Are you interested in starting an online store, keep on reading to decide if you should go with WooCommerce or if you are someone who will get my use out of Shopify?
WooCommerce:
WooCommerce is a free extension or plug-in that you can add to your website to turn it into an online store. You are able to sell just about anything from simple products, and customizable items, to downloadable items. The opportunities are endless. WooCommerce is also extremely customizable, you are able to change/tweak so many different aspects of the site to match the exact aesthetic you are going for. Having this customizational freedom, you are also able to connect with customers on a much deeper level, by providing exactly what they are looking for. You will also be able to provide an easy journey as they are shopping through your site. And finally, because WooCommerce is an open source you can take your data anywhere with you, no matter where your business may take you. You will always have complete access to the date and make necessary changes when needed. And may I remind you, up to this point everything has been free! Now there are some aspects that you can add on, for a price. They offer themes for an annual purchase, so many additional extensions at a wide variety of prices based on what you may be looking for. And so many other things, it is really up to you as to what customizations you are looking for.
Shopify:
Shopify is a major site that does many different things. There are so many of your favorite sites/brands that use Shopify, they are probably one of the most well-known companies in the website business. They offer just about everything under the sun, from starting up your business to selling, marketing, and managing. There are also different price levels for what kind of business you are. The major difference between something like WooCommerece and something like Shopify is that you are paying for much more utilization. Shopify offers monthly and annual payments for solo entrepreneurs, small teams, something for as your business grows, and a complex business.
Each section dives into what it provides, but we will just be looking at the solo entrepreneur section since that is what I am. The cost associated with this is $39/month. As you can see off the left here, many things come along with this plan. This plan also comes with a free trial, so you are able to test it out to see if this is really something you are interested in purchasing.
Shopify also promotes that it has the “World’s best checkout,” converting 15% better than any other commerce site. It also offers in-person selling for each of its business types. You will be able to sell on a diverse amount of platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Shopify also provides you with an extremely in-depth analytics report so you can see where you are succeeding and what areas may need some help.
How to Decide:
If you are an independent person and someone who likes to do things on their own, with full creative power, and it doesn’t cost you a lot of money. Then WooCommerce is going to be the pathway for you.
If you are someone who likes to be creative but likes a helping hand once in a while. You appreciate when something is simple and straightforward. And you don’t mind paying a little extra so that you don’t have to do as much work? Then Shopify is going to be the one for you!