The eCommerce platform’s emergence has become a part of the new normal, which is why many conventional stores opt online. Thus, store owners prefer content management systems like WordPress, Shopify and so on to build their online business presence. However, most of them leverage the Shopify platform to build an online store. Therefore, it is home to more than 3,00,000 online business websites.
But one thing to note about Shopify is that it can cost you a bit more! However, how about going with the free Shopify alternatives. Yes, there are free Shopify alternatives or other alternatives that offer similar features to Shopify.
I know you are looking for websites like Shopify and landed up on this blog. Hence, my favourite Shopify alternatives are mentioned below. Scroll below!
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a compelling eCommerce platform where you can establish your online business. Online retailers and merchants find it a convenient platform because Shopify has some amazing features. These features include a POS (Point Of Sale) app for payment across different geographical locations. Suppose you are also a merchant looking to showcase a brand with a multi-channel experience to engage consumers. Subscribe to Shopify, and generate revenue.
Why Choose Shopify?
Shopify is a boon to building a scalable online platform for beginners with less technical proficiency. Get a range of sleek templates and flexibility that make website development and e-trading a cakewalk for non-tech users.
However, that does not mean you should stop looking for an alternative to Shopify. I have brought information on why keeping alternatives should be on your to-do list.
Why Look For Sites Like Shopify?
1. Full control over SEO
Search Engine Optimization is a crucial digital marketing factor that determines the search engine rank. After all, it has an impact on the organic search of your e-store. However, managing SEO activities in Shopify is challenging because it does not allow users to access and edit robot.txt files. Google acknowledges these files to index your site and show it on Search Engine Result Pages.
2. Unwilling to Continue Shopify Payments
Shopify has its own payment gateway ‘Shopify Payment’ powered by Stripe. If you use this payment gateway, the transaction fee is levied upto 2% of each sale. This makes transactions in multiple currencies impossible, followed by many crucial payment activities. Either way, e-store owners have to use the Shopify Payment gateway to allow payment features for customers.
3. Problems with customization
Manual efforts of website developers are more in demand when it comes to building an e-store in Shopify. Different customization features like developing storefront and checkout pages are a few activities where web developers may struggle. So, imagine how difficult it could be for new users to build a site with Shopify? Hence, they search for an alternative to Shopify.
Related: A Beginner’s Guide to Content Management Systems
Shopify Alternatives You Are Looking for!
1. Squarespace
Squarespace is one the best Shopify alternatives suitable for individual bloggers, artists and small businesses. Thankfully, it has an easy-to-use interface and features that make it a perfect eCommerce solution. Install this tool and sell unlimited products online within a few clicks. Hmm.. how much does it costs? Their basic commerce plans begin at $27 per month.
Are you having a creative mindset and want to make relevant changes? Squarespace gives you the space for your creative freedom. Integrate social media tools and templates of any industry niche and start your e-store within minutes.
2. Wix
Wix is a buzzing term in the web development arena. I hope most of you have heard about it! You can set up an online store within a few minutes and pass on the technical burden like back-end management or data security on Wix’s hosting services. Somewhere down the line, I find it similar to WordPress because it has a drag-and-drop builder tool, too!
Coming to the pricing structure, the Wix eCommerce Business VIP plan will cost you only $6.25 per month with complete payment security assurance and priority customer support.
3. Magento
Magento is a popular content management software with a pricing plan similar to the WooCommerce platform. Thus, I find it an ideal Shopify alternative for shop owners because you cannot ignore the well-established community worldwide.
This content management software is free; however, you have to pay a service charge for hosting, themes and plugins. If you are looking to sell your products in an open-source ecosystem, Magento is the perfect Shopify open source alternative. Do you want to know additional benefits? It offers responsive designs for eCommerce stores with cutting-edge technologies.
4. Prestashop
When you are on a tight budget and want to build a compelling eCommerce store, Prestashop will make this task easier for you! It comes at zero cost but be ready to pay for add-ons like hosting packages and the domain name. Prestashop is collaborated with Azure, WebHostingHub and IONOS to meet shop owners’ technical requirements.
This alternative for Shopify supports in more than 25 languages with no additional transaction fees and accepts international payments. Beginners can develop a top-notch eCommerce website if they have a bit of web development expertise.
5. WooCommerce
WooCommerce I find the best Shopify alternative that powers more than 7.4% of all websites. WordPress users find it the best alternative to Shopify because WooCommerce has a range of plugins, themes and other compelling features. It is compatible with online store builders like WordPress, BigCommerce and Shopify.
As a website owner, WooCommerce makes customization easier with tons of premium designs and themes. Additionally, you can enhance the WooCommerce store’s experience with the help of CSS, HTML and plugins. Moreover, tracking an abandoned cart is possible with WooCommerce.
Wrapping Up
After reading about multiple alternative of Shopify, you might have the query that which is suitable? So, my answer is to evaluate your priorities, needs and budget. However, while installing these alternatives on your system, do not compromise with plugins, updated themes, user-friendly interface and ease-of-use factor. Then, build an excellent e-store and maximize your revenue generation.
