Instant Site is a code-free website builder that comes with every Lightspeed eCom (E-Series) account. It enables you to create a unique and strong online presence, whether you're an experienced business owner or a first-time entrepreneur.

Lightspeed eCom sitebuilder includes professionally designed layouts and content and an array of user-friendly tools and features that help you build and edit your website. There are a variety of ways to customize your site: choosing a site theme, adding brand content, contact information, customer reviews, changing product appearance, and more.

In this guide, you will find an overview of key Lightspeed eCom sitebuilder features and benefits. 

Ways to use Lightspeed eCom sitebuilder

Lightspeed eCom sitebuilder is versatile when it comes to building a website. Here are some ideas on what you can create with the site builder:

• Site with an online store. When you connect Retail POS (X-Series) to Lightspeed eCom, you can choose to activate a full-featured Ecommerce website that lets you sell products online.
• Online catalog. Your eCom site can be your online catalog where your products are displayed but not offered for purchase. All you have to do is start off with eCom without Ecommerce or disable checkout in an existing eCom online store, and then share the link to your online catalog with customers. 
• Landing page. You can create a standalone page to advertise an event, collect new customers, or make an announcement. In addition to that, you can showcase one or just a few products from your catalog, with or without selling them online.
• Branded website without e-commerce. If you are still working on your online catalog setup or running a seasonal business, you can hide the online catalog/store section from your website. That way, you’ll get a plain site, your brand is exposed, and the site is getting indexed. You can always add online catalog/store in just a few clicks.

Appealing customizable themes

To help you create a beautiful and professional website, Lightspeed eCom sitebuilder (Instant Site) provides you with an extensive collection of ready-made themes organized by business niches. Crafted by professional designers, each theme ensures a visually appealing structure, style, and typography. All you have to do is personalize the site content to express your brand style and tell your story.

Customizable content sections

Lightspeed eCom sitebuilder (Instant Site) offers dedicated sections tailored to various goals. For example, you can add a section with sliders to showcase your bestsellers, a section with video to better introduce your brand, customer reviews to provide social proof, and so on. You can add sections to your site and then edit its content. 

Whether your focus is storytelling or marketing, you will find the right section for it in the comprehensive eCom site sections library. 

Built-in product catalog and online store

Each theme you choose to build your site contains an online catalog section. This is the entrance to your eCom storefront. The section contains your featured products, and you can choose what products to show. Depending on your choice, your eCom site can also have a checkout so customers can purchase products online.

By default, the online catalog/store section appears on the homepage, but you can show it on any other page of your website or even hide it so that you have a site without showcasing or selling products.

SEO-friendly

Your eCom site is naturally indexed by Google and other search engines, ensuring that customers can discover your website while searching online. 

Instant Site also provides you with ways to further optimize your site for search engines.

Simple domain selection

You get a free eCom domain for your site in the form of mysite123.company.site, where you can change the “mysite123” part. For example, you can name your site torontobikes.company.site. It's a great way to kickstart your online presence.

To personalize your web address to reflect your brand, you can assign a custom domain. A custom domain gives your website a professional touch and helps you stand out.

Multilingual website

Lightspeed eCom sitebuilder allows you to create a multilingual site by translating its sections into one or several languages. Once you add and publish translations, your site will get a language switcher, and visitors will be able to select in which language to browse your site. That way, you don’t need to purchase an additional domain for a second language or connect a subdomain.

A multilingual website makes it easy for you to start selling to foreign markets, or just run business in a multilingual country.

Full mobile experience

As more and more people browse and shop through their mobiles, it's crucial to have a website that looks amazing on any device. Instant Site has responsive design and works equally well across mobiles, tablets, and widescreens.

You also have an option to choose how specific site sections should look on small screens.

Access to dozens of apps

While Lightspeed eCom sitebuilder provides you with all the tools for creating your website, you may want to add a little extra functionality to it. For example, if you want to show multiple subcategories in the site header, or add a popup with specific content. In that case, explore the Lightspeed eCom App Market where you'll find apps to enhance your site and perform specific tasks.