A common question that we get frequently doing web development in Singapore is whether our clients should go for WIX or Shopify? Both are popular website-building platforms and are alternatives to a WordPress website, the choice between WIX and Shopify depends on your specific needs and requirements. Read on as we explore and discover useful features and the pros & cons of each platform. Understanding which is best suited for you can come in handy when trying to choose the platform to discuss with your web design agency in Singapore.
WIX.COM
WIX is a budget-friendly website-builder, great for users without any technical expertise, and prefers templates rather than designing from scratch.
Features
With more than 900 free and customisable website templates, users are able to edit via drag and drop. In addition to full-stack web development tools for custom functionality, with over 1000 advanced design capabilities, custom domain, logo along with numerous brand tools. It also incorporates AI technology that can create a site for you, with complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and lastly, it is optimised for Core Web Vitals (CWV).
Pros
WIX is free and easy to use for building a basic website with simple animations. It is able to host different domains on the same account, and it comes with a mobile application that enables managing of websites and stores on the go, where you can add new products, and track payments and refunds.
Cons
However, for widgets and plugins wise, it is not very customisable and does not have as many choices available as compared to other platforms. This can limit your ability to set certain features or design choices, where you might ultimately need a developer to step in.
Shopify.com
Shopify is mostly popular for E-commerce where merchants can build and customise their online store and sell in multiple places, for instance on the web, mobile, in person, brick-and-mortar locations, pop-up shops, and across multiple channels from social media to online marketplaces.
Features
Shopify offers a built-in application store with more than 1200 applications and plugins where each application and plugin has a specific use catered to different businesses. It also enables companies to sell their products in settings such as a physical pop-up store, where payments will be directly linked to the company’s Shopify inventory to keep a record of every sales transaction. Moreover, it has some exit-intent features whereby it allows you to send a reminder for products that are abandoned in carts via email to increase the purchase rate.
Pros
It is beginner-friendly as there are several templates and plugins for users who are not design or code-savvy, and of course, users are able to include custom code as well. The platform is secure and great for merchants who want to run a large online store, with 24/7 customer support and a Shopify community. Merchants are also able to create discounts on individual products or as a group under the same category. Furthermore, multiple payment processors are included for more payment options and easy transactions.
Cons
Shopify plans can be expensive, as compared to their basic plans, upgraded plans have more choices, likewise, add-ons, applications, and themes will only be available in premium tiers, and some features may require plugins which can add up to a hefty annual fee. Content marketing software can be laggy and is not flexible in some areas – for instance, blog feature does not include categories. Having limited customisation abilities, merchants will have to be familiar with Shopify’s Liquid setup to better personalise their website. Lastly, it will be tedious to move to another platform as it only allows users to have the Comma-Separated Values (CSV) report.
Interested in finding out more?
Drop us a line — we’d be happy to advise you in further detail. For some interactive web design inspiration, check out our Fab Lab!
