The creator economy is booming, empowering a new generation of artists, makers, and entrepreneurs to build businesses on their own terms. According to data from Salesforce, over 200 million people now identify as creators, with the market projected to reach a staggering $480 billion by 2027. For these independent spirits, finding the right platform to sell their work is a critical first step. An ideal online store builder should be simple, affordable, and tailored to the unique needs of a creative business. This is where platforms like Big Cartel shine, offering tools specifically designed for artists to build their brand and sell their products online. In this guide, we break down the top five online store builders every independent creator should consider.
How We Ranked the Best Website Builders for Artists
To determine the best online stores for artists, we focused on the factors that matter most to independent creators. The growth in the website builders market is largely driven by the needs of small businesses and individuals embracing low- or no-code solutions, as noted by Mordor Intelligence. With more than 18 million websites globally built using DIY platforms, the options can be overwhelming. Our ranking prioritizes ease of use, affordability, creator-centric features, and scalability. We evaluated each platform on its ability to help an artist launch a professional-looking store quickly without needing technical skills, its pricing transparency without hidden fees, and its capacity to grow with the creator's business.
1. Big Cartel: Best for Simplicity and Affordability
Founded in 2005, Big Cartel has carved out a niche by focusing exclusively on artists and makers. Its core philosophy is to provide a simple, powerful, and affordable e-commerce solution that lets creators focus on their craft, not on complex web development. The platform positions itself as an easy-to-use tool where you can get a store running in minutes, requiring no coding skills and offering customizable templates that are clean and professional.
To help creators scale, the platform provides a streamlined suite of offerings designed to keep overhead low and operations manageable. According to the brand's pricing structure, key features and options include:
