Note: This is a guest post by Brandon David, founder of Website Builder Insider.

Many of today’s leading website builders have an image problem. Many companies don’t believe that they should be used for serious business purposes because they are too basic and commonplace.

This belief is misguided, however, and more and more large firms are using website builders specifically because they are so convenient. 

Furthermore, as we are about to demonstrate, website builders can be used to create websites that are unique, practical, and extremely powerful.

Listed below are ten famous brands that used the Shopify website builder to create their online store. They serve as a testament to the quality of the platform and the professionalism it can help even the most prestigious brands attain.

1. WWF

The World Wildlife Fund is one of the most important non-profit organizations in the world today. The company helps educate the public about the biggest problems facing different ecosystems and the animals that live within them, in addition to making incredible and meaningful conservation efforts.

This massive effort comes at a steep cost and in addition to traditional fundraising, the WWF operates a Shopify-based online store on which they sell products whose net proceeds go straight to their conservation efforts.

2. Budweiser

Budweiser is one of the most popular beer brands in the United States, so when they decided to create an online store with merchandise featuring their iconic name and logo, it meant a lot that they chose Shopify to serve as their website building platform.

Whether you want to display you beer preference to the world on a sweater, decorate your christmas tree with a Budweiser ornament, or simply keep your beer ice cold with a sweater coolie, you can do so with the products found in the Budweiser Shopify store.

3. The Economist

News as we know it is changing and, in many cases, not for the better. Thankfully, there are publications like The Economist that have kept to their founding mission to maintain professional journalism despite popular waves of sensationalist coverage of current events.

 

Their online store features back issues of The Economist magazine, books, diaries, gifts, and even apparel, all on a Shopify template that is both unassuming and which matches the overall look of the main news site.

4. Tesla

When Elon Musk set out to change the world, people not only doubted him, they thought he was crazy. Fast forward a few years, and Musk is getting the last laugh as the head of three companies that are changing the world: SpaceX, SolarCity, and Tesla. 

Although you can’t buy a car in their online store, the Tesla Gear shop has everything you could want to complement your new electric vehicle, including charging cables, floor mats, and car covers, all contained within a simple website platform. Those wanting to show their love for the unique brand can even buy apparel emblazoned with the now-iconic Tesla logo.

5. Red Bull

When Red Bull was first released to the market, nobody could have expected the popular drink to reach the levels that it has attained. Now considered to be a lifestyle brand, Red Bull is much more than just a beverage.

The Red Bull online shop sells everything from apparel, to sunglasses, and even earplugs! The only thing that’s missing is the beverage… And of course the wings!

6. Wikipedia

According to Wikipedia, the total gross merchandise volume on Shopify exceeds $34 billion dollars. That’s a lot of money, and, believe it or not, a small portion of that comes from sales made through the Wikipedia store.

You can show your support for the indispensible online resource by purchasing one of their many stylish t-shirts, notebooks, stickers, lapel pins, and more. The best part is that 100% of the proceeds from the store go to the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit that keeps Wikipedia online for free.

7. Zagat

You probably know Zagat as a trusted resource for restaurant reviews in the United States, but did you know that the company was acquired by Google in September 2011? Now an integral part of the Google algorithm, users can view Zagat reviews directly on the Google search engine results page.

Although their Shopify store is somewhat sparse, it provides Zagat-rated business owners with the opportunity to order official plaques, certificates, and replacement window decals to display their meritorious achievement to the world. It also proves that Shopify can handle any kind of store, no matter how big or small.

8. Los Angeles Lakers

Sports apparel is a multi-billion-dollar market, especially for teams as beloved as the Los Angeles Lakers. The official team shop online offers fans everything they need to display their favorite team’s logo and colors, in addition to accessories, collectibles, and memorabilia.  

Using the Shopify website builder, the Lakers have successfully created a thriving marketplace that is easy to manage and runs smoothly even during playoff season.

9. Herschel

Known for their funky designs and famous backpack decal, Herschel is an apparel brand that truly sells it all. From jackets to backpacks, headwear, wallets, and accessories, you can dress head-to-toe in Herschel designs. 

With so many different categories comes a mind-blowing number of SKUs. Thankfully, their site is built on Shopify, which makes handling even lots of different item sizes and colors a breeze. All this while creating a damn good shopping experience.

10. WaterAid

One of the biggest crises facing the world is a global water shortage -- especially in poorer regions that need it most. Thankfully, there are organizations like WaterAid, which transforms communities by improving access to safe and sanitary water. 

Customers can make a donation to the company directly through their online store. Instead of simple monetary contributions, however, each sum is given a practical value. For example, a £28 donation will train a hand pump technician and £50 will build a double latrine. Now that’s a cause we can get behind! 

These ten brands are proof that not only can a ‘simple’ website builder support some major names, they can even help change the world! 

 

About the Author

Brandon David is the founder of Website Builder Insider. Although he didn’t receive any formal training, he has dedicated most of his time to becoming an authority on everything web related. When not online, Brandon is most likely eating, sleeping, or doing something else to maintain his unhealthy addiction to the internet.