Introduction: Choosing the Best Website Builder for Your Small Business
If you’re starting an online store, choosing the best website builder can feel overwhelming. With so many e-commerce platforms available, how do you decide which one is right for your business?
Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, having the right e-commerce website builder is crucial for your success. The best platform should be easy to use, scalable, and cost-effective while offering powerful tools for sales, marketing, and customer management.
In this guide, we’ll compare the best website builders for small businesses: Shopify, BigCommerce, and WooCommerce. We’ll analyze their features, pricing, ease of use, and overall value to help you determine which platform is the best fit for your store. For more resources on how to start making money online, we recommend you check this article on best online side hustles for begginers.
What Is Shopify and How Does It Work?
Before we dive into comparisons, let’s answer a common question: What is Shopify?
Shopify is one of the best website builders for e-commerce. It’s an all-in-one platform that allows you to create an online store, manage inventory, process payments, and run marketing campaigns.
How Does Shopify Work?
- Shopify provides an intuitive drag-and-drop store builder.
- You can choose from hundreds of Shopify themes to customize your store.
- Shopify handles hosting, security, and updates, making it a hassle-free option.
- It supports multiple payment gateways, including Shopify Payments, PayPal, and Stripe.
For those new to online selling, learning how to use Shopify is easy. The platform offers beginner-friendly tools, making it simple to set up and manage a store.
BigCommerce vs. Shopify: Which Is Better?
Many small business owners ask: BigCommerce vs. Shopify – which platform is best? Let’s compare them based on key factors.
Ease of Use
- Shopify: Designed for beginners, Shopify offers a user-friendly dashboard, step-by-step setup guides, and an intuitive store builder. An important fact is that Shopify’s checkout converts 12% better than BigCommerce’s.
- BigCommerce: Offers advanced features but has a steeper learning curve. Best for businesses needing more customization.
Pricing: How Much Does Shopify Cost vs. BigCommerce?
- Shopify: Plans start at $39/month (Basic), with Shopify Capital available to help businesses access funding.
- BigCommerce: Starts at $39/month, but pricing increases based on revenue, making it more expensive for growing stores.
Customization & Features
- Shopify: Thousands of Shopify themes and apps allow for customization.
- BigCommerce: Built-in features reduce reliance on third-party apps, but themes and design flexibility are more limited.
Verdict
For most small businesses, Shopify is the better option due to its ease of use, affordability, and extensive customization options.
WooCommerce vs. Shopify vs. BigCommerce: Which One Wins?
For those considering WooCommerce vs. Shopify vs. BigCommerce, here’s a breakdown of WooCommerce’s strengths compared to the other two.
| Feature | Shopify | BigCommerce | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Beginner-friendly) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Steeper learning curve) | ⭐⭐ (Requires WordPress knowledge) |
| Pricing | Starts at $39/month | Starts at $39/month | Free, but requires hosting & plugins |
| Customization | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Fully customizable with WordPress) |
| Best For | Small to medium businesses | Large businesses needing built-in features | Tech-savvy entrepreneurs who want full control |
If you already have a WordPress site and need full control, WooCommerce is a great best website builder for small businesses. However, for simplicity and built-in features, Shopify remains the winner.
Key Questions About Shopify
Is Shopify Legit?
Yes, Shopify is legit. It powers over 4.4 million stores worldwide, including big brands like Gymshark and Allbirds.
How Much Does Shopify Take Per Sale?
Shopify charges transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments:
- Basic Shopify: 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction
- Shopify Plan: 2.6% + 30¢
- Advanced Shopify: 2.4% + 30¢
How to Remove “Powered by Shopify”
You can remove the “Powered by Shopify” footer by editing your theme settings or code. Many businesses do this for a more professional look.
Is Shopify Worth It?
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, all-in-one e-commerce website builder, Shopify is absolutely worth it.
Best Website Builder for Small Business: Final Verdict
Choosing the best website builder depends on your business needs:
- Choose Shopify if you want a beginner-friendly, scalable solution with a vast app ecosystem.
- Choose BigCommerce if you need built-in features and plan to scale quickly.
- Choose WooCommerce if you prefer full control and are comfortable with WordPress.
Ultimately, for most small businesses, Shopify remains the best choice due to its simplicity, affordability, conversion success and flexibility.
Whether you’re launching a passion project or scaling an established brand, Shopify provides everything you need—from secure payments to inventory management and powerful marketing tools.
Effortless Store Setup (No Tech Skills Required!)
One of Shopify’s biggest advantages is its user-friendly interface. You don’t need coding knowledge to create a professional online store. With customizable Shopify themes, a drag-and-drop editor, and built-in SEO features, setting up your website is fast, simple, and stress-free.
Seamless Payment Processing & Inventory Management
Shopify supports over 100 payment gateways, including PayPal, Apple Pay, and credit cards, so customers can check out securely. Plus, with Shopify’s automated inventory management, you’ll always know what’s in stock—helping you avoid overselling or running out of products.
Boost Sales with Shopify’s Powerful Tools
Shopify isn’t just a website builder—it’s an entire business ecosystem designed to help you sell more. Some standout features include:
– Shopify POS – Sell online and in-person while keeping inventory in sync.
– Shopify Capital – Get fast funding to grow your business without the hassle of traditional loans.
– Shopify Marketing Suite – Run ads, email campaigns, and optimize SEO all from one platform.
– Shopify Fulfillment Network – Store inventory in multiple warehouses for faster, cost-effective shipping.
Best-Converting Checkout & Built-In Trust
Shopify’s checkout process is proven to convert 12% better than other e-commerce platforms, making it easier to turn visitors into paying customers. And with Shop Pay, your buyers can check out in just one click—boosting repeat purchases and customer loyalty.
Try Shopify for Free!
The best part? Shopify offers a free trial, so you can explore the platform and test its features before committing to a plan. This risk-free opportunity lets you experience Shopify’s power without spending a dime.
Ready to start your online store? Sign up for Shopify today for free and build a business that thrives!
