WordPress vs. Shopify vs. Custom - Choosing the Right Platform

Website Care / 3 MIN Read
WordPress vs. Shopify vs. Custom - Choosing the Right Platform
Amanda Robinson
Amanda Robinson / Founder & Web Solutions Specialist @AmandaRobinson

"What platform should I use for my website?" It's one of the most common questions we hear from small business owners. After 11 years of working with WordPress, Shopify, Drupal, and custom solutions, here's my honest breakdown of what works best for different business needs.

WordPress: The Versatile Workhorse

Best for: Service businesses, content-heavy sites, blogs, and businesses wanting maximum flexibility

Pros:

  • Incredibly flexible and customizable
  • Thousands of plugins for added functionality
  • Great for SEO when properly configured
  • Cost-effective for most small businesses
  • Easy to find help and support

Cons:

  • Requires regular maintenance and updates
  • Can become slow without proper optimization
  • Security depends on keeping everything updated

Real Example: We maintain WordPress sites for a private school and several home inspection businesses. The platform's flexibility allows us to create custom solutions for their unique needs while keeping costs reasonable.

Shopify: The E-commerce Specialist

Best for: Online stores, product-based businesses, and companies selling physical or digital goods

Pros:

  • Built specifically for e-commerce
  • Handles payments, inventory, and shipping
  • Excellent mobile shopping experience
  • Regular security updates handled automatically
  • Great customer support

Cons:

  • Monthly fees add up over time
  • Limited customization compared to WordPress
  • Transaction fees on some payment methods
  • Less flexibility for non-e-commerce content

Real Example: Our semitruck parts e-commerce client chose Shopify for its robust inventory management and seamless payment processing. The platform handles their complex product catalog beautifully.

Custom Solutions: When Standard Won't Do

Best for: Businesses with unique requirements that can't be met by standard platforms

Pros:

  • Complete control over functionality and design
  • No monthly platform fees
  • Optimized specifically for your needs
  • No plugin dependencies

Cons:

  • Higher upfront development costs
  • Requires specialized maintenance
  • Updates and changes take longer
  • Finding qualified help can be challenging

Platform Comparison: The Bottom Line

Feature WordPress Shopify Custom
Setup Cost Low Medium High
Monthly Fees Low Medium-High Low
Customization High Medium Unlimited
Maintenance Regular Minimal Specialized
E-commerce Good Excellent Variable
SEO Control Excellent Good Excellent

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Choose WordPress if:

  • You need a flexible, content-rich website
  • You want to control costs
  • You plan to blog regularly
  • You need custom functionality

Choose Shopify if:

  • E-commerce is your primary focus
  • You want minimal technical maintenance
  • You need robust inventory management
  • You're selling internationally

Choose Custom if:

  • You have specific requirements no platform can meet
  • You have the budget for specialized development
  • Your business model is unique

The Maintenance Reality

Regardless of platform choice, all websites need ongoing care:

  • WordPress: Regular updates, security monitoring, performance optimization
  • Shopify: Theme updates, app management, performance monitoring
  • Custom: Specialized maintenance, security updates, feature additions

Getting Started

The right platform depends on your specific business needs, budget, and long-term goals. Consider:

  1. What's your primary business model?
  2. How much customization do you need?
  3. What's your comfort level with technical maintenance?
  4. What's your budget for both setup and ongoing costs?

Still unsure which platform is right for your business? Rooted in SoIL has experience with all major platforms and can help you make the best choice for your specific needs. Contact us for a free consultation and platform recommendation.