Starting an ecommerce business in 2025 requires careful consideration of the platform you choose. With the industry maturing and technology becoming more standardized, it’s essential to find an easy-to-use platform that won’t break the bank.
The first online shop, the Boston Computer Exchange, opened its virtual doors in 1982, marking the beginning of the ecommerce revolution. Fast forward to today, where giants like Amazon and eBay celebrate their 30th anniversaries. The core functionality of ecommerce platforms has become reliable and consistent, making the difference lie in the user experience and pricing.
For new entrepreneurs with limited funds and no technical background, there are six key characteristics to look for in an ecommerce platform:
- Easy to set up: Launching your online store should be a breeze, with the ability to go live within hours without the need for a designer or developer.
- Easy to maintain: Updating products, changing prices, and adding new pages should be simple tasks that don’t require extensive technical knowledge.
- Inexpensive or free: Your ecommerce platform should not eat into your budget, allowing you to invest in inventory and advertising instead.
- Comprehensive: The platform should cover all essential ecommerce functions while remaining stable and reliable.
- Able to scale: As your business grows, the platform should be able to accommodate increased features and traffic, supporting your growth up to a few million in annual sales.
- Easy to market: Features such as landing pages, email capture forms, and discount options like coupon codes are essential for turning paid clicks into customers, especially when organic traffic is out of reach for new stores.
When it comes to platforms, here are five recommendations for new ecommerce businesses in 2025:
- Shopify: A leading industry platform known for its scalability and extensive app ecosystem, Shopify offers a range of plans starting at $39.99 per month. It’s easy to set up and can scale to meet the needs of enterprise-level businesses.
- Square Online: Ideal for businesses already using Square’s POS system, Square Online is a low-cost platform that integrates seamlessly with in-person selling experiences. It’s simple to use and understand, making it a great choice for beginners.
- Ecwid by Lightspeed: Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding ecommerce functionality to an existing site, Ecwid is a versatile platform that can grow with your business. It’s free for up to five products and remains affordable as you scale.
- Wix and Squarespace: These drag-and-drop website builders are perfect for non-technical founders looking to create visually appealing online stores. While not ideal for scaling, both platforms offer easy-to-use templates and ecommerce functionality for less than $30 per month.
Success in ecommerce requires active customer acquisition, as organic search is often not enough to drive traffic to a new store. Regardless of the platform you choose, focusing on paid advertising and engaging marketing strategies will be key to growing your online business in 2025.