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In today’s world, more and more people prefer online shopping over traditional methods. As a result, online stores have become extremely popular. Many people are now setting up online businesses, which has led to an increase in demand for online store builders. These builders are essential tools that allow business owners to create compelling e-commerce websites quickly and easily without the need for extensive technical knowledge. In this blog post, we will explore the top 7 online store builders that can create stunning e-commerce websites with ease.
Video Tutorial:
What is an Online Store Builder?
Before we delve into the list of the top 7 online store builders, it is essential to understand what an online store builder is. An online store builder is a software tool that helps create and customize e-commerce websites. These builders allow you to choose templates that are already designed for e-commerce, customize them to meet your needs, and add product pages, payment gateway integrations, and other features essential for an e-commerce website. They offer an easy-to-use interface and do not require extensive technical knowledge, allowing businesses to get their online presence up and running in minimal time.
Top 7 Online Store Builders Recommendation
Here are the top 7 online store builders for creating stunning e-commerce websites:
1. Shopify
Shopify is a well-known and popular online store builder that many businesses use to create their e-commerce websites. It is a cloud-based platform, which means you do not need to install any software on your computer to use it. Shopify allows you to customize your store’s look and feel with ease and offers an immense range of apps, features, and integrations. It is the perfect builder for small to medium-sized businesses that want a hassle-free way to create an e-commerce website.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Customizable templates and themes
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Transaction fees on third-party payment gateways
- Costly monthly subscription fees
2. Wix Stores
Wix Stores is an excellent online store builder that allows you to create stylish e-commerce websites with ease. One of the significant advantages of Wix Stores is its drag-and-drop website builder, which means you do not need any technical knowledge to use it. It offers a wide range of features, including shipping and tax options, payment gateways, and more. With Wix Stores, you can set up your online store in minutes, and its clean, modern templates will make your e-commerce website look professional.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Easy drag-and-drop website builder
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Free plan is limited in features
- No phone support
3. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a cloud-based software that allows you to create e-commerce websites with ease. It offers a wide range of features, including product management, payment gateway integrations, and more. With BigCommerce, you can choose from an extensive variety of templates and themes, and customization is a breeze with its drag-and-drop builder.
Pros:
- Robust feature set
- Ease of use
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Costly monthly subscription fees
- Limited access to certain features on lower-priced subscription plans
4. Squarespace
Squarespace is a popular website builder that offers excellent e-commerce functionality. With Squarespace, you can create sleek, modern-looking e-commerce websites quickly and easily without any technical knowledge. It offers a range of features such as shipping and payment gateway integrations, customizable templates, and more.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Stylish templates and themes
- Excellent 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Limited customizability compared to other builders
- Costly monthly subscription fees
5. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a popular online store builder that works with WordPress, the world’s most popular website builder. It is an open-source platform that allows businesses to create e-commerce websites with ease. WooCommerce offers a wide range of features, including payment and shipping methods, tax options, and more. Its extensive customization options allow for complete flexibility in designing your e-commerce website.
Pros:
- Flexibility and customizability
- Robust feature set
- Free, open-source platform
Cons:
- Technical knowledge required to set up and use the platform
- Some add-ons and features may require payment
6. Volusion
Volusion is a cloud-based online store builder that offers a range of features, including customizable templates, payment gateway integrations, and more. With Volusion, businesses can create beautiful e-commerce websites quickly and easily without any technical knowledge.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing plans
- Sleek design templates
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- No free plan available
- Transaction fees on some payment gateways
7. Magento
Magento is an open-source platform that offers businesses complete control over their e-commerce website’s design and functionality. It is a robust platform that is perfect for large businesses that require complete customization and control over their e-commerce website. Magento offers a wide range of features, including payment and shipping methods, tax options, and more.
Pros:
- Complete customization and control
- Robust feature set
- Free, open-source platform
Cons:
- Technical knowledge required to set up and use the platform
- Costly to hire developers for customization
Pros and Cons of Each Online Store Builder
| Online Store Builder | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify | User-friendly interface Customizable templates and themes 24/7 customer support |
Transaction fees on third-party payment gateways Costly monthly subscription fees |
| Wix Stores | User-friendly interface Easy drag-and-drop website builder Great value for money |
Free plan is limited in features No phone support |
| BigCommerce | Robust feature set Ease of use 24/7 customer support |
Costly monthly subscription fees Limited access to certain features on lower-priced subscription plans |
| Squarespace | User-friendly interface Stylish templates and themes Excellent 24/7 customer support |
Limited customizability compared to other builders Costly monthly subscription fees |
| WooCommerce | Flexibility and customizability Robust feature set Free, open-source platform |
Technical knowledge required to set up and use the platform Some add-ons and features may require payment |
| Volusion | Affordable pricing plans Sleek design templates User-friendly interface |
No free plan available Transaction fees on some payment gateways |
| Magento | Complete customization and control Robust feature set Free, open-source platform |
Technical knowledge required to set up and use the platform Costly to hire developers for customization |
Our Thoughts on Online Store Builders
After researching and testing the top 7 online store builders, we found that each builder has its pros and cons. However, overall, Shopify is our top pick due to its user-friendly interface, customizable templates, and excellent customer support.
For businesses that require more flexibility and control over their e-commerce website, Magento is an excellent choice, as it provides robust features and open-source customizability.
WooCommerce and Wix Stores are also great choices for their flexibility of use and affordable pricing.
Finally, BigCommerce, Squarespace, and Volusion are suitable choices for businesses that need a simpler solution with a solid set of features.
FAQs about Online Store Builders
Q1: What is the difference between a cloud-based online store builder and a self-hosted one?
A: A cloud-based online store builder is a software that resides on a server and can be accessed through a web browser. Self-hosted online store builders require the user to install the software on their own computer or server.
Q2: Do all online store builders charge transaction fees?
A: No, some online store builders offer free transaction fees on payment gateways, while others charge a percentage of the transaction fee.
Q3: Are there any online store builders that offer a free plan?
A: Yes, some online store builders offer a free plan with limited features.
Q4: Can I customize my e-commerce website’s templates and themes in all online store builders?
A: Yes, most online store builders allow you to customize their templates and themes.
Q5: Do I need technical knowledge to use online store builders?
A: No, online store builders are designed to be user-friendly and do not require technical knowledge to use.
In Conclusion
Online store builders allow businesses to create e-commerce websites quickly and easily, without the need for extensive technical knowledge. They offer a user-friendly interface and a range of features essential for an e-commerce website, such as payment and shipping methods, customizable templates, and more. In this blog post, we’ve explored the top 7 online store builders, their pros and cons, and our thoughts on each builder. Hopefully, this post will help you make an informed decision when choosing the best online store builder for your business needs.