WooCommerce vs. Shopify: Choose the perfect platform for your online store

Many people have decided to be part of electronic commerce. If you are one of them, you should know what is the right choice between WooCommerce and Shopify to start your online store.

Shopify has tools that are very easy to use and allows you to have a good interaction with customers. Whereas WooCommerce is part of WordPress and can be a great opportunity to create a much more professional and personalized online store.

The Shopify platform has undergone innovative changes in recent years. However, WooCommerce has become the favorite platform for those who are SEO specialists and have a preference for WordPress.

Before deciding on any of these two options, you must first be clear about your goals. That’s why, before making a choice, you should know what these platforms offer you to create a successful online store.

So why is Shopify believed to have improved in the past two years?

Because many large companies have preferred Shopify to sell their products. This is because, at the beginning of this platform, many young people advertised Shopify on social media. Therefore, this platform achieved great popularity thanks to the reviews made by several young people about their experience with it.

You may have seen an advertising video on YouTube about this. This is because these young people generated profits by motivating other people to do the same. However, this audience was in the U.S.

In this article, we will explore the functions of these tools and what makes them better than the other. Let’s begin!

WooCommerce and Shopify, What is WooCommerce?

WooCommerce is a platform where you can create an online store through WordPress. It works through an open code and its installation is free.

You can find everything you need to start an online store on this platform. On the other hand, it allows you to see the purchase processes, the user’s account, and the cart. When it comes to the payment method, the most used and safe payment platforms are available. For example, PayPal, Stripe, and bank transfers.

Some features do have a cost, such as security and accommodation options. However, for those who want to have a powerful online store, this platform will be the best compliment.

Among its options, you can also enjoy an unlimited number of sales products. This way, you can promote all the products you have for sale, as well as add their descriptions, prices, and other relevant information.

Is WooCommerce successful?

WooCommerce is listed as a very successful platform. For this reason, the Automatic company, which is in charge of WordPress, decided to buy WhooThemes for a sum of $ 30,000,000 in 2015.

It’s surprising how such an important company relied on an electronic commerce platform. As a result, this means that it offers advantages that you can hardly find on other platforms.

Through this platform, you have the opportunity to create a custom online store, and if you don’t know what the coding process is like, you can hire marketing experts to do it for you.

Due to the great acceptance that this electronic commerce platform has, it has been found with more than 32 million downloads, and 30% of online stores have been created through it.

What are the advantages of using WooCommerce?

There are many advantages that you can find in WooCommerce to create your own online store, and among the main ones you can see the following:

• The platform allows easy management of your online store.
• Its interface is very simple, and there is a wide variety of features that can be used to create your online store.
• Plugin options are also easily found.
• You can do the customization of your online store.
• There are no limits to the number of pages you can create.
• Along with the online store, you can also manage a blog.
• You can create invoices automatically for when a customer places an order.

Creating a blog next to your online store is a great advantage since you can show your customers more information about your products.

And to enjoy the automatic invoice options, you just have to download WooCommerce PDF Invoices & Packing Slips.

What can you do with WooCommerce?

This plugin allows you to create an online store with all the tools you need to attract the attention of customers.

But apart from its main features, this platform offers other options that you can take full advantage of.

The default WooCommerce options allow you to use other functions, and to make use of others it will be necessary to use an extension.

Look at this list where you will know other uses of WooCommerce:

• Create a membership site
• Hide product information from users who have not yet made a purchase of the products for the first time.
• Sell ​​physical products and ship them no matter where in the world the customer is located.
• Show buttons with the option “add to cart”, to purchase the product from any website.
• Make the sale of subscriptions, and receive immediate payment.
• Sell ​​products that are affiliated with other stores.
• Make the creation of events, and sell the tickets through the web.

WooCommerce and Shopify, What is Shopify?

Shopify is an e-commerce engine that allows you to create an online store without technical knowledge, without having to worry about plugins, versions, and server updates. Therefore, if you are one of those who don’t have any experience in handling this platform, perhaps Shopify may be for you.

The name of these types of online services is SaaS, short for Software as a Service. A SaaS allows users to enjoy cloud-based applications over the Internet. However, we recommend not getting intimidated by technological concepts and focus on your key goal: to get customers. Shopify gives you the ability to sell online in record time using the best designs.

Shopify’s Advantages

Next, we will mention what are the advantages that this trading platform offers you.

Full control over design:

Shopify has hundreds of templates that you can configure yourself or do it with the help of its network of certified design experts.

Possibility of accepting payments and currencies from all over the world:

Through this platform, you can accept payments from anywhere in the world. Being through PayPal, credit cards, or bitcoins, among other payment methods.

Maximum security:

All Shopify online stores are PCI Level 1 certified and use 128-bit encryption to ensure secure credit card information.

PCI standards correspond to a security standard that comprises a set of minimum requirements to protect the data of a user’s account. Therefore, it’s compatible with other national regulations that lead you to optimize the experience of your clients.

The number of Shopify stores grows every day

Do you know how many Shopify stores exist? Over 400 thousand businesses use Shopify as the engine of their electronic commerce. Unlike other SaaS e-commerce solutions such as Palbin or Xopie, Shopify has a network of consultants and agents specialized in e-commerce. 

They’re certified to provide technical support to any entrepreneur, retail, brand, or organization that wants to create, improve, or optimize their online store. Each Shopify certified Ecommerce consultant has a tab with reviews or customer comments that allow you to observe the quality of their services.

So which of both platforms is better, and why? Let’s keep testing their differences!

Who controls the data on each platform?

Because WooCommerce is self-hosted, it gives you more control over your e-commerce data.

WooCommerce

There is not much we need to write here, with WooCommerce you are the owner of everything. This means that you can analyze your database and access the data you need.

Shopify

While Shopify gives you access to all data, the backup remains on Shopify’s servers. You’re never in control of it. However, Shopify gives you many ways to access your data that are better than the options offered by other self-hosted platforms. With Shopify you can:

• Export a CSV file of your products

A CSV file is a document displayed in an open and simple format to represent data in the form of a table in which commas separate the columns.

• Back up your site with an app, but not with the primary Shopify interface.
• Connect to your data through an API.

API stands for Application Programming Interface. Seen from a simple point of view, it’s what makes one app interact with another.

Differences between WooCommerce and Shopify prices

We have mentioned how each of these platforms works and what advantages they can offer us. On one side, we have that WooCommerce is an open-source free software plugin. However, we recommend that you take into account the costs of maintaining an online store.

What’s a plugin?

They’re applications that allow you to add a group of specific features and functions to a website.

WordPress is also free, but you must remember factors such as hosting, the cost of a theme, the domain name, additional extensions, and the SSL certificate. Shopify focuses on providing you with a unique and immediate solution thanks to its service packages.

To enjoy the benefits of Shopify you only need to register. That way, you can create a virtual store that you always dreamed of having. Everything you need will be available from the get-go.

Here we summarize some favorable features of Shopify and WooCommerce:

Shopify is an e-commerce store running a top-level domain for as little as $29 / mo. The WooCommerce store is in the same price range of $29 a month (a modest price of $20 for hosting, domain, SSL plus additional features).

Even though WooCommerce software is free, implementing an actual e-commerce store costs the same as Shopify.

With WooCommerce, you also have additional extensions for SEO factors, unique payment methods, and more. These extensions cost between $49 and $79, which are an onetime payment.

It all comes down to the fact that WooCommerce is the cheapest solution. But it will require much more work to configure it, and you will have to be more careful not to exceed your budget. This is because each additional extension comes with a predetermined additional price. However, WooCommerce may provide more benefits.

Shopify has a much more conventional price structure. Its different packages offer users a distinctive range of features for each price range. These are:

• Lite ($9 per month)
• Basic Shopify ($29 per month)
• Shopify ($79 per month)
• Advanced Shopify ($299 per month).

Differences between WooCommerce and Shopify support

Every time, we are closer to discovering which platform is better. In this section, we will highlight the qualities of both platforms regarding technical support.

Shopify is famous for its top-quality customer service. Each customer can enjoy 24/7 access to a customer advisor via email, open chat, or phone call in case they have any issues. You also have access to an extensive knowledge base that covers some users’ common questions and solutions to their problems.

With WooCommerce you have the advantage that it’s a free WordPress plugin.

This means that you can get support through the WordPress forums. However, the WooCommerce team also allows you to create a user account at WooCommerce.com and get support on this website. Therefore, it’s also a reliable platform.

There are millions of blogs on the Internet that cover topics about how WooCommerce works. WooCommerce is ideal for people who need not speak to an advisor but prefer to do their research online.

Differences between transaction fees made in WooCommerce and Shopify

With payment processing, it’s not that simple. Determining which platform is best is challenging because both are very flexible and reliable in handling transactions.

Shopify has Shopify Payments, a useful built-in service. The same goes for WooCommerce default payment options: PayPal and Stripe. Both platforms accept these payment methods, which facilitate the purchase process for users.

It’s also worth noting that the two platforms give you the option to either discard or remove your default card processors to add third-party alternatives. You not only work with a single predetermined type of transaction but with the ones that suit you best.

WooCommerce boasts an extensive collection of third-party integrations options while Shopify maximizes the potential of your options through Shopify App Store.

Therefore, you will find a favorable payment solution in both Shopify and WooCommerce.

Other than that, the pay battle on both platforms comes down to their respective transaction fees. What do we mean by this? We mean that because of the fees that this entails, it can complicate transactions.

Although most payment lines apply the same transaction fees to Shopify and WooCommerce websites, the former often ends up being the more expensive alternative. The difference comes from the supplemental transaction fees Shopify offers for users who bypass the default value of their payment service.

In short, accepting card payments will cost you more on Shopify than with WooCommerce.

How secure is each platform?

A key element to build customer loyalty is to provide them with the greatest security in your virtual store. Let’s compare the security features of WooCommerce and Shopify.

WooCommerce

It doesn’t have any security measures included with the plugin. Since it runs on WordPress, most of the security rests with the actions you take to protect your customers.

For example, you would have to get your SSL certificate and ensure that your web hosting company has secure servers.

You can also configure security plug-ins, implement two-factor authentication, and other elements to protect your website.

Shopify

It covers security measures. So you don’t have to think about getting SSL or making sure your site isn’t a victim of hacking. However, you must create a strong password. Shopify is PCI compliant from the get-go, while WooCommerce can be compliant if you use the right tools. You can also add security badges on both e-commerce platforms.

Shopify may be on par with WooCommerce in functionality, but that’s not the only thing to think about when searching for the best solution to establish e-commerce. When developing your idea of ​​a virtual store for your business, you must take into account the security factor.

If you look at any of the popular e-commerce platforms, they all have top-level security, so it should be a priority for any business owner. Remember that you will handle transactions with crucial details of customers and money. For this reason, make sure that the choice you make between WooCommerce vs Shopify is the one that allows you to protect and benefit your customers at the same time.

Shopify takes care of handling any security issues you have, giving you the advantage of being safe from hackers. WooCommerce works with WordPress and is self-hosted, so there is no security built into your service from day one. Therefore, when using WooCommerce, you must manage security on your own, with a hosting provider.

Do you still have doubts? Don’t worry! WordPress is a self-hosted system. This means it has the same software that we can all download. However, hire a web hosting service, and a domain, to give your customers the best experience on your website.

WooCommerce’s and Shopify’s SSL implementation.

To offer a good level of security to your users, Shopify includes a free SSL certificate. SSL is a secure connection layer that provides you with the elements to protect your website and prevent hackers from manipulating your information.

In Shopify, SSL is built-in so every time someone visits your website they will see a small padlock graphic next to their URL. The benefits of having this certificate are significant.

You get top-level security when processing your client’s personal information and payments. You get a significant boost to your store’s SEO, as Shopify’s SSL also lets you if you’re providing a secure browsing experience for your users.

WooCommerce provides us with its SSL as part of the features of WordPress, whose system is open-source.

The good news is that you can get an SSL certificate through a web host. Some hosting companies even offer this certificate for free. Another security point to consider is compliance with PCI-DSS, a payment card data security standard that is an essential element of any virtual store. By implementing it, it will configure your website to accept all credit card payments following the latest regulations.

Shopify is PCI-DSS compliant and you don’t have to worry about configuring anything. You can process debit and credit card payments in no time. Conversely, you cannot automatically gain PCI-DSS compliance with WooCommerce. However, you can make your WooCommerce site compliant with this standard by following some basic steps.

In case you don’t know what is PCI-DSS. This stands for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard or the Data Security Standard for the Payment Card Industry.

Why choose WooCommerce over Shopify?

You must create a set of clear objectives so you can be sure which platform is best for you. If your interest is to build an attractive and professional online store, you must invest enough time to achieve it.

Unlike Shopify, in WooCommerce you have the opportunity to create a more creative online store. So, even if at the beginning you won’t have quick profits, you will have a personalized online store suited to your tastes. All of this thanks to the fact that it lets you have control of every functionality.

You can easily access WooCommerce through your smartphone. Or if you prefer, you can also use a desktop computer to personalize your online store through this option.

At first, you will need to spend several hours in WooCommerce to create the custom design you want to have in your online store. There are no limits to creation on this platform, and design lovers can experiment as much as they want to create the perfect theme.

Why choose Shopify over WooCommerce?

If your design skills are limited or you want to have fast sales from the beginning, your great ally can be Shopify. This platform allows you to put your online store into operation in an easier way. While the design process in WooCommerce is manual, in Shopify you can find templates ready to upload to your online store.

When you start selling online, you can make use of Shopify to have faster sales. However, you won’t be able to customize it as you like.

This platform has many functions that can also be used. Thus, you can have an online store where you can display your products without much effort.

Do you choose WooCommerce or Shopify?

When choosing the most suitable platform for you, you must take some variables into account. Both WooCommerce and Shopify are platforms that show their products for sale through SEO search engines. As a result, they ensure that their product information reaches the right people.

Although WooCommerce is more expensive than Shopify, it can provide you with sure success in your online store in the long run. WooCommerce allows you to have a personalized online store, where the design and other functionalities can be yours.

Instead, with Shopify, you must choose some of the templates that are predesigned to create your online store. However, it has functions that allow you to make yourself known to the public in an easier way.

While WooCommerce has a wide variety of plugins that you can use to design your website, Shopify only offers you 1200 applications that you can download from the App Store.

Both e-commerce platforms can provide you with many advantages that will make your online store successful. Which one do you dare to use?

Get the help of BluCactus to create your online store through the WooCommerce platform

At BluCactus we offer you the help you need so that your online store has a professional appearance. Your users deserve a great experience on your website, which is why you should consider choosing WooCommerce.

WooCommerce should be handled by marketing experts, and by having the help of the professionals that make up BluCactus, you will be very satisfied with the results.

At BluCactus we specialize in offering you the best marketing solutions so that your online store can achieve the success you have long dreamed of.

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