When you want to start an online business or enhance your company’s online presence, you must know how to build an ecommerce platform. In that case, Shopify and own or custom build websites are the two best options in 2022.
Both have some advantages and disadvantages. Every business has specific needs that need to be fulfilled by the platform they choose to build the online store. What is best for other companies may not be effective for you.
Before choosing the platform to build your online store, you must consider many factors. Here, you will detailly discuss both solutions, differentiate them, and helps to find out which one is the perfect option for you. So, without any further delay, let’s delve into it.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is an online ecommerce platform that helps to set up online stores. It’s best for any size ecommerce business, and here anyone can set up their online business and sell their products. More than 8,00,000 stores from over 175 countries are now on Shopify.
It’s the best option for the beginner because the setup and design process is straightforward. Anyone can start an online business and sell their product through this platform. Besides, it works very fast.
For its simplicity and many free features, it is one of the most popular platforms now in the world, and no 1 software in the shopping cart category.
What is your Own Website or Custom Site?
A custom or own website refers to the websites you or your team make. It’s a lengthy process; you must manage many essential things for your business, like domain, hosting, some third-party extensions, etc.
To create this website, you need to know web development and coding or hire a web developer. It is very complex and costly at the same time. However, the custom sites are very advanced by which you can do whatever you want with your website.
All the big companies have this type of website as their official online presence. You will get unlimited features and customization on your own or a custom website. People or companies that require advanced features and official websites must go for this solution.
Shopify Vs. Own Website: Which One is Best?
It would be best if you consider some crucial factors to determine which is best for Shopify and your website. Let’s discuss these factors one by one and identify which one is better in which factor. After that, it will be easier for us to choose the best solution for you. These are as follows:
1. Ease of use
Shopify is the easiest platform to use and conduct your ecommerce business. Creating your online store is so simple here that you can build a store yourself. Shopify merchants don’t need to buy any domain or hosting to start their business.
You will get free domains here. Although, if you want a custom domain, you need to pay, which is an affordable and easy process. Besides, you can change your store look at any time with the prebuilt ecommerce templates.
On the other hand, if you want to create a custom-built website, you must have web development and coding skills. Otherwise, you have to hire a web developer. Besides, you must purchase a domain, hosting, and many other third-party features here.
Additionally, Shopify offers 14 days free trial by which you can use all their web features and make the best decision. You will not get any trial if you make a custom site. So, overall, Shopify is the most accessible ecommerce platform to start and use.
2. Design and Theme
Shopify themes are specially designed for ecommerce businesses. You will easily get all their exciting themes and template that can be used in your online store to please your customers. It’s straightforward to do where you don’t need specialized skills.
Here most of the themes are for free to $200. On the contrary, you must spend enormous time and money to find a perfect theme for your store. However, here you will get the opportunity to unlimited customization. You can change anything you want on your website, which is impossible in Shopify.
3. Functionalities
Shopify is an excellent platform with many amazing features completely for free. They offer fraud analysis, payment providers like Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, etc., and many apps for integrating external services.
On the other hand, for your website, you need to find your payment gateway for the payment services. Besides, there are many ecommerce plugins and extensions that you must have to conduct your online store.
4. Security
Security is a big issue for ecommerce websites. Shopify provides SSL certificates that can protect you and your customers. But, in the case of your website, you must pay a certain amount of money to get this certificate. Besides, the process is very lengthy and complex.
5. Maintenance and Support
For online businesses, it is vital to maintain and update your website regularly. Shopify provides the best maintenance and support service. It will automatically apply to your online store whenever a new update comes.
Besides, you will get 24/7 support from Shopify through direct calls, live chat, email, etc. Additionally, you will get many educational contents through the Shopify blogs, community, and Shopify academy.
On the other hand, you have to update your website manually. Besides, you will have to learn and solve problems through Google, YouTube, Twitter, Forums, etc., which is not so easy to find.
6. Price
A basic Shopify account costs around $30 per month. Most importantly, in Shopify, you will get many free features like themes, SSL certificates, discount codes, gift cards, etc. On the other hand, for your website, you have to pay $1000 to $10000. The cost is high because you have to pay for everything here.
Wrapping up: Shopify vs. Own Website
Obviously, if you are a beginner in the ecommerce market and need an easy, affordable, and quick platform to make your online store, Shopify is the best option.
On the other hand, if you need a flexible, unique, unlimited, customizable online platform for your online business, a custom-build or own website is the best option. That’s all about our discussion.
We hope you have found all of your answers in the article. Then again, if you have any questions about this topic, feel free to ask in the comment sections. We are always here to help you.