Popular options include Shopify for all-in-one solutions, Amazon for massive reach, Etsy for handmade or vintage items, and WooCommerce for WordPress users. Choosing the right platform depends on your business needs and growth plans.

Hey there,

I’ve been selling online for 12 years, and I know how overwhelming it can be to choose the right platform. When I started, I felt lost trying to decide between Shopify, Amazon, eBay, and others. 

But after plenty of trial and error, I learned that the right platform can make or break your business. In this post, I’ll share the top platforms for online sellers, based on my experience and research, to help you find the perfect fit for your store. 

Let’s cut through the worry and get started.

Best Platforms for Online Sellers

The best platforms for online sellers combine ease of use, scalability, and robust tools for managing products, payments, and customer experiences. 

Your selling platform isn’t just a tool. It’s the foundation of your business. It affects how customers find you, how smoothly transactions go, and even how much time you spend managing your store. 

For example, a clunky platform might turn buyers away, while a streamlined one can boost sales by 30% or more, according to a recent BigCommerce study.

Let’s check out the top platforms for online sellers.

1. Shopify: The All-in-One Powerhouse

Shopify has become a household name for anyone looking to start an online store. What sets it apart is its user-friendliness and customisation options. You don’t need to be a tech expert to get your shop up and running.

And you can still make it look incredibly professional. Whether you’re selling one product or thousands, Shopify’s scalability makes it an excellent long-term choice. Plus, they offer tons of apps that integrate seamlessly with your store, from inventory management to marketing tools.

Key Features:

• Shopify provides excellent customer support
• Easy-to-use tools for SEO optimisation
• Built-in payment processing to simplify your sales process.
• Mobile-optimized designs
• App store for add-ons like marketing tools

Why Sellers Love It? Imagine setting up a shop in just a few hours without technical skills. Shopify is designed for speed and ease, and their support team is fantastic. 

One seller I know scaled her business to $10,000/month in sales just six months after starting here.

If you want simplicity with professional features, Shopify is a top pick.

2. Amazon: The Giant Marketplace

Amazon is probably the biggest name when it comes to online selling. Amazon is the place to be if you’re looking for immediate visibility and want to tap into millions of shoppers worldwide. 

The platform’s built-in audience is unmatched, and it’s known for fast shipping and customer trust. 

Key Features:

• Access to Amazon’s vast customer base
• Advertising tools to boost visibility
• With Amazon’s Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) service, you can store your products in their warehouses, and they handle all the packing, shipping, and customer service. It’s a huge time-saver.

The Downside:

• High competition
• Seller fees
• Strict policies
• Limited branding opportunities

Why Sellers Love It? Selling on Amazon feels like setting up shop in the busiest mall in the world. While fees can add up, the exposure is unmatched. Just focus on a niche to stand out from the competition.

With over 300 million active users, Amazon is a platform you can’t ignore.

3. Etsy: For Creative Entrepreneurs

If you’re in the handmade, vintage, or craft business, Etsy is the platform that was made for you. Etsy is a niche marketplace for unique products and offers an enthusiastic community of buyers who value creativity and originality. Setting up your shop is simple, and the platform provides helpful tools for sellers to promote their work.

Key Features:

• Etsy’s social features allow you to connect with customers and fellow sellers, creating a supportive environment. Etsy also gives you access to advanced SEO tools to increase your visibility.
• Simple listing process
• Customisable storefront

Why Sellers Love Etsy? Etsy feels like a cosy marketplace where customers appreciate the story behind the product. Thanks to Etsy’s supportive ecosystem, I’ve seen artists who turned their side hustles into full-time gigs.

4. WooCommerce: For WordPress Users

WooCommerce is a plugin that integrates seamlessly with WordPress. If you already have a WordPress site or plan to create one, WooCommerce is the perfect option. It’s free to use, with the option to add paid extensions as needed. 

This platform offers great flexibility in design and functionality, but it requires more technical knowledge compared to Shopify or Wix.

Key Features:

• Highly customisable
• Free to start
• Integration with thousands of plugins

Why Sellers Love It? If you already have a WordPress site, WooCommerce is a no-brainer. One seller I spoke with loved the control it gave her over branding and SEO. The downside? You’ll need some tech skills or a developer’s help.

5. BigCommerce: For Scaling Businesses

Wix: Easy-to-Use with Customization Options

For those who want something simple, but still customizable, Wix is a great choice. Known for its drag-and-drop interface, Wix allows you to build your online store without needing to code. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of Shopify or BigCommerce, it’s a fantastic option for beginners or small businesses.

How Wix Helps: Wix offers a range of templates that can be easily customized to suit your brand, along with integrated tools for payment processing, shipping, and SEO.

Why Sellers Love It: BigCommerce feels like Shopify’s big sibling. It offers more robust features but can be overwhelming for beginners. However, this platform can handle growth if you scale fast.

6. Walmart Marketplace: A Growing Giant

Walmart Marketplace has been rapidly expanding and is now a significant player in the e-commerce world. With its vast customer base and strong brand reputation, selling on Walmart allows you to tap into a massive audience, especially in the U.S. It’s a great option for sellers who want to expand beyond Amazon or eBay and have access to Walmart’s fulfilment services.

Walmart’s platform is easy to navigate, and sellers benefit from increased exposure. Plus, with the Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS), your products can be stored and shipped from their warehouse.

7. Facebook Marketplace: Local Selling Made Easy

Facebook Marketplace is a fantastic platform for local sellers. Whether you’re selling furniture, electronics, or handmade goods, Facebook Marketplace helps you easily reach buyers in your area. Plus, it’s completely free to list your items, and you can integrate it with your Facebook business page to boost visibility.

Tips for Choosing the Right Platform for Your Online Store

Choosing the right platform for your online store is a critical decision to shape your business’s success. 

Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

1. Know Your Product and Audience
   Different platforms cater to different products. For example, Etsy is ideal for handmade or vintage items, while Shopify and BigCommerce are better for general or niche products. Consider who your target customers are and where they typically shop.
2. Consider Costs and Fees
   Each platform has its own pricing structure, from monthly fees to transaction costs. Shopify, for instance, charges a monthly fee, while platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace take a commission from each sale. Make sure the platform’s fees align with your budget and business model.
3. Ease of Use and Customization
   Look for a user-friendly platform, especially if you’re new to e-commerce. Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace are known for their ease of use, while WooCommerce may require more technical knowledge. Also, check if the platform allows you to customise your store to match your brand.
4. Scalability and Growth
   As your business grows, your platform should scale with you. Platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce offer features that support growth, such as inventory management and multichannel selling.
5. Marketing and SEO Tools
   Choose a platform with built-in SEO tools and marketing integrations to help you effectively reach your audience. Platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce are known for their strong SEO features.

By considering your product, budget, ease of use, and scalability, you can find the right platform to help your business thrive and grow.

FAQs: Best Platforms for Online Sellers

1. Can I use multiple platforms to sell my products?

Yes, you can use multiple platforms to expand your reach. Many sellers use Amazon, Shopify, and eBay together while integrating tools that help manage listings and inventory across all platforms.

1. How do seller fees differ across platforms?

Seller fees vary depending on the platform. For example, Shopify charges a monthly fee plus transaction fees, while Amazon takes a referral fee for each sale. Always review the fee structure before committing to any platform.

• Do all e-commerce platforms support international shipping?

Not all platforms support international shipping by default. Look for platforms like eBay, Amazon, or Shopify, which offer features or integrations for global shipping.

• Which platforms work best for digital products?

Platforms like Gumroad, Selz, or Shopify are great for selling digital products such as eBooks, courses, or software. They offer specific tools for secure downloads and licensing.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right platform for your online store is crucial to your success. Whether you’re just starting or already experienced, platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and Etsy can help expand your reach and grow your business. 

However, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—what works for one seller may not work for another. Your choice depends on what you’re selling, how much control you want, and your budget. 

From personal experience, I can say that success requires consistency, learning, and adaptability. So, take the time to explore your options and find the platform that fits your needs.