When it comes to the world of ecommerce, there are a multitude of platforms to consider when deciding how you want your website to look and function for your customers. While many online businesses have different approaches, there are two main ecommerce platforms frequently used for online sales: Shopify and WooCommerce.
Both platforms do have key similarities, including:
- Adjustable shipping rates and taxes
- Sales stats and reports
- Create-use coupon and discount codes
- Mobile-friendly options.
In this article, we look at some of the key features of each platform, to help you better understand what’s going to best suit your business. Both enable you to sell any product you need, but there are key differences that could make one platform the fit for you.
Design
How you’re wanting your eCommerce website to look is a key foundation of your customer’s experience as they shop online, with Shopify and WooCommerce providing two vastly different design processes.
Shopify’s design templates
In terms of design, Shopify is certainly a lot easier to implement. The platform offers 54 different store templates, 10 of which are free, and allows you to customise your design to make it more unique to your brand. Shopify uses professional web designers to give your website a unique look and feel.
WooCommerce’s range of external designs
WooCommerce is a bit more difficult, but it can certainly be worth the effort. A WordPress plugin created by developers from WooThemes (now owned by Automattic), WooCommerce doesn’t have a huge library of templates to choose from. However, it does allow you to search the web and places like ThemeForest, which currently has thousands of templates tailored specifically for WooCommerce.
The verdict
Shopify has a easier process for designing your site, and you can select from a decent range of high-quality themes. However, if you want to invest time into a distinctive, unique design, WooCommerce will be a great fit, giving far more options for customisation.
Ease of use
Whether you’re wanting to get setup right away or take time to build your ecommerce website, both platforms offer different options.
Shopify’s signup and start selling
Shopify is again easy to set up. Being a subscription-based online tool, all you need to do is visit their website, signup and get started. Their 24/7 support will help you along the way, offering service tips on design and structure. With a useful dashboard and sidebar clearly explaining the features, it should be a seamless process to get your store up and running.
From WordPress to WooCommerce
There are more steps involved in setting up WooCommerce, which can seem like a pain, but once setup, WooCommerce is extremely easy to use.
To setup your site, you need to:
- Have a WordPress site
- Add WooCommerce plugin from the WordPress dashboard
- Start page setup from WooCommerce
- Setup store location and product information
- Select shipping and tax options
- Select payment methods
- Then add products and you’re ready to go.
The verdict
Shopify’s ease of use is one of the key reasons why it’s a popular platform for ecommerce sites. It provides an easy setup process to enable you to start selling your products. WooCommerce is also very easy to use but takes longer to setup, plus it also doesn’t have the same 24/7 support that Shopify offers.
So, which is best? And how can you get your ecommerce experience started?
Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, and the one that’s right for you will depend on your particular needs. At Redline Digital, we’ve helped plenty of clients create intuitive, beautiful and easy to use ecommerce platforms that help to drive online sales. We know the ins and outs of both Shopify and WooCommerce, and can work with you to find the right one for you and your business. Get in touch today to see how we can help.