If you’re engaged in the e-commerce industry, it’s highly likely that Shopify has crossed your radar one time or another. As one of the most prominent platforms in this field, it is often the first point of call for many entrepreneurs looking to start an online store. However, not everyone finds Shopify to suit their specific needs, leading them to search for websites like Shopify, that is, Shopify alternatives free of cost or at a more affordable price. This article delves into some of the top free Shopify alternatives that can help you take your e-commerce business to new heights.
Alternative no. 1: BigCommerce
While not a free alternative to Shopify, BigCommerce is an excellent choice for those looking for a more advanced option. It offers similarly robust features for creating an online store, such as bulk product import, high storage limits, and built-in blogging. Yet, unlike Shopify, it includes multiple advanced elements in its base price, such as reviews and ratings, which Shopify users have to pay extra for through an app. Thus, while it may not be a Shopify free alternative, it can save you a lot compared to Shopify in the long run.
Alternative no. 2: WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a popular free alternative to Shopify. It’s a plugin for WordPress, meaning you must have a WordPress site to use it. WooCommerce gives you complete control over your store, from taxes to stock levels to customer accounts, and allows you to add unlimited products and users. While it’s free to download, keep in mind that certain extensions require purchase, so costs can add up depending on your needs.
Alternative no. 3: Magento
Magento is another free-to-use Shopify alternative that’s been gaining popularity amongst larger e-commerce businesses. Packed with advanced features such as customer segmentation, mobile commerce, and full-page caching, it gives you tons of flexibility and control. However, Magento can be quite complex to use, so this free Shopify alternatives is best suited for those with some technical skills or access to a developer.
Alternative no. 4: PrestaShop
Among the websites like Shopify, PrestaShop stands out for its user-friendly interface and abundant features. It’s a free, open-source e-commerce solution available in many languages and supports a wide variety of payment gateways. PrestaShop provides users with advanced customization options and a strong community for support. However, be ready to pay for additional modules and themes.
Alternative no. 5: Wix
Wix is a highly intuitive, drag-and-drop website builder that offers a great free plan with limited capabilities. It’s a suitable Shopify free alternatives for beginners who have minimal technical know-how, given its ease of use. While you’ll need to upgrade for e-commerce features, Wix generally remains a more affordable alternative for smaller-scale businesses.
Alternative no. 6: Square Online
Last but not least, Square Online stands out among the free alternatives to Shopify for its seamless integration with Square’s POS system, making it a great option for businesses that sell both online and in-person. Their free plan gives you everything you need to sell online, including a free domain and unlimited product listings.
Choosing the right platform from the array of Shopify alternatives free of cost or otherwise, can significantly impact your e-commerce business’s success. The main goal is to identify a platform that satisfies your specific requirements in terms of functionality, cost, and scalability. While Shopify has proven itself a powerful player in the e-commerce platform market, a range of equally competent competitors make for valuable alternatives. Based on your business’s unique needs, one of these alternatives may very well prove a better fit. Therefore, research each platform comprehensively before making a decision and consider giving the free trials a spin if there are any. With the right choice of platform, you’ll be one step closer to thriving in the fierce world of e-commerce.