Setting up an ecommerce website can be challenging and time-consuming. In addition, if you are a small business with limited resources, the prospect of developing your own online store may seem like a stress you cannot afford to deal with. Fortunately, there are several platforms that make it easier than ever to create an e-commerce site without having to code from scratch or hire an expensive designer. These software solutions are known as CMS (content management system) platforms and allow users to create dynamic websites with features such as blogs, directories, galleries, forums and e-commerce stores, all from the same back-end administration panel. They also have templates for all kinds of businesses, from fashion brands to local businesses, making them very easy to use.

Shopify
If you are serious about growing your e-commerce business, Shopify is a great platform on which to build your online store. It is easy to use, has great support and is extremely scalable-it can handle growth from a small business to a global brand. Shopify’s easy-to-use drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to create visually stunning and functional websites, even if you have no previous experience in website design or e-commerce. The platform is also completely secure and reliable, offering 24/7 fraud detection and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Shopify has an extensive library of applications, such as payment processors, shipping tools, inventory management and marketing automation, which you can easily add to your online store. It also has top-notch 24/7 customer support with multilingual assistance. Shopify has three different plans-Basic, Shop and Advanced-to cater to all types of businesses. A 14-day free trial is also available to test the platform before committing to a monthly fee.

Magento
If you are looking for a fully customizable e-commerce solution, Magento is one of the most powerful e-commerce platforms in the world. It allows you to create a highly functional and original website and integrate your e-commerce store with a range of marketing automation software. This flexibility comes at a cost: Magento is not the easiest platform to use. If you are building an e-commerce site from scratch, the learning curve may be too steep for you. However, Magento is great if you need to migrate an existing website to an e-commerce storefront, such as an online store that has been functioning as a catalog website. Magento is scalable and secure, with a large and active developer community that helps with support, tutorials, and code snippets. There is a one-time license fee, but no monthly fee for using the platform. There is a choice of three different plans: Starter, Professional and Enterprise.

Bigcommerce
Bigcommerce is an all-in-one e-commerce platform that can help you create an online store from scratch or migrate your existing website into an e-commerce storefront. With its wide range of features and integrations, it is one of the most feature-rich e-commerce platforms on the market. Its ease of use and extensive documentation make it an affordable option for small businesses on a budget. Bigcommerce also offers a 14-day free trial to test the platform. Its main drawback is that it is not as customizable as other e-commerce solutions. Bigcommerce has three different plans – Starter, Standard and Enterprise – and a 14-day free trial.

WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an e-commerce platform that is a great choice for small businesses that want to set up an online store without spending a fortune. It is an extension of WordPress, one of the most popular website platforms in the world: about 30 percent of all websites are based on WordPress. WooCommerce is easy to install and configure and allows you to create an online store without having to hire a designer or developer. Its functionality is limited compared to other e-commerce platforms, but it is a very affordable option. There is a free version of WooCommerce and an $83 per year premium version.

Conclusion
Choosing the right e-commerce platform is an important decision for any business owner. Although there are many options to choose from, not all are equal. Before choosing a platform, consider your business goals and what you hope to achieve with an online store. If you are a small business that wants to set up an online store without much effort, Bigcommerce and WooCommerce are good choices. On the other hand, if you want to have more control over the design and functionality of your online store, Shopify and Magento are good choices. Regardless of the platform you choose, the key to success is to have a plan. Create a roadmap for your e-commerce business and use it to guide your decision making.