Shopify vs. WooCommerce
Are you starting an online business and having trouble choosing a platform? Well, you are not alone. There are so many options out there, making it hard to decide which one is right for you. In this blog post, we will compare two eCommerce giants- Shopify vs. WooCommerce. Both platforms have their fans, and we will give you the facts and figures to help you make an informed decision.
Sales Figures
Let's take a look at the sales figures of the two platforms. According to BuildWith, Shopify is used by 1,578,978 live websites, whereas WooCommerce powers 3,930,497 websites worldwide. As of 2021, WooCommerce powers 43% of all eCommerce sites on the internet, while Shopify is responsible for 20% of all eCommerce sites.
It is important to note that Shopify is a dedicated eCommerce platform, while WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress.
Features
Both platforms offer an extensive range of features, with some differences. Shopify is a hosted platform, which means it offers everything you need to run an online store- hosting, domain, themes, and extensions.
On the other hand, WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress, which means you need to find hosting and domain separately. However, since it is a plugin, it is more customizable than Shopify. WooCommerce offers more flexibility when it comes to themes and allows custom coding.
One notable feature that Shopify offers, which WooCommerce does not, is abandoned cart recovery. This feature sends emails to customers reminding them of their abandoned cart and encouraging them to complete the purchase.
Pricing
Shopify's pricing starts at $29/month for the Basic Shopify plan, while WooCommerce itself is free. However, WooCommerce needs WordPress, which is not free. To launch a WooCommerce store, you need to pay for hosting, domain, and other extensions. Moreover, if you want more functionalities, you will need to pay for premium plugins.
Ease of use
Shopify is known for its ease of setup and use, even for those with no coding or technical expertise. It offers a drag-and-drop interface, making it simple to create an online store.
WooCommerce, on the other hand, requires WordPress installation before installing the plugin. It's not as beginner-friendly as Shopify. However, WooCommerce offers more flexibility and control over your store's look and feel.
Conclusion
Shopify and WooCommerce are two popular eCommerce platforms, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Shopify is best for those who want an easy-to-use platform, an all-in-one solution, and don't mind paying a bit more for it. WooCommerce is best for those who want more control over their store, have some technical expertise, and are on a tight budget.
Both platforms are excellent for businesses, and it all comes down to personal preference, needs, and budget. We hope that this comparison helps you make an informed decision.