WooCommerce vs Shopify: which is best?

There are thousands of businesses out there who sell their products online via an ecommerce website. But the question is, which ecommerce platform is better – WooCommerce vs Shopify?

Ecommerce websites essentially serve as digital storefronts for businesses to sell their products online. 

In today’s world, online stores are absolutely vital for most B2C and D2C businesses as online shopping has soared in recent years. It means we’re able to quickly browse, purchase, and receive goods at the click of a button.

There are so many industries that benefit from selling online, with the top ecommerce products/services in the UK being fashion, electronics, toys, beauty, furniture and food (to name a few).

So if you need an online store, should you use WooCommerce or Shopify for your ecommerce website? Let’s take a look at what each platform offers so you can decide which is best for your business.

WooCommerce vs Shopify

There are a few platforms businesses use to host ecommerce websites. However the two leading platforms are without a doubt WooCommerce and Shopify. They’ve both even been listed as the best ecommerce platform by Forbes.

What is WooCommerce?

Let’s discuss what WooCommerce is and why it might be the best option for you.

You’re probably familiar with the content management system (CMS) WordPress. It’s the world’s most popular CMS as it allows users to easily create and manage their website.

Well the good thing about WordPress is that it allows for various themes and plugins for customisation, which ties in nicely with WooCommerce.

WooCommerce is essentially a plugin for WordPress and it is perfect for users who manage a WordPress website as it can seamlessly integrate with this.

As a WooCommerce agency, our team of WooCommerce developers have all the experience and expertise needed to create high-performing websites with this plugin.

Benefits of WooCommerce

Let’s get into the benefits of WooCommerce.

• Seamless integration with WordPress websites.
• Highly customisable with a wide range of themes and plugins.
• Flexible product management for both physical and digital products.
• Support for subscription services, allowing businesses to generate recurring revenue.
• Extensive analytics for tracking sales performance and customer behaviour.
• Suitable for businesses of all sizes.
• Cost-effective (a free plugin with optional paid extensions for additional features).

What is Shopify?

On the other hand, Shopify offers an all-in-one e-commerce platform that makes the process of setting up and managing online stores super simple.

Shopify is known for its user-friendly features and is a popular choice for many businesses. It’s recommended for businesses of all sizes, big or small, to create professional-looking online stores (without the need for extensive technical expertise which is always a bonus). Learn more about Shopify UK.

As a leading Shopify agency, our team of experts have all the experience and expertise needed to create high-performing Shopify websites.

Let’s get into the benefits of Shopify.

Benefits of Shopify:

• All-in-one ecommerce platform with hosting included (eliminates the need for separate hosting services).
• Drag-and-drop interface for easy store setup and customisation.
• Professionally designed storefront templates for the perfect appearance.
• Secure payment processing with support for multiple payment gateways.
• Built-in marketing tools (including SEO optimisation and email marketing).
• Extensive app store offering additional features and integrations to enhance store functionality.
• Automatic software updates and maintenance, reducing the burden on store owners.

Shopify and WooCommerce each have their benefits. If you’re still unsure which is best for you, we’ve broken the differences down for you.

Differences between WooCommerce and Shopify:

Let’s take a look at the key differences between the two ecommerce platforms.

So let’s have a little recap. We’ve put a list together so you can see the key differences between WooCommerce and Shopify.

• WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress, while Shopify is a standalone ecommerce platform.
• WooCommerce offers great flexibility and customisation options due to its integration with WordPress, while Shopify provides a more streamlined, all-in-one solution.
• WooCommerce requires users to handle their own hosting, whereas Shopify includes hosting as part of its package.
• Shopify is a subscription-based service with monthly fees, while WooCommerce is free to use (with additional costs associated with paid extensions and hosting).
• WooCommerce is ideal for businesses already using WordPress or seeking a highly customisable solution, while Shopify is suitable for users looking for an easy-to-use, all-inclusive e-commerce platform.
  

So which is best for your business? 

Well if you already have a WordPress website and would like more control over your online store, then WooCommerce might be best for you. Although if you’re new to this, be aware that you might need to do some homework for getting the most out of it. Not to mention the additional costs for getting the best results for your business.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a platform that’s simple to set up, easier to use and has everything all in one place, then you might prefer Shopify. But be mindful that you’ll be charged with a monthly fee (costs dependant on which plan you opt for).

Whether you decide to choose either of these platforms, it’s important to note that some learning will be required to know how to use them effectively. After all, you’re going to want the best for your business.

At PAGE Creative, our team of expert web designers and developers have experience with both ecommerce platforms. So if you need any assistance, whether you need help launching a new website or updating an existing one, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help!