Categories
Development Technology Website

Shopify or WordPress WooCommerce?

The most common question most people looking to start an e-commerce site is: Which platform do I use? Shopify or WooCommerce?

Choosing the platform is the first and most daunting part of this process. On the flip side there are people currently on one platform and looking to make a switch to another. Skynet Solutions can assist you in either of these situations as well as advise on which platform to use for your business. In this write up I want to explore some reasons why Shopify might be your better bet over a WordPress WooCommerce website.

There are many variables to consider when starting this process. Many of which I might not shed light on, but I hope to touch on some of the more common instances. Shopify, to me, is like the Apple of e-commerce websites; everything is all there inside the walled garden. Unlike WordPress, creating a Shopify store is a fairly streamlined process that doesn’t require a checklist or reliance on previous web experience. Many of the tedious setup items associated with a WordPress WooCommerce website like, Analytics, Credit Card Processing, SSL, Hosting, Security and Design elements are presented to you in a much more simple selection process. You won’t need to hunt down how to do something or realize something should have been done in the beginning with Shopify. All of the standardized e-commerce web store items are available and more easily set up with a Shopify store.

The Shopify platform is designed to help raise you up with built in support and tools. This platform will grow with your business and allow for expansion all while keeping you within industry standards. Start your FREE, no credit card required, account today for 14 days.

Support

Shopify offers live chat support and help within its developer community for advice on how to improve your store. Plenty of people have documented their processes so that you can fully take charge for your next store upgrade.

Integrations

Shopify has many built in integrations that can easily be implemented in your store. Things like email marketing, abandoned cart marketing, Social media and custom applications are all readily available for setup. If you have a brick and mortar store with a POS system Shopify has you covered with their Point-of-sale integration option. With WordPress WooCommerce you will need to find, purchase/sign-up and setup individual providers for each of the items that I mentioned.

Mobile

Shopify works great with mobile in mind. All available designs are built to work out of the box with mobile applications. Now this is the same as WordPress WooCommerce. However, this story changes if you are looking to run your store via a mobile device. Shopify has much better mobile usability when it comes to administrator access.

Hosting and SSL

Hosting and annual SSL certificates are all taken care of under the Shopify umbrella when you sign up. One less stress and additional cost to be concerned with is annual SSL and Hosting renewals as Shopify has these items built into their packages.

Security

Google reCAPTCHA and other standard security measures are automatically included and setup with your Shopify store. Where as each and every one of these items will need to be sourced and setup with a WordPress WooCommerce website.

Choose Skynet Solutions as your Shopify Partner!

Skynet Solutions is a Shopify Partner that can help you setup a new Shopify store or help migrate you from an existing WordPress WooCommerce site. Contact us if you are needing to migrate an existing website or start your new Shopify account with a FREE 14 day trial (no credit card needed) by clicking the link above. Explore the available account options, see how things work and you could even start an initial store mock up.

I’ve reviewed most of the features that Shopify has and how those can help you create a great eCommerce web store. Going this route can be less complicated, more secure and great for mobile and social media. The Shopify process can potentially cost you more than a WordPress WooCommerce store but it might be worth it to you. I hope this helps you to determine your path and we look forward to helping with your journey!

Categories
Business Design Development

eCommerce Website Overhaul for Muscle Research

Muscle Research LogoMuscle Research has been in the online eCommerce business since 2004. Since that time, as any normal business evolution, Muscle Research has re-branded themselves and been through 5 different website designs. Most of the web changes over the years has dealt with visual aspects as well as keeping up with the ever changing internet and how people view and purchase online. But the time has come for their eCommerce Website Overhaul.

Its hard to imagine but Muscle Research had an eCommerce presence way before the internet was browsable on a mobile device. Yes, thats right; Pre iPhone era. Keeping up with technology and staying relevant on the online space with a constant struggle for any eCommerce business, even today.

This will be Muscle Research’s (mrsupps.com) 5th website re-design and its first overhaul. Skynet Solutions has retained a great relationship with MR over the past years and has completed most of the online and marketing work required for their eCommerce business. But this time it was different. Not only did we completely change the look and feel we helped to migrate them to WordPress.

Change is tough but can sometimes be completely necessary. Migrating information, improving SEO and tightening security measures are all very important aspects that Skynet Solutions meticulously handled during their eCommerce website overhaul. With the use of WordPress as the new website platform, we were able to integrate more marketing, analytics, customer retention and customer interaction methods into the website. We also developed a custom woocommerce product listing display for mobile applications.

Shipping is a big topic for any eCommerce business. Shipping processes can make or break your eCommerce store and cause a lot of turmoil for both parties. The MR web overhaul included integration with our own custom eCommerce fulfillment software plugin that we developed for a centrally located fulfillment company. This integration alone provided a continuity with their distributor and website to maintain and monitor stock levels. Muscle Research has settled into their new website and the added functionality will allow for future growth in an ever-changing environment.

See other examples of our work or contact us today if you require an eCommerce Website Overhaul or any assistance with your online business.