customization tools allows you to create a store that looks and feels uniquely yours. Plus, WooCommerce seamlessly integrates with popular payment gateways, shipping providers, and other essential systems, making it a flexible choice for businesses of all sizes.
One of WooCommerce’s greatest strengths is its vibrant community support. With an active network of users and developers, you’ll find an abundance of plugins, extensions, and resources to expand the platform’s functionality and tailor it to your specific needs.
WooCommerce integrates with the likes of MailChimp, MailPoet, SendGrid, Mailgun, SparkPost, Madrill, Conversio, Optinmonster, Constant Contact, Aweber, MailerLite, and others.
WooCommerce themes cost anywhere from $0–100/year; shipping services around $0–$108/per; and payment processing from 2.9% + .30 cents per sale plus a monthly fee of $0–$30. WooCommerce pricing will vary greatly depending on what services of theirs you decide to buy into, and at what subscription tier.
Other Options
Here are a few more that didn’t make the top list.
- Lightspeed eCom
For multi-channel sales
- Wix
For customizability
- Square
For mobile optimized stores
- Ontraport
Marketing automation platform for scaling small businesses
- Smartlook
Marketing app to track user behavior and improve conversions
- BeProfit
Real-time profit calculator app for ecommerce stores running on Shopify
- Volusion
Ecommerce platform for small businesses in terms of reliability
- Evidence
Social proof app for ecommerce stores to increase conversions
- Auro CRM
Open source CRM software for small ecommerce businesses
- ewiz commerce
Ecommerce software to leverage AI-based personalization
- Bookmark
AI-based website builder for small ecommerce businesses
- CloudShoppy
For Indian companies
- MarketStudio
Product content automation tool and multi-channel marketing platform for small businesses
- Liftoff
Ecommerce platform for small businesses to manage multiple clients from a single dashboard
- Elavon
Payment processing for SMBs
- K-eCommerce
Ecommerce platform designed for Microsoft Dynamics and SAP business applications
- Rain Point of Sale
POS tool for retail businesses
- Shippo
Professional shipping aggregator for small businesses
- FreightWise Logistics Cost Management
Transportation cost management tool for small businesses
- Shift4Shop
Turnkey ecommerce solution for small businesses
- Helium 10
ECommerce tool to sell on Amazon
- Nexternal
USPS compatible ecommerce checkout cart for small businesses
- Now Commerce
Small business online ordering platform for wholesalers and distributors using QuickBooks
- SellerChamp
Ecommerce software for small businesses to do a bulk listing of products
- eHopper
Ecommerce tool to sync online orders with POS
- GetMeAShop
Online shop platform for Indian ecommerce businesses
- Ensemble
ERP solution for small businesses
- Kangaroo
Loyalty program tool for small ecommerce businesses
Our Selection Criteria for Ecommerce Platforms for Small Businesses
Choosing the right ecommerce platform for your small business can feel overwhelming, but we’ve simplified the process with a weighted scoring system to help you make the best decision for your needs. Here’s what we prioritized:
Core functionality (25% of total weighting score)
This covers the essential features that every ecommerce platform should provide:
- Mobile-responsive design. Your store needs to look great and function perfectly on any device, especially since most shoppers are on mobile.
- Secure payment processing. Choose a platform that supports multiple payment gateways (like PayPal or Stripe) and ensures secure transactions.
- Inventory management. Stay on top of your stock with automatic updates and alerts when it’s time to reorder.
- Order and shipping management. The platform should make processing orders and handling shipments easy, from printing labels to tracking packages.
- Multichannel selling. Look for platforms that enable you to sell across multiple channels—social media, marketplaces, and your own store—without the headache.
Standout features (25% of total weighting score)
The extras that help you go beyond basic functionality and give you an edge:
- SEO tools. Built-in SEO features or seamless integrations with SEO software can help you boost your store’s visibility in search results.
- Marketing integrations. Make sure you can easily connect your platform to email marketing software, social media platforms, and customer retention tools to drive more sales.
- Customizable themes. A variety of customizable templates will ensure your online store stands out and reflects your brand’s identity.
- Abandoned cart recovery. Reduce lost sales by automatically following up with customers who leave items in their carts without checking out.
- Advanced reporting. Comprehensive reports on sales, customer behavior, and inventory trends help you make informed decisions about your business.
Usability (10% of total weighting score)
This is about ensuring the platform is easy to set up and use, even without technical expertise:
- User-friendly interface. Look for a platform that’s intuitive and simple to navigate, so you can focus on running your business instead of learning complex software.
- Straightforward setup. Platforms that offer setup wizards or guides will help you launch your store quickly, without needing outside help.
- Streamlined workflows. From managing products to processing orders, the platform should simplify every step of your business operations.
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score)
Get your store up and running without a hitch:
- Training resources. Platforms should offer helpful videos, guides, or cheat sheets so your team isn’t left guessing during setup.
- Interactive product tours. Hands-on demos give you a feel for how the platform works before you commit.
- Supportive setup. Friendly and responsive support to guide you through the setup process is like having a personal assistant for your new store.
Customer support (10% of total weighting score)
Ensure you have help when you need it:
- Responsive support team. You should be able to reach a knowledgeable support team through live chat, email, or phone, depending on your preference.
- Comprehensive resources. Platforms with detailed knowledge bases, tutorials, and active user forums make troubleshooting easier.
- Onboarding support. Some platforms provide personalized onboarding or training sessions, which can be invaluable for new users.
Value for money (10% of total weighting score)
This means getting the features you need without breaking the bank:
- Affordable pricing plans. Look for flexible pricing tiers that fit your current budget, with the option to scale as your business grows.
- Low transaction fees. Understand any transaction fees upfront, so you can avoid unexpected costs with each sale.
- Scalability. Choose a platform that won’t hold you back as your business expands, with advanced features available as you grow.
Customer reviews (10% of total weighting score)
Insight from real users who’ve been in your shoes:
- Ease of use. Pay attention to reviews that praise a platform’s user-friendliness, which is key for small businesses without in-house tech teams.
- Support feedback. Look for reviews highlighting positive experiences with customer support—reliable help can make all the difference.
- Feature satisfaction. Find out what features users love (or don’t love) about each platform, especially regarding customization, integrations, and reporting.
By weighing these criteria, you can select an ecommerce platform that will help your small business thrive online, whether you're just starting out or scaling to the next level.
How to Choose an Ecommerce Platform for Your Small Business
Choosing the right ecommerce platform is like hiring a manager for your dream team: you need someone who gets your business, makes your life easier, and won’t flake when things get tough.
Here’s how to spot the one:
- Keep it simple. If your platform feels like a tech maze, run. Look for an intuitive setup, drag-and-drop functionality, and clear instructions. You’ve got products to sell, not a codebase to debug.
- Mind the price tag. The monthly fee is just the beginning—keep an eye out for transaction fees, app add-ons, and sneaky costs for scaling. Transparent pricing that fits your budget is key.
- Check for mobile-friendliness. You’re not always at a desk, and your customers aren’t either. Make sure your platform has a solid mobile app for managing orders, inventory, and customer service wherever you are.
- Stand out with customization. Your brand isn’t generic, so your store shouldn’t be either. Pick a platform that offers plenty of design flexibility, so your site reflects your vibe, not the template-of-the-month.
- Look for built-in tools. Marketing, SEO, analytics—your platform should come with the tools to grow traffic and convert clicks into customers. Bonus points for features that let you scale without a hitch.
- Check integration options. Your platform should play nice with the tools you’re already using. Whether it’s your accounting software, CRM, or marketing automation tools, make sure everything syncs seamlessly to avoid headaches down the line.
- Plan for growth. You might be small now, but think big. Choose a platform that grows with you, offering support for larger product catalogs, multichannel selling, or even international markets when you’re ready to conquer the world.
- Stay supported. Things break, glitches happen, and customers get impatient. Look for a platform with 24/7 customer support and a knowledge base or community to help when things inevitably go sideways.
Remember: the right ecommerce platform isn’t just software—it’s a partner in your business’s success. Pick one that’s flexible, growth-friendly, and built to handle your ambitions, big or small.
Ecommerce Platform Trends
Ecommerce in 2025 is all gas, no brakes, and small businesses need to stay ahead of the curve if they want to keep up.
Here’s what’s hot this year:
- AI-powered personalization. AI is no longer just a buzzword; it’s the secret sauce for platforms that deliver shopping experiences so personal, it’s like your store is reading minds. From smart product suggestions to automated marketing campaigns, it’s helping you sell more without lifting a finger.
- Social commerce takeover. Scrolling and shopping are officially the same thing. Social media platforms have made buying as easy as a tap, and ecommerce platforms are leaning into integrations that let you turn likes into sales—straight from TikTok, Instagram, or wherever your audience hangs out.
- Mobile-first design. Mobile is king, and platforms are finally bowing down. Features like one-click checkouts, mobile wallets, and designs that actually load quickly on phones are no longer “nice-to-haves.” If you’re not mobile-ready, you’re missing out.
- Flexible payment options. “Pay your way” is the new checkout mantra. Whether it’s buy now, pay later (BNPL) plans, digital wallets, or crypto (yes, really), platforms are giving customers every option to make hitting “buy” a no-brainer.
- Sustainability that sells. Shoppers are done with greenwashing—they want to see real eco-commitments. Platforms are stepping up with tools for tracking carbon footprints, offering eco-friendly shipping options, and giving you a way to flaunt your green credentials without being that brand.
- Subscription models are booming. Subscriptions aren’t just for streaming anymore. From monthly product boxes to VIP memberships, platforms are making it easier to set up recurring revenue streams that keep customers hooked—and your cash flow steady.
- Fast, faster, fastest delivery. “When will it get here?” is no longer just a question—it’s a demand. Platforms are helping small businesses stay competitive with integrations for same-day shipping, hyper-local fulfillment, and delivery tracking that keeps customers happy (and quiet).
2025 is all about meeting customers where they are, whether it’s on their phone, their favorite social feed, or the fast lane to eco-conscious shopping.
Embrace the trends, and your small business will be ready to win.
Key Features of Small Business Ecommerce Platforms
Running a small business is already a juggling act—your ecommerce platform should make things easier, not harder. Here’s what you need to look for to set up shop and grow your business online:
- Mobile-friendly design. Since most customers shop on their phones, your platform needs to offer responsive templates that adapt seamlessly to any screen size. Your store should look sharp and load fast, whether it’s on a phone, tablet, or desktop.
- Built-in payment gateways. A good platform will let you accept payments from a variety of methods (credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.) right out of the box, so you can cater to your customers’ preferences while keeping transactions secure.
- Inventory management. Keep track of your stock in real time across all channels. A solid platform will alert you when you’re running low, make restocking a breeze, and even support bulk inventory updates to save you time.
- Order and shipping management. Streamline the entire post-purchase process with automated order confirmations, integrated shipping labels, and real-time tracking updates. Platforms that sync with major carriers or support local delivery options will save you major headaches.
- Customizable templates. Your store should reflect your brand, not look like every other site out there. Look for platforms with flexible, drag-and-drop design tools that let you create a unique store without needing a design degree.
- Marketing tools that work. Integrated marketing features like SEO optimization, email marketing, and social media integrations are essential. Some platforms even offer built-in tools for running ads or generating discount codes, so you can drive traffic and sales without juggling extra apps.
- SEO features that matter. If customers can’t find you, they can’t buy from you. Make sure your platform has customizable SEO tools like meta tags, image alt text, and URL structure editing to help your site rank higher on Google.
- Abandoned cart recovery. This lifesaver automatically sends follow-up emails to customers who leave without completing their purchase, helping you win back sales with minimal effort.
- Mobile app functionality. Your platform should offer a mobile app that lets you manage orders, update inventory, and provide customer support from anywhere—because your business doesn’t stop when you leave your desk.
- Third-party integrations. Seamless integrations with accounting software (like QuickBooks), email marketing platforms (like Mailchimp), and customer service tools (like Zendesk) will help streamline your operations and automate key processes.
- Analytics and reporting. A good platform provides reports that actually make sense—think sales trends, customer behavior insights, and channel performance metrics. These tools help you see what’s working (and what’s not) so you can make smarter business decisions.
In short: A solid ecommerce platform gives you all the tools you need to manage and grow your online business, without adding unnecessary complexity.
Top Benefits of Small Business Ecommerce Platforms
Running a small business isn’t easy, but the right ecommerce platform can feel like your MVP. It’s not just a tool to sell your products—it’s a game plan for success.
Here’s why these platforms are the real deal:
- Budget-friendly setup. You don’t need a Silicon Valley-sized budget to get started. Most platforms offer affordable plans that let you build a professional store without wiping out your savings.
- No tech meltdowns. Coding? Pass. Today’s platforms are made for people, not programmers. Drag-and-drop editors, intuitive dashboards, and easy tutorials mean you can get your store up and running faster than your coffee order.
- Ready to grow. Whether you’re adding products, jumping into new sales channels, or scaling up to handle more traffic, the right platform grows with you—no awkward “sorry, we’ve outgrown each other” conversations required.
- Global reach, local effort. Why sell to just your neighborhood when you could sell to the world? With an online store, the global market is yours to conquer, and ecommerce platforms make it easy to ship across borders.
- Time-saving automation. Let the platform do the boring stuff. From inventory updates to abandoned cart emails, these tools handle the grunt work so you can focus on the big picture—or sneak in some time for yourself.
- Secure and stress-free. Let the platform handle the techy security stuff like SSL certificates and PCI compliance. Your customers’ data stays safe, and you don’t have to lose sleep over it.
- A better customer experience. Personalized recommendations, seamless checkouts, and real-time inventory updates make shopping a breeze for your customers—and keep them coming back.
- Built-in marketing tools. Say goodbye to juggling 10 different apps. These platforms come with tools for SEO, email marketing, social media, and even discount campaigns, helping you drive traffic and close sales in one place.
- Always open for business. Your online store doesn’t need coffee breaks or sleep. It’s up 24/7, making money while you’re binge-watching your favorite show or catching some Z’s.
With the right ecommerce platform, your small business becomes a well-oiled sales machine—saving you time, expanding your reach, and making growth feel effortless.
Cost & Pricing of Ecommerce Platforms for Small Businesses
You'll find ecommerce platforms at various price points, each designed to serve businesses of different sizes, needs, and budgets.
Several factors affect pricing for ecommerce platforms, including:
- Customization options
- Number of products
- Built-in marketing tools
- Hosting included
- Security features
- International selling capabilities
- Scalability
- Support options
- Transaction fees
Small businesses typically have unique needs and constraints compared to larger enterprises. They can benefit from lower pricing tiers that offer essential features without the extras that may be necessary for bigger businesses.
The great thing is that many ecommerce platforms have multiple tiers that allow for scalability as you grow.
Here's a breakdown of the common plan options and their pricing in the ecommerce platform market, tailored specifically for small businesses.
You'll see which type of business each plan type is generally best for, but you'll always want to assess your own needs.
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features Included | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Free | $0 | Limited product listings, basic templates, basic SEO tools, transaction fees on sales. | Hobbyists, solopreneurs |
Basic | $20 - $30/month | Website hosting, basic templates, product listings, basic SEO tools, simple analytics. | Small businesses, startups |
Professional | $50 - $100/month | All Basic features, additional templates, marketing tools, improved SEO capabilities, advanced analytics. | Growing small businesses |
Advanced | $150 - $300/month | All Professional features, advanced analytics, customer segmentation, abandoned cart recovery, priority support. | Small businesses scaling up |
Enterprise | $500+/month | All Advanced features, custom integrations, full customization, dedicated support, training, enterprise-grade security. | Large businesses, enterprises |
When considering an ecommerce platform, software buyers should weigh their current business needs against their future growth plans.
Ultimately, the choice of an ecommerce platform plan should align with your business goals, budget, and the level of control and customization you require.
Small Business Ecommerce Platform FAQs
To make this list of best ecommerce platforms for small businesses even more comprehensive, I wanted to cover some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic.
How do I choose an ecommerce platform?
Choosing the right ecommerce platform involves a few key steps:
- Assess your needs: Determine your business size, growth plans, and technical expertise.
- Evaluate features: Look for essential features like ease of use, customization, payment options, integrations, security, and mobile optimization.
- Consider costs: Factor in monthly fees, transaction costs, and additional charges for apps and add-ons.
- Test usability: Take advantage of free trials and demos to gauge the platform’s user-friendliness.
- Check support: Ensure robust customer support is available 24/7.
For a detailed look, check out our guide on how to choose an ecommerce platform.
What are the most important features to look for in an ecommerce platform for small businesses?
As mentioned above, when choosing an ecommerce platform, you’ll want to prioritize certain essential features, such as:
- Ease of use: User-friendly interface and straightforward setup.
- Affordability: Low monthly fees and minimal transaction costs.
- Scalability: Ability to grow with your business.
- Mobile optimization: Responsive design for mobile shoppers.
- Payment options: Diverse payment gateways.
- Integrations: Seamless connection with third-party apps (marketing, shipping, inventory).
- Customer support: 24/7 support via multiple channels.
- Security: Strong security features, like SSL and PCI compliance.
- Customization: Flexible design and functionality to match your brand.
For a deeper dive, check out our guide on essential ecommerce platform features.
What is the best ecommerce platform for beginners?
For newcomers to the ecommerce world, several platforms stand out as beginner-friendly options:
- Shopify: Known for its intuitive interface and comprehensive support, it’s like having a knowledgeable guide at your side.
- Wix: Offers impressive design flexibility with its drag-and-drop editor, perfect for the visually inclined entrepreneur.
- Square Online: Ideal for those already using Square for in-person sales, providing a seamless transition to online retail.
- BigCommerce: Boasts robust features that grow with your business, making it a solid choice for ambitious beginners.
Each platform offers user-friendly tools and integrated payment processing, enabling newcomers to launch their online stores with confidence. The best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals.
Many of the platforms discussed in this post are great for beginners, as many small businesses don’t have the resources for more complex tech stacks.
Which ecommerce platform has the least fees?
If you’re looking to minimize fees, consider these platforms:
- WooCommerce:
- Free to use.
- Pay for hosting, domain, and premium extensions.
- No transaction fees from WooCommerce itself, but your payment processor may charge fees.
- PrestaShop:
- Free and open-source.
- Costs include hosting, domain, and optional modules or themes.
- Square Online:
- No monthly fees for the basic plan.
- Standard transaction fees apply.
- Ecwid:
- Free plan with basic features.
- Paid plans for advanced features, with monthly fees.
- Transaction fees from payment processors.
These platforms allow you to manage costs effectively while providing essential ecommerce functionalities.
Remember, “fewest fees” doesn’t always mean “cheapest” overall. Consider factors like transaction rates, payment gateway fees, and potential costs for add-ons or premium features.
The most economical choice will depend on your sales volume, product range, and specific business needs.
Other Ecommerce Platform Reviews
Here are some similar ecommerce platform reviews that you can check out if you haven't quite found what you're looking for yet.
- Headless Ecommerce Platforms
- Multichannel Ecommerce Software
- Free Ecommerce Platforms
- Social Commerce Platforms
- Cheap Ecommerce Platforms
- Hosted Ecommerce Platforms
- SaaS Ecommerce Platforms
- International Ecommerce Platforms
- Ecommerce Platforms In Canada
Your Small Business Needs the Right Foundation
As you can see, small businesses have a ton of options for ecommerce platforms. Your choices have only proliferated over time, and the platforms have gotten measurably better to top it off.
As we often say, the right platform for you depends on you—your sales channels, your vertical, your global aspirations, your catalog size, and on and on.
You need to find the one that checks your boxes.
That said, we like to think we've significantly narrowed your search. I'm certain that your perfect platform is somewhere in this post. Now, it's up to you to make the final moves.
Good luck!
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