So, you want to set up an eCommerce business and a website to run it from? It’s one of the fastest-growing industries with new success stories popping up all the time, so it’s no surprise you want to jump in on it. However, nowadays, few are building eCommerce sites from the ground up but using the suites providing all the tools that make it much easier.
Here, we’re going to look at the different eCommerce platforms available and answer the question “why choose Shopify?” We’ve taken an in-depth look at each of the options and how they compare to Shopify, so stick around if you want to get the detailed answer on why we find Shopify the best of the bunch.
Weebly has recently been acquired by Square, a highly-lauded online payment processor, meaning we expect some interesting changes coming down the line. In terms of usability and product presentation, Weebly makes things very user-friendly. Another thing we like about it is the unlimited storage offered. However, for payment options, discounts, app integration, and analytics, Shopify is more robust.
One of the initial benefits of Weebly is that it has a free tier that lasts indefinitely. When it comes to testing out the platform and building a site ready to scale, you have all the time in the world. However, you’re likely to run up against the limitations of that free tier within a couple of weeks, so Shopify’s 14-day trial isn’t much different.
Take a closer look at our Shopify vs Weebly article to get a better idea of how we rate it.
Wix may have once been the least impressive of the options available but it has developed significantly in part thanks to the continuous improvement of the Wix ADI, with automates much of the website creation for you. Another advantage over Shopify is how easy Wix makes it to adjust product presentations and features.
However, where Wix falls short is that it’s still like on design options for themes, international capabilities and has very little room for app integration. Like most other eCommerce platforms, it lacks the analytics features of Shopify as well.
But take a look at our in-depth comparison of the platforms to see how they really stack up.
Woocommerce is the most popular eCommerce plugin used with the ubiquitous WordPress site-building suite. The single greatest benefit is that Woocommerce and WordPress are entirely free. Furthermore, it’s far from feature light with great shipping cost settings, some of the best blog options on the market, and a wealth of plugin and app integrations to help you fully customize your site.
However, to use Woocommerce effectively, you have to be very adept with WordPress, making it significantly more complicated than Shopify. Furthermore, it’s rather limited theme editor and poor analytics also hold it back.
Our Shopify vs Woocommerce page takes a deeper look into what sets the platform apart.
Squarespace exploded onto the scene more recently but is fast competing with WordPress as one of the most lauded website creating tools around. When it comes to eCommerce, Squarespace natively supports it better than Wordpress, which requires the Woocommerce plugin. When it comes to editing themes, product presentations, and written content, it’s one of the best in the business.
Yet, it’s not an eCommerce driven platform like Shopify, so it lacks many features important to the success of an online store, including app integration, analytics and reporting tools, and the ability to make your site accessible internationally.
But take a look at our Shopify vs. Squarespace comparison to get a deeper look at their capabilities.
Why choose Shopify?
Given the work we’ve done with Shopify, it’s clear that we at The Shop Tinkerers are a little biased as to which is the best out there. However, we haven’t worked with only Shopify. We’ve worked with all of the platforms mentioned above.
When it comes to product presentation and features, payment options, blog support, shopping cost sayings, analytics, app integration, and more, Shopify is simply the best balance of the lot. There are some things that the others do better than Shopify. Each platform has their advantages and disadvantages, but when it comes down to it, Shopify is the platform that does it all as well as possible.
Why choose The Shop Tinkerers?
If you want to build a Shopify website for your eCommerce business, then it’s wise to make sure you have a team of Shopify experts helping you along the way. Whether you want help building the site from the ground up, or simply want those who can provide technical expertise to keep the task as simple as it can be, The Shop Tinkerers are here to help.
We’re a team of programmers, designers, consultants, and Shopify certified experts that have helped all manners of eCommerce businesses run and launch as smoothly as possible. Get in touch if you want to learn more about how Shopify and The Shop Tinkerers can give you the eCommerce site you need.
