WordPress powers over 4 million live ecommerce stores globally through WooCommerce, making it one of the most widely used platforms. While it’s popular and packed with features, is it the ideal choice for your online business? Let’s explore the strengths and limitations of WordPress as an ecommerce platform and how it compares to Shopify and BigCommerce.
Why WordPress Works for Ecommerce
✅ No Hidden Transaction Fees
Unlike many ecommerce platforms that deduct a fee from each sale, WordPress allows full control over your earnings. You only pay payment processor charges (like Stripe or PayPal) — nothing goes to WordPress itself.
✅ WordPress Is Free to Use
You don’t need to pay a monthly fee to use WordPress. You’ll only invest in hosting, domains, and plugins. This makes it cost-effective, especially for startups and small businesses.
✅ Endless Customization Options
With thousands of themes and plugins, WordPress allows businesses to create highly customized websites. Access to the source code enables deep-level personalization, though it may require developer knowledge.
✅ Complete Ownership
Using WordPress means owning every part of your site — from the data to the design. You’re free to move to any host or modify any aspect without restrictions.
✅ Flexible Hosting
WordPress gives you freedom to choose your own hosting provider. This flexibility helps businesses scale, migrate easily, and optimize performance as they grow.
✅ SEO and Marketing-Friendly
With support for SEO plugins and marketing integrations, WordPress lets you optimize your store for organic traffic, email campaigns, social engagement, and more.
Where WordPress May Fall Short
⚠️ Not the Most Beginner-Friendly
While setup is free and simple, WordPress can be overwhelming for non-tech-savvy users. Customization and advanced functionality often require technical knowledge or hiring a developer.
⚠️ Frequent Manual Updates
Themes, plugins, and the WordPress core frequently receive updates. These often need to be installed manually, and neglecting them can expose your site to vulnerabilities.
⚠️ Security Management Is on You
WordPress security depends largely on the user. Poor plugin choices or outdated software can leave your site exposed. You’ll need to be proactive about maintenance.
⚠️ Plugin Overload Can Slow You Down
While plugins extend functionality, too many can slow down your website and conflict with one another. Moreover, some may contain security flaws if not properly maintained.
⚠️ It’s Not a Native Ecommerce Platform
WordPress is a CMS first. WooCommerce enables ecommerce functionality, but it’s not as seamless as platforms built specifically for selling online, like Shopify or BigCommerce.
WordPress vs Shopify and BigCommerce
Ease of Use:
Shopify and BigCommerce are managed platforms, designed to help users create stores without coding. WordPress has a steeper learning curve.
Customization:
WordPress wins with more extensive themes and plugin options, along with full access to code.
Scalability:
All three platforms can grow with your business, but WordPress gives you more hosting and backend control.
Security and Maintenance:
Shopify and BigCommerce handle security and updates for you. With WordPress, you’re responsible for keeping everything secure and up to date.
Final Verdict
WordPress is a powerful option for ecommerce if you have the time or expertise to manage the site’s technical aspects. It offers flexibility, ownership, and strong SEO capabilities — but it does demand active maintenance and a bit of technical know-how.
If ease of use, automatic updates, and built-in ecommerce features matter most, Shopify or BigCommerce might be better fits. Ultimately, the right platform depends on your business model, budget, and growth plans.
