There’s no question whether to build a website or not anymore. It is a necessity. What do you start with? Whom do you ask for advice? What technology should you use? There a re many questions you come up with when starting this process. And it does not matter whether you’re launching an online store, a personal blog, or a company site. The most important decision you need to make is choosing the right platform. Nowadays, there are a lot of debates about what is better: Shopify vs Webflow, Webflow vs WordPress, or WordPress vs Shopify. But what is the best option for your business? How do you decide which one suits your project best? That’s the main point of this article – to give you the general picture of these options and break them down for you to make more informed decisions. Let’s discover!

What Are The Key Considerations When Selecting a Website Platform?

As we have already mentioned, there are a few options of website platforms to choose from. However, before we start diving into specific platforms, we would like to highlight the essential factors to pay attention to. By understanding them, you can better weigh up your priorities. Let’s get acquainted with the main factors.

#1 Ease of use

It is crucial to understand whether the platform requires coding skills or is beginner-friendly. Depending on your plan, you can decide which platform works best for you (to do that by yourself or hire a software company).

#2 Customization

All projects require flexibility and advanced functionality. That is why you should be aware of what the platform has to offer.

#3 E-commerce capabilities

E-commerce features are especially crucial for online stores. So, when choosing the website platform, you should discover in-built e-commerce features, plugins and functionality for an exemplary implementation and efficiency of your online store.

#4 SEO & performance

SEO is an integral part of all businesses nowadays. You should estimate whether the site will rank well and load quickly. What should you pay attention to? SEO features, analytics, insights, plugins, and performance tools.

#5 Pricing

Last but not least, it is crucial to know what the upfront and ongoing costs are. Pricing should be transparent and aligned with your budget.

Considering all these factors, let’s consider and compare these three main website platforms: Shopify, Webflow, and WordPress. So, buckle up and get ready to discover more about each of them.

Defining Shopify: The E-Commerce Powerhouse

No surprise (considering the name of the platform) that Shopify is the strongest provider when your primary goal is to sell products online. What makes it stand out? Generally speaking it is an all-in-one solution tailored for e-commerce businesses.

What are the advantages of Shopify?

#1 User-friendly solution

It is ideal for beginners as it doesn’t require coding skills.

#2 E-commerce features

Shopify includes built-in payment processing, inventory management, and marketing tools. It also allows for integrating third-party services.

#3 Security & hosting

This website platform comes with secure hosting and built-in SSL. It is advanced and protects all sensitive data.

#4 Customer support

An amazing feature of Shopify is its 24/7 assistance available. It is an essential tool for online stores, especially when you involve AI solutions in your website.

Despite the advantages, there are still some pitfalls of Shopify you have to consider.

#1 Limited customization

Of course, there are different themes available. However, some unique design changes can be restrictive.

#2 Transaction fees

Unfortunately, Shopify has some additional fees that apply unless using Shopify Payments. It is rather limiting for some customers.

Nevertheless, considering both the pros and cons of Shopify, it is best for small to medium-sized online stores looking for a quick, hassle-free launch. Always remember to consult an experienced software company to help you choose the option correctly.

Discovering Webflow: The Designer’s Playground

In recent years, Webflow is gaining a lot of traction. It is a hybrid platform that bridges the gap between no-code website builders and advanced design customization. Webflow is a fantastic choice for those who are looking for visual editing with the flexibility of custom code when needed.

Speaking of its advantages, what are they?

#1 Highly customizable

Using Webflow, designers can create unique layouts without relying on templates. It gives them all the freedom needed.

#2 Responsive and fast

This website builder is strongly optimized for performance and mobile responsiveness. Most users you get online use various devices. That is why Webflow’s responsiveness is the key!

#3 No plugins required

This website platform is great when it comes to features like animations, interactions, and CMS. All of them are built-in and it gives you some peace of mind when creating a website.

#4 SEO-friendly

As we’ve already mentioned, SEO is crucial for your business, and Webflow offers advanced control over metadata, redirects, and site speed. It also simplifies the job for SEO specialists.

Even though it is highly customizable and offers plenty of advantages, there are still some downsides to Webflow.

#1 Learning curve

If you want to build a website by yourself, get ready for a time-consuming learning journey, as it takes time to master it compared to simpler platforms. It is not a limitation at all when you hire a software provider to do the job for you.

#2 E-commerce limitations

Webflow might not be the best option for online stores due to its less developed functionality of e-commerce features compared to Shopify.

Taking into account both advantages and disadvantages, we can state that Webflow is best for designers, developers, and brands that require visually stunning, highly customized websites (which are basically all projects in the 21st century).

Choosing WordPress: The Content Giant

Regarding these three platforms, WordPress is the most known. It has been popular for many years, and many users adopt it (it covers about 40% of the web). A lot of businesses choose it as their go-to solution, especially when they are focused on content-driven purposes (like blogs or large corporate sites).

What makes WordPress so popular?

#1 Extreme flexibility

There are thousands of plugins! As a result, WordPress can be adapted for almost any need.

#2 Strong community support

Over the years, WordPress has developed a massive user base. It offers extensive documentation and forums for you to dive deeper into the platform’s features.

#3 Great for blogging and SEO

WordPress was initially built for content management. No wonder it excels in SEO and blogging capabilities. Moreover, many educational institutions opt for this platform due to its content management features.

#3 Self-hosted and open-source

When you develop a website using WordPress, you get full control over hosting and customization.

Nevertheless, there are some disadvantages of WordPress.

#1 Requires maintenance

You need a team of experts to handle regular updates and security management when needed.

#2 Can be complex

There are a lot of advanced themes and plugins that require technical background.

If you ask what WordPress is best for, we will answer without hesitation that for bloggers, content creators, and businesses looking for a scalable website solution.

Comparison Table: Shopify vs. Webflow vs. WordPress

Final Words: Which Website Platform Should You Choose?

The answer lies in your needs, preferences, goals, and budget. You can make a more informed decision when you discover the table above.

Simply put, when you want a ready-to-go e-commerce store, Shopify is the simplest and most efficient option for you. Webflow offers the best mix of visual customization and performance if you need all the design freedom. When you out content as a priority, choose WordPress.

However, the best way to select the right platform is to consult with dedicated and experienced software professionals like OTAKOYI. They are always ready to help bring your digital vision to life!