The Best Website Platforms for Service-Based and eCommerce Businesses in 2023

Navigating through the world of website platforms to find the right Content Management System (CMS) for your business can be challenging. From sleek design capabilities to powerful eCommerce features, the options are endless. We've taken the heavy lifting off your shoulders and distilled the options to the top four website platforms for service-based businesses and eCommerce. 

For Service-Based Businesses 

1. WordPress

For service-based businesses, WordPress is a powerful option. It provides the flexibility needed for businesses to create custom features specific to their services. With thousands of themes and plugins available, businesses can easily integrate booking systems, contact forms, and other service-based functionalities. Moreover, WordPress’s strong SEO capabilities make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to improve their online visibility. However, WordPress requires some technical skills, making it slightly less accessible for beginners.

2. Wix

Wix is another excellent option for service-based businesses. Known for its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, Wix allows businesses to create professional-looking websites without any coding knowledge. The platform offers various features tailored for service-based businesses, like online booking and scheduling systems, contact forms, and customer testimonials. Their SEO Wiz tool is also handy for businesses looking to optimize their site for search engines.

For eCommerce Businesses

3. ZiftrShop

ZiftrShop is our own platform and was developed out of the client friction we saw in the eCommerce space. Specifically around the ability to build a custom workflow that fits any growing business. The beauty of the platform is that it can scale as your eCommerce business grows because of the Headless API capability built into the CMS itself. There are a ton of out-of-the-box solutions but the reassurance to know that ZiftrShop integrates with any business tool seems to provide many brands relief. 

3. Shopify

When it comes to eCommerce, Shopify is often the go-to platform. It's specifically designed to help businesses create online stores, with a myriad of features like product cataloging, secure shopping carts, and various payment gateway options. It also provides marketing tools, allowing businesses to drive traffic and sales through SEO, social media integrations, and more. Shopify’s App Store also offers countless add-ons to further customize your store and enhance your customers' shopping experience.

4. BigCommerce

BigCommerce, another eCommerce heavyweight, offers a comprehensive range of sales tools and is known for its robust product search engine. This platform stands out for its scalability, making it an excellent choice for businesses aiming for rapid growth. It supports multiple sales channels, allowing businesses to sell through social media, marketplaces, and even physical stores. BigCommerce also offers various built-in features, reducing the need for third-party apps and making it a cost-effective choice for many businesses.

The right platform ultimately depends on your business’s unique needs and goals. For service-based businesses, WordPress and Wix are top contenders for their versatility and user-friendly nature. For eCommerce businesses, the robust and specialized features of ZiftrShop, Shopify, and BigCommerce are hard to beat. Each platform offers a unique set of tools, so it's worth exploring all the options before making a decision.

Have more specific questions about which platform is best for your business? Contact us here to speak with a website expert!