An ecommerce platform is a software solution that allows anyone to sell products and services online. It is usually designed as a central place where one can manage stock, process transactions, and to create a CRM system/routine. E-commerce sites are used, and can be used by startups and also corporations.
Is The UK A Good Place For eCommerce?
Going the ecommerce route could be good business as the digital world makes an increase in sales more viable by allowing stores to receive clients from almost anywhere around the world.
Its also convenient for customers who can easily browse products and track their orders with the help of these platforms.
Which eCommerce Platform Is Best In The UK?
Depending on your business’ needs, goals and offerings, as well as your consumers’ behaviours and habits, choosing the right platform should be a priority. While there are many differing opinions as far as which platform is the best in the UK, the truth is that each one stands out in a unique way. For this reason, we have gathered a list of 10 different platforms that work the best for any business, startups included:
1. OpenCart
OpenCart is a free, open-source ecommerce platform offering a straightforward setup process for entrepreneurs. It allows the management of multiple stores from one dashboard, simplifying operations.
The platform is highly customisable with professional extensions and themes, enabling businesses to tailor their online presence. OpenCart’s mobile-friendly admin area supports management of products, orders, and customers from anywhere.
With over 14,000 extensions available, it suits ecommerce stores of any size and sector, facilitating global sales without any monthly fees.
2. Volusion
Volusion offers ecommerce solutions, helping SMEs create and manage their online stores successfully.
Their platform is designed with a focus on simplicity, speed, and efficiency, enabling businesses of all sizes to flourish online.
Volusion supports your products with various display options, extensive category management, and enhanced search functionality, making it simpler for customers to find and buy your products.
It includes a secure checkout process, robust inventory management, and options for international sales, alongside marketing tools to drive traffic and sales.
3. Shift4Shop
Shift4Shop is an ecommerce platform loaded with a wide range of tools to support online businesses. It stands as a versatile choice for those looking to operate an online store, providing a suite of features for product management, marketing, and customer service.
This platform is user-friendly, allowing businesses to manage their online presence effectively without needing deep technical knowledge.
It offers a secure shopping environment, mobile compatibility for both the storefront and admin areas, and integration options for social media and various online marketplaces.
4. Big Cartel
Big Cartel offers an intuitive platform for artists, creators, and small businesses to easily set up their own online store. Big Cartel provides everything needed to start selling online, including customisable templates, straightforward sales and traffic analytics, and essential e-commerce integrations, all with no transaction fees.
It’s particularly appealing for those looking to transition from marketplaces like Etsy, offering a seamless product import feature and a choice of plans, one of which is forever free.
This platform emphasises user-friendly tools and real human customer support, making it accessible for first-time sellers and experienced merchants alike. With Big Cartel, you can tell your unique story, manage your inventory, and connect with a community committed to independent selling.
5. Squarespace
Squarespace is an all-in-one platform for anyone looking to create a professional website. With a wide range of industry-leading templates, it’s perfect for small businesses aiming to establish an online presence.
Squarespace is user-friendly, offering customisable layouts that adapt to any device, ensuring your site looks great everywhere. From setting up an ecommerce store to booking appointments, it supports diverse business needs on a single platform.
With integrated marketing tools, including email campaigns and social media integration, Squarespace helps in growing your audience and engaging with customers effectively.
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6. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free, open-source eCommerce platform for WordPress users. It’s designed for small to medium-sized online merchants. The platform offers features that allow for the creation of a customisable online store.
With WooCommerce, users can sell both physical and digital products, manage inventory and shipping, take secure payments, and sort taxes automatically. The community behind WooCommerce provides support and contributes to its growth, ensuring the platform remains adaptable for various types of businesses.
Whether starting a new online venture or expanding an existing one, WooCommerce provides a scalable solution to meet your eCommerce needs.
7. Adobe Commerce
Adobe Commerce offers a platform ideal for creating personalised B2B and B2C online stores. It’s solution that supports multiple brands with native AI, extensive Adobe integrations, and adaptable operations.
Users can enhance conversions with AI-driven tools for personalised customer experiences and efficient team productivity. The platform caters to various business models, for seamless omnichannel personalisation and global market reach with AI features.
Adobe Commerce’s flexibility allows for innovation, securing a high-performance foundation for commerce functionality. It’s designed to help businesses grow by providing a sophisticated platform that’s easily customisable and integrated with essential third-party solutions.
8. BigCommerce
BigCommerce offers a modern SaaS platform, enhanced by open API for tailored business integration. Renowned for low total cost of ownership, and it supports both B2B and B2C operations seamlessly. With BigCommerce, businesses can enjoy customisable themes, global scalability, and security.
The platform also has strong partnerships and integrations, allowing for endless customisation and growth opportunities. BigCommerce is dedicated to empowering businesses with the tools needed for online success, backed by exceptional customer support.
9. Shopify
Shopify offers the tools to create an online shop, market products, and handle payments across various channels in one unified place. Highly regarded for its simplicity and versatility, Shopify supports businesses of all sizes with customisable themes and essential commerce tools.
This platform is cloud-hosted for secure access anywhere, making it a top choice for entrepreneurs worldwide. From solo ventures to large enterprises, Shopify’s rich features and global community drive its leadership in the commerce space, helping shape the future of online selling.
10. EKM
EKM offers a straightforward e-commerce platform tailored for UK businesses, with a focus on ease of use and excellent customer support. It’s the perfect choice for businesses aiming to enhance their online sales with a platform that simplifies the process from start to finish.
With EKM, users benefit from UK-based assistance, all-inclusive features, secure payment options, and the unique Evolution Mode for continuous website improvement.
The platform ensures a smooth transition for merchants moving from other e-commerce solutions with free migration services, keeping your domain and SEO rankings intact. Ideal for both new and established businesses, EKM provides everything needed to create a successful online shop.
What Are The Different Ecommerce Platform Types?
Any business should be informed on the different types of ecommerce platforms. Each one has a different set of perks and shortfalls:
Open-Source Platforms
Open-source ecommerce platforms give complete control over the original source code, allowing more in-depth customisation. These platforms are usually free and mainly recommended to those who have actual web developers who can then be designed and built with all custom needs in mind. OpenCart, Magento, and WooCommerce are a few examples.
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Solutions
SaaS ecommerce platforms are managed externally, with a third party handling hosting and operations. Users pay a monthly subscription fee for platform access.
While customisation options might be restricted compared to open-source platforms, SaaS solutions are suitable for small businesses and beginners aiming to promptly establish and administer their online stores. Examples are Shopify and BigCommerce.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) Platforms
PaaS ecommerce platforms – similarly to SaaS solutions – are in the cloud. However, users are given access to the physical hardware running the website, along with developer tools and database management options.
This type of platform is ideal for businesses that want more control over their website and have the technical expertise to manage it. PaaS platforms require more effort to set up and maintain but offer greater flexibility.
On-Premise Platforms
Businesses that use on-premise ecommerce solutions host both hardware and software on-site and that way, have total control over how their websites function.
Businesses are still responsible for maintaining the hardware and internet connection. These platforms are for those who want complete control and have the means to run their own servers should use on-premise systems.
On-premise systems need a lot of technical know-how and resources to maintain, due to the benefit they have that allows for a great deal of customisation.
