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Want to start a new business or looking to expand your existing setup? The best thing is to plan an online store to make things happen. An eCommerce platform is the most convincing idea that works great for running your online business. Of course, the most interesting part of establishing a new brand is to choose the right platform. If you are to choose between Shopify and WooCommerce, first know the basics and differences of both.
Your research matters whenever you compare Shopify vs WooCommerce. Both are top sources for developing a website, especially when setting an online store. To use one, you probably ask your community members, friends, and colleagues about the differences. In case, you don’t find any support, the best is to search online. Always do your analysis and comparison after exploring various websites. The comparison is a must to get detailed information about these platforms.
For having a website, your business model matters along with products and services you wish to promote and sell online. Looking at the web development requirements, we’ll overview both Shopify and Woocommerce platforms. Which one do you choose for your website? The decision is yours!
A Brief Overview of Shopify and WooCommerce
Before comparing Shopify and WooCommerce, it’s better to look at the basics of both platforms one by one.
What is WooCommerce?
WooCommerce is one of the leading platforms used for developing online stores. It is an eCommerce tool launched in 2011 to facilitate people for promoting their products in quick time. It is one of the most popular CMS used for developing sites. Interestingly, it comes with custom features and friendly options that set up a perfect online store. As per the stats, it has been reported that more than 3.5 million websites have been built using WooCommerce.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a terrific web development platform specifically designed for creating online stores. It’s an open platform that brings a variety of features for different users. It was launched in 2004 and today it has crossed more than 1 million users around the world. Further, you have to consider monthly subscription plans and that’s troubling. Interestingly, you don’t need coding expertise to set up your website in the Shopify store.
Both WooCommerce and Shopify have some strengths and weaknesses that affect online selling and performance. Apart from the basics, let’s take a look at some advantages and disadvantages of both eCommerce platforms.
Advantages of Using Shopify
- Shopify is a user-friendly platform that is easy to use.
- It comes with better and stunning templates, even you can access thousands of apps with ease. It also helps you to extend your store and that’s a good option.
- It offers 24/7 customer support that comes with good hosting and amazing security plans.
- It’s a platform that comes with integration; even you don’t have to look for addons and extra plugins.
- Shopify is ideal for a dropshipping business.
- Pricing is smooth but follows a monthly plan.
- The platform quickly launches your store and takes few minutes.
- Few things go wrong in this online shopping platform.
Disadvantages of Shopify
- Shopify is expensive and you have to pay enough to establish an online store using this platform.
- It doesn’t offer enough customization options and doesn’t get complete control on Shopify.
- A monthly payment plan also irritates owners, as it gets higher with time.
Advantages of WooCommerce
- WooCommerce offers cheap hosting services and it has a strong affiliation with WordPress
- It brings amazing customization options that provide complete control.
- You can easily install it, as the platform is free and ideal for WordPress.
- The themes and plugins are endless; even anyone can do selling using this source.
Disadvantages of WooCommerce
- WooCommerce often causes technical problems that need technical expertise to solve.
- It is expensive when it comes to adding themes, plugins and buying hosting plans.
- Maintenance and backups are time-consuming that often cause issues when you are stuck.
Things to Look When Selecting an Ecommerce Platform
Choosing an eCommerce platform is not easy, especially when you have got two choices. However, eCommerce is a perfect platform for establishing an online store. You need to make a decision while selecting any specific platform for your website. Here are the things that you should follow to start a website when choosing.
Starting a Website
Starting has always been critical whenever it comes to selecting an eCommerce platform for making a store. If you are stuck at two choices, you have better do a comparison to find one. Let’s talk about Shopify and Woocommerce! Starting a website on WooCommerce is so easy, as it offers user-friendly features. Also, it is easier to run with reference to WordPress. You undergo easy maintenance with the use of wp-admin and that’s an achievement for a user.
On the other hand, if we look at Shopify, we also find it easy to use. Importantly, you don’t need to focus on technical expertise and skills to create a website. This specific benefit is only associated with Shopify and that’s what you need for developing a site as a professional, even it covers less risk and few things go wrong in Shopify.
Ease of Use
If you compare two platforms with regards to using, you may across so many interesting points regarding online shopping, customer feedback, order processing, and interaction with vendors at the same time. You always need an eCommerce platform to set up your online business. However, if you find it difficult to manage your online store, you plan to switch it because of unfriendly features and ease of use. Therefore, your online store must be easier to use. Thankfully, WooCommerce and Shopify are easy to operate.
Let’s talk about Shopify regarding ease of use. It is a subscription-based online tool that keeps you simple and least technical because of monthly payments. You hardly face technical things in Shopify and that’s great for beginners.
Shopify always guides users whenever they plan to sell any product. It asks you about the nature of a product and store before setting up things. It takes you to the dashboard as soon as you enter the admin panel to manage products and services. For this, you don’t need any coding skills to handle the website, as the process is simple and straightforward.
Whenever you add products, you don’t have to enter the maximum details about the name, image, and stock level, as everything works in a simple pattern and you don’t have to visit different areas. It allows you to sign up quickly, as soon as you create a store and you never experience any kind of interruption while using Shopify.
On the other side, WooCommerce is also easy to use. It is a simple WordPress platform that is not subscription-based like Shopify. In this particular platform, you need to buy a domain name and dedicated hosting server to run your store. Before you install WordPress, you have to sign up for an accurate hosting plan that never disappoints you. What comes next? The next is the successful installation of the WordPress theme.
To make your WordPress operational, you need to go through configuration settings and proper installation of plugins and extensions. Without selecting a WordPress hosting company, you can’t speed up your WooCommerce store operations.
If we talk about the design, it comes from a theme store that makes it a little tricky for developers. But with the installation of plugins, you can smoothen up the process no matter if it comes to shipping methods, payment gateways, and handling products.
Generally speaking, if we compare both eCommerce platforms, we feel confused while choosing the one. If we are to pick one, the ultimate selection would be Shopify. It comes with a simple signup button and easy operations that beginners can understand without any training. For running WooCommerce, there is a need for professional developers for coding.
Integration & Growth
It makes a tough call for a user to manage integration when setting up online stores. Make sure, you integrate email and marketing tools with your respective eCommerce platforms. Despite quick integration with social media and mail tools, your website growth also plays a vital role. You start an eCommerce business to find growth, so better select a platform that becomes your ultimate partner and offers you customization options and features that you comfortably manage.
Hosting Services
Whoever wants to start an eCommerce business must select a dedicated hosting server. The hosting has to be great and it matters a lot in establishing an online store. You want an accurate speed, storage, and other features in a hosting plan. Buy a domain that efficiently runs on your hosting plan and that’s how you meet your goals.
If we talk about Shopify, it runs on a server that gives you unlimited storage, SSL Certificate, and dedicated server with additional benefits. WooCommerce also brings exceptional hosting features including storage, speed, bandwidth, and SSL Certificate. You enjoy a lot of specifications on both platforms.
Extensions and Customization
If you are to compare two particular platforms while setting up an online store, you have got two supreme choices such as Woocommerce and Shopify. Both are perfect for creating products, importing files, payment process, product delivery, and discount options, etc. You can add extensions on both web sources using App Store options and that’s great for developers.
Further, if we talk about customization, we always find eCommerce platforms supportive of using custom options. WooCommerce seems to be the best for customizing your store, as it brings you the option of a theme store. The best is to open ThemeForest to find endless themes you access Envato Market. All you can see functional themes to match your business nature.
Payment Gateways
Whenever you make a plan to start eCommerce platforms, the first thing that comes to mind is the payment gateway. It is one of the most essential things to consider no matter if you select WooCommerce or Shopify. You need to integrate third-party payment gateways to continue the process. If we overview both, we find that Shopify payment is available in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States, etc.
To manage the payment process in other countries, there is a need for third-party integration. On the other hand, if we look at WooCommerce integrating system, it follows so many payment gateways such as PayPal and Stripe, etc.
Shipping Methods
Choosing an eCommerce platform for developing an online store is a real challenge for beginners. If you are new and want to establish your online business, you have to add a shipping method to your website. You can’t skip this vital step while setting up online services.
In this process, you need to measure the size and weight of the shipment whether you deliver goods at the local or international level. You can successfully add shipping costs by using an extension in Shopify, while you can add this method in WooCommerce using advanced functionality.
Search Engine Optimization
If you are curious about your business and looking for quick promotion, you can’t skip the search engine optimization factor while establishing an online store. If you don’t index your eCommerce websites, you fail to gain rankings on search engines. Your products won’t appear on SERPs, so better concentrate on SEO to boost sales.
If we look at both eCommerce sources, we find Woocommerce ideal for boosting search engine visibility where yo
u just need to add plugins to manage optimization. Yoast SEO seems to be the perfect option. On the other hand, Shopify also provides you an opportunity to rank your pages on search engines results.
The better is to follow a rich snippet strategy to rank your content and that’s ideal for improving the online presence of your business on Shopify. Besides using snippets, you have better create blog sections to generate visitors.
Marketing
How can you underestimate the marketing aspect while creating an online store? Marketing is a process of creating value for customers, so we need Shopify and WooCommerce to be online for promoting your business. The selection of one is difficult from a marketing point of view. An owner has to consider this point while starting a store.
How can you promote your online store? Of course, you would love to create emails and newsletters to draw the attention of visitors. Therefore, the option is available on both Shopify and WooCommerce platforms.
Pricing
Pricing is one of the most interesting factors to consider for developing an online store. If you are to choose between Shopify and WooCommerce, you can always compare pricing. The cost plays an essential role when you select an eCommerce platform for establishing your store.
WooCommerce store is free, but you need to pay for hosting, theme, domain name, SSL certificate, and for adding plugins. You can’t add themes for free. On the other hand, Shopify is more costly when we overview the pricing structure. The basic plan starts from $29 per month and that’s way expensive.
Design
A website is incomplete without design. You always need a user-friendly and responsive web design for your business. If you are up for establishing an online store, you always need a reliable and eye-catching design to inspire the audience. No one wants to choose a low quality and less attractive design, as it is everything for a visitor. A good design speaks about your strength and potential, so choose it wisely.
Let’s take a look at Shopify’s design! Shopify offers a huge design variety and covers more than 54 store templates. Some of the templates are free, while the majority of the themes are paid. Importantly, all the themes are colorful, attractive, and mobile responsive.
Shopify designs are ready-made and you don’t need a designer to create them. It doesn’t allow customization, but the minor custom settings are available for self-created designs. Overall, it is easy to make changes in the theme whether it comes to color and style.
On the other hand, WooCommerce is also a popular online platform that many people use these days. It is basically a plugin that experts create in WooThemes. The purpose is to flourish online setup by displaying products and services. WooCommerce works great for a number of reasons because of attractive themes available in the store. The themes are suitable for WordPress, so WooCommerce is the most recommended platform for building attractive designs.
You may also come across child themes while hunting for designs. The prices vary from design to design, whereas a child theme is available for $39, while a custom full theme goes up to $119 and more. ThemeForest is the best place to consider for searching designs. You can find amazing themes over there that look stupendous and mind-blowing. Indeed, you find unlimited adorable themes and this feature lacks in Shopify.
Features
The most essential part of starting an online store is to overview the features of the eCommerce platform. In this article, we have got you covered with Shopify vs WooCommerce differences. Both are key sources for creating an online store. So, you have no chance to skip the features of sources before selecting one. The pricing, design, and everything matters when you begin your website. Interestingly, both platforms cover app stores for installing new features and that’s a perfect feature. Here are the features of both in detail!
Shopify Features
Shopify is a popular platform used for creating online stores. Here are the important features that it offers to users!
- It offers unlimited storage and products on the display.
- It allows a user to create orders manually.
- It does fraud analysis amazingly and provides hassle-free integration to all users.
- The blogging option is terrific in Shopify that grabs the attention of readers.
- The discount code option is also available that brings more buyers.
- It comes with SSCL Certificate and that’s perfect for the safety of the website.
- It offers mobile-friendly features and good for optimization.
- It brings CSS and HTML editing options that facilitate users.
- It accepts credit card payment and that’s a good step.
- Shipping rates are flexible and you find relief in taxes.
- It facilitates users in multiple languages and that is really a supporting feature.
- The platform is ideal for Dropshipping services.
- It supports social media integration and ideal for Facebook and Instagram.
- The backup option is available which makes it a reliable platform for users.
- Good for mobile apps and importing CSV files
- It offers advanced plans and reporting facilities
WooCommerce Features
WooCommerce is ideal for WordPress designs and works along with the support of plugins and extensions. If we compare this platform to Shopify, we find it easier to handle. You can handle email marketing techniques efficiently in this platform with complete editing. Here are the major features of WooCommerce!
- It can add unlimited products and categories with ease.
- It is ideal for affiliate marketing, digital and physical products.
- The payment system follows PayPal and Stripe that is remarkable for users.
- It is also user-friendly, responsive, and mobile-friendly.
- It offers flexible shipping rates and adjustable taxes.
- It gives 100% control to users for accessing data.
- It comes with cool WordPress themes and a number of extensions to give you control.
- It also comes with a Facebook store extension and that is a unique feature.
Build Time
A lot of questions come to the mind of users whenever we talk about the buildup time of a website. How long does it take to establish an online store using eCommerce platforms? If you are planning to start an online business, nothing can beat eCommerce stores. Of course, you want complete control over your website, so the selection is quite tricky for designing a web page.
If we talk about Shopify vs WooCommerce, we find Shopify efficient and quick than WooCommerce. It is not much technical compared to WordPress, even you hardly need coding skills on this platform. It is the best choice for beginners and you always have a chance to live your website in a short time. It doesn’t waste your time, as you find theme stores available in one place.
If we overview WooCommerce, we find it a little technical than Shopify. You get an opportunity to enhance your creative skills on WooCommerce, as you enjoy custom control on HTML and theme that makes it time-consuming. To save time, you always need a fast hosting server. It is the reason many users prefer to choose Bluehost.
Generally speaking, Shopify is far better than WooCommerce when it comes to building an online store. It comes with built-in features and themes that you can use without any interruption. It makes Shopify a far better choice in 2021.
Conclusion
If we give our final thoughts about WooCommerce and Shopify, it will be quite difficult for us to choose one particular eCommerce platform for designing a site. Both sources have some merits and demerits that facilitate owners to a great extent. Those who like customization always go for WooCommerce, while those who like readymade options choose Shopify. Budget-wise, WooCommerce is better, as Shopify offers monthly subscriptions to users that change their minds when they plan for an eCommerce business.
A user doesn’t have to be technical when using Shopify, as it offers basic sign-up options after you choose subscription plans, whereas WooCommerce requires creative skills and coding at the same time. Shopify covers more features and takes less time to develop a store. It works faster and efficiently from all perspectives. The only drawback is the limited custom options and costly features that become a worrisome factor for users.
