Best E-commerce Platforms for Women-Owned Online Businesses in 2024
Best E-commerce Platforms for Women-Owned Online Businesses in 2024
Even with a successful coaching practice, some of my clients want an additional stream of income. Eccomerce is a popular choice as it can a new business venture or part of coaching - selling related products such as planners, workbooks, templates and tools.
Launching my first online store back in 2018 was a bit of a disaster! After spending weeks comparing platforms, I still signed up for the wrong one (twice!), and wasted precious time figuring out the basics. Fast forward to today, and I've helped dozens of women entrepreneurs choose and set up their perfect e-commerce solution. The landscape has changed dramatically, and 2024 offers some incredibly powerful options specifically suited for women-owned businesses.
Did you know that women-owned e-commerce businesses grew by 98% in the last three years?
Let's dive into the platforms that are making this growth possible!
Shopify: The All-in-One Solution
Intuitive drag-and-drop store builder
Built-in marketing tools and SEO features
Extensive app marketplace
24/7 customer support
Mobile-first approach
Integrated payment solutions
Social media selling capabilities
When I first logged into Shopify, I literally spent two hours just playing with the store themes - there are just so many options! But that's exactly what makes it perfect for busy entrepreneurs who want to get up and running quickly.
The platform has come such a long way since I first used it. These days, you can basically run your entire business from your phone if you wanted to (though I wouldn't recommend it!). One thing that really stands out is how seamlessly everything works together. You don't need to be tech-savvy at all - trust me, if I could figure it out while simultaneously trying to manage inventory and chase after my dog who'd stolen my product samples, anyone can!
I particularly love their abandoned cart recovery feature. It's literally saved my bacon more times than I can count. Last month alone, I recovered about $3,000 in sales that would've otherwise been lost. The automatic emails are surprisingly effective, though I'd suggest tweaking them to match your brand voice.
One thing that used to drive me nuts was the transaction fees on top of payment processing if you didn't use Shopify Payments. They still do this, which can be a real pain if you're in a country where Shopify Payments isn't available. But honestly? The benefits usually outweigh this annoyance.
The app store is like a candy shop for business owners - exciting but dangerous for your wallet! Start with the basics and add apps only when you actually need them. I learned this the hard way after signing up for about 15 apps in my first month and watching my monthly bills skyrocket.
WooCommerce: The Customization Queen
Free WordPress plugin
Complete control over design and functionality
Lower overall costs
Unlimited customization options
Self-hosted solution
Huge community support
Extensive documentation
Here's something nobody tells you about WooCommerce - it's like building with Legos. You have complete control, but you better be ready to put those pieces together yourself! I remember staying up until 3 AM trying to figure out why my product variations weren't showing up correctly. Turns out, I had a conflict with another plugin - classic rookie mistake!
The best thing about WooCommerce is definitely the flexibility. Want to sell digital products alongside physical ones? Easy. Need a subscription service? No problem. Want to create a marketplace? You got it! I've seen some absolutely stunning stores built on WooCommerce that look nothing like your typical e-commerce site.
One major advantage is the cost structure. Since WooCommerce itself is free, you're mainly paying for hosting, your domain, and any premium themes or plugins you choose. This can make it much more affordable than other platforms, especially when you're just starting out. But don't get too excited - those premium plugins can add up fast!
Security is super important, and this is where self-hosting comes with extra responsibility. You'll need to handle updates, backups, and security measures yourself (or hire someone to do it). I learned this lesson the hard way when my site got hacked because I'd forgotten to update a plugin. Not fun explaining that one to my customers!
The WordPress community is incredible though. Whatever problem you're facing, someone has probably already solved it and written a detailed blog post about it. The documentation is extensive, although sometimes it feels like you need a PhD in tech-speak to understand it!
Etsy: The Creative Marketplace
Ready-made customer base
Low initial investment
Built-in marketing tools
Simple setup process
Strong mobile presence
Ideal for handmade items
Built-in SEO benefits
Let's talk about Etsy - it's like the farmers' market of the internet, but open 24/7! When I first started selling templates there, I was amazed at how quickly orders started coming in. The platform already has millions of buyers actively looking for unique products, which is huge when you're just starting out.
One thing that caught me off guard was the fee structure. Yes, listing fees are low ($0.20 per item), but they also take a percentage of each sale, plus payment processing fees. It can feel like death by a thousand paper cuts if you're not pricing your products correctly. I had to completely revamp my pricing strategy after my first month when I realized I was barely breaking even!
The built-in marketing tools are pretty good though. Their advertising platform is straightforward, and you can start with a tiny budget. I remember my first $5 ad campaign - it actually brought in three sales! Not exactly retirement money, but it showed me the potential.
Something that can be frustrating about Etsy is their search algorithm changes. Just when you think you've figured out how to get your products seen, they change things up! But I've learned to roll with it and focus on what really matters - great products and excellent customer service.
The mobile app is fantastic for managing your shop on the go, however the desktop version gives you much more control over your shop's appearance.
Square Online: The Brick-and-Mortar Bridge
Seamless online/offline integration
Free plan available
Built-in POS system
Professional templates
Restaurant-friendly features
Inventory sync across channels
Commission-free selling
Square Online has been such a game-changer for businesses that started offline and want to expand online. I remember helping my friend Sarah transition her local boutique to an online store during the pandemic - Square made it surprisingly painless!
The platform really shines when it comes to inventory management. It's amazing watching the stock levels automatically update whether someone buys in-store or online. No more selling the same item twice or having to manually update two different systems! Though I did have a minor heart attack when I first saw my inventory numbers drop - turns out it was just syncing with my in-store sales!
One of my favorite features is the real-time sales reporting. Being able to see exactly how your business is performing across all channels is incredibly powerful.
The free plan is pretty generous, though it does come with Square branding. But when you're just starting out, every dollar saved counts! Just be aware that you'll need to use Square's payment processing - there's no option to shop around for better rates.
Their customer support team is fantastic, though sometimes the wait times can be frustrating.
Choosing the right e-commerce platform for your business doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're looking for the all-in-one power of Shopify, the flexibility of WooCommerce, the ready-made audience of Etsy, or the omnichannel capabilities of Square Online, there's a perfect solution waiting for you.
Remember, the best platform is the one that matches your specific needs, technical comfort level, and budget. Don't get caught up in what everyone else is using - focus on what works for YOUR business. And most importantly, don't be afraid to start small and scale up as you grow.
Take action today by signing up for free trials of these platforms. Test drive their features, explore their interfaces, and imagine your products living on their pages. Your perfect e-commerce home is waiting!