Why WooCommerce is Still Better Than Shopify

No surprise, but we’re big on WooCommerce! The WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is customizable, easily sells your stuff, and it rocks SEO. And, while it’s no big secret that we’re big on WordPress too, we haven’t talked much about other eCommerce platforms. So, let’s correct that.

We started the year comparing WordPress with Wix, but we’ve never talked about WooCommerce’s main competitor Shopify. Until today! But before we ring the bell, if you’re looking to start a shop, we think both WooCommerce and Shopify are great options; they just take quite different approaches to online selling — but we prefer Woo!

Key Takeaways

If there ever was a Grandaddy “it depends,” this is it — which is the best shop system. However, choosing between WooCommerce and Shopify isn’t a big mystery; it depends entirely on your specific needs and technical expertise.

Essentially, the main trade-off between the two systems is between basic convenience (Shopify) and ultimate control (WooCommerce).

Shopify is generally better for beginners who want to launch quickly, while WooCommerce is better for those who need more flexibility and are comfortable with some technical aspects. It’s also a question of priorities: are you mostly looking for a complete website platform and CMS (WordPress) or primarily a shop platform (Shopify)?

Why WooCommerce is Still Better Than Shopify

Whatever you decide, choosing the right backend for your website or online store is crucial. While both WooCommerce and Shopify are popular choices, WooCommerce offers a lot of advantages that make it a better option for most online shop owners; topping that list is popularity.

WooCommerce together with Woo Themes controls 54% of the eCommerce marketplace. Squarespace follows Woo with 14%. Shopify only has 11% of the market, followed by Wix Stores with 5%. (source: Statista)

WooCommerce’s Flexibility and Customization

WooCommerce, like WordPress, is open-source, which gives it a significant edge over Shopify when it comes to flexibility. With WooCommerce, you have complete control over your online store’s design, functionality, and user experience.

With more than 3,000 WooCommerce themes, and 1,500 WooCommerce plugins available, you can create a unique and tailored shopping experience for your customers.

Access to source code: Unlike Shopify’s closed system, WooCommerce provides full access to the source code, enabling you to modify every aspect of your store.

Extensive plugin ecosystem: With a library of plugins available, WooCommerce offers endless possibilities for extending your store’s functionality.

“We’ve got 3 more ways you can customize your WooCommerce store and deliver a unique shopping experience that will keep your customers coming back.”
Rocket.net – Top 3 WooCommerce Customizations For a Memorable Shopping Experience

Cost-Effectiveness

Money is always a deciding factor. Getting the most for your buck. While Shopify’s pricing structure may seem straightforward, WooCommerce can be significantly more cost-effective in the long run.

No mandatory monthly fees: WooCommerce is a free plugin, and you only pay for the hosting and any premium extensions you choose to use.

Scalability without price hikes: As your business grows, you won’t be forced into higher-priced plans like with Shopify.

“WooCommerce itself doesn’t charge any fees for transactions, unlike Shopify. The fees charged are those of the payment gateways you choose to integrate into your store only.”
WooCommerce

Built on WordPress

If you’re already using WordPress, then adding a plugin or three to build a shop has definite benefits. WooCommerce’s integration with WordPress, the world’s most popular content management system (68% market share and counting), makes your life a lot easier.

SEO advantages: WordPress is designed with SEO in mind, helping drive free, organic, traffic to your online store.

Ease of content management: The intuitive controls make it simple to add and update content, upload media, and publish blog posts.

“WooCommerce SEO isn’t a magic setting that you flip on after uploading all of your products. Optimization is in the details. We’ve got 5 SEO tips for your WooCommerce shop!”
Rocket.net – 5 Tips to Optimize Your WooCommerce Store for SEO

Ownership and Control

Finally, with WooCommerce, you have full ownership of your website and data. You can even migrate your entire WooCommerce shop from one host to another. Try that with Shopify or Wix!

Data control: You’re not locked into a proprietary system, giving you more control over your customer data and business operations.

Platform independence: You can easily move your store to a different hosting provider — like a managed WooCommerce host – if needed, unlike Shopify’s hosted solution.

WooCommerce vs. Shopify: Is There a Clear Winner?

Choosing between WooCommerce and Shopify for your online store? Know your needs and your resources. Both names are leading shop platforms, but they cater to different needs and skill levels. It’s really about understanding what you prioritize: simplicity or control.

Benefit Shopify: The All-In-One Solution

Shopify is a hosted, all-in-one solution designed for ease of use. It handles the technical complexities, like hosting and security with some tradeoffs.

Shopify excels at getting you up and running fast. Perfect if you need a store online ASAP and don’t want to worry about hosting.

Limited Control: Shopify operates within its own ecosystem. You’re relying on the tools and options they provide, and extensive code-level customization isn’t always possible.

Benefit WooCommerce: The Open-Source Powerhouse

WooCommerce, on the other hand, is the shop you build yourself. As a WordPress plugin, it offers immense flexibility and customization.

Maximum Flexibility: If you crave control over every aspect of your store – design, functionality, integrations – WooCommerce is your playground.

Some Technical Expertise Required: But here’s the catch: Despite being very simple for even newbies, WooCommerce demands more technical know-how. You’re responsible for hosting and keeping things updated.

WooCommerce or Shopify: Which One Wins?

There’s no universal “better.” It depends on your comfort level and priorities.

Choose Shopify if: You value simplicity and an all-in-one approach. You don’t mind trading some control for ease of use, or the monthly fees.

Choose WooCommerce if: You need maximum customization, flexibility, and control, and you’re already using WordPress or interested in starting.

Shopify lets you start selling quickly with a basic storefront, while WooCommerce allows you to craft a truly unique eCommerce experience – if you’re willing to put in the work.