Starting a new eCommerce blog but don't know what's the right platform for you?
There are more than 600 million blogs on the internet as we speak and not all of them are powered by the same platform.
To begin with, certain eCommerce blogging platforms are more suitable than others for you depending on your requirements and today, we will help you understand the ideal blogging platform.
This is an important decision since traffic is lifeblood for most online businesses and making amendments down the line is both counter intuitive and hazardous to your business.
Read this article to understand to get all your questions on the best blogging platform in 2024 answered for your use cases. Let's get started.
Top 7 Ecommerce Blog Platforms
In this section we will review the top seven eCommerce blog platforms.
To find your ideal fit, we have considered factors like ease of use, design customization, integration with your existing tool stack, SEO capabilities and the total cost of ownership.
We will also go through their advantages, disadvantages, and pricing so that you can have the right insights before moving forward:
1. WordPress
WordPress is unarguably the most popular platform for blogging 43.3% of all websites on the internet.
WooCommerce, its eCommerce-specific plugin has a staggering 35.96% market share, also the largest in its category.
The market share comes from its easy to use interface and the fact that it is open source.
In terms of usability, it is quick and easy to get started. It scales with your business and with the right security plugins, it can be a perfect fit even for enterprise requirements.
The best and worst part about WordPress is that there's a plugin for almost everything that you can think of.
It is because the good ones are likely to be paid.
The above example is one of the many eCommerce blog themes that you can choose from. Depending on your brand and design preferences, you can customize the theme to your liking.
Pros
- Wider support availability since it is the number one blogging platform for eCommerce websites
- It is open-source and supports extensive customization
- Highly scalable and supports evolving needs on the go
Cons
- Premium plugins often come as hidden costs to first-time users
- Plugins also translate to high reliance on third-party software vendors
- If you want to fully customize your website, then you’d require help from developers
Pricing
While WordPress itself is free, the total cost of ownership includes hosting, premium plugins, and potential developer costs for more sophisticated site features.
Simpler websites can be managed by non-tech users and with the advent of Gutenberg themes, it has become even easier to do so.
The cost varies based on the complexity and specific requirements but generally remains affordable relative to other options.
2. Wix
Wix is a well-known name in the site builder category and it also provides competent blogging capabilities.
With a 3.6% market share of all websites globally, Wix provides a seamless interface for businesses and individuals alike to craft engaging blogs and integrated eCommerce sites.
The platform’s built-in blogging functionality goes beyond basic features; it allows users to edit title tags, URLs, and meta descriptions.
On top of that, the ability to add different media content and various content blocks, coupled with customizable page templates through a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor, makes it a versatile choice.
The above example shows the beautiful blog designs created using Wix.
As an eCommerce blogging platform, it is quite customizable and is a good choice if you want your blog to match your brand’s aesthetics and operational preferences.
Pros
- High-quality 24/7 customer support
- A drag-and-drop editor that simplifies page building, thereby making it accessible for non-technical users
- It comes with built-in tools for SEO and the option to use a translation tool to cater to a global audience
Cons
- It provides users with limited control over some advanced blogging functions, like server-side optimizations
- It leaves you dependent on the Wix platform for hosting and updates
- Transitioning to another platform can be challenging due to the proprietary nature of Wix’s building tools
Pricing
Wix’s paid plans start at $16/month which is good enough for eCommerce blogs and it is cost effective even at a scale.
3. Squarespace
Squarespace is another well recognized name in the world of website builders.
The good thing is, it garners extra attention to enabling bloggers to sell products directly from their posts. This is facilitated through features like integrated shopping carts, detailed product pages, and streamlined payment processing.
Squarespace stands out with its capabilities in post organization, analytics tracking, and post scheduling, which are essential tools for serious bloggers aiming to enhance their reach and efficiency.
The above example shows Squarespace’s blogging capabilities. Whether you're building your brand or expanding an existing one, Squarespace provides you with tailor-made templates and tools that are aligned with your needs.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Beautiful, professionally-designed templates
- Seamless integrations
- Extensive customization
- Dedicated 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Not open-source. This limits certain customizations and integrations
- Dependency on Squarespace for all updates and hosting services
Pricing
The paid plans start at $16/month, billed annually.
4. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a leading eCommerce platform and it allows users to integrate eCommerce with blogging. This is beneficial to businesses serious about leveraging content to drive sales and enhance SEO.
Although BigCommerce’s native blogging capabilities are quite basic given its alternatives, it is a good platform for a no-nonsense user experience.
The above theme reflects on BigCommerce as a capable platform for creating eCommerce presence through blogging.
However, it is recommended to go for a third-party integration for creating a full-fledged eCommerce blog due to the lack of comprehensive features on its built-in blogging platform.
Pros
- Seamless integration with eCommerce functionalities, enhancing user experience and conversion potential
- Access to advanced blogging tools through integrations like DropInBlog, which offers enhanced SEO and customization options
- Simple setup process without the need for separate hosting, reducing maintenance and security concerns
- Effective cost management with inclusive blogging as part of the eCommerce platform, avoiding additional expenses on plugins and themes
Cons
- Native blogging features are relatively basic, making third-party applications necessary
- It has limited design and layout options within the native blogging system when compared to specialized blogging platforms
Pricing
Prices start at $39/month, suitable for new and small businesses looking to start blogging.
5. Shopify
Shopify is the go-to eCommerce platform across the world and it also offers good blogging capabilities.
Many users consider it for powering their content initiatives and it shines with its user-friendly interface and integrated SEO tools.
Its user interface is friendly for beginners and while its USP as a blogging platform is its ability to combine eCommerce and content creation.
As visible, Shopify’s blog theme is visually appealing while it fully maintains the eCommerce context.
Pros
- Shopify is among the most user friendly platforms in this list as it makes it easy for users of all skill levels to create and manage blog content alongside their online store
- It provides in-built SEO capabilities
- It supports a wide range of integrations
- It has a strong user community and support ecosystem
Cons
- It has limited scope for customization when it comes to advanced users
- The analytical tools it provides are basic in nature.
Pricing
Shopify's pricing plans start at $29/month
6. Weebly
Weebly is known for its straightforward approach to web design and eCommerce, making it a viable option for individuals and small businesses.
As a hosted platform, it offers a variety of built-in features and tools. This allows users to create websites quickly and efficiently without extensive technical knowledge.
The above example underscores Weebly's appeal to users who need a functional and accessible online platform without the complexities associated with more advanced systems like WordPress.
Weebly's drag-and-drop editor and range of templates make it ideal for those who prioritize ease of use over extensive customization.
Pros
- Weebly's user-friendly interface allows even beginners to create and manage a website
- All templates on Weebly are mobile-friendly
- Good support for users
Cons
- Unlike open-source platforms, Weebly’s customization capabilities are limited
- While Weebly supports basic blogging functionalities, it lacks the advanced features found in specialized blogging platforms
- While sufficient for small to medium-sized stores, Weebly's eCommerce tools might not scale well for larger enterprises or those with complex inventory needs
Pricing
Paid plans start at $6 per month.
7. HubSpot
HubSpot is a comprehensive, cloud-based CRM platform that not only helps manage your customer relationships but also aligns your sales and marketing efforts seamlessly.
It offers a wide range of tools including content management and publishing which many find extremely convenient.
HubSpot’s all-in-one approach is particularly beneficial for organizations that aim to integrate and automate their sales, marketing, and customer service processes without the need to juggle multiple disjointed platforms.
This integration is key for creating a streamlined workflow and providing a unified approach to the customer experience.
Pros
- It is an all-in-one Platform: It combines CRM, marketing, sales, and service hubs to facilitate a cohesive operation
- It supports advanced marketing automation
- It provides deep insights into customer interactions and campaign performance
- It integrates easily with other tools and services
Cons
- While there is a free tier, advanced features can become quite expensive as needs grow
- It is inherently complex, rendering it less ideal for smaller teams
- It requires a fair amount of learning and resources to fully leverage the platform’s capabilities
Pricing
The blogging capabilities are free for use.
Wrap Up
Based on the analysis of the top seven eCommerce blogging platforms, we can conclude that WordPress emerges as the best choice for most users.
However, you must analyze your unique requirements and see which platform suits you the best.
Parameters like ease of use, affordability, resource availability, and support work differently for each user and thus, having a solution that caters to your needs delivers more value than going with the popular options.
FAQs
Which is the best eCommerce blogging platform?
WordPress is considered the best eCommerce blogging platform due to its flexibility, extensive plugin ecosystem, and SEO capabilities.
Can I use a free blogging platform for my eCommerce business?
Yes, you can use a free blogging platform like Blogger or Wordpress.com for your eCommerce business, but they offer limited customization and monetization options.
How important is SEO for an eCommerce blog?
SEO helps an eCommerce blog improve visibility, drive organic traffic, and increase sales by targeting relevant keywords and audiences.
Can I integrate my eCommerce store with my blog?
Yes, most blogging platforms like WordPress allow you to integrate your eCommerce store directly using plugins like WooCommerce, enabling seamless operations between your blog and store.
How much does it cost to create an eCommerce blog?
Creating an eCommerce blog can be relatively low cost if using platforms like WordPress; expenses mainly include hosting, domain, and optional premium themes or plugins, typically ranging from $100 to $500 a year.
