Starting a side hustle is an exciting journey, but choosing the right website & e-commerce platform can be overwhelming. Each platform offers unique features tailored to different business needs. Whether you’re selling handmade crafts, digital products, or offering services, picking the right platform can make all the difference in your success. Here’s why I would choose these top website & e-commerce platforms for building and growing a side hustle:
1. Wix & Squarespace – The Easy Website Builders
If you’re looking for an easy, drag-and-drop website builder that requires no coding, Wix and Squarespace are excellent choices. These platforms are perfect for entrepreneurs who want a professional-looking website without the technical hassle.
Why Choose Wix & Squarespace?
- User-Friendly – Simple drag-and-drop design makes it easy for beginners.
- Beautiful Templates – Choose from a variety of modern and responsive designs.
- All-in-One Solution – Includes hosting, SEO tools, and built-in marketing features.
- Affordable Pricing – Great for small business owners on a budget.
- Best For – Service providers, freelancers, bloggers, and creative entrepreneurs.
2. WordPress + Bluehost – The Customizable Powerhouse
For those who want full control over their website with unlimited customization options, WordPress + Bluehost is the best choice. WordPress is the world’s most popular CMS (Content Management System), while Bluehost provides reliable and affordable hosting.
Why Choose WordPress + Bluehost?
- Full Customization – Access thousands of themes, plugins, and advanced features.
- SEO-Friendly – WordPress is built for search engine optimization, helping you rank higher on Google.
- Scalability – Whether you’re starting small or planning to grow, WordPress can handle it.
- E-Commerce Ready – With plugins like WooCommerce, you can turn your website into a powerful online store.
- Best For – Bloggers, service providers, digital marketers, and growing businesses.
3. Shopify – The Best for Selling Products Online
If your side hustle involves selling physical or digital products, Shopify is one of the best e-commerce platforms available. It’s a fully hosted solution, meaning you don’t have to worry about technical setup.
Why Choose Shopify?
- Built for E-Commerce – Everything you need to run an online store, from inventory to payment processing.
- Customizable Storefronts – Choose from high-converting, professional templates.
- Secure & Reliable – Shopify handles all security updates and site performance.
- Multi-Channel Selling – Sell on Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, and more from one dashboard.
- Best For – Entrepreneurs selling physical or digital products, dropshipping businesses, and growing e-commerce brands.
4. Etsy – Perfect for Handmade & Digital Products
For creators selling handmade goods, vintage items, or digital downloads, Etsy is a great marketplace to tap into an existing audience of millions of buyers.
Why Choose Etsy?
- Huge Customer Base – Millions of shoppers already browse Etsy for unique products.
- Easy to Start – No need to build a website—just create a shop and start selling.
- Low Upfront Costs – Pay small listing fees rather than a monthly subscription.
- SEO & Marketing Features – Built-in search features help your products get discovered.
- Best For – Handmade product sellers, artists, crafters, and printable/digital product creators.
5. Gumroad – The Best for Digital Downloads & Memberships
If you’re selling ebooks, courses, digital art, or memberships, Gumroad is a simple yet powerful platform designed for digital creators.
Why Choose Gumroad?
- Easy Digital Sales – Sell PDFs, courses, videos, music, and more without a complex setup.
- No Monthly Fees – Only pay a small commission when you make a sale.
- Built-In Audience – Gumroad helps creators get discovered through its marketplace.
- Subscription & Membership Options – Perfect for content creators looking to build recurring income.
- Best For – Writers, artists, educators, and anyone selling digital downloads.
Final Thoughts: Which Platform is Right for You?
Choosing the best website & e-commerce platform depends on your business model and goals. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
| Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| Wix/Squarespace | Easy-to-build websites for freelancers & service providers |
| WordPress + Bluehost | Highly customizable sites for bloggers & business owners |
| Shopify | Selling physical & digital products with full e-commerce features |
| Etsy | Selling handmade & vintage items with an existing marketplace audience |
| Gumroad | Selling digital downloads, memberships, & subscriptions |
No matter which platform you choose, investing in the right one will set you up for success and help grow your side hustle into a profitable business. 🚀💻
Ready to build your website? Choose the platform that fits your needs and start creating today!