Ecommerce: Top 12 Reasons to Use WooCommerce over Shopify

When it comes to creating the best e-commerce site, there are really only 2 options to choose from, WooCommerce and Shopify. These two platforms provide the most comprehensive tools and resources to grow an existing business or create a new one. Understanding the pros as well as the disadvantages of each software can help you make the best decision for your business and online store. While the world revolves around the ever-evolving Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses want to move fully or partially online, and having an e-commerce store can make the difference between being open and closing your doors permanently. Our top choice for an e-commerce platform is WooCommerce. Below are 12 reasons!

1. There is so much information available!

WooCommerce is powered by WordPress open source software that extends WordPress’ material community to this e-commerce platform. Since so much of the Internet runs on WordPress, the amount of support available for WordPress plugins, such as WooCommerce, is a huge benefit of using the software.

2. It is open source

Open source software allows the user to modify and edit code. This gives you full control over your e-store and allows for complete customization. If you are just starting out and are not interested in making changes to your theme, then Shopify is great for beginners, but not only does WooCommerce work with a WordPress theme, you can switch themes between and edit as you go.

3. WooCommerce is affordable

Knit affordable, WooCommerce is free! That’s right, WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin. If you already host your WordPress site, which we recommend, you can easily set up an e-shop at no extra cost.

4. It is user friendly

While WooCommerce is great for experts, it’s also extremely user – friendly for its less technically savvy users. And because it has such an expansive community through WordPress, if you find yourself stuck, chances are there is a great tutorial available to you for free to work through your snag. And if you can not figure it out for yourself, there are many freelancers you can hire to solve the problem for you.

5. WooCommerce is more flexible

Because of the open source software, WooCommerce is not only easier to customize, it’s more flexible! It has many features and tools that allow you to truly create your e-commerce store of your dreams. WooCommerce is designed with all the features you need ready to use, such as billing, posting new listings, advertising sales and receiving orders. It is also great for sorting and filtering products, categorizing products and enabling reviews and customer reviews.

6. Your e-commerce store belongs to you

WooCommerce is not a third party, which means you have total control over what is sold, how customers can find you, advertising, marketing and branding. On top of all that, it’s your store, so you get all the profits!

While Shopify may simply decide one day to shut you down, WooCommerce cannot do so as you have the files and can easily move to a new server as desired.

7. WooCommerce can be used directly from WordPress

All you need is a WordPress site and a free plug-in, and you’re on your way! The free plug-in will definitely get most of your needs met, but if you want more features, special extensions are guaranteed to help you take your e-store to the next level!

8. Many available app extensions

When we talk about taking your store to the next level, both Shopify and WooCommerce offer great app extensions, but in our opinion, WooCommerce can exclude Shopify. With over 400 official extensions created by WooCommerce (and countless third-party extensions) combined with its flexibility and customization, it’s the best opportunity to bring your e-commerce vision to life.

9. WooCommerce creates the e-store you want

WooCommerce allows you to create the store you want. You can sell digital or physical products. You can tailor features to members, sell subscriptions, make online bookings or create appointments. Whatever your business needs, WooCommerce can handle it.

10. It leads to efficiency

Using software like WooCommerce makes your website and your business more efficient. It has amazing integration tools and amazing analytical power that streamlines your store while giving you the information you need to make adjustments and changes as you go.

11. WooCommerce is SEO friendly

WordPress is the best platform for website building when it comes to SEO and because WooCommerce runs on WordPress, you get the benefits! WooCommerce allows you to optimize your SEO to ensure that your store, products and services reach the people who need them.

12. Large support team for your online store

WooCommerce is known for its excellent security as well as a great support team. Any questions you have or additional support you need you will receive. WooCommerce is constantly monitored by the team to ensure a safe and secure platform to use that keeps you and your users protected. For the most reliable and secure store, be sure to update your platform and plug-ins regularly.

BONUS – Shopify vs. WooCommerce? They are both good!

What it’s going to be are features. You have to ask yourself “what features are most important to me?” For us, WooCommerce has Shopify beat in terms of cost, flexibility, support and SEO, but both software get the job done. If you are already using WordPress as your builder, WooCommerce is the logical choice, but in terms of analysis, customer support and ease of use, you can not make a mistake. Both offer the features and tools you need to build an online store. But as we said, WooCommerce will give you the best possible e-commerce store. WooCommerce has fewer restrictions, more functionality and more resources to customize your site. If customization and flexibility are a priority for you and your business, go with WooCommerce.

The decision to use WooCommerce or Shopify ultimately depends on your needs as a business and e-commerce store. WooCommerce is great for both existing stores and building a business from scratch. You can have a few products or many, and it suits itself and its code to suit your needs. In terms of overall functionality, SEO friendliness, promoting a great user experience (UX) and being aesthetically pleasing, WooCommerce is truly the way to go. Don’t just take our word for it yourself, give it a try. If you are striving to have one of the best sites, complete with the best e-commerce store, start with the best software available. Remember, you do not have to worry if you are not the most technologically savvy person with WooCommerce’s extension community and support team, you will never go unanswered. And if you find yourself overwhelmed, the best web design agencies in Vancouver offer services to build your site from scratch, including giving you a great e-commerce store!