Evaluating eCommerce Platforms Magento, WooCommerce, and Shopify – Which is Better?
The right eCommerce platform that’s best for online stores in Canada is a tough question to answer and yet it’s one of the most common we receive. There are numerous options available out there, each one meeting different needs. The best eCommerce platform for you will depend on what features and pricing you want, requirements, and personal preferences. Three of the most popular eCommerce platforms are Magento, WooCommerce, and Shopify.
Magento
Magento is an eCommerce platform adopted by mid-size to larger eCommerce sites. Magento comes with a number of benefits including professional features, capability to handle high volumes, strong third party plugin and extension support, high level of customization, strong integration, and more. Magento does have some drawbacks though, including more complex installation and implementation, sometimes a higher cost to develop and customize a Magento platform, and others. For eCommerce brands that are sizeable and that can accommodate the upfront cost, Magento might be the ideal option to consider.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an open-source plugin for WordPress which is ideal for eCommerce sites of every size. The high level of customization and integration with WordPress has made it a favourite among many stores. The tie-in with WordPress means a huge number of third party plugins and extensions, and very high efficiency when it comes to search engine optimization. WooCommerce does come with some restrictions, including difficulties handling more complex product lines where large variations exist, and security and maintenance becoming the responsibility of the business owner. The fact that WooCommerce is open source though means that it is free to use. That said, premium eCommerce designs available via WooCommerce come at a monthly cost.
Shopify
Shopify is made for entry-level eCommerce businesses with small or mid-size consumer product lines. If you’re searching for minimal eCommerce start-up cost and simple installation, Shopify might be the right pick. This eCommerce platform comes with everything you need to get started, has a number of professional theme designs to choose from, and an extensive library of additional applications. All of this makes Shopify a very adaptable eCommerce platform. That said, the negatives of Shopify include a checkout process which is not customizable, limited customizability, limited content management capability, and requiring an experienced web developer to complete any modifications or customizations as you need it.
What’s the best eCommerce platform – you have options!
These are just a few of the eCommerce platform options out there in the marketplace today. In terms of evaluating these, each one comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Speaking to an eCommerce marketing specialist, they may be able to recommend the best platform for your unique needs. Needless to say, Magento, WooCommerce, and Shopify are all equally capable of big online sales and accomplishing marketing objectives. It ultimately comes down to what you are working with in terms of budget and requirements. Across each of these three, there are also tools, training, and support available online to ensure your eCommerce shopping business is set up to get to the next level.
Speak with a representative at Unlimited Exposure today for more information on whether Magento, WooCommerce, or Shopify is right for your business. As web design, marketing, and eCommerce experts, we are confident that we can make your online store a big success. Remember, the best eCommerce platform is the one most likely to deliver sales and marketing results. Choose the right eCommerce platform today with Unlimited Exposure.
