WordPress vs Shopify: Why WordPress is the Smarter Choice for Your Budget

When it comes to building an eCommerce website, two of the most popular platforms are WordPress (with WooCommerce) and Shopify. While both offer unique advantages, WordPress stands out as the more cost-effective solution, especially when you partner with Blackstairs Web Design.

Upfront Costs and Ongoing Fees

One of the most significant differences between WordPress and Shopify is the cost. With Shopify, you’ll be hit with a monthly subscription fee, ranging from €29 to €299 per month, depending on the plan you choose. Plus, there are transaction fees on every sale if you don’t use Shopify Payments. These costs can quickly add up, especially for small businesses.

In contrast, WordPress itself is free, and while you may pay for hosting and premium plugins, the overall cost is typically far lower than Shopify’s ongoing subscription fees. At Blackstairs Web Design, we offer affordable hosting and tailored WordPress setups that ensure you only pay for what you need—nothing more.

Customisation and Flexibility

Shopify is great if you’re looking for a plug-and-play solution, but it lacks the flexibility of WordPress. Customising your Shopify store often means paying for additional apps or upgrading to higher-tier plans. WordPress, on the other hand, offers complete control over your site’s design and functionality, with thousands of plugins to choose from—many of which are free!

Our team at Blackstairs Web Design specialises in creating bespoke WordPress websites that align perfectly with your brand’s vision and functionality requirements, without unnecessary extras or hidden costs.

Ownership and Control

When you build on Shopify, your store is tied to their platform. If you ever want to migrate or make significant changes, it can be a costly and complicated process. WordPress websites are self-hosted, meaning you have full ownership and control, giving you the freedom to scale and adapt as your business grows.

At Blackstairs Web Design, we make sure you maintain complete control over your site while enjoying seamless support and updates.

SEO and Content Marketing

WordPress is widely recognised for its superior SEO capabilities, thanks to plugins like Yoast SEO and the flexibility to optimise every aspect of your site. While Shopify does offer basic SEO tools, it falls short in comparison to WordPress, especially when it comes to content-heavy strategies like blogging.

Get the Best Value with Blackstairs Web Design

Choosing WordPress with Blackstairs Web Design means choosing a cost-effective, highly customisable, and future-proof solution for your eCommerce website. We offer professional setup, custom design, and ongoing support—all without the recurring subscription fees that come with Shopify.

Ready to build a powerful, affordable eCommerce site? Contact Blackstairs Web Design today and discover how we can help you thrive online without breaking the bank!