WooCommerce powers 6.6 million websites globally, and Shopify is not far behind, with over 4.4 million ecommerce stores using their platform. However, these products each have slightly different strengths, and web developers need to understand these in order to choose the best option for a business’ ecommerce needs.
We’ve broken down Shopify and WooCommerce customisation options, plugin integrations, and cost-effectiveness to provide an in-depth overview of the two.
Shopify
Shopify is designed for users with little to no technical knowledge, so web developers will find it incredibly easy to use the drag-and-drop builder to set up and manage an online store. The platform features built-in hosting and streamlined onboarding processes, making set-up and launch quick and seamless.
Shopify offers a variety of professionally designed themes, both free and paid, that are mobile-responsive and easily customisable using the theme editor. While customisation of the core platform is limited compared to WooCommerce, the Shopify App Store has numerous apps that can extend functionality without coding. The Store also has thousands of apps for enhancing store functionality, including marketing, shipping, and inventory management.
Integrations with major tools and services, such as Mailchimp, Google Analytics, and social media platforms, are readily available and easy to configure.
Shopify offers tiered pricing plans with predictable monthly fees, starting from $39/month. All plans include hosting, SSL certificates, PCI compliance, and basic e-commerce features.
While Shopify charges transaction fees (unless using Shopify Payments), the overall cost includes support and security, which can be cost-effective for many businesses.
Additionally, the platform provides round-the-clock customer support via chat, email, and phone.
WooCommerce
As a WordPress plugin, WooCommerce provides complete control over an online store’s design and functionality. This allows developers to modify every aspect of the store, from themes to plugins and custom code.
A wide range of free and premium themes and plugins are available, providing extensive customisation possibilities for forms, SEO, analytics, marketing, and other functions. Developers can also create custom plugins or modify existing ones to fit specific business needs.
WooCommerce itself is free, making it an attractive option for small businesses and startups. However, while the core plugin is free, costs can vary based on the themes, hosting, premium plugins, and development services. This allows for flexible budgeting but can become costly with extensive customisation and premium features that facilitate scaling.
WooCommerce doesn’t charge transaction fees beyond those imposed by the chosen payment gateway, potentially reducing costs for high-volume stores.
Unlike Shopify, WooCommerce does not offer 24/7 support. However, it has a large and active community of developers, forums, and extensive documentation that provide valuable information for developers looking to customise and extend its functionality.
Making The Right Choice
Shopify is ideal for businesses seeking a straightforward, all-in-one solution with minimal setup and technical knowledge. Its ease of use, reliable support, and predictable costs make it a great choice for small to medium-sized businesses and those looking to scale quickly without managing server infrastructure.
In contrast, WooCommerce is better suited to businesses that need extensive customisation and flexibility. It’s a perfect fit for developers already familiar with WordPress, allowing for tailored solutions that can grow with the business. Although it may require more initial setup and ongoing management, it allows for greater control over every aspect of the e-commerce experience.
