When it comes to starting your own online business, one of the first things you need is an ecommerce website. However, setting up a website can be a daunting and expensive task. Luckily, there are several options available that offer affordable solutions for creating an ecommerce website. In this article, we will explore some of the cheapest ecommerce website platforms that can help you get your online store up and running without breaking the bank.
1. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an open-source ecommerce plugin designed for WordPress websites. It offers a wide range of features and is highly customizable, allowing you to create a unique online store. Since it is a plugin, you will need to have a WordPress website to use WooCommerce. The best part is that it is free to use, although you may need to invest in additional plugins or themes for added functionality and design.
2. Shopify
If you prefer a hosted solution that takes care of all the technical aspects of running an online store, Shopify is an excellent option. They offer affordable pricing plans starting from as low as $29 per month. Shopify provides an easy-to-use interface, a variety of themes to choose from, and numerous built-in features to help you manage your store effectively. They also offer a 14-day free trial, allowing you to test the platform before committing.
3. BigCommerce
Similar to Shopify, BigCommerce is a hosted ecommerce platform that offers a range of pricing plans to suit different business needs. Their plans start at $29.95 per month, which includes unlimited products, storage, and bandwidth. BigCommerce provides a user-friendly interface, responsive themes, and a variety of built-in features to help you create a professional-looking online store. They also offer a 15-day free trial for you to explore the platform.
4. Wix
Wix is a popular website builder that also offers ecommerce functionality. Their ecommerce plans start from $23 per month, making it an affordable option for small businesses. Wix provides a drag-and-drop editor, a wide range of templates, and various built-in features to help you create a visually appealing online store. They also offer a free plan with limited functionality, allowing you to test the platform before upgrading.
5. Square Online
If you are looking for a simple and budget-friendly option, Square Online is worth considering. They offer a free plan that allows you to create a basic online store with unlimited products. Square Online also provides affordable paid plans starting from $12 per month, which offer additional features such as real-time shipping rates and advanced inventory management. It integrates seamlessly with Square’s payment processing system, making it a convenient choice for businesses already using Square.
6. PrestaShop
PrestaShop is a free and open-source ecommerce platform that you can install on your own web hosting. It offers a range of features and a user-friendly interface, allowing you to create a professional online store. While the platform itself is free, you may need to invest in web hosting and additional modules or themes for added functionality and design. PrestaShop also has a helpful community forum where you can find support and resources.
7. Magento
If you have more technical expertise and are willing to put in the time and effort, Magento is a powerful and flexible ecommerce platform. It is also open-source, meaning you can download and install it for free. Magento offers a wide range of features and customization options, making it suitable for larger businesses with complex needs. However, it requires more technical know-how and may not be the best option for beginners.
Conclusion
Starting an ecommerce website doesn’t have to be expensive. There are several affordable options available that can help you create a professional online store without breaking the bank. Whether you choose a plugin like WooCommerce, a hosted platform like Shopify or BigCommerce, a website builder like Wix, a budget-friendly option like Square Online, or a self-hosted platform like PrestaShop or Magento, make sure to consider your specific business needs and technical expertise. With the right platform, you can launch your online store and start selling your products or services in no time.