You’re here because you’re stuck between two heavyweights: Shopify and WordPress. Both are solid. Both have their fans. But only one will suit your business – and that’s what this guide is going to help you figure out.
By the end, you’ll know which platform makes more sense for your goals, your skills and your growth plans. This isn’t fluff. It’s straight talk from a team that’s built on both platforms and seen what works in the real world.
Table of contents
E‑commerce Features
Shopify: Fast, Focused, Functional
- Built-in POS system
- Native payment gateway (Shopify Payments)
- Out-of-the-box analytics
- App store focused on sales tools
- Multi-currency and global tax features
Cons: Customisation is limited unless you upgrade. Checkout edits? Only on Shopify Plus. App fees can stack up, and the URL structure isn’t ideal for SEO.
WordPress with WooCommerce: Total Control
- Unlimited customisation (design, checkout, features)
- More cost control
- Plugin for everything you could need
- Scalable with the right hosting
Cons: It’s more hands-on. You need to manage hosting, updates, backups and security. If you’re not tech savvy, hire someone or prepare to learn.
SEO Capabilities
Shopify SEO: Simple But Limited
- Fast loading, SSL included
- Handles redirects and canonical tags
- Clean interface for meta info and image alt text
Cons: You can’t fully control URLs, the blog editor is basic and advanced SEO tactics can feel restricted.
WordPress SEO: The Powerhouse
- Complete control over URLs and metadata
- SEO plugins like Yoast or Rank Math
- Schema, sitemaps, robots.txt, breadcrumbs – whatever you need
- Blog-first structure means content SEO is baked in
Cons: Needs regular speed and performance optimisation. Hosting matters a lot for rankings.
Ease of Use
Shopify: Click, Drag, Done
- No coding required
- Easy theme customisation
- Built-in hosting, backups, security
- 24/7 customer support
WordPress: Steeper Learning Curve
- Flexible but not beginner-friendly
- Visual builders help (Elementor, Divi, Kadence)
- You manage everything: hosting, plugins, updates
- Support comes from community forums and developers
Content & Blogging
WordPress: Built for Content
- Advanced blog tools and editors
- SEO-first structure
- Full content management control
- Rich media management and post formats
Shopify: Blogging Light
- Basic blog post editor
- SEO-friendly enough for short content
- Limited formatting and layout options
Winner: WordPress, no contest. If content matters, it’s the smarter choice.
Dropshipping
Shopify: Dropshipping in a Box
- Apps like Dsers, Spocket, Oberlo
- Automated fulfilment and syncing
- Perfect for fast global scale
WordPress: Dropshipping, DIY Style
- Flexible plugin ecosystem
- Control over suppliers and workflow
- Lower long-term costs if optimised well
Winner: Shopify wins for ease and speed. WordPress is best for those who want more control.
Support & Community
Shopify
- 24/7 live support
- Official courses and documentation
- Hire vetted Shopify Experts
WordPress
- Massive global community
- Free help forums, Reddit threads, Facebook groups
- More tutorials than you’ll ever need
Winner: Shopify for hands-on help. WordPress for community-powered problem solving.
Pricing
Shopify Pricing
- Starts at $56 AUD/month
- Apps and themes cost extra
- Transaction fees apply if not using Shopify Payments
WordPress Pricing
- Free to use
- Hosting: $3 – $30/month
- Premium themes: $30 – $200 (once-off)
- Plugins: free to $$$
Winner: WordPress is cheaper and more flexible. Shopify is predictable and managed.
Final Verdict
Choose Shopify if: You want to launch quickly, avoid technical work, and have reliable support.
Choose WordPress if: You want ultimate control, content and SEO power, and don’t mind a little DIY (or hiring devs).
- Side hustle? → Shopify
- Content-first brand? → WordPress
- Big custom store? → WordPress
- Zero-code, done-for-you? → Shopify
Need help figuring it out? Here’s what a website really costs in Australia – so you don’t get fleeced.