How to Build an Inexpensive Ecommerce Website That Sells

These tools help create a robust cheap ecommerce website that still feels premium to customers.

Step 7: Marketing Your Inexpensive Ecommerce Website

Building your store is only half the battle. Now you need traffic. Luckily, marketing can be affordable too.

Free and Budget-Friendly Promotion Ideas:

• Social Media Marketing: Use Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to promote products.

• Email Marketing: Use Mailchimp’s free plan to nurture leads.

• SEO Blog Posts: Write content answering questions like “What is the cheapest ecommerce website?” or “How to build a cost effective ecommerce store?”

• Influencer Outreach: Partner with micro-influencers on product exchanges.

Organic marketing is essential when building a best free web store that’s competitive on a budget.

Step 8: Accepting Payments Without Extra Fees

You don’t need a merchant account to accept payments. Use built-in payment gateways with:

• Stripe

• PayPal

• Square

• Apple Pay

Most cheap ecommerce website builders include integrations with these tools. Look for platforms that don’t add extra transaction fees—Square Online is excellent in this regard.

Step 9: Optimize for Mobile

Over 60% of eCommerce traffic comes from mobile. Your affordable ecommerce website must:

• Load fast

• Have tap-friendly buttons

• Be responsive across devices

Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to verify your site’s performance.

Step 10: Track & Improve Your Store

Use tools like:

• Google Analytics: Monitor traffic and behavior

• Hotjar: See where users click and scroll

• Facebook Pixel: Track ad performance

Even if you’re using the cheapest ecommerce website builder, data-driven decisions help grow your sales.

Bonus: Hidden Costs to Avoid

Watch out for these common hidden costs that can defeat the purpose of an inexpensive ecommerce website:

• High transaction fees (especially on free plans)

• Overpriced add-ons

• Unnecessary upgrades before you’re ready

• Paying for premium themes upfront

Stick to a clear budget and only invest in tools that show ROI.

1. What is the best way to build an inexpensive ecommerce website?

The best way to build an inexpensive ecommerce website is to combine affordable tools with smart planning. Start by choosing a platform that either offers a free plan or a very low-cost entry-level option—like Square Online, WooCommerce with low-cost hosting, or Big Cartel.

Then follow these steps:

• Use a cheap ecommerce website builder with free templates.

• Register a domain name through budget-friendly registrars like Namecheap.

• Choose free or open-source plugins and SEO tools.

• Rely on organic marketing (content, social media) to drive traffic.

By keeping overhead low and using scalable solutions, you can launch an affordable ecommerce website without sacrificing quality or future growth potential.

2. Which platform is the cheapest ecommerce platform for beginners?

When it comes to the cheapest ecommerce platform for beginners, Square Online stands out. It offers a free ecommerce plan where you only pay transaction fees, making it ideal for those launching a store on a tight budget.

Other contenders include:

• Big Cartel: Free for up to 5 products.

• WooCommerce: Free plugin, but you’ll need low-cost hosting (~$3/month).

• Ecwid: Has a free plan for small inventories.

All of these can be the foundation for an inexpensive ecommerce website, especially if paired with free marketing tools and design templates.

3. Can I build a cheap ecommerce website without hiring a developer?

Absolutely! Thanks to modern cheap ecommerce website builders like Wix, Weebly, and Shopify, you can create a functional, well-designed low cost ecommerce website without writing any code or hiring a developer.

These builders offer:

• Drag-and-drop interfaces

• Pre-designed themes

• Built-in SEO tools

• Easy integrations for payments and shipping

This makes it possible for solo entrepreneurs to create a cost effective ecommerce store by themselves, saving thousands on development costs.

4. How much does it cost to run an affordable ecommerce website monthly?

Running an affordable ecommerce website can cost as little as $0/month if you choose a free plan (like Square Online or Big Cartel) and only pay transaction fees.

Typical monthly cost ranges:

• Domain: $1–$2/month (billed yearly)

• Hosting (if using WooCommerce): $2–$10/month

• Platform plan: $0–$30/month

• Email marketing tools: Free up to a certain number of subscribers

You can realistically maintain a cheap ecommerce website for under $15/month, especially in the early stages.

5. Are free ecommerce site builders really worth it?

Yes, the best free ecommerce site builder options are worth it for testing ideas, selling limited products, or starting a business with zero capital.

Top free options:

• Square Online: Full ecommerce site, no monthly fees

• Big Cartel: Ideal for creatives with small inventories

• Ecwid: Perfect to add a shop to an existing blog or site

However, you’ll eventually want to upgrade for more customization, analytics, and growth features. A free plan is a great way to validate your idea before investing more.

6. Can I use a cheap ecommerce website to sell digital products?

Yes! An inexpensive ecommerce website can absolutely be used to sell digital products like eBooks, music, templates, or courses.

Look for platforms that allow:

• Digital product listings

• Instant file delivery

• Secure payment processing

WooCommerce, Shopify, and Payhip are great for digital products and support affordable setups. Just be sure your platform can handle storage, download links, and customer access.

7. What features should a low cost ecommerce website include?

Even the most cost effective ecommerce store should include:

• Secure checkout

• Mobile-responsive design

• Inventory tracking

• Payment gateway integration

• Basic SEO tools

• Order confirmation emails

• Contact/support pages

These core features ensure your cheap ecommerce website still delivers a professional, trustworthy experience to shoppers.

8. Is WooCommerce a good choice for an inexpensive ecommerce website?

Yes, WooCommerce is one of the most popular and powerful ways to build an inexpensive ecommerce website—especially for those familiar with WordPress.

Why it’s budget-friendly:

• The plugin is free.

• Hosting starts at ~$3/month.

• Tons of free themes and plugins.

• Full ownership and no platform fees.

With the right setup, WooCommerce can be the backbone of a low cost ecommerce website that scales with your business.

9. How do I get traffic to a cheap ecommerce website without paying for ads?

There are many free methods to drive traffic to your affordable ecommerce website, including:

• SEO blog posts targeting long-tail keywords.

• Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

• Email campaigns using tools like Mailchimp’s free plan.

• Joining niche forums or Facebook groups related to your products.

• Collaborating with micro-influencers for product reviews.

Focusing on organic strategies helps keep your inexpensive ecommerce website budget-friendly while still growing traffic.

10. What’s the difference between a cheap ecommerce website and an unreliable one?

A cheap ecommerce website uses affordable tools smartly without compromising quality. An unreliable website often lacks:

• Secure checkout (SSL)

• Mobile responsiveness

• Proper domain name

• Branding and trust signals

Choosing a cheap ecommerce website builder with a strong reputation ensures your low-cost solution still delivers a great experience.

11. Can I scale my business later if I start with a best free web store?

Absolutely. Many successful brands began with a best free web store and upgraded as they grew.

Here’s how to scale:

• Start on Square Online or Big Cartel’s free plan.

• Add product reviews, upsells, and email flows using free tools.

• Move to Shopify or WooCommerce as traffic and sales increase.

• Invest in paid ads, advanced SEO, and automation tools over time.

Your inexpensive ecommerce website is just the first step in a long-term strategy.

12. What is the cheapest ecommerce website for selling physical products?

If you’re selling physical products and need a cheap ecommerce website, start with:

• Square Online (free, great for beginners)

• Big Cartel (simple stores)

• Ecwid (plug into your existing site)

These platforms support inventory tracking, shipping settings, and secure payments—everything you need for a low cost ecommerce website setup.

13. How do I choose a domain name for my inexpensive ecommerce website?

Tips for choosing a domain:

• Keep it short, brandable, and relevant.

• Use .com when possible.

• Check availability on Namecheap or Google Domains.

• Avoid numbers and hyphens.

You can often find a strong domain name for $10–$15/year, which is a small investment toward a successful cost effective ecommerce site.

14. Do I need a business license to run a cheap ecommerce website?

In most U.S. states, yes. You’ll likely need:

• A business license (check your local city/state).

• A sales tax permit (if you’re selling taxable goods).

• A business bank account (optional but recommended).

Setting up these basics legitimizes your affordable ecommerce website and protects you legally.

15. What are the most common mistakes people make with inexpensive ecommerce websites?

Common pitfalls include:

• Using a weak or irrelevant domain name

• Choosing free platforms with limited growth potential

• Neglecting mobile optimization

• Skipping branding and trust elements

• Not optimizing product listings for SEO

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your cheap ecommerce website doesn’t look or feel cheap to the customer.

Final Thoughts: Your Roadmap to an Inexpensive Ecommerce Website

Creating a professional, high-converting online store doesn’t require a massive budget. With today’s tools, building an inexpensive ecommerce website is entirely within reach—even if you’re starting from zero.

✅ Choose a cheap ecommerce website builder like Square, Big Cartel, or WooCommerce.
✅ Focus on essential features first—then grow as revenue allows.
✅ Invest in free marketing tactics like SEO and social media.
✅ Don’t compromise on quality—just optimize smarter.

If your goal is a cost effective ecommerce presence, use this guide to build confidently and affordably. With consistency, creativity, and a little hustle, your affordable ecommerce website can grow into a full-blown digital storefront.