WooCommerce is a WordPress-based e-commerce solution that is ideal for small and medium-sized online stores. Customizing and managing a WooCommerce store is easy for online merchants with the help of various plugins, and those with web development skills can tailor its features even more freely.
Among the greatest advantages of WooCommerce is the full control over the elements and features of the online store. However, for those unfamiliar with WordPress, a WooCommerce online store can be a more challenging entity to manage than the user-friendly Shopify online store.
WooCommerce Online Store – Pros and Cons
When establishing an online store, it is advisable to consider what are the most important things for you as an entrepreneur and online retailer that you require from the online store, and what you absolutely want to be able to do yourself. As with every matter, you will also have to choose what you might be willing to compromise on.
Let's go through the main pros and cons of WooCommerce online store, so you can decide for yourself if this WordPress-based solution suits your and your company's needs.
The advantages of a WooCommerce online store
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WooCommerce is a cost-effective and the world's most used e-commerce platform
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WooCommerce online store is extremely flexible and scalable, and it is easy to start modifying and expanding as needed.
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Since it is a WordPress and open-source solution, the WooCommerce online store is almost 100% customizable through code from start to finish.
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Several free add-ons make managing an online store, such as editing content, easy for those without coding skills.
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Anyone with a ready WordPress site can easily and quickly transform their website into an online store without technical expertise.
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WooCommerce's inventory management system is user-friendly and very easy to use from the perspective of an online retailer.
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In WooCommerce online store, there are several payment and delivery options available also for Finnish companies.
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Customer activity in the online store can be easily tracked using the Google Analytics extension.
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WordPress offers excellent opportunities for search engine optimization and useful plugins for doing so (such as Yoast SEO)
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Thanks to regular software updates, the WooCommerce online store is a safe choice for both the online retailer and the customer.
Disadvantages of WooCommerce Online Store
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Building a WooCommerce online store requires at least some web development and coding skills
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E-commerce features created by coding may require a web developer to make the desired changes for you
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Due to WordPress's automatic software updates, each plugin must be regularly monitored and updated. If this is not done in a timely manner, not all e-commerce functions may work. Unupdated plugins can also pose a security risk.
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Unlike Shopify, a WooCommerce online store does not have its own support. If you need help with something, you will have to rely on a third party, namely a developer.
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For these reasons, it is almost invariably worthwhile for a WooCommerce online store to acquire a maintenance service, which is usually provided by the entity that created the online store.
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Although WordPress allows customization of most functions, not all features needed by large online stores are easily available. The programming interface imposes limitations even for developers in this regard.
Is a WooCommerce online store suitable for my business?
When considering the establishment of an online store, comparing the pros and cons of different platforms is an important first step.
If you found more pros than cons, a WooCommerce online store might be the right solution for you. However, if you are unable to manage everything related to WordPress yourself, such as themes, plugins, and security, we recommend considering a more user-friendly Shopify online store or obtaining support from a skilled partner.
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