It’s one of the most common questions we get asked: should I use Shopify or WooCommerce for my online shop? Both are solid platforms, but they suit different situations. Here’s the honest breakdown.
Shopify is a hosted platform. You pay a monthly fee and everything is handled for you—hosting, security, updates, the lot. It’s like renting a fully furnished flat. You move in and everything works. The trade-off is less flexibility and ongoing costs that add up over time.
WooCommerce is a plugin for WordPress. It’s free to install, but you’ll need your own hosting, and you’re responsible for security and updates. Think of it like buying a house—more control, more responsibility. The upfront costs might be lower, but you need to factor in maintenance.
For most small to medium businesses wanting to sell online without technical headaches, Shopify is usually the better choice. The monthly cost is worth the peace of mind. If you’ve got an existing WordPress site with lots of content, or you need very specific customisation that Shopify can’t handle, WooCommerce makes more sense.
There’s no universally correct answer. It depends on your budget, technical confidence, and what you’re actually selling. We work with both platforms and can help you figure out which fits your situation.
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