Pros and Cons of WordPress with WooCommerce and Shopify
If you are a business owner with products or services to sell, you probably understand the complexity of getting your products onto an E-commerce platform. Because each platform has its share of pros and cons, it is important to understand which option is the best fit for your business.
Two of the most popular platforms and plugins for selling products and services online are WordPress with WooCommerce and Shopify.
WordPress
WordPress is a web content management system that began as a platform used to create and publish blogs.
Some of the pros of WordPress include:
- WordPress has often been dubbed as a user-friendly system, most likely because it began as a blogging site and was created to be easy to operate.
- It operates as an open-source content management system.
- The platform allows each individual to customize their site, offering an array of options for design and setup.
- WordPress allows you to add multiple outside features to your site.
- There are numerous plugins that you can add to your site. Some are free, and some you must pay for.
Like every other platform, WordPress also has some challenges. Some of these include
- WordPress has a need for updates here and there, which, to some people, can be a nuisance.
- Because WordPress is an open-source system, it is more susceptible to hackers than a closed-source system would be. However, when properly secured by a developer, it’s just as safe.
- The speed of your site depends on the theme choice, caching plugins, and whether it’s properly optimized. For someone who has no experience with these subjects, this may be a deterrent.
The good news is that each of these cons can be aided by a company such as Arca Interactive. One of the services we offer is WordPress Website Hosting, where we manage and take care of your website for you. We can develop and optimize your site to maximize performance. Our knowledgeable professionals can ensure your site is responsive, fast-loading, and secure.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an e-commerce plugin used for WordPress. Some of the pros of using WooCommerce include
- The ability to offer a wide array of functions. With WooCommerce, you can offer payment options, shipping abilities, subscriptions, memberships, and more.
- Helpful tutorial videos and explanations for setting up the site. This would be beneficial to first-time shop starters.
- Unlike Shopify, WooCommerce is not self-contained. This allows you to have complete control over the code you write, enhancing your PPC and SEO efforts.
While WooCommerce is one of the leading e-commerce plugins, it is important to note that there are some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of. These include
- It was only designed to be used with WordPress, so those who prefer other platforms won’t be able to use it.
- There are some hidden costs associated with this plugin, most of which improve efficiency or allow you to access otherwise restricted features.
- Beginners may find WooCommerce difficult to use. However, professional developers have vast experience with the plugin and can provide vital assistance.
Shopify
Shopify is also an e-commerce plugin that can be used with WordPress. Some of the pros of Shopify include:
- One of the most well-known pros of Shopify is that it offers 24/7 customer service support.
- This platform allows you to use it whether you are selling directly on Shopify or in person via Shopify POS.
- Customers who leave items in their cart will get a reminder about these products and will be prompted to complete their purchase.
- With Shopify, users can transition quickly from starting their site to selling products online and generating revenue.
Some cons of using Shopify include:
- Shopify tends to be more expensive than other plugins.
- Because it was built for e-commerce, it is not as strong as other plugins for blogging or content marketing.
- Shopify is self-contained, so users don’t have full control or ownership over their code or site. They also can’t access the source code completely, making their SEO and PPC strategies less effective.
In order to find the best fit for an online platform for your business, it’s crucial to do extensive research. For more information on how Arca Interactive can help you with your online E-Commerce business, visit our website or contact us today.
