WordPress was originally designed as a blogging platform. It has recently been updated with the ability to also build e-Commerce platform. Shopify is also a eCommerce platform that has become very popular at the same time as WordPress was at its most popular. Both are user friendly with simple to access interfaces. Both are targeted at small to medium sized businesses.
WordPress
WordPress was originally designed as a blogging platform that could be modified by plugins and extensions that make it more customizable. As of writing this article, WordPress is responsible for 65% of the content management system (CMS) in use today. WordPress has become so popular because with a little training almost anyone can build a customized website that looks very robust and accessible. It’s eCommerce extension, WooCommerce , has become more popular over the last year as people join the ranks of the online store fronts. With 65% of the CMS websites in the world already setup to use Worpress it is easy to see that WooCommerce will continue to grow. Also with WordPress’ already well designed infrastructure and user created plugin and extensions WooCommerce will only get more popular and flexible in its many uses. With all the benefits of WordPress its possible one drawback is that it must be hosted on your own server space.
Shopify
Where WordPress is both a blogging and eCommerce platform, Shopify is only a eCommerce site and thus is already hosted on its own website. Hosting your own website makes providing security for your eCommerce a very real concern. Shopify provides a secure website to host its eCommerce websites from and has a extensive library of themes to choose from. One of the biggest advantages of Shopify is a well cultivated selection of modern looking templates. Shopify also provides a wealth of training to its prospective users. One disadvantage to Shopify is that most of its best themes, add-ons, and plugins are going to cost you.
Both solutions are excellent choices and you will need to look at each in more detail to decide which suits your needs better. If you want more flexibility with a lower cost to entry, but a little more work on your end then WordPress is probably going to be your choice. If you want an easier and straight forward setup without much hassle and are willing to pay for that convenience then Shopify might be for you.
