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What’s the Difference Between Shopify and WordPress?

Last updated on October 1, 2022 @ 11:55 pm

When it comes to setting up an online store, there are two popular options available: Shopify and WordPress. Both platforms offer a range of features and benefits, but they also have some key differences. Here’s a closer look at the key differences between Shopify and WordPress:

Shopify is a closed platform

One of the key differences between Shopify and WordPress is that Shopify is a closed platform. This means that Shopify controls all aspects of the platform, from design to functionality.

While this can be seen as an advantage (as Shopify can provide a more streamlined and cohesive experience), it also means that you’re limited in terms of what you can do with your store. For example, if you want to add a new feature or design element to your store, you’ll need to use one of the existing Shopify themes or plugins. With WordPress, on the other hand, you can customize your store however you want, as it’s an open-source platform.

Shopify is more expensive than WordPress

Another key difference between Shopify and WordPress is price. While both platforms have free versions (Shopify Lite and WordPress.com), they also have paid versions with more features (Shopify plans start at $29 per month, while WordPress.org plans start at $5 per month). In general, Shopify is more expensive than WordPress, although this cost difference will vary depending on the specific features and plugins you need for your store.

Shopify is easier to use than WordPress

One of the biggest advantages of Shopify is that it’s easier to use than WordPress. This is because Shopify is a closed platform with a more streamlined interface.

With WordPress, on the other hand, you’ll need to install and set up the WooCommerce plugin (which adds ecommerce functionality to WordPress) before you can start selling products. This can be challenging for beginners, whereas anyone can create a shop on Shopify with ease.

Conclusion

Overall, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using Shopify or WordPress for your online store. It’s important to weigh these factors carefully to decide which platform is right for you.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use platform with less customization options but don’t mind spending more money, then Shopify may be the right choice. However, if you’re willing to put in some extra work to set up your store and want more control over the design and functionality of your site, then WordPress may be a better option.

PRO TIP: If you are considering using either Shopify or WordPress to build an ecommerce website, it is important to understand the key differences between the two platforms.

Shopify is a closed platform, which means that it is proprietary software that is owned and operated by Shopify. This means that Shopify has complete control over the platform and can make changes at any time. WordPress, on the other hand, is an open source platform, which means that it is free to use and anyone can contribute to the development of the software.

While Shopify offers a more comprehensive set of features out of the box, WordPress gives you more control over the look and feel of your website and allows you to more easily add custom functionality. However, this flexibility comes at a cost – WordPress is a more complex platform to use and requires more technical knowledge than Shopify.

So, which platform is right for you? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you need a simple website with basic ecommerce functionality, Shopify may be the better option. If you want a more customisable website with more advanced features, WordPress may be the better choice.

Dale Leydon

Dale Leydon

Sysadmin turned Javascript developer. Owner of 20+ apps graveyard, and a couple of successful ones.