Are you looking at e-commerce store platforms? Maybe you've got one already and want to switch? E-commerce platforms similar to Shopify can help you grow your business and be more successful. E-commerce platforms like Ecwid also help you to run the back end of your store smoothly.
This tutorial explains what an e-commerce store is for anyone thinking of starting an e-commerce store. Next, we'll look into eight Shopify alternatives so that you can decide which e-commerce platform is right for you. Then you'll read about Ecwid and why it's better than other Shopify alternatives. Finally, we'll share some tips to make your e-commerce store successful.
What's an E-Commerce Platform?
E-commerce platforms have become a driving force in the marketplace. Simply put, e-commerce platforms allow businesses to sell products and services online. Online companies need platforms or software to help run the business's backend, including:
- inventory management
- customer service
- order management
- and more
Most e-commerce platforms unify applications that look at data and online stores. E-commerce platforms can help create an engaging and personalized online experience for your customer.
Shopify is one popular e-commerce platform, but there are others. You can learn more about Shopify here:
Learn more about a leading e-commerce platform and Shopify alternative, Ecwid, here:
Now let's a explore a list of top platforms similar to Shopify.
8 Shopify Alternatives
If you're looking for some Shopify alternatives in 2021, then look no further. Here are some e-commerce platforms like Shopify:
1. Ecwid
Ecwid is a Shopify alternative that's easy to use. A benefit of Ecwid is it works with any website, not just WordPress. Ecwid's ability to work with many different websites means that you can turn any website into a fully functioning store quickly and easily. With Ecwid, you get all the functionality you need to successfully run an online store.
Examples of online store functionality include the search function, category filtering, product sorting, and more. Ecwid allows you to sell any digital products such as:
- e-books
- photos
- music
- videos
- tutorials
- and more
Unlike some other e-commerce platforms, Ecwid's got plans up to 25GB in size. Other e-commerce sites like Shopify limit you to five GB per digital item. You can also add one digital file to a product on the Ecwid site or products can be added to a single downloadable product. So, if you're using large files for your store, Ecwid's your best choice.
If you use a third party for point of sales, then Ecwid is also the right option for you. Ecwid integrates third-party point of sale apps and hardware easily so that you don't have to create a new account with many outside apps. Ecwid doesn't charge you extra for using a third-party app.
Ecwid also allows you to upload images to your store and then apply an image ratio globally. Applying the same image ratio to all your pictures saves time. You don't have to go through each product image and make sure that it's the correct ratio.
2. Wix
Wix is a site similar to Shopify but is suited for people who have small businesses. It's a website builder. This means that you can't use existing sites with Wix.
With Wix, you don't need to know how to code because they offer 100 templates to use for your website. Wix allows you to drag and drop items so that you can customize your website's look.
3. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a site builder platform where you choose a customizable template to build your site. BigCommerce does accept payment from PayPal and other payment gateways. But BigCommerce places a limit on your annual sales, based on which plan you purchase.
BigCommerce also gives you many currency options, which can be helpful if you're selling in various countries. Product options with some platforms can be limited, but with BigCommerce you're allowed up to 250 product options.
4. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a third-party WordPress Plugin. WooCommerce gives you over 100 payment options such as PayPal, bank transfers, and more. In WooCommerce, you can set things up so that tax is calculated on the shipping address, billing address, and store location. Also, with WooCommerce, you can offer discounts and set your shipping options for your store.
5. Volusion
Volusion is a Shopify alternative e-commerce platform that's built for small businesses. With Volusion, you create a website instead of using an existing website. Keep track of how much bandwidth you're using on the dashboard.
6. LemonStand
LemonStand offers themes that you can use for your website and has a 100% fully customizable design. The website templates look good on desktop and mobile. It allows customers to pay with a wide variety of payment options. It integrates with third-party web apps so that you can make your store do more.
7. 3dcart
3dcart is an e-commerce website builder with a dashboard and navigation menu. With this platform, you get over 91 free templates that you can use for your business website.
3dcart gives you access to over 1000 applications that can help your business. This e-commerce platform offers over 160 payment options that are integrated into your store.
8. Squarespace
Squarespace is another website builder platform that offers over 100 templates that look nice on desktop and mobile. Squarespace has a blogging feature where you can have multi-author functionality, the ability to schedule posts, and more. On the Squarespace app, you can edit most aspects of your website if needed.
Why Ecwid Is the Best Option
Now that you've read about different e-commerce platforms, you might be wondering which platform is right for you. Here's why Ecwid is the best option for your business:
1. Build Your Store Fast
The Ecwid control panel is simple and straightforward to use, making it easy to set up your store quickly. Plus, Ecwid offers design themes to help you customize your store. Here's step-by-step guide to get you started with Ecwid:
2. Mobile Options
Ecwid is designed so that you can have a mobile application of your store. Through ShopApp on Ecwid, connect to your customers on mobile. This app allows you to publish your store app on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, making it easily accessible to many people.
3. Use of an Existing Site
Many Shopify alternatives don't allow you to use an existing site. But Ecwid does. Using a current site is a massive advantage because you won't have to redirect your customers to a new site just to use this platform.
Having to set up a new website can add existing costs that you may not have budgeted for. Ecwid not only works with existing websites, but it also works with stores on social media. So, you can manage everything conveniently in one place.
This tutorial explains how to use Ecwid to add a store to an existing WordPress site:
4. Secure Service
An advantage of Ecwid is that they offer a secure service for their clients. They make sure to keep you, your data, and your customers safe. Ecwid is PCI DSS Level 1 certified. This is the highest protection you can have in e-commerce.
When transactions take place on Ecwid, they go through a secure HTTPS channel. Ecwid’s Strong Customer Authentication is compliant with new regulations for online payments in the European Economic Area. Safety for you and your customers is essential when running an e-commerce store.
5. Point of Sales Options
Ecwid has a card reader that PayPal powers and integrates with many POS services such as Square, Clover, Vend, Alice, and more. If you already use a different POS system, use that system to import your products and customer data in your online store. You can also sync taxes, shipping, and orders. This makes setting up an online store even more effortless.
Tips for Making Your E-commerce Store Successful
After reading about different e-commerce platforms and learning about Ecwid, here are some helpful tips to help make your e-commerce store successful:
1. Have an Engaging Website Design
Your website design is essential. That's why Ecwid and sites like Shopify offer prebuilt themes. Prebuilt themes make it easy to have a website that's well designed and engaging.
With prebuilt website themes, you also save time because you're not designing your website on your own. Website design is important because your customers need to easily navigate your website to find the products they want.
2. Provide Popular Payment Options
To have an online store, you need to provide your customer with a way to pay. That's where services like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Square come in. If you offer unfamiliar payment options, people will most likely not buy the product and go elsewhere.
Ecwid provides 50 credit card payment providers that cover many countries. So, when deciding what payment options to allow your customers to use, consider the popular ones for the country your store sells to.
3. Advertise on Social Media
Advertising on social media is essential for an online store, especially if you've set up a store on social media. Ecwid makes it easy to advertise on social media. Not only do they make it easy to advertise on social media, but they run your store through social media.
On Ecwid, check the analytics of how your social media advertisements are doing. Also, check your social media store inventory and orders all in one place. Having these features in one place is a massive advantage. It saves time and makes it easy to run more than one advertisement on more than one social media site.
4. Use SEO
SEO (search engine optimization) is vital to help you generate enough traffic to your store. Part of incorporating SEO is adding keywords to your product titles and descriptions. Adding those keywords with make your site rank higher in search engine results.
SEO is essential. Ecwid understands that, which is why they came out with this helpful video.
5. Mobile-Friendly Shopping
One feature that makes Ecwid stand out amongst other Shopify alternatives is that there's a mobile store app. With the help of an app that you download through the Ecwid app store create your own shopping app. This makes it easy for people who travel to buy a product from your store on the go.
Ecwid ensures that your site is mobile-friendly, making it easier for customers to buy products no matter the device they're using.
Make Your E-commerce Store Successful by Downloading Ecwid Today!
E-commerce platforms help run the backend of your online store. Having everything in one place is a big part of what makes an e-commerce platform useful.
After looking into eight Shopify alternatives and exploring the benefits of Ecwid vs Shopify alternatives, choose the right e-commerce platform for you. Why not get started today?
After you've chosen the right e-commerce platform, use the five tips we shared to making your e-commerce store successful.
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