When it comes to creating an online store, there are a plethora of options available in the market. Among them, WordPress, WooCommerce, Shopify and Wix are some of the most popular choices. Each platform has its own strengths and features that cater to different business needs. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the differences between these platforms and help you decide which one is the best fit for your online store. At Big Red Jelly, a digital marketing agency in Provo, Utah, we have years of experience working with various e-commerce platforms and can provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
WordPress
WordPress is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) that powers over 40% of all websites on the internet. What started as a blogging platform has now evolved into a full-fledged CMS with robust e-commerce capabilities. With WordPress, you can create any type of website, including an online store, with the help of plugins and themes.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an open-source e-commerce platform built specifically for WordPress. It is a plugin that can be integrated into any WordPress website to add e-commerce functionality. With over 5 million active installations, WooCommerce is the most popular e-commerce solution for WordPress websites. It offers a wide range of features such as product management, payment gateways, shipping options, and more.
Shopify
Shopify is a fully hosted e-commerce platform that provides all the necessary tools to create and manage an online store. It offers a user-friendly interface and requires no technical knowledge to set up an online store. Shopify also provides 24/7 customer support and handles all aspects of your website’s security, performance, and updates.
Wix
Wix is a website builder that allows users to create websites using drag-and-drop tools. It also offers e-commerce capabilities through its ‘Wix Stores’ feature. With Wix, you can choose from a variety of templates and customize your online store without any coding knowledge. It also offers features like payment gateways, shipping options, and inventory management.
So, what sets these platforms apart from each other? Let’s dive into the differences in more detail.
Pricing
One of the primary concerns for any business owner is the cost of setting up an online store. WordPress, being a free CMS, does not charge anything for creating a website. However, to add e-commerce functionality through WooCommerce, you’ll need to pay for hosting and a domain name. This can cost anywhere between $10-$30 per month.
Shopify and Wix, on the other hand, offer all-in-one solutions with pricing plans starting at $29 and $23 per month respectively. These plans include everything from hosting to tools for managing your online store.
Customization
WordPress offers endless customization options with thousands of free and paid themes and plugins. With WooCommerce, you can create a unique online store that stands out from the rest. However, this also means that there is a learning curve involved in setting up and maintaining your website.
Shopify and Wix offer a more user-friendly approach to customization. They provide pre-designed templates and drag-and-drop tools for creating your online store without any coding knowledge. However, this limits the level of customization that can be achieved compared to WordPress.
E-commerce Features
All three platforms offer essential e-commerce features like product management, payment gateways, and shipping options. However, WooCommerce has the upper hand with a more extensive range of plugins for additional features such as inventory management and product variations.
Shopify and Wix have built-in features for these functionalities but may require additional apps or upgrades to access certain advanced features.
Scalability
As your business grows, you’ll need a platform that can scale with it. WordPress, being an open-source CMS, offers unlimited scalability. You can add as many products and pages to your website without any limitations. However, this also means that you’ll need to manage your website’s performance and security on your own.
Shopify and Wix, being fully hosted platforms, handle all aspects of scalability. They can handle high traffic and large product catalogs without any issues. However, this comes at a cost as you’ll need to upgrade to higher-priced plans as your business grows.
Support
Having reliable customer support is crucial for any online business. With WordPress, you’ll have to rely on community forums and third-party support for any technical issues. However, there are plenty of resources available for troubleshooting.
Shopify and Wix offer 24/7 customer support through various channels like live chat, email, and phone. This can be beneficial for non-technical users who may need assistance with their website.
Which Platform is Right for Your Business?
In summary, WordPress and WooCommerce provide the most flexibility and customization options but require technical knowledge to set up and manage. Shopify and Wix offer a more user-friendly approach but may have limitations in terms of customization and scalability.
Ultimately, the right platform for your business will depend on your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise. We recommend thoroughly researching each platform and its features before making a decision.
At Big Red Jelly, we have experience working with all of these platforms and can help you create a successful online store. Contact us today to learn more about our e-commerce services!
