Shopify vs. WooCommerce: Which is better for your online store?

This is one of the most commonly searched questions on the internet for a while.?

Being a web agency owner, I get this question a lot from my client. Especially from someone who is just starting out their first e-commerce store.

There is no one answer to this hence I tend to ask these three simple questions to my clients which sort of helps them understand which one should they opt in for.?

1. Are you just starting out as a business??

I’m a big believer in going lean, especially in the early stages of your business. If you're in the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) phase and uncertain about the market response to your products, choosing Shopify might not be the most cost-effective option.

Shopify entails a monthly membership fee, and even basic eCommerce functionalities may require additional purchased add-ons incurring extra monthly costs

In such scenarios, I recommend opting for WooCommerce. It's free, easy to install, and offers a buffet of plugins without additional charges.?

2. Do you come from a strong technical background?

If you're just starting out and don't know a lot about the website or development ecosystem, Shopify should be your go-to choice.

It's easy to use and manage and doesn't require a technical background. Its dashboard is intuitive and helps you set up your store & and products in a couple of clicks.?

On the other side. WooCommerce has a bit of a steeper learning curve; it is more hands-on and not great for beginners.

3. What’s your budget??

Let's get down to brass tacks. How much are you willing to invest in your store? If you're on a shoestring budget, Shopify's recurring monthly cost could eat most of your corpus.

However, with a decent budget, Shopify is an excellent choice.?

That being said, building a WooCommerce store isn't necessarily inexpensive, but with the assistance of an Expert WordPress developer, you can consider getting it built inside your budget with no recurring monthly fees looming over your head each month.

Remember, both Shopify and WooCommerce are excellent platforms for building your next online store, but it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each before making a decision.

Conclusion:

• If you're a startup on a shoestring budget, consider starting with a WooCommerce store. Once your business scales, think about migrating to Shopify.?
• However, if you have a successful and profitable local business and want to expand online, Shopify is a great choice for you.

Let me know in the comment box about how you help your clients make the best decision for their eCommerce store dilemma?