Best Online Store Builders in 2024

In today’s digital age, having a robust online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. An online store builder can make the process of creating and managing an ecommerce site much easier, even for those without technical skills. In 2024, several online store builders stand out for their features, ease of use, and overall value. This guide explores the best online store builders available, highlighting their key features and what makes them suitable for different types of businesses.

1. Shopify

Key Features

• Ease of Use: Shopify is renowned for its user-friendly interface, which allows even novices to set up an online store quickly.
• Customization: With a wide range of themes and apps, Shopify offers extensive customization options to create a unique store.
• Scalability: Shopify can grow with your business, supporting everything from small startups to large enterprises.
• Payment Integration: Supports multiple payment gateways, including its own Shopify Payments, which simplifies transaction processing.

Why Choose Shopify?

Shopify is a comprehensive ecommerce solution that is perfect for businesses of all sizes. Its ease of use and extensive app store make it a versatile platform that can adapt to a variety of business needs. The ability to scale your business with Shopify’s advanced features ensures that your online store can grow without needing to switch platforms.

2. Wix eCommerce

Key Features

• Drag-and-Drop Builder: Wix’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to design a professional-looking online store.
• Design Flexibility: With over 500 templates, Wix offers plenty of design flexibility to create a store that reflects your brand.
• Integrated Marketing Tools: Wix includes built-in SEO tools, email marketing, and social media integrations to help drive traffic to your store.
• Multichannel Selling: Sell on multiple platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon, directly from your Wix store.

Why Choose Wix eCommerce?

Wix eCommerce is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that need a visually appealing store without the complexity of more advanced platforms. Its design flexibility and integrated marketing tools provide a strong foundation for creating a successful online presence. The multichannel selling capabilities also make it a good choice for businesses looking to expand their reach.

3. BigCommerce

Key Features

• Robust Ecommerce Features: BigCommerce offers a wide range of ecommerce features, including advanced SEO tools, product reviews, and abandoned cart recovery.
• B2B Functionality: Built-in features for B2B businesses, such as custom pricing and quote management, make BigCommerce a strong choice for wholesale and bulk sales.
• Scalability: Like Shopify, BigCommerce is designed to support businesses as they grow, making it suitable for both small and large enterprises.
• Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrates with major platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Google Shopping, allowing for expanded sales channels.

Why Choose BigCommerce?

BigCommerce is a powerful platform for businesses that need advanced ecommerce functionality and robust B2B features. Its scalability ensures that your online store can handle increased traffic and sales as your business grows. The integration capabilities also make it easy to reach a broader audience through multiple sales channels.

4. Squarespace

Key Features

• Beautiful Templates: Squarespace is known for its stunning, mobile-responsive templates that can help create a visually appealing online store.
• Built-in Features: Includes built-in blogging, SEO tools, and marketing integrations, making it a well-rounded platform for businesses looking to enhance their online presence.
• Ease of Use: The user-friendly interface allows users to easily customize their store without needing technical skills.
• Customer Support: Offers 24/7 customer support to help with any issues that arise during the setup and management of your store.

Why Choose Squarespace?

Squarespace is perfect for creative businesses and individuals who want a beautiful, easy-to-manage online store. The combination of elegant design templates and robust built-in features makes it an excellent choice for those looking to create a professional online presence without the need for extensive customization.

5. WooCommerce

Key Features

• WordPress Integration: WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress, allowing users to turn their WordPress site into a fully functional ecommerce store.
• Customization: Highly customizable with a wide range of themes and plugins available to extend functionality.
• Open Source: As an open-source platform, WooCommerce offers complete control over the store’s design and functionality.
• Community Support: A large community of developers and users provides extensive support and resources for troubleshooting and enhancing your store.

Why Choose WooCommerce?

WooCommerce is ideal for those who are already familiar with WordPress and want to leverage its capabilities for ecommerce. Its high level of customization and control makes it suitable for businesses that require specific functionality and design elements. The open-source nature of WooCommerce ensures that you can adapt your store to meet changing business needs.

6. Weebly

Key Features

• User-Friendly: Weebly’s drag-and-drop builder is easy to use, making it accessible for beginners.
• Affordability: Offers competitive pricing, making it a cost-effective option for small businesses and startups.
• SEO and Marketing Tools: Includes basic SEO tools and marketing features to help drive traffic to your store.
• Integration with Square: Integration with Square for payment processing simplifies transaction management and helps with in-person sales.

Why Choose Weebly?

Weebly is a great option for small businesses and individuals looking for an affordable, easy-to-use online store builder. Its integration with Square is particularly beneficial for businesses that also operate physical stores or pop-up shops. The included SEO and marketing tools provide a solid foundation for driving traffic and sales.

7. Volusion

Key Features

• Inventory Management: Volusion offers strong inventory management features, making it easy to track stock and manage orders.
• Data Reporting: Provides detailed analytics and reporting tools to help businesses make data-driven decisions.
• Responsive Themes: Mobile-responsive themes ensure that your store looks great on all devices.
• Customer Support: Offers extensive customer support, including live chat, phone support, and an online help center.

Why Choose Volusion?

Volusion is well-suited for businesses that need robust inventory management and data reporting capabilities. Its responsive themes and strong customer support make it a reliable choice for creating and managing an online store. The platform’s focus on data-driven decision-making can help businesses optimize their operations and improve sales.

8. Zyro

Key Features

• AI Tools: Zyro leverages AI tools to help with website design, content creation, and SEO optimization.
• Affordable Pricing: Offers some of the most competitive pricing plans on the market, making it a budget-friendly option.
• Drag-and-Drop Builder: The intuitive drag-and-drop builder simplifies the process of creating a professional-looking store.
• Ecommerce Features: Includes essential ecommerce features such as product management, payment processing, and shipping options.

Why Choose Zyro?

Zyro is an excellent choice for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking for an affordable, easy-to-use online store builder. The AI tools provide added value by simplifying various aspects of store management, while the competitive pricing ensures that you can create a professional online store without breaking the bank.

Selecting the best online store builder depends on your specific business needs, technical expertise, and budget. Shopify stands out for its scalability and comprehensive features, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. Wix and Squarespace are ideal for those who prioritize design flexibility and ease of use. BigCommerce and WooCommerce cater to businesses that need advanced ecommerce functionality and customization options. Weebly offers an affordable and user-friendly solution, while Volusion excels in inventory management and data reporting. Lastly, Zyro provides a budget-friendly option with innovative AI tools. Each of these platforms