E-commerce Platforms and Services—A Step-by-Step Guide to Get Started for Little or No Money
E-commerce platforms and services might seem like the ideal place to start, right? But here’s the thing: many people don’t know how easy it can be to jump in and start selling online. You don’t need to break the bank. You can get started today without spending a fortune on fancy platforms. It’s all about picking the right tools that fit your vision and then using them to your advantage. So, let’s cut through the fluff. We’re talking real steps here, not theory.
Shopify
Shopify is where the world shops. It’s one of the most powerful platforms for creating an online store. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to drop hundreds of dollars just to set things up. With their 14-day free trial, you can launch your store, showcase your products, and start marketing before committing to any costs. You can use their ready-made templates, and if you’re serious about growth, you can scale it up anytime. Create your Shopify store here.
Wix eCommerce
Wix offers an easy-to-use platform where you can start building your site today. They don’t overwhelm you with options, but they still offer great customization. You can design your store, set up payments, and connect it with your marketing tools—all in one place. The best part? You can do this with no upfront costs if you start with their free plan. Want to upgrade? You can switch to a paid plan at any time. Create your Wix eCommerce store here.
Big Cartel
If you’re an artist, small creator, or have a limited number of products to sell, Big Cartel is a brilliant option. They allow you to list up to five products for free—yes, totally free. You can set up your store in minutes and customize it to look professional. You don’t need to worry about paying fees unless you grow your store. Start your Big Cartel store here.
Ecwid
Ecwid is an e-commerce solution that can integrate with your existing website, blog, or even social media accounts. It’s simple to use and provides everything you need to get started. From customizable product pages to built-in payment processing and shipping tools, it’s an all-in-one package. The basic plan is free, so you can test it out before deciding to go bigger. Set up Ecwid here.
WooCommerce
If you already have a WordPress site, WooCommerce is your best friend. It’s a plug-in that turns your WordPress site into a full-blown online store. You can start with free themes and features, and only pay for the extras when you’re ready to expand. With WooCommerce, you can control your store’s design and functionality. It’s one of the most popular choices for WordPress users. Start your WooCommerce store here.
Squarespace
Squarespace is one of the easiest platforms to build a site on, and it’s not just for bloggers. You can create beautiful, functional online stores with little effort. You can choose from a variety of templates, set up payment options, and start selling right away. Their plans include all the basics—product pages, integrated checkout, and even tools for tracking sales. The best part? It’s all within one interface, so you can manage everything from one place. Create your Squarespace store here.
Weebly
Weebly makes it easy to set up an online store without requiring a ton of tech skills. It’s a drag-and-drop builder, and you can get started without spending a dime. As your business grows, you can upgrade your plan to get more features like better SEO tools, email marketing, and custom domain names. It’s an easy choice for beginners. Set up your Weebly store here.
Now What? Building Your Business
Now that you have the tools, what’s next? Building your business is the key. But don’t just think about the store itself. Think about getting traffic to your site, keeping your customers engaged, and making sure your sales funnel is smooth.
Start by promoting your products on social media. Use Instagram, Facebook, or even TikTok—wherever your target market hangs out. Offer discounts or special deals to get people interested in your products. Collect email addresses so you can market directly to your potential customers.
Use ConvertKit for Landing Pages
Next, think about your landing pages. With services like ConvertKit, you can create high-converting landing pages with zero upfront cost. You can use it to capture leads, offer discounts, and start building your email list right away. Start with ConvertKit here.
Expand Your Presence
Once you’ve set up your store, focus on expanding your presence online. Run ads to generate leads, experiment with social media marketing, or tap into affiliate programs. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can grow a loyal customer base.
The World Is Your Market
When you sell online, the world is your market. You’re not limited to a local audience. From anywhere in the world, your store can take off if you just focus on setting it up right, reaching the right customers, and giving them something they want. You don’t need to go it alone. These platforms have all the tools you need to get started today. And with a little hustle, you can turn your e-commerce business into something that sustains you and your family.
