The Best Ecommerce Website Builders in 2023

The Best Ecommerce Website Builders in 2023

E-commerce has become a crucial aspect of modern business, with more and more people turning to online shopping for convenience and variety. As a result, there's a growing need for ecommerce website builders that can help businesses create user-friendly and effective online stores. This blog will explore some of the best ecommerce website builders available on the market today, weighing the pros and cons of each, and discussing the benefits of involving a web developer in the process to make the most of your online store. 

1. Shopify

The Pros

Ease of use: Shopify is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for users with little to no technical knowledge to set up and manage their online store.

Scalability: Shopify's plans cater to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.

Third-party integrations: The platform boasts a vast array of third-party apps and integrations, enabling users to enhance and customise their stores with additional features and functionality.

24/7 Support: Shopify offers round-the-clock customer support through various channels, including live chat, email, and phone.

The Cons

Transaction fees: If you choose not to use Shopify Payments, you'll be subject to additional transaction fees on top of payment processing fees.

Limited design customisation: While Shopify offers a variety of free and paid themes, users without technical expertise may find it difficult to customise their store's design beyond these pre-built templates.

2. WooCommerce

The Pros

Open-source platform: As an open-source ecommerce platform, WooCommerce offers unparalleled customisation options, allowing users to modify every aspect of their store to fit their specific needs.

WordPress integration: WooCommerce seamlessly integrates with WordPress, making it an ideal choice for businesses already using or looking to use the popular content management system.

Large user community: WooCommerce has a vast and active user community, providing plenty of support, resources, and third-party extensions.

The Cons

Technical expertise required: Setting up and managing a WooCommerce store often requires a higher level of technical knowledge than other ecommerce platforms.

Limited support: While WooCommerce does offer support, it's not as comprehensive as other platforms, potentially leaving users to rely on third-party resources and forums for assistance.

3. BigCommerce

The Pros

Feature-rich: BigCommerce is known for its comprehensive set of built-in features, enabling users to create a highly functional online store without requiring additional apps or integrations.

No transaction fees: Unlike some other platforms, BigCommerce does not charge transaction fees on top of payment processing fees.

Scalability: BigCommerce caters to businesses of all sizes, with plans designed to accommodate growth and expansion.

The Cons

Higher starting price: BigCommerce's entry-level plan is more expensive than some competitors, which may deter smaller businesses or those with tight budgets.

Limited third-party integrations: While BigCommerce does offer third-party apps and integrations, its selection is not as extensive as Shopify's.

4. Wix eCommerce

The Pros

User-friendly: Wix is well-known for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it simple for users to create and customise their online store without technical expertise.

Affordable pricing: Wix offers competitive pricing, with plans designed to cater to businesses of all sizes and budgets.

Design flexibility: With a wide range of templates and design tools, Wix allows users to create a unique and visually appealing online store.

The Cons

Limited scalability: Wix eCommerce is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses, as it may struggle to accommodate the needs of larger enterprises.

App store limitations: While Wix does offer an app store, its selection is not as extensive as some competitors, potentially limiting store functionality.

Should I enlist the help of a web development agency?

While ecommerce website builders offer many benefits, such as ease of use, affordability, and a variety of built-in features, there are situations where involving a web developer in the process can be advantageous. Some of these benefits include:

Customisation 

E-commerce platforms often come with templates and built-in features that may not cater to every business's unique needs. A web developer can help create custom solutions tailored specifically to your business, ensuring that your online store stands out from the competition and meets your specific requirements.

Technical Expertise

As mentioned earlier, some platforms, such as WooCommerce, require a higher level of technical knowledge to set up and manage. By involving a web developer, you can leverage their expertise to ensure your ecommerce website is set up correctly and running smoothly, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your business.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

Websites are not a one-and-done project. They require regular updates, maintenance, and improvements to ensure optimal performance and security. A web developer can provide ongoing support, helping you keep your online store up-to-date and addressing any issues that may arise.

Integrations and Custom Features

While many ecommerce platforms offer a range of apps and integrations, you may find that certain features or functionalities are not available. A web developer can help you create custom integrations and features to enhance your store's capabilities and improve the overall shopping experience for your customers.

Performance Optimisation

A fast and responsive website is crucial for providing an enjoyable user experience and improving search engine rankings. A web developer can optimise your site's performance, ensuring it loads quickly and remains responsive, regardless of the device or connection being used.

Conclusion

There are several excellent ecommerce website builders available on the market today, each with its own set of pros and cons, making it essential for businesses to carefully consider their specific needs before choosing a platform.

Involving a web developer in the ecommerce website building process can provide numerous benefits, including customisation, technical expertise, ongoing support, and performance optimisation. While the initial investment may be higher, the long-term value of a professionally designed and maintained online store can be well worth the cost.