8 Best Ecommerce CMS Platforms for 2024

Ecommerce CMS platforms are software applications that allow you to create and manage an online store. They provide a wide range of features, such as product management, payment processing, shipping integration, and marketing tools.

Choosing the right ecommerce CMS platform for your business is important, as it will affect everything from the look and feel of your store to the features you have access to.

In this blog post, we will take a look at the 13 best ecommerce CMS platforms for 2024, based on factors such as features, pros & cons and ease of use.

What is an Ecommerce CMS?

An e-commerce CMS (Content Management System) is a software platform that allows businesses to create and manage online stores and sell products or services over the Internet. It provides a set of tools and features that enable users to build and customize their online storefront, manage product listings, process orders, handle payments, and perform other essential functions related to running an online store.

Categories of Ecommerce CMS

The major categories of ecommerce CMS are SaaS and open source.

SaaS (Software as a Service)

SaaS e-commerce CMS platforms offer a hassle-free way for businesses to establish and manage their online stores. Instead of dealing with the complexities of server management, security protocols, and software maintenance, businesses can rely on the expertise of the SaaS provider.

By being cloud-based, these platforms provide the flexibility for users to access and manage their online stores from anywhere with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for businesses to invest in and manage their own physical servers, which can be a significant cost-saving benefit.

Open source

Open source e-commerce CMS platforms offer a high degree of freedom and control over your online store. The fact that they're freely available means that businesses can potentially save a significant amount on software licensing fees.

However, this freedom comes with a trade-off. The increased flexibility also means that users bear the responsibility of setting up and maintaining the platform. This can be a more complex process, especially for those without extensive technical knowledge.

Features of Ecommerce CMS

Here are the top categories of an active ecommerce CMS for online businesses:

Product Management

Product management is the cornerstone of any e-commerce CMS, allowing businesses to efficiently handle their inventory. This feature empowers users to seamlessly add, edit, and categorize product listings, complete with essential details like names, prices, descriptions, images, and available stock levels. Effective product management ensures that customers are presented with accurate and appealing information, ultimately driving sales and customer satisfaction.

Order Management

The order management feature is instrumental in overseeing the entire lifecycle of customer transactions. It encompasses the processing, fulfillment, and tracking of orders, providing businesses with a comprehensive view of their sales pipeline. From the moment an order is placed to its successful delivery, this feature ensures a seamless and efficient process, contributing to positive customer experiences and repeat business.

Shopping Cart and Checkout

The shopping cart and checkout system form the linchpin of the customer's purchasing journey. Customers can select and temporarily store items they intend to buy, providing them the flexibility to continue browsing. The shopping cart also facilitates a final review of selected items before proceeding to the checkout stage. An intuitive and user-friendly shopping cart and checkout process are critical in reducing cart abandonment rates and maximizing conversion rates.

Payment Integration

Payment integration is a fundamental aspect of any CMS for ecommerce, allowing for secure online transactions. This feature seamlessly connects with payment gateways, enabling customers to make payments through various methods such as credit cards, PayPal, and other online payment systems. A reliable and secure payment processing system builds trust with customers and ensures a smooth and hassle-free transaction experience.

Search and Navigation

A robust search and navigation system is pivotal in helping customers in finding their desired products effortlessly. This feature encompasses functionalities like filters, sorting options, and a prominently placed search bar. By providing an intuitive and efficient browsing experience, businesses enhance the likelihood of customers locating and purchasing the products they seek, ultimately driving conversions and customer satisfaction.

Do we Need a Separate CMS?

Whether you need a separate CMS (Content Management System) depends on the complexity and requirements of your project. If you're building a simple static website or landing page, a separate ecommerce CMS may not be necessary, as alternative solutions like static site generators or website builders can suffice. However, if your website involves dynamic content, frequent updates, e-commerce functionalities, or requires extensive customization and scalability, a dedicated ecommerce CMS can greatly streamline content management, and user collaboration, and provide essential features like order processing and payment integration.

Consider factors like compliance requirements, SEO needs, and available resources to decide whether a separate ecommerce CMS is the right fit for your project.

8 best Ecommerce CMS platform

Here are the best Ecommerce CMS platforms listed for your store:

Shopify

Shopify is a cloud-based e-commerce CMS platform that is known for its ease of use and scalability. It offers a wide range of features, including product management, order management, payment processing, and marketing tools. Shopify is a good option for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.

Features:

• Multichannel selling capabilities.
• Abandoned cart recovery for re-engaging customers.
• Secure payment options integration.

Pros:

• Easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
• Extensive app store for added functionalities.
• Hosted solution with secure and reliable hosting.

Cons:

• Transaction fees for non-Shopify payment gateways.
• Limited theme customization compared to some platforms.
• Advanced features may require app integrations.
  

WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a free and open-source enterprise ecommerce CMS for your business. It is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms in the world, and it is known for its flexibility and customization options. WooCommerce is a good option for businesses that want a lot of control over their website and that are comfortable with using WordPress.

Features:

• Seamless integration with WordPress.
• Customizable themes and extensive plugin ecosystem.
• Robust content management for products and pages.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with WordPress, a popular CMS for ecommerce.
• Extensive plugin ecosystem for customizing functionality.
• Familiar interface for users already using WordPress.

Cons:

• May require additional plugins for advanced e-commerce features.
• Scalability challenges for very large stores.
• Requires a self-hosted WordPress installation.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a cloud-based CMS for ecommerce platform that is known for its scalability and security. It offers a wide range of features, including product management, order management, payment processing, and marketing tools. BigCommerce is a good option for businesses that are expecting high traffic and sales.

Features:

• Built-in marketing tools for promotions and campaigns.
• Multi-channel selling across various platforms.
• Enterprise-grade security features.

Pros:

• All-in-one solution with built-in marketing tools and security.
• Strong SEO capabilities and responsive templates.
• Robust product management and multi-channel selling.

Cons:

• Transaction fees on lower-tier plans.
• Limited native integrations compared to some competitors.
• Learning curve for users new to the platform.

Magento

Magento is the best and most free CMS for ecommerce and open-source e-commerce CMS platforms. It is one of the most powerful and flexible e-commerce platforms available, but it can also be complex to set up and use. Magento is a good option for businesses that need a lot of customization options and that have the technical expertise to manage it.

Features:

• Advanced product management with customizable attributes.
• Extensive customization options for complex stores.
• Multi-store support for managing multiple brands or stores.

Pros:

• Highly customizable with extensive customization options.
• Strong developer community and support.
• Suitable for large-scale operations and complex e-commerce needs.

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve, especially for beginners.
• Resource-intensive, requiring robust hosting infrastructure.
• Potentially higher development costs compared to other platforms.

OpenCart

OpenCart is a free and open-source e-commerce CMS platform. It is known for its ease of use and its wide range of features. OpenCart is a good option for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.

Features:

• Intuitive admin interface for easy store management.
• Large extension marketplace for added functionalities.
• Multi-language support for global reach.

Pros:

• Intuitive admin interface for easy management.
• Large extension marketplace for added functionalities.
• Cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized businesses.

Cons:

• Limited built-in features compared to some platforms.
• Potential performance issues with large product catalogs.
• May require additional customization for advanced functionality.

PrestaShop

PrestaShop is a free and open-source e-commerce CMS platform. It is known for its flexibility and its wide range of features. PrestaShop is a good option for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.

Features:

• User-friendly dashboard and intuitive interface.
• Extensive theme and module library for customization.
• Multi-store support for managing multiple storefronts.

Pros:

• User-friendly dashboard and extensive theme library.
• Robust back-office functionality and multi-language support.
• Strong community for support and resources.

Cons:

• Limited scalability for very large stores.
• Fewer native integrations compared to some competitors.
• May require technical expertise for extensive customization.

Drupal Commerce

Drupal Commerce is a free and open-source e-commerce module for Drupal. It is known for its flexibility and its wide range of features. Drupal Commerce is a good option for businesses that need a lot of customization options and that have the technical expertise to manage it.

Features:

• Highly customizable platform for unique e-commerce needs.
• Seamless integration with Drupal ecommerce CMS for content management.
• Multilingual support for global audiences.

Pros:

• Highly customizable with seamless Drupal integration.
• Multilingual support and customizable pricing rules.
• Strong content management capabilities.

Cons:

• Requires technical expertise, potentially challenging for beginners.
• Steeper learning curve for users new to Drupal.
• Fewer pre-built extensions compared to some platforms.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud

Salesforce Commerce Cloud is a cloud-based e-commerce CMS platform that is known for its scalability and its wide range of features. It is a good option for large enterprises that need a powerful and reliable e-commerce platform.

Features:

• Unified commerce solutions for seamless customer experiencesthe .
• AI-driven personalization for targeted marketing.
• Order management system for efficient processing.

Pros:

• Unified commerce solutions with powerful CRM integration.
• AI-driven personalization and marketing automationAn.
• Scalable for large enterprises with robust analytics.

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to some other platforms.
• May be complex for smaller businesses without extensive CRM needs.
• Customization may require expertise in the Salesforce platform.

Benefits of pairing Ecommerce with CMS

Pairing e-commerce with a Content Management System (CMS) can offer several significant benefits for businesses looking to create and manage an online presence effectively. Here are some of the key advantages:

Content Flexibility: An ecommerce CMS allows for easy creation, modification, and deletion of content. This is crucial for e-commerce sites as they often require frequent updates to product listings, descriptions, and promotional content.

SEO Optimization: An ecommerce CMS typically includes tools and features that help optimize content for search engines. This can improve the visibility of your e-commerce site in search results, driving more organic traffic.

User-Friendly Interface: Many ecommerce CMS platforms are designed to be user-friendly, which means that even non-technical staff can manage content, upload products, and make changes without requiring advanced technical skills.

Multi-Channel Content Distribution: An ecommerce CMS can facilitate the distribution of content across various channels, including the e-commerce site itself, blogs, social media, and email newsletters. This helps in reaching a wider audience and maintaining consistent messaging.

Personalization and Customization: An ecommerce CMS often provides tools for personalizing content based on user behavior, preferences, or demographics. This can enhance the user experience, increase engagement, and ultimately lead to higher conversion rates.

Time and Cost Efficiency: With an e-commerce CMS, you can efficiently manage your content without having to rely on developers for every update. This reduces the time and costs associated with making changes to your website.

Integration with Third-Party Tools: Most modern CMS platforms offer the ability to integrate with various third-party tools and services. This can include payment gateways, CRM systems, email marketing platforms, analytics tools, and more, which are essential for an e-commerce business.

Content Versioning and History: A CMS typically keeps a record of changes made to the content, allowing you to revert to previous versions if needed. This is crucial for e-commerce sites, especially when dealing with product listings and pricing.

Security and Compliance: Reputable ecommerce CMS platforms often have built-in security features and are regularly updated to address any vulnerabilities. This helps in safeguarding sensitive customer information and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

Scalability and Growth: As your e-commerce business grows, a CMS can scale with you. You can add more products, pages, and features without the need for a complete overhaul of your website.

How Manifest AI works with Ecommerce CMS

Manifest AI is a GPT-powered AI Shopping Assistant that can be integrated with a variety of e-commerce CMS platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. Once integrated, Manifest AI can provide a number of benefits to e-commerce businesses, including:

Personalized recommendations: Manifest AI can use its AI capabilities to learn about each customer's individual preferences and recommend products that they are likely to be interested in. This can help to increase sales and improve the customer experience.

Quick answers: Manifest AI can answer customer questions quickly and accurately, even if they are complex or open-ended. This can help to reduce customer support costs and improve customer satisfaction.

Seamless product discovery: Manifest AI can help customers to find the products they are looking for quickly and easily, even if they don't know exactly what they want. This can help to improve the customer experience and increase sales.

Final thoughts

In this blog post, we have discussed the 8 best e-commerce CMS platforms in 2023. Each of these platforms has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to choose the one that is right for your specific needs.

If you are looking for a platform that is easy to use and has a wide range of features, then WooCommerce is a good option. If you are looking for a platform that is more scalable and can handle a high volume of traffic, then Shopify is a good option. If you are looking for a platform that is open source and customizable, then Magento is a good option.

Ultimately, the best CMS software for ecommerce for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. However, we hope that this blog post has given you a good starting point in your search for the right platform for your business.