Shopify vs Wordpress
Shopify vs Wordpress 2024 - Which is Better for Your Online Store?
Shopify provides merchants an out of the box solution that allows you to efficiently run a hosted online store with built-in fraud protection and security features.
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Why Choose Shopify vs. Wordpress
| Key features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hosting included | Wordpress | Shopify |
| Designed for ecommerce | Wordpress | Shopify |
| Visual editor | Wordpress | Shopify |
| Free SSL certificate | Wordpress | Shopify |
| Subdomain included | Wordpress | Shopify |
| Email included | Wordpress | Shopify |
| 24/7 support | Wordpress | Shopify 24/7 in English |
| GDPR compliant | Wordpress | Shopify |
| Free trial | Wordpress | Shopify |
| First-party POS system | Wordpress | Shopify |
| Automatic site maintenance | Wordpress | Shopify |
| Buyer facing app | Wordpress | Shopify |
| Easy customization | Wordpress | Shopify |
| Easy to use | Wordpress | Shopify |
| PCI-DSS compliant | Wordpress | Shopify |
| Built-in CMS | Wordpress | Shopify |
| Built-in fraud protection | Wordpress | Shopify |
| Out of the box solution | Wordpress | Shopify |
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10 Things Shopify Can Do vs Wordpress
Built-in ecommerce tool
The key difference between WordPress vs Shopify is that WordPress is a content management system whereas Shopify is an ecommerce website builder. Shopify is made for business owners and has ecommerce features built in. WordPress is made for bloggers and freelancers—it’s ecommerce component comes in the form of a plug-in.
Hosted solutions
Shopify includes reliable hosting whileWordPress recommends third-party solutions, such as Bluehost, Dreamhost, and SiteGround. When hosting is included, setup is easier: there’s no need to sign up for a hosting service since it’s already included on Shopify.
Fast to launch
Shopify is an out of the box solution, which allows store owners to set up their website quickly so they can focus on generating sales. With the theme editor, included hosting and subdomain, and other features, Shopify allows for a quick and easy setup.
Simplified subscriptions
While WordPress is free, setting up a WordPress website is not. Shopify simplifies the payment process through five plans that you can grow into. On WordPress, you’ll need to pay for hosting, a domain name, a theme, possibly a web developer, and plug-ins to create an online store.
Easy to customize
Comparing Shopify vs WordPress, Shopify allows you to customize your website even if you don't know how to code. Update the typography, colors, and layout of your pages all in Shopify. If you know how to code—get into the HTML and CSS files with ease.
Embedded security
Shopify takes platform security seriously. All Shopify websites include an SSL certificate. The Shopify platform is also certified Level 1 PCI DSS compliant and has been issued Service Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type II and SOC 3 reports. To make your WordPress site more secure you’ll need plug-ins to enhance your security features.
Includes subdomain
On Shopify, you get a free subdomain on .myshopify.com for your store—you can also buy your own .com domain using Shopify’s Domain Name Generator. On WordPress, you’ll need to buy your own domain name as a subdomain which won’t be included.
Built-in email feature
One of the differences between Shopify vs WordPress is that Shopify comes with Shopify Email. You can use Shopify Email to send up to 2,500 emails to customers for free. You also get ready-made email templates and built-in tracking.
Less site maintenance
Shopify sites receive maintenance updates regularly and automatically. On WordPress, you need to update WordPress and your plug-ins manually. This may leave your website vulnerable and can pose a security risk.
Why Merchants Prefer Shopify vs WordPress
While GDPR compliance is the responsibility of each merchant, GDPR compliant features are built in to Shopify's platform. To become compliant on WordPress, you’ll need to install a plug-in.
Why Merchants Prefer Shopify to Wordpress
Customer facing app
Unlike WordPress, Shopify has a customer-facing app called Shop that allows shoppers to conveniently buy from independent brands on Shopify. On Shop, customers can discover brands, check out faster, and track their packages.
24/7 support
Shopify support is available 24/7, no matter which plan you’re on. You’ll also have access to help docs, webinars, blog posts, and online courses to guide you along the way. WordPress offers phone support and more.
Free trial
Unlike WordPress, Shopify offers a free trial to test out the platform. With your free trial, you’ll be able to design and launch your store (and even get that coveted first sale). On WordPress, you’ll need to pay for hosting and a domain name prior to testing out the platform. On Shopify, you can use the included subdomain to just try things out.
Limited technical knowledge needed
Shopify’s friendly interface allows you to design and customize your website without needing to know how to code. WordPress themes can sometimes be less straightforward, particularly if built by a third-party developer.
Over 100 payment gateways
Shopify has over 100 payment gateway options available including Stripe, PayPal, AmazonPay, and more. You’ll need to install extensions from Woocommerce in order to have access to payment gateways on WordPress.
Built-in SEO features
Shopify has built-in SEO features to help your online store rank on search engines. Like WordPress, Shopify has a content management system so you can create blog content to increase the number of pages on your website. Shopify also has features that allow you to include meta titles, descriptions, and more on your webpages.
First-party POS system
Unlike WordPress, Shopify has a first-party point of sale system, Shopify POS. It unifies both online and offline sales in one place so you can measure your business performance. You can generate purchase orders, transfer stock, and more with Shopify POS. On WordPress, you’ll need a plug-in to have this feature.
Built-in fraud protection
Shopify takes fraud seriously. With built-in fraud protection, you decide whether or not to fulfill a customer order. You’ll receive an analysis informing you of what’s triggering the fraud, such as a shipping address not matching a billing one. Then, you’ll see an assessment of a low, medium, or high risk. On WordPress, you’ll need to use a plug-in to prevent fraud.
Automatic site maintenance
When using WordPress and its plug-ins, you need to manually check for updates to ensure you have the latest software to prevent hacks. WordPress also puts your site into maintenance mode while updates install, preventing visitors from browsing your site. On Shopify, updates are added automatically without requiring maintenance mode.
We’ve been able to build something in 3 years that a lot of brands haven’t actually gotten to in 10 years.
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FAQs
Which is better: Shopify or WordPress?
Shopify is often a better fit for ecommerce businesses while WordPress is better suited to bloggers. Shopify is built for ecommerce and includes features such as discounts, gift cards, unlimited products, fraud analysis, staff accounts, and so much more. Like WordPress, you can also build out a blog on Shopify.
How to migrate from WordPress to Shopify?
You can use the Store Importer app to migrate from WordPress to Shopify. The Store Importer app securely transfers important data such as products and customers, so you don’t have to do it manually.
What is better to sell ebooks: WordPress or Shopify?
Since Shopify specializes in ecommerce, it’s better for selling ebooks and thousands of other digital and physical products. If you have a WordPress website, you can use the Shopify Buy Button to sell products.
How to use the Shopify Buy Button on WordPress
You can use the Shopify Buy button on WordPress to sell products on your WordPress site. You’ll need to add the Buy Button sales channel to your Shopify store. Then, you’ll create the Buy Button, and embed the code onto your WordPress site.
What is the plug-in for connecting WordPress with Shopify?
The WordPress plug-in for connecting WordPress with Shopify is WP Shopify.
Page last updated: April 21, 2021
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