Do you know that eCommerce sales are reaching $4.28 trillion? If you want to launch an online store, this is the perfect time to do that. However, trying to choose between the top eCommerce platforms like Shopify or Woocommerce is not always the easiest.
For that very reason, we have created this article Shopify vs. Woocommerce. This article will be your guide to comparing these popular platforms. These platforms do have some significant differences.
Over here, we will help you understand whether Shopify is your perfect eCommerce partner or WooCommerce is a perfect eCommerce partner. So sit tight because you are going to learn about how easy it is to use these platforms, the features they offer, and their prices.
Here we come! WooCommerce vs. Shopify: Is There a Clear Winner? Which is the best eCommerce platform? WooCommerce vs. Shopify
Table of Contents
Shopify’s eCommerce Approach:
Tobias Lütke and Scott Lake created Shopify in 2006. They founded this complete eCommerce solution after developing an online store for snowboarding equipment. They were not impressed by the existing eCommerce platforms, so they decided to build one of their kind.
As Shopify provides you with a hosted solution for eCommerce stores, marketers do not have to understand in-depth the technical side of running an online store. Technically, Shopify has everything you need to start an online store and start receiving payments. Shopify greatly simplifies every potential need of a business owner within minutes.
All these advantages make Shopify desirable for anyone who wants to open an eCommerce store fast. Also, if you want to control every aspect of your online shop, in such scenarios, Shopify can be a really good choice for you.
Woocommerce Ecommerce Approach:
Woocommerce, on the other hand, is an open-source plugin. That you have to add to the content management system (CMS) of WordPress. Initially, a WordPress theme developer, WooTheme, created it, and eventually, in 2015, it was acquired by Automattic.
If you are a WordPress user, you can activate the WooCommerce plugin just like any other plugin on WordPress. But if you are not a WordPress user, then first you need to adopt WordPress as your CMS, create a website, and then think about using the Woocommerce plugin.
Secondly, unlike Shopify, you need to invest in eCommerce hosting. It is completely possible to run Woocommerce on an in-house server, but many store owners prefer purchasing separate web hosting packages. Investing in the right form of web hosting package is vital as it can lighten the workload and take care of a significant number of technical tasks.
WooCommerce might indeed feel a little bit complicated to set up and run. At the same time, it gives an increased sense of control over every aspect of the store. This makes the platform perfect for more technical users who have specific goals in mind for their online store.
What Is WooCommerce vs Shopify market share?
Well, it is completely not wise to pick a platform solely basing the decision on the popularity of the platform. But it is good to engage yourself to compare the biggest eCommerce platforms( Woocommerce and Shopify) and find out how people use these platforms.
Out of the top one million websites, 27% of them use Woocommerce and 21% of them use Shopify to power their eCommerce store.
Sites that have higher authority and are more popular use Woocommerce. However, every eCommerce store can grow a lot using both of these platforms.
Following the other statistics to understand the market reach of the eCommerce platform better. You need to know that WooCommerce is used on over five million live websites and Shopify is used on over three million live websites.
Whereas if you look at the google trends records, you will find that Shopify has attracted more search interest in comparison to Woocommerce. In 2020 interestingly Shopify experienced a spike in its search interest.
So to sum it up you have to take note of the fact that in 2020 Shopify experienced a significant amount of surge in its search interest. Woocommerce is tied to the most popular CMS as 7% of all the eCommerce websites use Woocommerces and 40% of the sites also use Woocommerce.
When you consider statistics, Wooocommerce performs well. If you are one of the million users of WordPress, then wanting to choose Woocommerce becomes the immediate option.
Features of Woocommerce compared to Shopify:
Both of these eCommerce platforms have amazing features. Here are the features of Shopify vs WooCommerce 2022 charted. To help you decide to choose the right eCommerce platform for your business.
Difference between Woocommerce vs Shopify
Woocommerce and Shopify have some similarities, but at the same time, they also have their strengths and weaknesses. The best way to explore the differences between the two platforms is by comparing their pros and cons. Woocommerce vs Shopify!!!
First, let us check out what Pros and Cons Shopify has to offer!
ShopifyPros 👍
-They clearly know how much you need to pay every month, and their prices are fair and affordable.
-Shopify has access to thousands of other applications, which will help you expand your business exponentially.
-The themes they offer are beautiful, and they are available in plenty.
-Shopify will take care of a significant amount of work that ranges from hosting to security.
-If you are using Shopify, then it will only take a few minutes to launch a store.
-Shopify Dropshipping is very simple.
-The support Shopify provides is one of the best in the business.
Shopify Cons 👎
-When you are using Shopify, you won’t have much control over your site.
-If you want to customize according to your own will, then other platforms are better.
-If you make a monthly payment, then the payment is eventually going to get higher.
Now let us find out what pros and cons WooCommerce has to offer!
WooCommerce Pros 👍
-WooCommerce will provide you with the opportunity to control and customize everything.
-WordPress provides a humongous community online.
-There are unlimited plugins and themes as anyone can make and sell them in today’s time.
-If you have an existing WordPress account, then Woocommerce is very easy to configure.
-Lastly, the most significant “pro” is that the Woocommerce plugin is free.
WooCommerce Cons 👎
-To understand WordPress, you need to invest a significant amount of time and energy, it has a learning curve.
-Woocommerce can turn out to be more expensive as the user has to pay for hosting, plugins and themes.
-With Woocommerce, a good amount of work needs to be done, as you have to take care of security for hosting.
Conclusion
Luckily there has been a rise in eCommerce platforms which has simplified the process of creating online stores like never before. But, sometimes having too many options may feel overwhelming and you might feel torn between Shopify and Woocommerce trying to make a choice. For that reason here is a quick recap for you that will help you to make up your mind.
WooCommerce: One plugin and your existing WordPress website can be converted into a powerful eCommerce website. If you choose Woocommerce there will be vast options of themes, plugins, and extensions giving you complete power of control over your online host. All you need to do is choose a credible host for your online store, that will let your online store work smoothly.
Shopify: If you are thinking of launching your online store quickly. Then you must choose Shopify as its platform has combined powerful eCommerce features that eventually help in the smooth setup of the store. There is no need to learn the technical side of building a store. But if you own the store, you have to pay a little commission for every sale you make with the help of the Shopify platform.
FAQs
Should I switch from Woocommerce to Shopify?
Switching or not switching depends upon a lot of factors. First, let us focus on how you can use the switching of your platform to your benefit.
-When you launch a new store, provide multiple offers and discounts. With the availability of offers and discounts, even the most reluctant customers will be intrigued to explore the store and make a purchase.
-The visitors to your store should be able to differentiate your store from the competitors. An original intuitive design will determine your store and promote the new style.
-Announce the launch of your website on every social media platform, a newsletter with banners, advertisements, and every other mode where you can reach out to your target audience and explain the most attractive features of your new store layout.
Now let us look at the kind of precautions you need before switching Woocommerce to Shopify. Once you are done with making the tough decision that is switching platforms, there are other essential things to think about. They are as follows:
-Consider the importance of the security of your customers and stores.
-Take the help of professionals while switching from one platform to another.
-Make a backup for all the information you have.
Lastly, when you are planning to switch from Woocommerce to Shopify, consider how many benefits it will bring you in the long run. For example, if you greatly enjoy the freedom and liberty of customization in Woocommerce, in such a scenario switching platforms may not be the most appropriate decision for you. But, if you aim to reduce the issues related to the creation, installation of plugins, and other tasks needed to run an online store in such scenarios, Shopify is the best option.
Is Shopify or WooCommerce better for SEO?
If you have just started a startup or you are planning to start a startup, then Shopify will be the perfect choice for you. It is simple and very user-friendly, so everyone can use it. But, if you are planning to use more specific SEO options for websites then Woocommerce is a better option for you. As SEO-specific options are available as plugins in WordPress, these plugins are very useful in optimizing content. If you are planning to launch a large-scale store and want to take full advantage of SEO utilizing Woocommerce is better.
Is it better to use Shopify or WooCommerce?
As you almost completed the article now, by this time you must have realized that both the platforms have different solutions for the eCommerce stores. And while trying to decide which one will be best for you will depend upon personal preferences, or depends upon where you see your store in the coming years.
For most of the eCommerce websites which are available on the internet, Woocommerce takes the lead, only in the lifestyle line of business does Shopify takes the lead.
If you are a retailer, you might be looking forward to more flexibility, control over the website, and the power and possibility to customize everything down to the last detail. Then you should opt for Woocommerce.
But, if you want support 24X7 and they will help you out in case of any issue. Shopify is your platform. Shopify will also provide you security and they will also provide you with all one package where you can upload your product, and feel secure knowing that there is a security team taking care of all the problems.