eCommerce Platforms – Printify https://printify.com Make it. Your way. Print on Demand and eCommerce solutions. Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:47:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://printify.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Printify-Green-Favicon-96x96.png eCommerce Platforms – Printify https://printify.com 32 32 Shopify vs Etsy: Choose the best eCommerce platform for your business https://printify.com/blog/shopify-vs-etsy/ Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:38:29 +0000 https://printify.com/?p=26559 In this guide, we’ll compare Shopify vs Etsy to help you choose the best fit for your online store.

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Printify + your favorite platform = more sales!

Welcome to the world of eCommerce! With online retail sales booming and expected to hit $8 trillion by 2027, there’s never been a better time to get started. Shopify and Etsy are two of the most popular platforms, but they serve different purposes – one is a full-fledged eCommerce website builder, while the other is an online marketplace.

In this guide, we’ll compare Shopify vs Etsy to help you determine the best fit for your online store.

Disclaimer

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.

Shopify vs Etsy: Overview

Shopify is an eCommerce website builder powering over 4.5 million active websites as of Q1 2025, trusted by brands like Allbirds and Gymshark. It lets you build an independent store with 227 paid ($100-500) and 13 free themes (with more free themes available). You can sell almost anything, automate tasks, and access over 8,000 apps for marketing, inventory, and customer management. 

Etsy, on the other hand, is a marketplace with 89.6 million active buyers and 5.6 million sellers as of Q4 2024. Originally focused on vintage and handmade goods, Etsy now allows sellers to list print-on-demand merch, digital products, apparel, and more. It’s easy to start with no monthly fees, but there’s a $0.20 listing fee per item, and Etsy takes a cut of each sale.

The key difference between Shopify and Etsy reflects the contrast between a website builder and a marketplace – if you want full control over your online store, Shopify is the better choice. If you prefer low startup costs and built-in traffic, Etsy makes selling simple.

Make it happen today!

Which is better for you? Shopify vs Etsy 2025

Both sales channels are great choices for new sellers. 

To help you decide which is better for you, we’ve compared the key features of both Shopify and Etsy – from store setup, pricing, and transaction fees to SEO tools, marketing, scalability, and analytics.

Etsy vs ShopifyEtsyShopify
Product focusCustom products, handcrafted goods, vintage items, and craft supplies.Anything within the limits of the law.
Ease of store setupSimple and straightforward.Lengthy but guided process.
Design and layout optionsConsistent store design with few customization options.Range of customization options, including over 13 free and 227 paid themes.
eCommerce toolsBasic tool set and about 20 integrations, depending on the country.Over 8,000 available apps.
SEOSpecific Etsy SEO requirements.Basic built-in SEO tools plus apps to optimize content from the Basic plan.
PricingNo monthly subscription fees. $0.20 for listing an item. Up to 20-25% in transaction fees.Higher flat-rate monthly subscription fee but lower or no transaction fees when using Shopify Payments.
AnalyticsSimple analytics tools for tracking essential KPIs.Basic analytics in lower-tier plans, with advanced tools in the higher-cost ones.
Marketing toolsEtsy ads (including offsite ads), social media marketing integrations, and more than a dozen integrations (including email marketing tools).Over 1,500 specific marketing tools in the app store.
Customer supportHelp Center, Etsy Seller Handbook, forums, and newsletters. Slow email support.24/7 customer support, live chat, eCommerce experts, written documentation, and help center.
ScalabilityBasic eCommerce functions, unlimited number of listings. Products must comply with Etsy policies. Standalone website with a Pattern subscription ($15 monthly).Over 8,000 apps to scale; custom enterprise-level plans.
Selling internationallyListings are visible to international buyers, and Etsy Payments supports multiple currencies. Etsy store owners must manually set up shipping rates and handle customs and taxes.Shopify allows full localization with currency conversion, region-specific pricing, international payment methods, and automatic tax calculations.

1. Shopify vs Etsy: Product focus

Here’s how selling on Shopify vs Etsy differs regarding products:  

Etsy is a marketplace with clear guidelines on what products can be sold, focusing on handmade goods and craft supplies. While it has expanded its categories, sellers need to follow Etsy’s rules, and violations can lead to account suspension.

Shopify, on the other hand, gives you almost full control. Sell anything within legal limits and build a brand on your own domain without marketplace restrictions.

For sellers who want complete flexibility in what they sell, Shopify has the edge.

2. Etsy or Shopify? Ease of store setup

A woman sitting at a desk and using a laptop to read a comparison: Shopify vs Etsy.

If you’re wondering whether Etsy or Shopify for beginners is the right choice, both platforms are user-friendly but offer different experiences. 

Shopify walks you through setting up your shop, including inventory management, order tracking, and design customization. While the process is guided, learning how to manage and update everything properly takes some time and technical knowledge.

Etsy is much simpler. Once you create a shop, you just add listings and optimize them for Etsy search. There’s less customization, but it’s quick to start selling.

It all comes down to preference. Etsy is easier upfront, while Shopify offers more control but requires more setup work. A draw.

Tip

Compare Shopify to another beginner-friendly marketplace in our article about Shopify vs eBay.

3. Shopify or Etsy? Design and layout options

A well-designed online store can make or break your sales. 42% of shoppers leave a website because of poor design or functionality. So, how do Etsy and Shopify compare when it comes to design flexibility?

Etsy:

  • Simple and uniform – Every Etsy shop has the same layout with limited customization. Sellers can add a logo and organize product collections, but the storefront design stays the same.
  • Standing out – The best way to make your Etsy store unique is through high-quality product images and descriptions. Since customization is limited, strong visuals are key.

Shopify:

  • More control – There are 13 free and over 227 paid themes, letting you fully customize your Shopify store. Tweak fonts, colors, and layouts to match your brand identity
  • Designed for growth – Unlike Etsy, Shopify gives creative freedom to build a store that stands out and converts visitors into buyers, with a wide range of customization options and third-party apps.

If you want a simple, ready-made storefront, Etsy works well. If branding and customization matter, Shopify is the better choice.

Tip

If having a beautifully designed online store is your top priority, check out our Shopify vs Squarespace article. Squarespace has amazing design options!

4. Shopify and Etsy: eCommerce tools

A woman putting sticky notes on a glass wall.

Both Shopify and Etsy offer tools to help sellers manage their online stores, track sales, and market their products, but Shopify provides much more flexibility. 

Shopify has over 8,000 apps, allowing merchants to customize their stores with tools for inventory management, marketing automation, SEO, and customer support

Etsy, in contrast, has a much smaller selection of integrations (around 20) focused on social media, analytics, and listing optimization. Many of these require subscriptions, and the Etsy app ecosystem is more limited than Shopify’s expansive app store.

Etsy Payments supports various payment methods, but transaction and payment processing fees can eat into profits. 

For sellers who want full control over their store’s features and growth, Shopify is the better choice. Etsy provides the basics, but Shopify’s app store and customization options make it a much stronger platform for scaling a business.

5. Etsy vs Shopify: SEO

A person holding a phone with Google Search on the screen.

Search engine optimization (SEO) means increasing traffic and attracting the most visitors to your store, but Shopify and Etsy handle it differently.

Shopify is a website builder, so you’ll need to drive traffic from search engines like Google. This means researching keywords, optimizing URLs, improving site speed, and structuring your Shopify store properly. Some of these tasks may require paid apps to increase visibility.

Etsy, as a marketplace, has built-in traffic, so Etsy SEO is more straightforward. You mainly need to optimize your product titles, descriptions, tags, and attributes to rank well in Etsy’s search results. The platform handles technical SEO, like site speed and URLs for you.

Etsy has the advantage of ease of use since it requires fewer steps to optimize your store. Shopify SEO is more complex but offers greater control and potential for long-term growth.

6. Shopify vs Etsy: Fees and pricing

A person sitting in front of a laptop, with Amazon’s homepage on the screen, holding a credit card in their hand.

Pricing is one of the biggest factors when choosing between Shopify and Etsy, especially for print-on-demand sellers. Shopify charges a monthly subscription fee plus transaction fees, while Etsy has no monthly fee but takes a percentage of each sale.

Shopify offers a three-day trial and a $1 first month, after which sellers can choose from three plans:

  • Basic Shopify: $39/month, 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction, includes two staff accounts and 24/7 support.
  • Shopify: $105/month, 2.7% + $0.30 per transaction, includes five staff accounts, lower credit card fees, and additional sales tools.
  • Advanced Shopify: $399/month, 2.5% + $0.30 per transaction, includes 15 staff accounts, lower shipping costs, and advanced reporting.

While Shopify Payments helps avoid extra transaction fees, paid apps can increase monthly costs as your store grows.

You don’t have to pay to open a shop, but Etsy charges other fees:

  • Subscription fee: Free, or $10/month for Etsy Plus. $15/month for Etsy Pattern (for a separate website).
  • Listing fee: $0.20 per item, plus another $0.20 renewal fee per sale.
  • Transaction fee: 6.5% of each sale.
  • Payment processing fee: 3% + $0.25 per transaction (varies by country).
  • Other fees: Etsy may charge additional fees for advertising, currency conversion, shipping, and regulatory costs.

(All the transaction fees can add up to 20-25% of a sale).

Etsy has the lead with lower upfront costs, making it more affordable for beginners. However, as sales increase, Etsy’s transaction fees can take a significant cut of your profits. Shopify’s monthly subscription is higher, but lower fees per sale can make it more cost-effective for high-volume sellers looking to scale their business profitably. 

7. Shopify vs Etsy: Analytics

A man and a woman standing in front of a monitor and reviewing data.

Both Shopify and Etsy provide analytics to help sellers track sales and optimize their online stores, but Shopify offers more in-depth reporting.

Shopify Analytics varies by plan. Basic reports include finance tracking and product performance, while higher-tier plans unlock detailed reports on sales, profits, customer behavior, and acquisition trends.

Advanced Shopify and Shopify Plus allow custom reporting, giving sellers insights into revenue per order, top sales channels, and discount performance. These tools help businesses make data-driven decisions and improve digital marketing strategies.

Etsy’s analytics tools are more simple. Etsy Stats shows traffic sources, conversions, and ad performance, helping sellers understand how many sales they generate and where their traffic comes from. Etsy Search Analytics tracks keyword performance and visibility. 

Integrated with Google Analytics 4, Etsy’s reporting is straightforward and easy to use, making it accessible for beginners.

If you need basic insights, Etsy works well, but for detailed reporting and business growth, Shopify is the better choice.

8. Shopify vs Etsy: Marketing tools

With Shopify, you handle all marketing efforts – driving traffic through SEO, social media, email campaigns, and content marketing. The platform offers over 1,500 marketing apps for ads, automation, SMS marketing, and analytics.

Etsy, on the other hand, has built-in traffic. It helps sellers reach potential customers through Etsy ads, which promote listings across search results and other key pages. Combined with social media integrations and SEO, this makes it easier to attract buyers without external marketing efforts.

Another draw. For beginners, Etsy’s marketing tools are simple but effective. For sellers who want control and advanced strategies, Shopify provides more flexibility.

Tip

Compare other platforms with even more marketing tools in our article on Wix vs Shopify.

9. Shopify vs Etsy: Customer support

A smiling customer support specialist working from an office.

Good customer support makes running an online store much easier, especially when unexpected issues pop up. 

Shopify provides faster, more direct assistance. Sellers can contact 24/7 phone, live chat, and email support or get help from the Shopify Help Center, experts, forums, and online communities

Etsy, on the other hand, relies more on self-service options, including the Etsy Help Center, Seller Handbook, community forums, and newsletters. Email support is available, but responses can take time.

While both platforms provide useful documentation, Shopify wins for offering round-the-clock support and expert guidance, making it easier for sellers to get quick help when they need it.

10. Shopify vs Etsy: Scalability

As you grow your online store, choosing a platform that can scale with you is key. 

Etsy is a good starting point since it provides a built-in audience and unlimited product listings. However, scaling can be tough due to listing fees and competition. You have few options to customize the storefront besides a Pattern subscription, and if you don’t master Etsy SEO, your products might get lost in the marketplace. 

However, Shopify is built for growth. You have great control over your store design, product range, and branding, with thousands of apps to help scale your entire business beyond just an online shop. There are no extra fees for adding more products, and you don’t compete directly with other sellers on the same platform.  

However, Shopify requires more upfront investment, and since it doesn’t have a built-in audience, you’ll need to focus on marketing and SEO to drive traffic.

It’s a draw. Etsy is easier to start with but limits long-term growth, while Shopify offers more scalability but requires effort and investment to succeed.

11. Shopify vs Etsy: Selling internationally

If you plan to sell worldwide, Shopify offers tools to help businesses expand globally. Set market-specific pricing, accept local payment processing methods, and create region-specific storefronts with automatic currency conversion

Shopify also allows merchants to customize their store’s language settings and display region-based content, ensuring a more personalized shopping experience for international buyers. Additionally, sellers can calculate duties and taxes at checkout, helping customers avoid unexpected fees.

Etsy, on the other hand, makes it easy to sell internationally by allowing sellers to set up global shipping profiles. Your listings will automatically appear to potential customers worldwide, and Etsy Payments supports transactions in multiple currencies. However, Etsy’s international selling features focus more on shipping logistics rather than creating a localized shopping experience. Sellers must manually research and set international shipping rates, and Etsy doesn’t provide built-in tax calculations for global orders. 

For merchants looking to scale internationally with a customizable online store,Shopify is the better choice due to its advanced localization tools, currency settings, and tax automation.

Which to choose for your business needs?

Deciding between Shopify and Etsy depends on your business model, product offerings, and long-term goals.

What types of businesses are best for Shopify?

As a dedicated platform for building your own website, Shopify is ideal for any business selling products while looking to establish a unique brand identity and maintaining full control over its online store. It’s optimal for:​

  • Scalable retailers: Businesses planning to expand their product range and scale operations.​
  • Custom branding: Those seeking to create a distinct online presence with customizable templates.
  • Diverse products: Sellers offering various products, including manufactured goods.​

While Shopify requires proactive marketing efforts to drive traffic, it offers lower transaction fees and supports different payment processing options, including Shopify Payments. This platform is perfect for businesses ready to invest in building their brand and managing their own website. ​

Tip

Considering a print-on-demand Shopify business? Find more information on our website.

What types of businesses are best for Etsy?

As a specialized online marketplace for artisans, crafters, and vintage sellers, Etsy is ideal for:​

  • Customized or personalized items: Etsy is a top choice for businesses offering custom products, such as personalized gifts, engraved jewelry, and made-to-order apparel.
  • Handmade goods: If you create unique, handcrafted items, Etsy’s audience appreciates and seeks out such products.​
  • Vintage items: Sellers offering vintage products can find a dedicated customer base on Etsy.​
  • Craft supplies: Sellers providing materials for crafting can also thrive here.​

Etsy’s built-in audience means less effort in driving traffic, allowing creators to focus on their craft. However, be mindful of listing and transaction fees, which can quickly add up. ​

Tip

If you’re comparing Shopify vs Etsy for Print on Demand, many POD sellers use Etsy to offer customizable designs on t-shirts, mugs, and home decor without holding inventory.

FAQ

Which is better, Shopify or Etsy? That depends on the eCommerce model you’re looking for. Comparing Shopify to Etsy is a way to contrast an eCommerce website builder with a marketplace. Choose Shopify if you want to create a whole website with more control over design and original domain names.  

Tip: Find out the key aspects to make your online business successful by checking out our list of successful Shopify stores.

If you’re struggling to choose between Shopify and Etsy, here’s some good news: you can have both. Within the Shopify app store, you can even integrate a Shopify store with the Etsy marketplace, making multichannel selling easier and more efficient.

Synchronization in real-time allows products to be streamlined through both platforms, regardless of price changes or inventory.

The choice between Shopify vs Etsy depends on your goals.

  • Etsy is a great online marketplace with a built-in audience, making it ideal for selling handmade goods and vintage items. However, Etsy’s transaction and listing fees can add up, and sellers have limited branding control.
  • Shopify is a dedicated eCommerce platform that lets you build your own website, customize your store, and avoid higher transaction fees when using Shopify Payments. However, it requires a monthly subscription and more effort to attract traffic.

Many growing businesses use Shopify and Etsy simultaneously, leveraging Etsy’s audience while directing new customers to their own stores for better profits and control.

Shopify vs Etsy: Which one is better?

Etsy is a great starting point for new sellers. It has low upfront costs, an easy setup, and a built-in audience, making it perfect for selling vintage items, handmade goods, and custom products online. However, transaction fees add up, customization is limited, and sellers need to follow Etsy’s marketplace rules, which can restrict growth.

Shopify gives you full control over your own online store, offering custom branding, scalability, and a vast selection of eCommerce tools. You’ll need to put in more effort to drive traffic, and monthly subscription fees can increase with apps, but Shopify allows for long-term growth without platform restrictions.

The best choice depends on your business goals. If you want a simple, low-cost start, choose Etsy. If you’re looking to build and scale a brand with complete control, Shopify is the way to go.

Tip

If Etsy isn’t the right fit for you, explore  Etsy alternatives for other marketplace options. If you prefer a standalone store but want different pricing, check out Shopify alternatives to find the best platform for your business.

Make it happen today!

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Shopify vs eBay – Which is better for growing your online business? https://printify.com/blog/shopify-vs-ebay/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:41:00 +0000 https://printify.com/?p=109935 Read our comparison of Shopify and eBay, and what is the better option for growing your online business.

The post Shopify vs eBay – Which is better for growing your online business? appeared first on Printify.

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Printify + your favorite platform = more sales!

Choosing the right platform is one of the most important decisions when starting an eCommerce business. Should you build your own branded store with Shopify or tap into eBay’s massive marketplace?

This guide compares Shopify vs eBay, breaking down the setup process, costs, features, and support to help you decide which eCommerce platform is best for your online store.

Disclaimer

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.

Shopify vs eBay: General overview

Two women seated at a desk, reviewing documents and discussing their contents.

Shopify and eBay are two leading eCommerce platforms, but they have very different selling structures, entry requirements, branding options, and management tools.

  • Shopify: Make your own website with templates and third-party app add-ons.
  • eBay: An online auction platform where you list products on an existing marketplace.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of both sales channels.

Shopify store overview

Shopify is an all-in-one eCommerce platform. Sellers use it to manage their own websites, including setting up product pages, contact forms, and payment processing. 

Unlike eBay, Shopify stores give you full control over the store’s design, branding, and product pricing. Shopify’s App Store adds even more customization opportunities.

Pricing$39/month (Basic) with higher-tier subscription plans offering advanced features. 
Excludes payment processing fees and optional third-party apps.
HostingShopify provides secure hosting, a free website subdomain, built-in SEO tools, and access to Shopify themes for store customization.
Pros
  • Full control over branding and store design
  • Integration with Shopify’s App Store for additional features
  • Ability to offer discount codes and subscriptions
  • Supports multi-channel selling through social media, marketplaces, and point of sale (POS)
  • Cons
  • Monthly subscription costs even if no sales are made
  • Requires traffic-building efforts since there’s no built-in audience
  • Some third-party apps require extra fees
  • The setup process is more involved compared to eBay
  • Best forSellers who want to build their own store, control branding, and scale their online business long-term.

    eBay store overview

    eBay is among the oldest eCommerce selling platforms operating as an online marketplace where sellers list products to immediately reach millions of buyers. 

    Unlike Shopify, eBay handles traffic and search visibility, so you only need to focus on selling. However, eBay store owners face a lot of competition and must follow strict platform rules and guidelines.

    PricingeBay charges listing fees and final value fees. Getting an eBay Store subscription lowers costs and provides additional tools. 
    eBay prices vary based on category and selling volume.
    HostingeBay hosts all listings on its platform. Sellers can customize their own eBay store within eBay’s platform but with limited storefront design options.
    Pros
  • Access to eBay’s global customer base
  • Quick and easy setup
  • Integrated features like eBay Branded Shipping Supplies and shipping labels
  • Lower upfront costs compared to Shopify
  • Cons
  • Limited branding and store design options
  • eBay platform fees add up, especially on high-ticket items
  • High competition among sellers
  • Less control over the online sales process
  • Best forSellers looking for an established marketplace with built-in traffic, especially for auctions, collectibles, and second-hand items.

    Shopify vs eBay – The comparison

    Our full Shopify vs eBay comparison explores how both platforms perform across 12 different aspects in more detail.

    Ease of use

    Both Shopify and eBay offer beginner-friendly platforms but cater to different seller experiences. Shopify requires more setup but provides greater flexibility, while eBay lets you sell immediately.

    Shopify comes with a structured store builder and customizable templates. It works for both beginners with no coding skills and developers who want to build their own website line by line. 

    The clean interface offers built-in tools to handle store pages, inventory, payments, customer data, and analytics. What it lacks in a quick setup, it makes up in management tools.

    eBay offers a fast way to start selling with no prior eCommerce experience. With a simple sign-up and listing process, anyone can add products in minutes and publish them to millions of active buyers. 

    Sellers who register for an eBay Store subscription gain additional benefits like discounted fees, expanded inventory space, and better seller tools.

    Verdict: Both platforms are accessible to beginners. Shopify provides more customization and control for your own branded online store. eBay’s easy setup is perfect for preparing product listings and selling quickly.

    Pricing

    Woman sitting on a wooden floor, using a laptop while holding a credit card in her hand.

    You can sell one-off items on eBay for free. For long-term sellers, Shopify and eBay offer multiple pricing tiers with different cost structures. 

    Shopify charges a flat monthly subscription fee, while eBay’s costs are based on sales fees and optional subscriptions.

    Shopify’s pricing structure provides a free three-day trial, after which sellers choose a subscription plan based on their business needs. Here are the prices based on yearly payment.

    • Shopify Starter ($5/month): Sell through social media, messaging apps, or a simple online store.
    • Basic Shopify ($29/month): Best for newcomers with occasional in-person sales.
    • Shopify ($79/month): Designed for growing businesses selling online and in person.
    • Advanced Shopify ($299/month): Includes exclusive reports and lower transaction fees.
    • Shopify Plus ($2,300/month): Enterprise solution for large-scale businesses.

    eBay’s pricing structure lets sellers list products without a subscription. However, it offers five eBay Store plans for additional benefits, like lower selling fees and more support. Here are the costs for an annual subscription.

    • Starter Store ($4.95/month): Ideal for beginners promoting their brand.
    • Basic Store ($21.95/month): Includes discounts on fees and coupons.
    • Premium Store ($59.95/month): Zero insertion fee listings for larger inventories.
    • Anchor Store ($299.95/month): Advanced support for high-volume sellers.
    • Enterprise Store ($2,999.95/month): For businesses with extensive inventory and high sales.

    Verdict: Shopify’s flat pricing is predictable but may not be worth the cost for complete beginners, while eBay’s lower upfront costs work well for new sellers. The best choice depends on your selling model.

    Fees

    The fee structures of Shopify vs eBay differ significantly. Aside from subscriptions, Shopify’s costs mainly come from transaction fees, which can be avoided with Shopify Payments.

    Meanwhile, eBay sellers face insertion fees, final value fees, and optional advertising costs.

    Fee typeShopifyeBay
    Transaction feesShopify charges a transaction fee (card rates) for each sale:

  • Basic: 2.9% + $0.30
  • Shopify: 2.7% + $0.30
  • Advanced: 2.5% + $0.30

  • *In-person fees differ
    No transaction fees, but sellers pay final value fees.

    Read more: eBay fees
    Insertion feesNo listing fees.$0.35 per item (varies by category). The cost applies if you surpass the free 250 listings per month.
    Final value feesNo additional sales fees beyond transaction costs.A percentage of the total sale price, including shipping (varies by category, typically 12%-15%).
    Advertising feesOptional paid ads through third-party apps.Optional advertising rate for Promoted Listings based on the product’s sale price.

    Verdict: While Shopify charges transaction fees, you can avoid this with Shopify Payments. On the other hand, although eBay’s insertion and final value fees seem small, they add up – especially for high-volume sellers.

    Customization options

    A woman writing on colorful sticky notes affixed to a clear glass wall, focused on organizing her thoughts.

    Want to curate a brand and build customer loyalty? A well-designed store can make a lasting impression. Shopify sellers enjoy full design flexibility, while eBay offers a more standardized look with limited customization options.

    Shopify provides over 70 customizable themes and third-party apps, letting sellers create their own branded online store seamlessly. Modify layouts, colors, fonts, and product pages with compatibility across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.

    eBay stores follow a fixed template with limited branding customization. You can tweak the logo, banner, and store description, but overall store designs remain uniform across the eBay website. 

    For eBay listings, sellers can customize titles, descriptions, images, sizes, and colors.

    Verdict: Shopify is ideal for sellers wanting a fully customizable branded online store, while eBay is better suited for those who prefer simplicity and a quick setup.

    Marketing tools

    Shopify provides both built-in and third-party tools for brand promotion, while eBay stores rely on marketplace-driven visibility and seller tools. Each offers its own benefits for attracting and retaining customers across different channels.

    Shopify’s suite of marketing features includes email campaigns, social media integrations, discount codes, and SEO tools. Sellers can create custom promotions, run targeted ads, and optimize their online stores for better search rankings. 

    With a Shopify account, merchants can also access the Shopify App Store for additional marketing tools.

    eBay, in contrast, relies on its marketplace traffic. You can increase visibility with Promoted Listings, run eBay-exclusive discounts, and create email newsletters

    An official eBay Shop gives additional branding opportunities, such as seller coupons. Plus, it’s easy to print shipping labels directly from your eBay account to streamline order fulfillment.

    Verdict: Shopify gives you more control over marketing, branding, and store promotions. eBay is better suited for those who prefer marketplace-driven exposure with built-in advertising tools.

    SEO

    Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for increasing web page rankings based on user search trends, improving visibility and attracting customers.

    Since Shopify stores operate as a standalone website, sellers are responsible for driving traffic. It offers built-in SEO tools like custom URLs, meta titles, descriptions, alt tags, and redirects.

    Run content marketing strategies through blogs and integrate Shopify Apps and social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for additional promotion.

    eBay, as an online marketplace, automatically provides traffic through its internal search engine. Sellers can optimize product titles, descriptions, and images with relevant keywords. 

    It includes basic social media sharing and newsletter options for eBay Store subscribers, but optimization beyond that is minimal.

    Verdict: Shopify offers robust SEO and marketing tools for sellers wanting freedom to drive organic traffic. eBay is best for those looking to benefit from built-in marketplace traffic.

    Analytics

    A woman seated at a desk, working on two computer monitors, focused on her tasks.

    Shopify provides detailed analytics tools that monitor traffic, sales, and customer behavior, while eBay offers basic reports focused on listing performance and sales trends.

    Shopify’s built-in analytics dashboard has various tools to monitor your online store’s sales performance.

    • Overview dashboard: Tracks total sales, orders, and visitor activity.
    • Sales reports: Breaks down revenue by product, channel, and customer type.
    • Customer reports: Analyzes purchase behavior, repeat customers, and conversion rates.
    • Marketing reports: Tracks ad campaigns and traffic sources.
    • Third-party integrations: Connects to tools like Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel for deeper insights.

    eBay’s Seller Hub has a reporting tool focusing on key features below.

    • Traffic reports: Lists views, impressions, and conversion rates for each listing.
    • Sales reports: Tracks revenue, order history, and buyer trends.
    • Promoted Listings insights: Monitors ad performance and ROI for paid promotions.
    • Competitive analysis: Compares pricing, demand, and performance against similar products.

    Verdict: Shopify offers more comprehensive insights and customizable reports, making it ideal for growth-driven brands. eBay’s analytics are mainly listing-focused, which works well for more casual marketplace sellers.

    eCommerce tools and features

    Between Shopify vs eBay, Shopify is more focused on store management, branding, and growth. On the other hand, eBay prioritizes listing management and marketplace selling.

    Shopify’s business tools provide various features for streamlining your online store operations.

    • Inventory management: Tracks stock levels and updates product availability.
    • Shopify shipping: Provides shipping labels, carrier rates, and real-time tracking.
    • Burst: A free stock photo library for enhancing product pages and marketing materials.
    • Image resizer: Opimizes images for consistency across all devices.
    • Finance calculators: Breaks down ad costs, profit margins, and other metrics.
    • The Shopify app: Lets sellers manage their Shopify account and store from anywhere.
    • Shopify App Store: Offers over 13,000 third-party apps for additional features.

    eBay’s seller tools equip merchants with the resources to manage their eBay shop efficiently.

    • The eBay app: A mobile-friendly platform for managing listings, orders, and payments on the go.
    • Seller Hub: A centralized dashboard for handling listings, payouts, and account management.
    • Promotions manager: Lets sellers set up discounts, sale events, and promotions.
    • Selling templates: Offers reusable templates for faster and more consistent listings.
    • Selling manager tools: Helps with inventory tracking, relisting, and sales reports.

    Verdict: Shopify’s extensive toolkit is perfect for sellers looking to scale their store, while eBay simplifies listing and sales management.

    Quick tip

    What better way to skyrocket your sales than by offering custom products? With Printify’s integrations, you can easily design and sell anything from custom tees to home decor and seamlessly sync your catalog with eBay or Shopify.

    Customer support

    A woman wearing a headset, focused on her work, seated at a desk in a modern office environment.

    Reliable customer support makes a big difference when selling online. Shopify has 24/7 support for all merchants, while eBay’s support varies by subscription level.

    Shopify store owners get round-the-clock support through live chat, email, and phone. Plus, the Shopify Help Center has a ton of resources, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides for common issues. 

    eBay sellers rely on the self-service Seller Help resource, but Anchor subscribers receive dedicated support. The platform also has an invite-only eBay Concierge program, which provides faster response times and personalized assistance. 

    All sellers, regardless of subscription, have access to the eBay Help Center, which covers FAQs, store setup, and shipping costs.

    Verdict: Shopify offers 24/7 assistance to all sellers, while eBay’s support improves with higher-tier plans. If you’re a high-volume seller needing priority service, both platforms have premium solutions at an extra cost.

    Scalability

    Both the Shopify and eBay platforms are scalable solutions for growing your online store, but they require different approaches.

    Shopify lets businesses expand by adding new sales channels, upgrading plans, and integrating advanced tools through the Shopify App Store. Customize your business account, automate inventory, and use international shipping options to reach global customers.

    The eBay marketplace makes scaling easy by providing access to millions of buyers worldwide. Sellers can list more products, subscribe to a higher-tier eBay Store plan, and use tools like Promoted Listings to increase visibility.

    Verdict: Shopify is best for sellers who want long-term store growth and multi-channel selling, while eBay is great for quickly driving sales among an established marketplace audience.

    Security

    Both Shopify and eBay prioritize security to protect sellers and buyers with robust systems.

    Shopify provides built-in SSL encryption for all stores to secure customer data. It also has fraud detection tools, giving store owners real-time alerts into suspicious transactions. 

    Account protection features include secure payment processing, chargeback protection, and PCI DSS compliance to safeguard financial information.

    eBay has its own fraud prevention system and buyer protection policies. The platform’s  Money Back Guarantee helps build trust with customers, but sellers are covered in cases like false item-not-received claims or returns of damaged goods. 

    The platform monitors transactions and flags unusual activity, but individual sellers have limited control over security settings.

    Verdict: Shopify provides more control over store security and fraud prevention – ideal for independent online stores. eBay’s security is marketplace-driven, offering built-in protections.

    Payment gateways

    Shopify and eBay support multiple payment methods to sell online. Shopify gives more flexibility in choosing payment systems, while eBay standardizes payments across its platform.

    FeatureShopifyeBay
    Primary payment systemShopify Payments: For direct credit card payments without platform transaction fees.Managed payments: Buyers pay through eBay’s system, consolidating fees and payouts.
    Supported payment methodsOver 100+ payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.Supports credit and debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and direct bank transfers.
    Payout frequencySellers can schedule payouts daily, weekly, or monthly.Payouts are processed daily or weekly.
    International transactionsSupports multi-currency sales with a conversion fee (1.5% in the US, 2% in all other regions).Buyers can pay in their preferred currency with a 3% conversion fee in most regions.
    FeesNo transaction fees with Shopify Payments. Additional fees apply for third-party gateways.Final value fees apply to all transactions, impacting overall profit margins.

    Verdict: Shopify’s extensive payment processing options give you freedom to reach more buyers and control costs, while eBay’s managed system keeps things simple with streamlined payouts.

    Make it happen today!

    Shopify vs eBay: Which to choose?

    Being among the most popular eCommerce platforms and online marketplaces, Shopify and eBay are fantastic options to sell products – but the right choice depends on your goals.

    Choose the Shopify eCommerce platform if you:

    • Want full control over branding, design, and store customization.
    • Need powerful apps for marketing, SEO, and automation.
    • Plan to scale your business with flexible features and pricing.
    • Prefer running a standalone online store.

    Choose the eBay marketplace if you:

    • Want a quick setup with built-in buyer traffic.
    • Prefer low-maintenance selling without design concerns.
    • Need a marketplace audience without SEO or ads.
    • Are experimenting with online selling before launching your own eCommerce business.

    Make it happen today!

    The post Shopify vs eBay – Which is better for growing your online business? appeared first on Printify.

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    Wix vs Shopify: Which platform is better for you? (2025) https://printify.com/blog/wix-vs-shopify/ https://printify.com/blog/wix-vs-shopify/#comments Mon, 24 Mar 2025 10:44:00 +0000 https://printify.com/?p=21871 Our Wix vs Shopify comparison covers ease of use, design, eCommerce tools, SEO, and more.

    The post Wix vs Shopify: Which platform is better for you? (2025) appeared first on Printify.

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    Printify + your favorite platform = more sales!

    Choosing the right platform to sell your print-on-demand (POD) goods can be tricky. Wix and Shopify are among the best options, each with authentic features. 

    This Wix vs Shopify comparison breaks down ease of use, design, eCommerce tools, SEO, and more – helping you find the best fit for your business.

    Disclaimer

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.

    Key takeaways

    • Wix is easier to use, but Shopify is more powerful. Wix’s drag-and-drop builder simplifies store setup, while Shopify provides advanced eCommerce tools for scaling your business.
    • Shopify is built for selling, while Wix offers more flexibility. Shopify focuses on eCommerce, while Wix is an all-in-one website builder with eCommerce features – great for blogs, portfolios, and small businesses.
    • Wix has no extra transaction fees, while Shopify does (unless you use Shopify Payments). Wix only charges standard processing fees, but Shopify adds extra fees if you use third-party payment providers.
    • Shopify has more apps, but costs can add up. Shopify’s App Store offers over 4,000 integrations, but many require extra payments. Wix has fewer apps, but most key features are built-in.
    • Both have POS systems, but Shopify’s is more advanced. Wix POS is only available in the US and Canada, while Shopify POS works in more locations and offers better hardware options.

    Learn more about Print on Demand and starting a print-on-demand business.

    Wix vs Shopify: Overview

    Wix and Shopify are two of the most popular platforms for building an online store, but they cater to different needs.

    Wix is a simple drag-and-drop website builder used by over 200 million people. It’s ideal for small businesses, bloggers, and creators who want an easy way to sell online, offering built-in shopping tools, payment options, and integrations for POD and dropshipping.

    Shopify is a dedicated eCommerce platform for businesses of all sizes. Over 875 million people purchased something from Shopify-powered stores in 175 countries in 2024 alone.

    Shopify offers powerful tools to help you launch, manage, and grow your business. Even without technical skills, you can create a professional store using its built-in features, automation tools, and vast app marketplace.

    Quick tip

    Browse our blog for more Shopify store examples and inspiration.

    Wix vs Shopify – A detailed comparison

    Let’s look at some of the key differences between Wix and Shopify.

    WixShopify
    Ease of useBeginner-friendly, doesn’t require tech knowledge. AI tools for design and creation.Easy-to-use platform in all areas.
    Store managementMain features for inventory management, cart maintenance, and payment options.Extra business name generation, stock photos, and more.
    PricingPlans supporting eCommerce start at $36/month.Plans start from $39/month.
    Technical featuresSupports over 180 languages, has good speed, doesn’t support multiple currencies.Fast platform with a multicurrency and multilingual feature.
    AnalyticsBasic in-house analytics with reports on traffic, visitor behavior, and sales. Integration with third-party advanced analytics.In-depth review of store activity, visitors, store speed, transactions, and more.
    Design featuresA selection of beautiful, free, easy-to-customize templates with AI-assisted editors.Many templates, but only a few free ones.
    Marketing and sales featuresOutstanding email marketing and blogging features, as well as integrations.Good email marketing and blogging features and integrations, no autosave or categories for blogs.
    SEOAdvanced built-in SEO features, from canonical tags, site map, and robots.txt to integration with Google Search Console.Basic SEO functionality, with third-party apps required for advanced optimization.
    Apps marketHuge app store with over 1,080 apps covering all essential needs.Excellent app store with over 8,000 apps.
    Customer supportGreat customer support and helpful tutorial videos.24/7 excellent customer service with a live chat.

    1. Ease of use

    A man with glasses and a beard sits at a desk, focused on his laptop, surrounded by books and a notepad.
    • Wix is an all-in-one website builder with an intuitive interface, great for those with little to no design or coding skills. Its drag-and-drop editor makes customization easy. Click, drag, and place elements where you want. 

      Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) can generate a template in seconds, making it perfect for small businesses, bloggers, and creators looking to build multipurpose sites and sell online easily.
    • Shopify, on the other hand, is made for eCommerce. It’s better for larger stores that focus on product management and sales. While it offers blogging and content tools, selling is the priority. 

      Shopify offers a user-friendly interface, but its dashboard and editor are separate. The platform provides plenty of free templates to help with customization, but most are paid.

    Which is better?

    Wix takes the lead for ease of use. While its commerce features are more basic than Shopify’s, it allows you to launch a store quickly without the complexity of advanced eCommerce tools. Plus, Wix offers more creative freedom.

    2. Store management: eCommerce tools

    The two website builders provide essential eCommerce tools, but their approaches differ:  

    Wix

    Wix offers Wix stores, with modular built-in solutions for selling online starting from the Core plan.

    • Cart and checkout – Secure checkout, abandoned cart recovery, and express payments.
    • Inventory management – Automatically updates stock after every sale, keeping listings accurate.
    • Payment options – Supports multiple payment gateways (over 50), including Wix Payments (built-in), PayPal, Stripe, and Square. 
    • Wix mobile app – Manage orders, track analytics, and edit your store from anywhere.
    • Transaction fees – Wix doesn’t charge additional fees beyond the standard payment processing fees, which vary by region. For example, in the United States, the fee is 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.

    Shopify

    Shopify is built specifically for eCommerce, offering built-in features, AI tools, and third-party integrations to help businesses grow: 

    • Inventory management – Automatically tracks stock levels like Wix but with more customization.
    • Burst by Shopify – Access free stock photos to enhance product listings.
    • Business Name Generator – Enter keywords and get instant business name ideas.
    • Shopify’s AI tools focused on eCommerce, such as Shopify Magic and Sidekick. 
    • Finance calculators – Easily plan your budget, ad spend, and profit margins.
    • Shopify mobile app – Manage your store, orders, and sales on the go.
    • Transaction fees Shopify’s fees vary depending on your subscription plan. For instance, the Basic Shopify plan charges 2.9% + $0.30 per online transaction. If you use a third-party payment provider instead of Shopify Payments, extra fees apply, ranging from 0.6% to 2% per transaction, based on your plan. 

    Which is better?

    While both platforms provide essential eCommerce tools, Shopify’s additional features and advanced customization options provide a more comprehensive suite for managing and building a scalable online store.

    3. Pricing

    A woman in a yellow hoodie holds a credit card while looking at her phone, appearing focused and engaged in a transaction.

    Wix and Shopify offer different pricing plans based on what you need. Here’s a breakdown:

    Wix pricing

    Wix has three eCommerce-friendly business plans designed for entrepreneurs who want an easy way to sell online while also having access to advanced website-building features.

    PlanPrice (paid monthly)Features
    Core$36/monthFree custom domain for a year, secure payments, 50 GB storage, unlimited bandwidth. 
    Business$43/monthAll Core features plus 100 GB storage, tax calculator, and multiple currencies.
    Business Elite$172/monthUnlimited storage and video hours, priority customer support.

    For larger businesses, Wix Enterprise offers custom pricing with tailored solutions.

    Shopify pricing

    Shopify plans focus entirely on eCommerce, offering plans that cater to businesses of all sizes, from startups to global brands.

    PlanPrice (paid monthly)Features
    Basic Shopify$39/monthOnline store, two staff accounts, unlimited listings, abandoned cart recovery.
    Shopify$105/monthAll Basic features, five staff accounts, pro sales reports, global selling support, and lower transaction fees.
    Advanced Shopify$399/monthAdvanced reporting, 15 staff accounts, lower credit card rates, custom market pricing.

    Which is better?

    Wix is a great choice if you need an easy way to sell online while also running a blog, portfolio, or content-heavy website. Choose Shopify if you want a dedicated online store with advanced eCommerce capabilities, unlimited products, scalability, and lower fees on higher-tier plans.

    4. Technical features

    WixShopify
    CurrenciesNo option to offer multiple currencies on your Wix store page.Set up Shopify Payment for the multicurrency feature and offer prices in different currencies worldwide.
    Multilingual capabilitiesWix supports over 180 languages.Every Shopify standard plan comes with a multilingual selling option. Display your Shopify store in up to five different languages on separate URLs.
    Loading speedThe average Wix website load time ranges from 0.8 to 3.5 seconds.A Shopify website has an average site speed of 1.2 seconds

    Which is better?

    Shopify offers more currency features and faster website pages, but Wix has better multilingual capabilities.

    5. Analytics

    A person holding a tablet displaying a colorful graph, analyzing data in a professional setting.

    Tracking your store’s performance helps you make smarter business decisions, and both Wix and Shopify offer solid analytics tools.

    Wix analytics

    Wix has built-in analytics to monitor traffic, sales, and visitor behavior. Customize reports to track key data like:

    • Traffic reports – See where visitors come from, what devices they use, and how they navigate your site.
    • Sales reports – Track revenue, top-selling products, and overall sales trends.
    • Behavior reports – Find out which pages get the most views and where visitors drop off.

    Wix also integrates with Google Analytics and offers third-party analytics apps for deeper insights. Check Wix apps.

    Shopify analytics

    Shopify provides real-time data and detailed reports, depending on your plan. Key features include:

    • Overview dashboard – Track sales, orders, and visitors in one place.
    • Product analytics – See which products perform best and track inventory.
    • Customer reports – Understand purchasing behavior and lifetime value.

    For advanced insights, Shopify has an extensive App Store with analytics tools. Explore Shopify apps.

    Which is better?

    Both platforms offer great insights, but Shopify’s analytics are more advanced, especially for growing eCommerce stores. If you need detailed eCommerce reporting and sales tracking, Shopify wins.

    6. Design features

    Wix and Shopify offer various themes to help you build a professional-looking store.

    • Wix provides over 1,150 free mobile-responsive templates designed with beginners in mind. Easily customize them using the Wix Editor, or let Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) create a template for you in seconds. Drag, drop, and tweak elements to match your brand without design skills.
    • Shopify offers 228 professionally designed eCommerce templates, with 13 free options and premium themes priced between $100-500. While the paid themes are an investment, they’re modern, fully customizable, and optimized for desktops, tablets, and phones. Unlike Wix, Shopify allows you to switch themes anytime, making refreshing your store’s look easier without starting over.
    Quick tip

    Filter Shopify themes by industry – like Clothing and Accessories, Pet Supplies – to find the perfect fit faster.

    Which is better?

    It’s a draw. Both Wix and Shopify offer quality themes. Wix’s templates are free and have an edge, but you can’t change them later. Shopify is more pricey and limited but flexible.

    7. Marketing and sales features

    WixShopify
    Email campaignsWix has a built-in email marketing tool that lets you create and send campaigns straight from your dashboard. The free plan includes a limited number of monthly emails, with premium plans offering more sends and advanced features.  Shopify Email makes it easy to send promotions, product updates, and newsletters from your Shopify admin. You get 10,000 emails per month for free; if you need more, additional emails come at a small cost.
    IntegrationsWix connects with multiple sales channels and major social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. For even more automation, use third-party tools like Zapier.Shopify allows for multi-channel selling, connecting with Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, eBay, Messenger, and Handshake, making it easy to sell across multiple platforms.
    Content marketingBlogging is an easy option for Wix users. Wix also has the upper hand with the autosave feature that prevents you from losing content if something goes wrong. Shopify also offers blogging, but there’s no autosave, so you’ll need to be careful not to lose your work. It also only supports tags, not categories, making organizing content tricky.

    Which is better?

    Wix takes the lead with content and email marketing.

    8. SEO

    Wix has worked hard to improve its SEO. A Wix site easily ranks at the top of search engine results.

    • Meta title
    • Meta description
    • AI meta tag creator 
    • Custom URLs
    • Headings
    • Image alt text
    • Page layout optimization for mobile use
    • Sitemap
    • Google Analytics
    • Google Search Console
    • Canonical tags and more.

    Shopify SEO has some limitations regarding customization and duplicate product pages, but it offers most of the same features and solutions as Wix. 

    • XML Sitemap
    • 301 redirects
    • Mobile-friendly setup
    • Image optimization
    • Meta tags
    • Meta title and description
    • Canonical tags
    • Google Analytics
    • Multilingual URLs and more.

    Which is better?

    Both platforms are well-equipped with SEO tools and boosters. Wix has an edge with features incorporated from the former Ascend suite, allowing more in-depth customization and better ranking than Shopify SEO features.

    9. Apps market

    Both Wix and Shopify offer app marketplaces to extend your store’s functionality, but Shopify’s selection is much larger.

    Wix App Market

    Wix has over 1,080 apps covering key areas like:

    • Marketing and SEO – Email campaigns, SEO tools, and analytics.
    • eCommerce and payments – Advanced inventory management, payment processors, and shipping tools. 
    • Design and media – Custom layouts, video, music, and content tools.
    • Communication – Live chat, contact forms, and customer reviews.

    Some apps are free, while premium options typically range from $5 to $30 monthly.

    Shopify App Store

    Shopify offers over 8,000 apps, making it one of the most extensive eCommerce marketplaces. Categories include:

    • Product sourcing – Dropshipping, POD, wholesale suppliers.
    • Sales and marketing – Email automation, SEO, ads, promotions, discount codes.
    • Store management – Order fulfillment, inventory tracking, and reporting.

    Which is better?

    Wix offers solid options and additional functionality for website building, but Shopify’s App Store is more business-focused, giving merchants more ways to scale and optimize their stores.

    10. Customer support

    A woman wearing a headset, focused on her work, seated at a desk in a modern office environment.

    Merchants can submit issue tickets for live support and request a callback on Wix. The support lines are available in English, French, German, and other languages.

    Wix provides user-friendly and easy-to-understand instruction videos on various topics. These will provide quick answers to some of the most common FAQs.

    Shopify merchants can get help and guidance 24/7 by chat, email, or phone. With the live chat, there’s no need to wait for a callback or email. Another great way to share experiences or get advice is by using the Shopify Forum.

    Which is better?

    Both platforms provide great customer support for help and problem-solving. Shopify offers faster assistance via live chat and a sense of community through the forum.

    11. POS systems

    Both Wix and Shopify offer Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, allowing you to sell in person while keeping your online and offline sales in sync. Whether you’re selling at a retail store, pop-up shop, or market, POS systems help manage inventory, process payments, and track sales.

    Wix POS

    Wix POS is available only in the US and Canada and works exclusively with Wix Payments. It requires acquiring specific Wix hardware, which varies from the Mobile Card Reader + Dock bundle ($99) to the Complete POS Register ($1,699). 

    You can also connect Square or SumUp as payment providers, but the currency in your Wix store must match your payment processor’s currency.

    Shopify POS

    Shopify includes POS Lite with every plan, covering basic in-person selling. For more features like staff management, in-store pickup, and advanced reporting, you’ll need POS Pro for $89/month per location.

    Shopify offers a wider range of hardware, from a $49 Tap & Chip Card Reader to the $459 Countertop kit.

    Which is better?

    Wix POS is great if you’re already using Wix and based in the US or Canada. At the same time, Shopify POS is more advanced and flexible, making it better for businesses with bigger retail needs or those selling in multiple locations.

    FAQ

    When comparing Wix vs Shopify for eCommerce, Shopify has the advantage of a dedicated platform. Depending on your online business needs, Wix may be the best choice – the all-in-one platform has better blog, content management, and SEO features than Shopify.

    If you need a range of specialized eCommerce features, Shopify is better. Wix is more suitable for content creators, bloggers, and influencers with online stores.

    Wix competes with and surpasses Shopify in content management, blogging, SEO, and marketing features.

    Even though Wix has solid eCommerce features, there is stiff competition from dedicated platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce.

    Wix eCommerce functions are available with the Core plan ($36 monthly).

    The verdict: Wix vs Shopify – which platform is better?

    Is Wix better than Shopify?

    Wix is the best for multipurpose websites, being great for creators, bloggers, and small businesses that need a flexible site with eCommerce features. 

    Shopify is the better choice for serious online sellers who need powerful tools to scale a business website.

    Think about your goals, budget, and needed features – then pick the best platform for you!

    Start selling today!

    The post Wix vs Shopify: Which platform is better for you? (2025) appeared first on Printify.

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    25 Best WooCommerce themes (free and paid) for 2025 https://printify.com/blog/best-woocommerce-themes/ Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:51:41 +0000 https://printify.com/?p=102152 Whether you're just starting or looking for an upgrade, we've compiled a list of the best WooCommerce themes for [bp_year].

    The post 25 Best WooCommerce themes (free and paid) for 2025 appeared first on Printify.

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    Printify + your favorite platform = more sales!

    Creating an online store with Woo? Choosing the right theme is one of the most important steps. It affects your store’s design, speed, and functionality – and can even impact your sales.

    Just starting out or ready for an upgrade? We’ve rounded up the best WooCommerce themes for 2025. From budget-friendly free options to feature-packed premium themes, we’ve got you covered.

    Disclaimer

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.

    Key takeaways

    • Freemium themes like Blocksy and GeneratePress are great for beginners, offering speed, simplicity, and essential eCommerce features without upfront costs.
    • Paid options such as Shoptimizer and XStore offer advanced customization, performance optimizations, and dedicated support, making them ideal for scaling businesses.
    • Speed, responsiveness, and customization options are top priorities when selecting a theme.
    • Integrating WooCommerce with Printify lets you create a print-on-demand store with ease.

    10 Free WooCommerce themes

    Starting with a free theme is a cost-effective way to launch your online store. Here are ten great free WooCommerce themes to consider:

    1. Astra

    A screenshot mockup of the best free WooCommerce theme example: Astra

    Astra is a lightweight, fast, and highly customizable WordPress theme with over one million active installations and over 5,700 five-star reviews. It integrates seamlessly with WooCommerce, Spectra, Elementor, and Beaver Builder – perfect for eCommerce, small businesses, and membership sites.

    Built-in schema markup, mobile-first design, and clean code raise SEO performance.

    Pros:

    • Fast and lightweight.
    • Extensive template library for various website types.
    • Seamless WooCommerce integration.
    • SEO-optimized with clean code and mobile-first design.
    • Free expert support for all users.

    Cons:

    • Some advanced features require the premium version.

    Who is it for? Businesses, solopreneurs, and web designers needing a fast, SEO-ready structure and highly customizable option.

    2. OceanWP

    A screenshot mockup of the best free WooCommerce theme example: OceanWP

    OceanWP is a feature-rich and highly customizable WooCommerce theme. Unlike other lightweight options, OceanWP offers built-in WooCommerce enhancements, multi-step checkout, and deep integration with Elementor, Beaver Builder, and WPBakery.

    It also supports RTL languages and translation plugins – ideal for global stores.

    Pros:

    • Strong WooCommerce support, including custom product pages and multi-step checkout.
    • Extensive compatibility with premium and free extensions.
    • Easily create multilingual websites with RTL support.
    • Built-in SEO optimizations for better search result visibility.

    Cons:

    • The number of settings may overwhelm beginners.
    • Some WooCommerce extensions require premium upgrades.

    Who is it for? Businesses that need advanced WooCommerce features, multilingual support, and deep customization options.

    3. Neve

    A screenshot mockup of the best free WooCommerce theme example: Neve

    Neve is a lightweight, fully optimized, and responsive theme with a minimalist design. It’s built for speed and works seamlessly with WooCommerce.

    Pros:

    • Fast loading times.
    • Easy customization with live preview.
    • SEO-optimized structure.

    Cons:

    • Key features, such as Otter Blocks, Gutenberg blocks, header and footer builders, and enhanced WooCommerce functionality, require the pro plan.

    Who is it for? Individuals looking for a simple, fast, and SEO-friendly theme with potential for expansion.

    4. Storefront

    A screenshot mockup of the best free WooCommerce theme example: Storefront

    Storefront is the official WooCommerce theme, built for reliability, speed, and seamless integration with WooCommerce plugins.

    As a minimalist foundation, this clean, functional theme provides maximum compatibility while keeping your site super fast and efficient.

    Pros:

    • Official Woo support.
    • Lightweight and fast, built with minimal code.
    • Highly extendable with Storefront child themes and plugins.

    Cons:

    • Basic design – requires extra plugins or custom CSS for a unique look.
    • Limited built-in customization options.

    Who is it for? Store owners who want a stable, WooCommerce-optimized option and are comfortable adding plugins for additional styling.

    5. Zakra

    A screenshot mockup of the best free WooCommerce theme example: Zakra

    Zakra is a flexible and lightweight theme offering over 40 starter sites, including designs tailored for WooCommerce stores. 

    It provides a responsive design and compatibility with major page builders.

    Pros:

    • Multiple pre-built demo sites.
    • Fast performance.
    • Easy customization with page builders.

    Cons:

    • Some features require premium add-ons.

    Who is it for? Users who want a lightweight option with different starter sites.

    6. Hestia

    A screenshot mockup of the best free WooCommerce theme example: Hestia

    Hestia is a modern, one-page WordPress theme for small businesses, startups, freelancers, and creative agencies. It offers a clean and stylish design with a widgetized footer, blog and news page, and seamless WooCommerce integration for online stores. 

    Built with Material Kit, it delivers a polished look while remaining responsive, Retina-ready, and SEO-friendly. It also works smoothly with Elementor, WPML, and popular plugins like Flat Parallax Slider and Travel Map.

    Pros:

    • Sleek, modern design suitable for various niches.
    • Easy setup with a companion plugin for homepage sections.
    • Fully compatible with Elementor and other major WordPress plugins.
    • Responsive, Retina-ready, and SEO-friendly.

    Cons:

    • Limited design options in the free version.

    Who is it for? Ideal for small businesses, startups, freelancers, and agencies looking for a modern, one-page design with flexible customization options.

    7. Rishi

    A screenshot mockup of the best free WooCommerce theme example: Rishi

    Rishi is a lightweight and highly customizable WooCommerce theme designed for speed and flexibility. It offers over 90 ready-to-import starter sites, helping users build their shops in minutes – no coding required.

    Pros:

    • Highly customizable.
    • Lightweight and fast.
    • Responsive design.

    Cons:

    • Not as widely supported as other themes.

    Who is it for? Users looking for a fast, customizable theme with easy setup and pre-built design templates.

    8. Blocksy

    A screenshot mockup of the best free WooCommerce theme example: Blocksy

    Blocksy is a highly customizable WordPress theme that offers a range of design options and features – such as header and footer customization – typically available only in paid plans. 

    It provides a lightweight and flexible foundation for your online store.

    Pros:

    • Highly customizable with advanced styling controls.
    • Seamless integration with popular page builders and WooCommerce.
    • Regular updates and dedicated support.

    Cons:

    • Some advanced features require the premium version.
    • May have a learning curve for users new to WordPress.

    Who is it for? Those seeking a lightweight and highly customizable option with advanced features.

    9. Boutique

    A screenshot mockup of the best free WooCommerce theme example: Boutique

    Boutique is a Storefront child theme designed for small shops, boutiques, and niche stores. It keeps the reliable foundation of Storefront but adds a more stylish layout tailored for fashion, accessories, and small businesses.

    Perfect for elegant stores that want a simple yet professional look.

    Pros:

    • Deep WooCommerce integration.
    • Lightweight and fast, ensuring a smooth shopping experience.
    • Built on Storefront, meaning high compatibility with WooCommerce plugins.

    Cons:

    • Limited customization without additional plugins or custom styling.
    • Not ideal for large, complex stores.

    Who is it for? Small businesses and fashion retailers who want a simple yet stylish WooCommerce store.

    10. GeneratePress

    A screenshot mockup of the best free WooCommerce theme example: GeneratePress

    GeneratePress is a lightweight and developer-friendly WordPress theme that prioritizes speed and stability. With a fresh install adding less than 10kb to your site, it’s one of the fastest WooCommerce themes available.

    Built for performance-focused users, it includes over 60 customization controls, dynamic typography, and deep compatibility with Gutenberg and page builders.

    Pros:

    • Ultra-lightweight, ensuring lighting-fast page speeds.
    • Highly customizable with dynamic typography and layout controls.
    • Full WooCommerce integration with minimal bloat.
    • Developer-friendly, built with clean and extendable code.

    Cons:

    • Minimalist by default, requiring extra customization for unique branding.
    • Some premium features require the paid version.

    Who is it for? Developers, bloggers, and performance-conscious store owners looking for a stable, highly customizable, and fast option.

    15 Paid WooCommerce themes

    Investing in a premium theme offers added features, dedicated support, detailed documentation, and authentic designs to advance your WordPress site. Here are 15 top-rated paid WooCommerce themes for 2025:

    1. Shoptimizer

    A screenshot mockup of the best WooCommerce theme example (paid): Shoptimizer

    Shoptimizer is a fast WooCommerce theme packed with features designed to help you convert more visitors into customers. Built on research and best practices, it focuses on speed, design, and conversions.

    Pros:

    • Optimized for speed, ensuring quick load times.
    • Features designed to enhance conversion rates.
    • Translation and multilingual support – create a site in your own language while still reaching customers globally. 
    • Regular updates and dedicated support.

    Cons:

    • Customization options may be limited compared to other themes.
    • Some users may find the design less flexible without additional customization.

    Who is it for? Store owners focused on performance and conversion optimization.

    Pricing:$99, with frequent discounts.

    2. Astra Pro

    A screenshot mockup of the best WooCommerce theme example (paid): Astra Pro

    Astra Pro builds on the freemium Astra theme, adding powerful customization options, enhanced WooCommerce functionalities, and advanced performance settings.

    Designed for serious online store owners, Astra Pro enables a fully tailored shopping experience without compromising speed.

    Pros:

    • Advanced header and footer design.
    • Infinite scroll and grid layouts.
    • Lots of pre-built starter templates for quick store setup.
    • Extensive typography and design controls.

    Cons:

    • The freemium version already offers a lot, making some users hesitant to upgrade.
    • Premium features require some setup to be fully utilized.

    Who is it for? Businesses, agencies, and power users that need full design flexibility, premium layouts, and advanced WooCommerce enhancements.

    Pricing: From $49 per month (annual subscription) or a one-time payment of $199.

    3. Avada

    A screenshot mockup of the best WooCommerce theme example (paid): Avada

    Avada is a versatile and feature-rich multipurpose WooCommerce theme that offers a range of design options and customization features, including over 109 prebuilt websites, over 120 design elements, plus dynamic content functions.

    Pros:

    • Extensive library of pre-built demos and design elements.
    • Advanced customization options with a built-in page builder.
    • Regular updates and dedicated support.

    Cons:

    • Can be resource-intensive, potentially affecting performance.
    • May have a steeper learning curve for beginners.

    Who is it for? Users looking for a comprehensive and feature-rich theme with extensive design options.

    Pricing: From $69.

    4. Blocksy Pro

    A screenshot mockup of the best WooCommerce theme example (paid): Blocksy Pro

    Blocksy Pro is a lightweight, highly customizable WooCommerce theme packed with advanced design options and premium features. 

    It includes starter sites for multiple niches, including business, eCommerce, portfolio, blogs, news, nonprofits, and travel – a versatile choice for any website. 

    The professional typography options (Adobe Typekit, custom, and Google fonts), advanced and Mega menu options, header, and footer customization offer complete design control.

    Pros:

    • Wide range of starter sites for different industries.
    • Advanced typography and styling controls.
    • Seamless integration with popular page builders and WooCommerce.
    • Regular updates and dedicated customer support.

    Cons:

    • The numerous options may present a slight learning curve for beginners.
    • Some users may question whether upgrading to Pro is worth it, as the freemium version already offers extensive customization.

    Who is it for? Businesses, online stores, and content creators needing a flexible, professional-looking, highly customizable theme.

    Pricing: From $69.

    5. Bridge

    A screenshot mockup of the best WooCommerce theme example (paid): Bridge

    Bridge is a creative multipurpose WordPress theme that offers deep integration with WooCommerce. It comes with over 630 pre-made demos, letting users create different websites, including online stores, portfolios, and blogs. 

    The theme is compatible with both Elementor and WPBakery page builders, providing flexibility in design and customization and astonishing visuals.

    Pros:

    • Extensive collection of demos catering to various industries.
    • Highly customizable with numerous options for colors, fonts, and layouts.
    • Includes premium plugins like Slider Revolution and LayerSlider.
    • Modern, visually appealing layouts.

    Cons:

    • Its various features may pose a steeper learning curve for beginners.
    • Some users have reported slower performance.

    Who is it for? Entrepreneurs seeking a versatile theme capable of creating different types of websites, from eCommerce stores to portfolios and blogs.

    Pricing:$69

    6. Flatsome

    A screenshot mockup of the best WooCommerce theme example (paid): Flatsome

    Flatsome is one of the most popular WooCommerce themes, known for its responsiveness, sleek design, and robust functionality. It features the UX Builder, a drag-and-drop page editor that lets users create custom layouts without coding.

    Flatsome also offers a vast library of pre-designed elements and sections, making designing a professional-looking online store easy.

    Pros:

    • Extra-light, with a 56kB core code (the rest is lazy-loaded).
    • User-friendly UX builder for easy page customization.
    • Regular updates ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress and WooCommerce versions.
    • Optimized for speed and performance, providing a smooth user experience.

    Cons:

    • Limited number of pre-made demo sites compared to some competitors.
    • Some advanced features may require additional learning for new users.

    Who is it for? Online store owners who prioritize design flexibility and performance.

    Pricing:$59

    7. Porto

    25 Best WooCommerce themes (free and paid) for [bp_year] 1

    Porto is a versatile and highly customizable multipurpose WordPress theme with deep integration with WooCommerce.

    It provides many pre-designed demos and layouts for several business types. Porto emphasizes performance and SEO, ensuring fast load times and a responsive WooCommerce website.

    Pros:

    • Over 120 pre-built demos for different industries.
    • Advanced theme options panel for extensive customization.
    • Optimized for speed and WooCommerce SEO, enhancing search engine rankings.

    Cons:

    • The abundance of features may pose a learning curve for beginners.

    Who is it for? Businesses seeking a flexible and performance-optimized theme that can be tailored to different industries.

    Pricing:$59

    8. WoodMart

    A screenshot mockup of the best WooCommerce theme example (paid): WoodMart

    WoodMart is a premium WooCommerce theme designed for all types of online stores. It features over 70 pre-built store demos, a fast interface, and deep personalization options. 

    WoodMart is compatible with popular page builders like Elementor and WPBakery.

    Pros:

    • AJAX-powered shopping for seamless UX.
    • Advanced variable product options with swatches.
    • Regular updates and dedicated support.

    Cons:

    • Some advanced eCommerce functionalities might require additional learning.

    Who is it for? Store owners looking for an eCommerce-focused, feature-rich theme with good user experience.

    Pricing:$59

    9. XStore

    A screenshot mockup of the best WooCommerce theme example (paid): XStore

    XStore is a multipurpose WooCommerce theme that creates responsive and customizable online shops.

    It offers over 140 pre-built demos, seamless integration with Elementor and WPBakery page builders, and a range of features aimed at enhancing the eCommerce experience – both for entrepreneurs and customers.

    Pros:

    • Extensive library of pre-built demos useful for various niches.
    • Advanced customization options with built-in header and footer builders and mega menu support for featured products.
    • Optimized code for speed and performance.

    Cons:

    • Some users might find the various options overwhelming.

    Who is it for? Businesses seeking a flexible, performance-focused theme that can be tailored to various industries.

    Pricing:$49

    10. The Retailer

    A screenshot mockup of the best WooCommerce theme example (paid): The Retailer

    The Retailer is a premium WooCommerce theme known for its classic, responsive design, similar to Shopify layouts. It offers deep integration with WooCommerce – suitable for building online stores, portfolios, and personal or corporate websites.

    The theme includes pre-built page layouts, an intuitive theme options panel, and compatibility with popular page builders.

    Pros:

    • A fully responsive and retina-ready design ensures optimal display on all devices.
    • Comes with pre-built page layouts for quick setup.
    • Regular updates and dedicated customer support.

    Cons:

    • Some users may find the design less flexible without additional customization and too similar to some Shopify common themes.

    Who is it for? Users seeking a straightforward and reliable theme for their online store or portfolio.

    Pricing:$59

    11. Shopkeeper

    A screenshot mockup of the best WooCommerce theme example (paid): Shopkeeper

    Shopkeeper is an established WooCommerce theme,  trusted by over 34,000 active stores and known for its eCommerce-first approach.

    It’s ideal for sellers who want a reliable and modern online store.

    Pros:

    • Specifically built for eCommerce.
    • Pre-designed templates make store setup quick and easy.
    • Regular updates ensure security and compatibility.

    Cons:

    • Limited flexibility for blogs or portfolios – best suited for pure eCommerce.
    • Some advanced features require extra plugins.

    Who is it for? Store owners who want a proven, reliable, and eCommerce-focused theme.

    Pricing:$59

    12. Savoy

    A screenshot mockup of the best WooCommerce theme example (paid): Savoy

    Savoy is a minimalist AJAX WooCommerce theme that focuses on providing a seamless user experience. Its modern design puts products at the forefront, so customers can easily browse and purchase items. 

    The built-in AJAX plug-in improves the shopping experience with quick product searches and page transitions.

    Pros:

    • Modern and clean design that highlights products effectively.
    • The responsive and mobile-ready layout ensures compatibility across devices.

    Cons:

    • The minimalist design may not appeal to stores seeking a more elaborate aesthetic.
    • Limited built-in customization options might require additional CSS for extensive modifications.

    Who is it for? Online retailers who prefer a clean and straightforward design emphasizing product display and providing a smooth shopping experience.

    Pricing:$59

    13. Betheme

    A screenshot mockup of the best WooCommerce theme example (paid): Betheme

    Betheme is a multi-purpose WooCommerce theme featuring over 700 pre-built websites, including extensive eCommerce layouts. With BeBuilder, an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, and more than 80 built-in elements, it offers deep customization without coding.

    The theme also supports conditional display settings, allowing users to assign unique templates to specific pages, categories, or tags – ideal for customizing shop archives or product pages.

    Pros:

    • Extensive pre-built demos with a constantly growing library.
    • BeBuilder provides easy drag-and-drop customization.
    • Over 80 design elements and a built-in icon library.
    • Free lifetime updates.

    Cons:

    • The feature-rich setup has a learning curve.

    Who is it for? eCommerce website owners, agencies, and businesses needing deep customization and a wide selection of pre-designed templates.

    Pricing: $60

    14. Electro

    A screenshot mockup of the best WooCommerce theme example (paid): Electro

    A powerful and flexible option designed specifically for stores selling electronics and tech accessories. It offers deep integration with WooCommerce and includes features like advanced live search, product comparison, and vendor management – suitable for affiliate, dropshipping, and multi-vendor eCommerce sites.

    Pros:

    • Tools like live search and product comparison enhance UX. 
    • Fully compatible with popular multi-vendor plugins.

    Cons:

    • The specialized design may not be suitable for non-electronics stores.
    • Some users have reported challenges in making the theme mobile-friendly.

    Who is it for? Owners aiming to design an electronics site or a multi-vendor marketplace.

    Pricing: $59

    15. Basel

    A screenshot mockup of the best WooCommerce theme example (paid): Basel

    Basel is a minimalist AJAX responsive theme built to design modern and powerful eCommerce sites.  

    With its drag-and-drop page builder, extensive theme settings, premium sliders, and WooCommerce integration, you can create an online store that looks flawless on any screen resolution.

    The theme suits all types of shops, including clothing, electronics, furniture, accessories, florists, and more.

    Pros:

    • Minimalist design focusing on product presentation.
    • AJAX functionality for seamless user experience.
    • Multiple header variations and extensive customization options.

    Cons:

    • Its minimalist design may not appeal to those seeking a more intricate aesthetic.

    Who is it for? Store owners who prefer a clean and minimalist design with advanced AJAX features to enhance user experience.

    Pricing: $48

    Start an online store with WooCommerce and Printify

    A person checking out a custom beige t-shirt made with print-on-demand.

    Launching an online store has never been easier with Woo and Printify. Here’s how to get started:

    • Sign up – Create accounts on Woo and Printify. The WooCommerce plugin powers your store, while Printify lets you design and sell custom products without handling inventory or shipping.
    • Pick and design your products – Choose from our over 1,300 products, including apparel, accessories, and home decor. Use the Product Creator to customize them with your logos, artwork, or branding.
    • Integrate with Woo – Connect Printify to your store using the Printify for WooCommerce plugin. Your products, variants, and pricing sync automatically, making setup seamless. Customize your store with one of the best Woo themes.
    • Sell while Printify handles the rest – Focus on marketing and growing your business while our printing network manages production and shipping directly to your customers. No inventory, no hassle.

    FAQ

    The best WordPress/WooCommerce theme depends on your specific needs, such as design preferences, required features, and budget. Themes like Astra, Flatsome, and Shopkeeper are known for their seamless WooCommerce integration and customization options.

    Some of the best free WooCommerce templates and themes include Astra, Blocksy, OceanWP, Neve, Storefront, Zakra, and GeneratePress. These themes offer excellent performance, WooCommerce integration, and customization options without requiring a premium upgrade.

    They’re ideal for small business owners, startups, and entrepreneurs who want to set up an online shop without upfront costs.

    Several WooCommerce themes are optimized for speed and performance, but some of the fastest include:

    • Astra – Known for its lightweight structure and minimal load time.
    • GeneratePress – Adds less than 10kb to your website size.
    • Shoptimizer – Designed for high performance and fast load times.
    • Neve – A fully optimized theme built for speed.

    WooCommerce is the most popular eCommerce solution for WordPress, but there are other alternatives:

    • Shopify – A standalone eCommerce platform with built-in hosting and easy setup.
    • BigCommerce – Suitable for businesses wanting a hosted solution with scalability.
      However, WooCommerce remains the top choice for WordPress users due to its flexibility, affordability, and vast ecosystem of plugins and themes.

    To summarize

    The right WordPress theme enhances your store’s speed, design, and sales potential. Freemium themes like Astra work well for beginners, while paid options like Flatsome offer advanced features. 

    Prioritize speed, mobile responsiveness, and WooCommerce compatibility to optimize performance. Once your theme is set, customize, integrate essential plugins, and start selling.

    Make it your way!

    The post 25 Best WooCommerce themes (free and paid) for 2025 appeared first on Printify.

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    How to set up WooCommerce: 7 Easy steps to open your WooCommerce store in 2025 https://printify.com/blog/how-to-set-up-woocommerce/ https://printify.com/blog/how-to-set-up-woocommerce/#comments Tue, 25 Feb 2025 07:57:00 +0000 https://printify.com/?p=101403 So you just started your eCommerce journey? Got your product designs ready to go? Great! The next big step is to set up an online store.

    The post How to set up WooCommerce: 7 Easy steps to open your WooCommerce store in 2025 appeared first on Printify.

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    Sell custom products with Printify

    Wondering how to set up WooCommerce and start selling in 2025? You’re in the right place. This quick, no-fluff guide breaks it down into seven simple steps. 

    WooCommerce makes it easy to build, customize, and take full control of your online store, so let’s get started and launch your eCommerce empire.

    Disclaimer

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.

    Key takeaways

    • Install WooCommerce manually for complete control or use the WooCommerce setup wizard for a guided process.
    • Compare hosting providers carefully, considering both initial and renewal costs. Options like Hostinger, Bluehost, and SiteGround offer WooCommerce-optimized plans.
    • To optimize your store, pick a fast, mobile-friendly theme, install important plugins, and configure settings like taxes, shipping costs, and payments
    • Easily connect WooCommerce with Printify to create and sell custom products without managing inventory.
    • Use WooCommerce SEO, email marketing, social media, and abandoned cart recovery to attract customers and grow your store.

    What is WooCommerce?

    A woman wearing glasses is engaged with her phone and laptop, multitasking efficiently in a modern workspace.

    WooCommerce is an open-source eCommerce plugin developed by Woo.

    It integrates seamlessly with WordPress websites, empowering eCommerce businesses to sell physical and digital products. Compared to hosted platforms, WooCommerce offers full customization, flexibility, and no site restrictions.

    Why choose WooCommerce?

    • Unlike closed platforms, WooCommerce gives you complete ownership and lets you control your store’s data, design, and pricing models. 
    • Choose from thousands of WooCommerce templates and plugins to personalize your store.
    • Whether you’re selling a few products or managing a large catalog, WooCommerce can grow with your business. Start small and expand with paid extensions and third-party integrations.
    • The WooCommerce plugin is free and cost-effective. You only pay for hosting, a domain, and any optional paid extensions you choose.
    • As of Q4 2024, WooCommerce achieved widespread adoption with a 39% market share among eCommerce platforms worldwide.

    Setup and activate WooCommerce in 7 easy steps

    Two women engaged in discussion at a table, surrounded by a laptop and papers, indicating a collaborative work environment.

    If you’re starting fresh or migrating from another platform, follow these seven steps to easily install WooCommerce, configure your online store, and start selling.

    Step 1 – Understand your options and choose the right setup

    There are several ways to set up WooCommerce, but no matter which route you take, these three steps are always required:

    • Getting a hosting provider – This is where your eCommerce website will be stored. Your hosting provider will also help you register a domain name (your online store’s web address). While you can purchase a domain separately, most web hosting services make the process easier by offering it as part of their plans.
    • Installing WordPress – This is where you’ll build your site, create pages, customize layouts, and add features through themes and plugins.
    • Installing the WooCommerce plugin – WooCommerce is what adds eCommerce functionality to your WordPress site, enabling you to sell products, accept payments, and manage shipping.

    Important considerations before you choose web hosting

    Before committing to a provider, be sure to compare pricing – for the first year and for renewal costs. Many providers offer discounted rates for new customers, but prices often increase upon renewal. Checking future pricing now will help you avoid surprises down the line.

    Also, consider purchasing hosting when setting up WooCommerce, as many providers offer discounts when bundling hosting, domain registration, and SSL certificates.

    Popular providers for WooCommerce

    • Hostinger – Affordable WooCommerce-optimized hosting, starting at $2.49/month.
    • Bluehost – Officially recommended by WordPress for WooCommerce, starting at $7.45/month.
    • SiteGround – Known for fast speeds and strong security, starting at $2.99/month.

    Once you’ve chosen a hosting provider, you’re ready to install WordPress and set up your WooCommerce store.

    Step 2 – Install WooCommerce from scratch (recommended method)

    Now that you’ve done your research and chosen a provider, it’s time to set up your online store. The easiest and most flexible way to do this is by installing WooCommerce from scratch. It might sound technical, but don’t worry – most hosting providers simplify the process with clear instructions and one-click installations.

    This method gives you full control over your store while letting you compare hosting prices and renewal costs before committing. Plus, you’ll have a clean setup without any unnecessary extras. 

    Here’s how to do it: 

    1. Choose a provider and register a domain – Sign up with a Woo-friendly host like Hostinger, Bluehost, or SiteGround. Many providers offer free domain registration when you purchase a hosting plan. For this WooCommerce tutorial, we’ll use Hostinger as an example to walk you through the process.
    2. Install WordPress – Log in to your hosting account and look for the one-click WordPress installation option (usually in the dashboard or cPanel). 
    1. Enter your login details to create a WordPress account or log into an existing one, select your domain name, follow the prompts, and wait for the installation to finish.
    1. Access your WordPress dashboard – Once WordPress is installed, log in by visiting yourdomain.com/wp-admin and entering your login details.
    1. Install WooCommerce: In the WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New, search for WooCommerce, then click Install Now and Activate. This process is the same as installing any other WordPress plugin.
    1. Go to the WooCommerce tab and follow the setup checklist. WooCommerce will launch a quick setup guide, where you’ll enter your store details, industry, product types, business settings, and payment options. More on that later.

    Step 2 (alternative) – Use the WooCommerce setup wizard

    Woo simplifies the store setup process with a setup wizard that guides you through choosing a hosting provider, installing WordPress, and configuring everything manually.

    You still have to choose a provider, domain name, and WordPress account. 

    Here’s how to set up WooCommerce using the setup wizard:

    Go to WooCommerce’s setup page and click I want to start selling online.

    Choose a provider from Woo partners (WordPress.com, Bluehost, Pressable, SiteGround, Nexcess, WordPress VIP):

    Follow the setup prompts – Set up a WordPress account, pick a domain name, and install the WooCommerce plugin, just like in the standard WooCommerce setup.

    Important!

    WooCommerce’s setup wizard includes WordPress.com and WordPress VIP, both owned by Automattic (the company behind WooCommerce). While these options simplify store creation, they offer less control and cost more than self-hosted WordPress.org setups.

    For full ownership and flexibility, choosing separate hosting and installing WooCommerce manually (as outlined in the previous step) may be the better choice in the mid and long term.

    Step 3 – WordPress setup

    Before setting up WooCommerce, let’s make sure your WordPress site is ready to go. The first thing you’ll need is a WooCommerce theme – this gives your store its look and feel. 

    A good theme isn’t just about looks, though. It should be fast, mobile-friendly, and SEO-optimized so your store loads quickly and ranks well on search engines.

    There are plenty of options, both free and premium. Here are some great picks:

    • Astra – Super lightweight and customizable, excellent for performance.
    • Flatsome – A top choice for eCommerce with built-in design tools.
    • Neve – Fast, modern, and built for WooCommerce.
    • Storefront – WooCommerce’s official theme, designed for seamless integration.
    Tip

    Need more ideas? Check out our full guide on the best WooCommerce themes.

    Next, let’s add a few WordPress plugins to improve your store’s functionality:

    • Yoast SEO – Helps your store show up on Google.
    • Wordfence – A security plugin to keep hackers out.
    • WP Rocket – Speeds up your store so pages load faster.
    Tip

    Want to improve your store’s visibility and get more traffic? Check out our guide on WooCommerce SEO.

    Step 4 – Configure the WooCommerce plugin settings

    Now that your theme and plugins are set, it’s time to fine-tune WooCommerce settings to make sure your store runs smoothly.

    Go to the WooCommerce tab in your WordPress dashboard, then click Settings.

    Here, you’ll configure important areas, including:

    • General – Set your store location, currency, and default customer settings. These basics help WooCommerce apply the right tax, shipping, and payment rules based on your customers’ location.
    • Products – Choose measurement units, set default placeholder images, and decide whether to enable product reviews for customer engagement. Most importantly, select where to link your main shop page in the website menu – WooCommerce will automatically display products there. 

      New users often look for this page in the WordPress dashboard without success, as it’s managed in WooCommerce settings, not the regular WordPress “Pages” section.
    • Tax – WooCommerce includes built-in tax options, allowing you to automate tax calculations or manually configure tax rates. Choose whether to include tax in product prices or calculate it separately based on the customer’s shipping address. Keeping pricing consistent from product pages to checkout avoids confusion and builds trust.
    • Shipping settings – Define shipping zones and shipping methods based on where you sell. Set different rates for various regions, depending on your fulfillment provider. The shipping tab also lets you enable a calculator at checkout, so customers can see costs before finalizing their purchase.
    • Payments – Manage payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, and bank transfers. Add more options from the WooCommerce extension store, including Buy Now, Pay Later services, or cryptocurrency payments. Sort the order of payment options to prioritize the most commonly used methods. Note that the proprietary WooCommerce payment method is available in selected countries.
    • Accounts and privacy – Control how customer accounts work, including guest checkout options, privacy policies, and data retention settings.
    • Emails – Customize order notifications, customer emails, and admin alerts to keep communication clear.
    • Advanced options – Configure checkout behavior, REST API settings, and additional eCommerce features.

    Once these settings are in place, your WooCommerce store is fully functional! Next, it’s time to add products and start selling.

    Step 5 – Integrate Printify with WooCommerce

    Let’s connect your store to Printify and start selling custom products.

    1. Log in to your Printify account.
    2. Click on the user icon in the upper-right corner and select My stores.
    3. Click Add new store, then select WooCommerce from the list. All available integrations are also listed under Integrations at the bottom of any Printify page.
    4. Enter your WooCommerce store URL, then click Connect.
    5. When prompted, click Approve and wait for the connection to complete.

    That’s it! Your Printify store is now linked to WooCommerce, and you can start adding products.

    Make it happen

    Sell physical goods with Printify and Woo – no inventory management.

    Step 6 – Manage products in WooCommerce

    While Printify lets you tweak designs and product details before publishing, WooCommerce gives you full control over pricing, descriptions, product categories, tags, and visibility

    Add products from Printify to WooCommerce:

    1. Log in to Printify and pick a product from our Catalog.
    2. Upload your design using the Product Creator.
    3. Customize product details, including title, description, and pricing.
    4. Click Publish, and the product will sync to WooCommerce.

    Once your products are in WooCommerce, fine-tune them further.

    Tip

    Check out our blog article for more information on product pricing.

    Edit WooCommerce product details: 

    1. In the WordPress dashboard, go to Products and select the item you want to edit.
    2. Adjust the product name and refine the description – use Printify’s details as a base, but make it unique and engaging.
    3. Scroll down to edit product data, including pricing, stock status, and shipping costs. Printify products don’t require manual inventory management since stock updates automatically.
    Tip

    Want to sell digital products on WooCommerce? Get inspiration for selling downloadables on our blog.

    1. On the right-hand side, assign categories and tags to help customers find your products. For example:
      • Categories: Apparel (t-shirts, hoodies), Accessories (hats, bags), Home Decor (posters, rugs).
      • Tags: Seasonal designs, funny quotes, minimalist, vintage.
    1. Click Set product image to upload a high-quality product photo. Good visuals make a huge difference in sales – make sure images are clear, well-lit, and accurately represent your product.
    Tip

    Check our blog for a complete guide to taking good product photos.

    Control product visibility:

    Before publishing, decide how your product will appear in your store:

    • Shop and search results – Visible everywhere (best for most products).
    • Shop only or search results only – Limits visibility to one or the other.
    • Hidden – Only accessible via direct links (useful for exclusive products or pre-launch items).

    Manage orders, coupons, and customers:

    Beyond adding products, WooCommerce gives you full control over store operations:

    • Orders – In WooCommerce > Orders, view and manage all customer purchases. Each order has a unique ID with details like the purchase date, status, and total price. You can update order status, issue refunds, edit shipping options, or adjust sales tax rates if necessary. 
    • Coupons – Create and manage discount codes in Marketing > Coupons. Click Add coupon, generate a unique code, choose a discount type (fixed, percentage, or free shipping), and set an expiry date. Share the coupon code via email or social media, and customers can apply it at checkout.
    • Customers – Keep track of your buyers in WooCommerce > Customers. See order history, spending habits, email addresses, and average order value to better understand your market and fine-tune your marketing strategy.
    • Reports – Get insights into your store’s performance in WooCommerce > Reports. Track sales, product popularity, and customer behavior over time to identify trends and improve your offerings.

    Step 7 – Promote and grow your WooCommerce store

    A great-looking store won’t bring in sales if no one can find it. Promotion is key to driving traffic and turning visitors into customers. Here are some effective ways to grow your WooCommerce store.

    Optimize your store for a great user experience

    Most shoppers decide within seconds whether to stay or leave your WooCommerce website. To keep them engaged, make sure your store is:

    • Fast – Use a lightweight theme like Astra or Neve to improve loading times. Compress images with tools like Smush or Imagify to further speed up your site.
    • Easy to navigate – A clear menu, search bar, and well-organized categories help customers find what they need.
    • Mobile-friendly – Over half of online shopping happens on phones. Choose a responsive WooCommerce theme like Flatsome that adapts to different screen sizes, ensuring your store looks great and functions smoothly on all devices.
    • Clear about what you sell – Your homepage should instantly tell visitors what your store is about and why they should buy from you.

    Leverage social media marketing

    Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your products. Use:

    • Instagram and Pinterest for showcasing product images and customer photos.
    • Facebook and Twitter for store updates, announcements, and promotions.
    • TikTok and YouTube for video content, product demos, and behind-the-scenes looks.

    To automate and manage social media posts, consider plugins like Blog2Social or Revive Social, which let you schedule and share content across multiple platforms.

    Use email marketing and abandoned cart recovery

    Email marketing helps amp up sales and build customer loyalty. Set up automated emails for:

    • Abandoned carts – Remind customers to complete their purchases using a plugin like CartFlows.
    • Exclusive discounts and promotions – Reward subscribers with special offers through tools like MailPoet.
    • Product updates and recommendations – Keep customers informed about new arrivals or trending items with Omnisend.

    A well-crafted email campaign keeps customers engaged and brings them back to your store.

    Improve SEO and create content

    SEO (search engine optimization) helps your store appear in Google searches, bringing in free, organic traffic. Here’s how to improve it:

    • Use an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO to spruce up product pages.
    • Add a blog to share useful content related to your products (e.g., styling tips for fashion stores or gift guides for home decor).
    • Use relevant keywords in product descriptions to improve search rankings.

    Wrapping up

    Setting up a WooCommerce store is easier than ever with the right tools and approach. From choosing a hosting provider to customizing products and promoting your brand, you now have everything you need to launch a successful online store.

    The next step? Take action! Start building your store today, connect it with Printify, and bring your unique designs to life. If you’re selling custom apparel, home decor, or accessories, your online business is just a few clicks away. Ready to turn your ideas into sales? Let’s make it happen!

    Make it your way!

    The post How to set up WooCommerce: 7 Easy steps to open your WooCommerce store in 2025 appeared first on Printify.

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    WooCommerce vs Shopify: Which is best for your online store? https://printify.com/blog/woocommerce-vs-shopify/ Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:28:00 +0000 https://printify.com/?p=69504 WooCommerce vs Shopify: Which is best for your online store? We'll explore both, guiding you toward making an informed decision.

    The post WooCommerce vs Shopify: Which is best for your online store? appeared first on Printify.

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    Printify + your favorite platform = more sales!

    The WooCommerce vs Shopify decision is a big one for anyone launching an online store. Both platforms offer powerful features, but which one truly fits your business? We’re breaking down pricing, customization, scalability, payment options, and more to help you choose.

    Shopify vs WooCommerce: General overview

    Let’s look at the foundational differences and key strengths of Shopify, an eCommerce platform, and WooCommerce, a WordPress plugin.

    Shopify store overview

    Shopify is an all-in-one eCommerce platform for creating, managing, and scaling online stores. It offers a range of tools and services, plus thousands of apps for customization and streamlining operations.

    Pricing
  • Shopify Basic plan. $39 per month or $29 if paid annually.
  • Shopify plan. $105 per month or $79 if paid annually.
  • Shopify Advanced plan. $399 per month or $299 if paid annually.
  • Hosting
  • Hosted platform.
  • Pros
  • Easy to set up and use with plenty of Shopify themes.
  • 24/7 customer support.
  • SEO (search engine optimization) and marketing tools.
  • Access to the Shopify app store with thousands of extensions.
  • Cons
  • Subscription and transaction fees.
  • Customization is limited.
  • Best for
  • Both beginner and advanced sellers looking for a quick and easy hosted eCommerce platform.
  • WooCommerce store overview

    WooCommerce is an open-source plugin for WordPress that transforms your website into a fully customizable eCommerce platform. Use it to build and manage your online store using a content management system (CMS).

    Pricing
  • Free, but a WooCommerce store needs hosting and a domain name.
  • These costs start at $2.99 per month, depending on the provider.
  • Hosting
  • You need your own web hosting provider and domain name.
  • Pros
  • Full ownership of the eCommerce store.
  • Unlimited customization options, plugins, and themes in WordPress.
  • Enhanced security.
  • Easy inventory management.
  • Cons
  • No merchant support.
  • Steep learning curve.
  • Maintenance can be challenging.
  • Best for
  • Tech-savvy users.
  • Advanced sellers.
  • WordPress vs Shopify for eCommerce

    Let’s examine the core features and capabilities that set Shopify and WooCommerce apart from other eCommerce platforms.

    Features and functionalities

    WooCommerce offers extensive customization through coding and many extensions and themes. This makes it perfect for businesses seeking a highly customized online store, though it requires more technical know-how for setup and management. 

    Although WooCommerce is free to use, there are some costs for hosting and security.

    Shopify simplifies creating and managing an online store with its intuitive interface and comprehensive basic built-in features. These include hosting, security, and various payment gateways. It’s suitable if you want easy and quick setup and are willing to compromise on extensive customization options. 

    While the platform streamlines the process of launching and maintaining an eCommerce site, its convenience comes with a monthly price tag and expenses for advanced features, Shopify apps, and transaction fees.

    Ease of use

    A woman seated at a table, focused on her laptop, engaged in work or study.

    WooCommerce requires WordPress knowledge, web hosting, and HTML/CSS for deep customization, so its usability depends on your technical skills.

    The setup process involves:

    • Installing the WooCommerce plugin on a WordPress site.
    • Configuring settings.
    • Customizing the store’s appearance, which can be complex for beginners without web development experience.

    Shopify, on the other hand, is more beginner-friendly, letting you set up and manage your online business with minimal technical knowledge. Its drag-and-drop functionality and pre-designed templates make it quick and easy to set up a store without any coding. 

    Shopify’s all-in-one platform includes hosting, security, and payment integration, simplifying eCommerce. However, it might be beneficial to get familiar with Shopify’s Liquid templating language for advanced customization beyond the provided themes and settings.

    Customization options

    WooCommerce leverages WordPress’s versatility, offering access to various themes and extensions for tailoring your store’s design and functionality.  Apply and customize themes and integrate plugins through WordPress’s editor. Those with the skills can use PHP, HTML, and CSS to design their storefronts.

    Create a truly unique online store with this open-source platform’s features for intricate adjustments and additions.

    Shopify simplifies customization with its theme-based approach. Through its online editor, it provides a collection of adjustable templates. Users can easily select and customize themes using the intuitive drag-and-drop interface.

    Note

    Both WooCommerce and Shopify let you change the template without starting the website over from scratch, unlike other eCommerce platforms and website builders like Wix and Squarespace.

    While Shopify offers less flexibility than WooCommerce, it has enough customization features to satisfy most users’ needs. 

    Shopify’s Liquid language allows for advanced changes, though this requires some technical knowledge. The platform’s app store offers even more customization options with store enhancements and add-ons.

    Pricing

    Unlike Shopify, WooCommerce is a free plugin for WordPress sites. However, running a store includes costs for web hosting, domain registration, and any premium themes or extensions

    A reliable hosting provider’s price can vary from a few dollars to over a hundred monthly depending on the provider and package. While WooCommerce doesn’t charge fees, payment gateways might.

    Shopify offers a three-day free trial. Plans range from $39-$399 per month or $29-$299 if paid yearly. Each one provides different features and credit card transaction rates.

    Shopify charges transaction fees if you’re not using Shopify Payments, and costs can also increase with premium themes or apps.

    WooCommerce is more cost-effective due to its low entry price, especially for those already using WordPress.

    Inventory management

    With WooCommerce, you can add and manage inventory directly through the WordPress dashboard. Merchants can add products individually with detailed customization options for each item, including variations and pricing. 

    The platform supports CSV file uploads for bulk import, making adding large numbers of products at once easier. WooCommerce extensions available for importing products from other popular eCommerce platforms. However, the ease of use and effectiveness can vary depending on the tool and source platform.

    Shopify simplifies inventory management by offering a built-in CSV importer for bulk uploads and directly integrates with several other services and marketplaces for importing products.

    Shopify’s dashboard and detailed product pages make manual and bulk inventory management efficient. It caters well to businesses looking for a straightforward approach to eCommerce operations.

    So who wins this round, Shopify or WooCommerce? It is a draw.

    Payment gateways

    A visual guide illustrating steps to enhance the security of your online store effectively.

    Both Shopify and WooCommerce offer extensive payment method support, ensure secure transactions, and are PCI compliant.

    WooCommerce has its own payment solution – WooPayments. Easily manage payments directly within the WordPress dashboard, streamlining the process for eCommerce stores. This simplifies transactions and includes options for handling subscriptions and recurring payments.

    WooCommerce Payments is available in 38 countries and it continues to expand. It primarily supports markets in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Europe. 

    A WooCommerce store outside these regions must integrate with a third-party payment gateway. The platform supports many through extensions, including popular services like PayPal, Stripe, and Square. 

    The WooCommerce payment gateway is extremely secure, adhering to compliance standards for the payment card industry (PCI). Still, your overall site security depends on the hosting setup and the security practices of selected extensions.

    Shopify streamlines payment setup via Shopify Payments. It provides an easy and secure way to accept various payment methods without additional transaction fees from Shopify. 

    Shopify Payments is available in over 20 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. 

    For businesses looking to offer more payment options, Shopify supports numerous third-party payment gateways. The platform maintains a high level of security, is PCI compliant, and ensures that all transactions are secure.

    Third-party integrations

    WooCommerce benefits from being part of the versatile WordPress community, which offers thousands of plugins. 

    Notable integrations include Mailchimp for email marketing campaigns, Rank Math and Yoast for SEO, and Zapier for connecting WooCommerce with numerous applications to automate workflows.

    For Print on Demand (POD) WooCommerce users can integrate with Printify for streamlined listing and order management. Dropshippers can use plugins like WooDropship or AliDropship.

    Shopify’s app store features over 6,000 apps, including Klaviyo for marketing, Google Analytics for performance tracking, and customer support via Zendesk. 

    Its ecosystem is also well-equipped for POD, integrating with Printify for easy product design and fulfillment, product import, and order automation. 

    Shopify’s app collections and WooCommerce’s extension library offer powerful tools. However, WooCommerce demands a more hands-on approach to customization and integration, catering to those who prefer complete control over their eCommerce platform’s capabilities.

    So which is better for third-party integrations, WooCommerce or Shopify? Both support an extensive array of integrations, apps, and extensions, catering to various aspects of eCommerce, from marketing and SEO to accounting and shipping.

    Security

    WooCommerce, running on a WordPress website, provides customizable levels of security. Store owners are responsible for implementing these measures, including regularly updating the WooCommerce plugin, WordPress core, and other extensions or themes to protect against vulnerabilities.

    Tip

    To safeguard transaction data, WooCommerce recommends encrypting data with an SSL certificate and configuring secure payment processors that comply with PCI standards.

    The plugin’s flexibility means you can enhance security through various extensions to prevent hacks, data breaches, and malware.

    Shopify, as a hosted platform, provides strong security features without requiring manual updates or maintenance from the store owner. It ensures all stores use an SSL certificate for secure data transmission and is PCI compliant by default, handling all aspects of payment security. 

    Shopify’s controlled environment offers advanced security measures like regular automated security updates and state-of-the-art server protection. It’s a secure option for an eCommerce business prioritizing customer data protection and transaction security with minimal setup.

    Shopify wins this round as it automates all security measures.

    Scalability

    WooCommerce provides the flexibility needed for online store expansion but requires technical management as it grows. Increasing traffic might mean moving to better hosting, which increases costs. 

    Adding new features through WooCommerce extension can complicate maintenance and affect performance without careful management. Despite these challenges, WooCommerce’s customization options make it a strong choice for scaling.

    Shopify offers an easier scaling route with tiered plans that include more features and analytics as you grow. Yet, the simplicity of Shopify scaling can lead to higher costs for advanced plans and additional apps. Its customization limits could also restrict your store’s unique touch.

    WooCommerce stands out for scalability due to its vast customization options through WooCommerce extensions and the ability to adapt the store as it grows. This makes it the best option for businesses aiming for long-term growth and a tailored online presence.

    Analytics

    A person is holding a tablet displaying a detailed graph, illustrating data trends and analysis.

    WooCommerce offers analytics through its built-in dashboard and the integration of external tools like Google Analytics. The dashboard provides basic insights into sales, orders, and customer data and offers straightforward tracking of performance metrics. 

    More advanced metrics require integrating Google Analytics with an extension like Monster Insights.

    Shopify includes basic analytics directly within its platform, but advanced analytics and custom reporting require the Advanced Shopify plan. 

    The Shopify dashboard offers comprehensive insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and site performance without the need for external tools.

    For a more detailed analysis, Shopify also supports Google Analytics integration.

    Shopify has a slight advantage. Its built-in analytics tools are quite straightforward, making it easy for store owners to monitor their growth and optimize based on data-driven insights. Compared to WooCommerce, Shopify is also less reliant on external applications.

    SEO

    WooCommerce benefits from WordPress’s strong SEO capabilities with built-in features such as customizable URLs, meta titles, and descriptions. This makes optimizing your product pages and content for search engines easy. 

    The wide range of WordPress SEO plugins, like Rank Math and Yoast SEO, further enhances this platform’s ability to tailor SEO strategies. You’ll have many tools for keyword optimization, readability checks, and sitemap submissions.

    Shopify also prioritizes SEO within its platform, including basic built-in features for editing meta titles and descriptions, generating sitemaps, and creating search-friendly URLs. 

    Shopify’s SEO is streamlined compared to WooCommerce’s extensive customization options, covering the essential aspects for effective optimization. 

    The platform’s simplicity in managing SEO settings directly through the dashboard makes it easy for those without extensive SEO knowledge. This way, beginners can implement key SEO practices to improve their store’s online visibility.

    WooCommerce wins this round. Built for WordPress, the platform offers extensive SEO customization with advanced plugins. You have detailed control over meta tags and sitemaps and greater flexibility than Shopify’s simpler, built-in SEO features.

    Marketing tools

    WooCommerce integrates seamlessly with many marketing extensions, such as Yoast SEO, Mailchimp, and HubSpot. 

    These tools provide top-notch marketing strategies, from personalized email campaigns to data-driven suggestions – essential for attracting traffic and boosting conversions. 

    Your marketing success with WooCommerce depends on which plugins you choose.

    Shopify’s built-in marketing tools include Shopify Email for campaigns, integration with social media platforms for direct selling, and features for creating targeted ads and discounts. The platform simplifies managing marketing activities, offering a straightforward way to implement and analyze various strategies. 

    Shopify provides a straightforward path to driving traffic and increasing conversions, especially for those with limited marketing or technical backgrounds.

    Shopify has the lead. Even though WooCommerce’s marketing potential is limitless and both platforms are compatible with the same main marketing tools, Shopify’s integrations and built-in features are more straightforward.

    Customer support

    The official WooCommerce website provides support through extensive articles and tutorials for setup, customization, and troubleshooting. 

    While direct support is limited for the free plugin, you can find assistance from community forums where developers and users share solutions. For more in-depth support, WooCommerce offers a paid service for users of their hosted services, including direct email support.

    Shopify, in contrast, offers a more comprehensive structure, including 24/7 support via email, live chat, and phone, making it easier for users to get immediate help. 

    In addition to direct support, Shopify provides a wealth of documentation, tutorials, and online courses through the Shopify Academy. Community forums also serve as a valuable resource for advice and solutions from other merchants and experts.

    Shopify’s overall customer support is more accessible and varied than that of WooCommerce.

    In short

    ShopifyWoo
    Features and functionalities
    Ease of use
    Customization options
    Pricing and costs
    Inventory management
    Payment gateways
    Third-party integrations
    Security
    Scalability
    Analytics
    SEO
    Marketing tools
    Customer support

    Which eCommerce platform should you pick when selling with POD?

    A woman stands in front of a desk cluttered with boxes and a laptop, engaged in her work environment.

    Launching a POD business? Choose Printify and select the best eCommerce integration for your business.

    • WooCommerce. Offers extensive control and customization for your store. It integrates well with Printify, but setting up and connecting requires technical know-how. The upside? Getting your own WooCommerce hosting can lead to long-term cost savings compared to Shopify.
    • Shopify. Known for its easy-to-use interface and seamless Printify integration, publishing products and managing orders is a breeze. However, Shopify’s subscription fees might be a consideration for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.

    Ultimately, the choice when comparing Shopify to WooCommerce for POD depends on your technical comfort level and budget.

    WooCommerce vs Shopify: FAQ

    Shopify is intuitive, easy to set up, and offers robust customer support. It is ideal for those who prefer convenience and a quick start without deep technical involvement.

    WooCommerce, being open-source, provides more customization and flexibility suited for those with technical know-how or specific requirements. It’s cost-effective if you’re already on WordPress but requires additional fees for hosting and security. 

    Shopify is better for simplicity and support, while WooCommerce excels in customization and control. Your decision should reflect your business priorities and technical comfort.

    Pros:

    • Highly customizable and flexible, offering extensive control over your store.
    • Access to a vast range of extensions and WooCommerce themes.
    • Cost-effective setup since it’s free to use (excluding hosting and additional plugins).

    Cons:

    • Requires technical knowledge for setup and management.
    • Costs can increase with premium plugins, themes, and hosting.
    • Security and maintenance largely depend on the user, requiring ongoing attention.
    • Performance can vary based on hosting quality and site optimization.

    WooCommerce is free to install as a WordPress plugin with eCommerce functionality. But it’s not entirely free – since it requires a WordPress site, which needs hosting and a domain name. 

    Additionally, expenses can accumulate with premium WooCommerce themes and specialized WordPress plugins for extended functionalities. Payment processors might also charge transaction fees.

    A website builder is a tool for creating websites easily without coding knowledge. It offers drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-designed templates, simplifying web design and making it ideal for beginners. 

    A content management system (CMS) provides a more comprehensive framework for managing digital content and creating websites. It offers greater flexibility and customization options but may require some technical understanding. CMS provides more control over your site’s structure, functionality, and content management.

    The best platform for an eCommerce store depends on your specific needs, technical skills, and business goals.

    Shopify stands out for beginners and those seeking an all-in-one eCommerce solution with ease of use, robust support, and scalability. 

    WooCommerce is ideal if you’re already comfortable with WordPress, prefer extensive customization and control, and are ready to handle hosting and security. 

    Additionally, website builders such as Wix and Squarespace offer intuitive interfaces for those prioritizing design and simplicity. Marketplaces like Etsy and eBay are ideal for sellers looking for an established audience without needing website management.

    Summary

    In the WooCommerce vs Shopify battle, it all comes down to your vibe and goals. Want full control and endless customization? Woo is your ride-or-die. Prefer an all-in-one, no-fuss setup? Shopify’s got your back. Either way, power up your store with Printify – because killer products and effortless fulfillment make any eCommerce journey smoother.

    Make it your way!

    The post WooCommerce vs Shopify: Which is best for your online store? appeared first on Printify.

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    The 10 best online selling sites for 2025 https://printify.com/blog/best-online-selling-sites/ https://printify.com/blog/best-online-selling-sites/#comments Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:27:00 +0000 https://printify.com/?p=83825 Find answers to the questions regarding eCommerce platforms and marketplaces and pick the best option for your store.

    The post The 10 best online selling sites for 2025 appeared first on Printify.

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    Picking the right site to sell online is a big step when starting a business. And with so many options available, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re selling custom print-on-demand products, vintage items, or handmade goods. 

    Let’s explore the best online selling sites for 2025, including breakdowns of the fees, features, and what to expect.

    Disclaimer

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.

    Key takeaways

    • Etsy and eBay offer access to niche and global audiences, but both come with high fees and tough competition.
    • Amazon provides massive reach and fulfillment options, but sellers face high fees and strong competition in nearly all product categories.
    • Facebook Marketplace lets you sell items locally with no listing fees, but it lacks advanced eCommerce tools for scaling.
    • Shopify and BigCommerce are highly scalable platforms ideal for building your own store, though fees can increase as your business grows.
    • Wix and Squarespace are user-friendly and great for design-focused businesses but offer limited scalability for larger operations.
    • Though its features are still evolving, TikTok Shop offers viral marketing potential, especially for younger audiences.
    • Printify Pop-Up Store makes selling custom print-on-demand products easy by handling fulfillment and shipping, perfect for those seeking a hassle-free option.

    Best online marketplaces to sell

    Looking for the best selling websites to reach your customers without building an online store from scratch? Online marketplaces are a great option with plenty of advantages and features.

    1. Etsy

    Etsy started as an online marketplace focused on handmade or vintage items, but now, it allows sellers to offer everything from custom apparel to printables and downloadables.  

    Sellers on Etsy can use Etsy Pattern to expand to their own site for more customization options, which helps differentiate their stores from competitors. By offering unique products with appealing listings, sellers can better attract the platform’s large, engaged audience. However, Etsy sellers pay high transaction fees, so it’s important to stay on top of any changes and calculate your prices to factor these costs in.

    Pros:

    Cons:

    • High payment processing fees
    • Competition from other similar products can make it harder to stand out
    • Limited customization of storefront and branding
    • No fulfillment services, meaning you’ll need to handle inventory and shipping yourself

    Etsy fees

    • Listing fee: $0.20 per item, renewed every four months
    • Transaction fee: 6.5% on each sale
    • Payment processing fee: 3% +$0.25 per transaction in the US (up to around 6.5% + $0.30 depending on the country)
    • Etsy Plus subscription: $10/month for added customization options and marketing tools
    • Etsy Pattern: $15/month for a standalone website integrated with your Etsy shop plus variable charges for a domain name with Tucows
    Tip

    Check our guide for more info on how to sell on Etsy.

    2. eBay

    The first online auction site, eBay, is a pioneer in eCommerce and is considered by many as the most popular place to sell online. It provides access to millions of buyers worldwide, giving your online business a super wide reach.

    Use the marketplace to sell both auction-style listings or fixed-price products. Sellers can also source print-on-demand (POD) items from Printify. eBay’s most popular product categories include electronics, collectibles, and second-hand goods.Sellers can maximize their profits by experimenting with different selling strategies and using Store subscriptions to reduce fees.

    Pros:

    • Access to millions of buyers globally
    • Auction-style selling allows for competitive bidding and higher potential sales prices
    • Great for selling second-hand items, electronics, and collectibles

    Cons:

    • High competition
    • Insertion and selling fees can accumulate for sellers with large inventories
    • No dedicated fulfillment services

    eBay fees

    • Insertion fee: 250 free listings/month for non-subscribers. After that, $0.35 per listing. Store subscribers get more free listings based on their plan.
    • Final value fee: 13.25% of the final sale price (including shipping costs) for amounts up to $7,500 and 2.35% for amounts over that. $0.40 per order for sales over $10.
    • Optional upgrades: Bold text costs $2. Subtitles range from $1.50 to $6.
    • Advertising fees: Promoted Listings charges a percentage only when the item sells.
    • International fees: 1.65% fee on the total sale when selling internationally, plus an additional 2.5%-3.5% currency conversion fee.

    3. Amazon

    Amazon is an eCommerce giant that offers sellers unmatched access to a global audience and a platform trusted by millions of customers.

    The online marketplace has nearly every product category, making it a top choice for sellers worldwide to make money. Amazon’s success is largely driven by its commitment to customer satisfaction and its use of innovative technologies, including AI, robotic warehouses, and even drone delivery in some locations.For sellers, Amazon’s tools and fulfillment options, such as Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), simplify logistics and customer service. However, sellers must carefully calculate FBA costs and consider using Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) for more control over shipping and returns.

    Pros:

    • Access to millions of customers worldwide
    • FBA can handle storage, shipping, and customer service
    • Trust and credibility associated with Amazon’s brand
    • Seller tools for inventory management, advertising, and reporting

    Cons:

    • High fees, especially when using FBA (8%-15% referral fee per sale, plus storage fees)
    • Extremely competitive marketplace
    • While FBA can simplify logistics, it can also increase costs and potentially limit control over the customer experience.

    Amazon fees

    • Individual plan: $0.99 per item sold. Ideal for smaller sellers with fewer than 40 sales per month.
    • Professional plan: $39.99/month. Suitable for sellers expecting to sell more than 40 items monthly, offering additional seller tools and insights.
    • Referral fees: A percentage of the total sales price (including shipping). Fees range from 8% to 15%, depending on the product categories.
      • Example: 15% for most items in clothing and accessories, and 8% for electronics​.
    • Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fees:
      • Fulfillment fee: Starts at $2.50 for small standard items, with higher rates for oversized items.
      • Storage fee: Ranges from $0.75 to $2.40 per cubic foot, depending on the season (higher fees from October to December)​.

    4. Facebook Marketplace

    Facebook Marketplace is one of the best websites to sell stuff locally. It offers sellers access to thousands of shoppers through one of the world’s largest social media platforms. Its easy-to-use interface and broad reach make it an ideal choice for those looking for places to sell everything, from clothing, fashion, and lifestyle products to furniture and even vehicles.

    There are no listing fees for most items. However, Facebook users like to haggle a bit, so be prepared to bargain and set up an initial selling price with some leeway. The platform is primarily for selling stuff online locally and lacks advanced eCommerce tools compared to other online marketplaces.

    Pros:

    • No listing fees
    • Direct access to Facebook’s large user base
    • Great for selling locally

    Cons:

    • Limited eCommerce tools
    • No fulfillment options or integrated shipping services
    • Primarily designed for local sales, limiting reach beyond certain regions

    Facebook Marketplace fees

    • For listings where local buyers pay in person, you wont pay fees. However, if shipping and payments are processed through Facebook, a 10% fee or a flat $0.80 fee on sales under $8 applies​.

    Top sites for running your own online store

    If you want full control over your brand and products, building your own store is the way to go. From customizable design options to advanced tools for scaling, these platforms offer everything you need to create and manage a shop and start selling online.

    5. Shopify

    Shopify is the go-to platform for building an online business from the ground up. It provides all the tools necessary to set up your website, manage inventory, process payments, and integrate with different sales channels. 

    Its user-friendly interface and huge selection of apps make it easy to scale your business as it grows, provide customer support, perfect your search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing techniques, and make more money on Shopify. The platform has a built-in system called Shopify Payments, eliminating processing fees from third-party gateways.

    Pros:

    • Highly customizable, scalable eCommerce solution
    • Extensive app store
    • Secure and reliable hosting with 24/7 support
    • Built-in payment processing with no extra fees

    Cons:

    • Monthly fees can get expensive, especially when adding apps
    • Transaction fees apply if using third-party payment processors
    • Customization beyond templates may require coding knowledge

    Shopify fees

    • Basic plan: $29/month (if paid yearly), $39/month (if paid monthly)
    • Shopify plan: $79/month (paid yearly), $105/month (paid monthly)
    • Advanced plan: $299/month (paid yearly), $399/month (paid monthly)

    6. Wix

    Wix is a great website builder that doubles as a versatile eCommerce platform. The easy-to-use drag-and-drop builder even lets beginners create stunning online stores. 

    The wide range of customizable templates guarantees there’s something for every business, providing flexibility and a professional look with no coding skills required.Wix is particularly appealing to small businesses thanks to its affordable pricing and built-in marketing tools, including search engine optimization (SEO) and email campaigns. Although it may lack some advanced eCommerce features, it’s perfect for businesses that want to set up quickly with a sleek, professional-looking store.

    Pros:

    • User-friendly design interface with drag-and-drop tools
    • Wide range of templates for various industries
    • Affordable pricing, ideal for small businesses or startups
    • Built-in marketing tools like email campaigns and SEO features

    Cons:

    • Less flexibility for scaling larger businesses
    • Some advanced eCommerce features are only available with third-party apps
    • Transaction fees apply for third-party payment gateways

    Wix subscriptions

    • Core:  $14.50/month (paid yearly), $36/month (paid monthly)
    • Business plan: $18/month (paid yearly), $43/month (paid monthly)
    • Business Elite:$79.50/month (paid yearly), $172/month (paid monthly)

    7. Squarespace

    Squarespace is known for its modern design templates, making it a favorite online selling site among artists, creatives, and small businesses focused on aesthetics.

    Its integrations and tools for blogging, SEO, and social media are thoughtfully curated yet limited and tightly controlled by the platform.Squarespace is an excellent choice for selling digitalproducts or services, but its limitations in terms of advanced features and customization can pose a challenge for those looking to scale larger.

    Pros:

    • Stunning templates and design flexibility
    • Easy-to-use interface
    • Built-in tools for SEO, email marketing, and analytics
    • Excellent for selling digital products, services, and physical goods

    Cons:

    • Fewer eCommerce features compared to other online selling sites like Shopify or BigCommerce
    • Limited customization beyond templates
    • Higher fees for eCommerce-specific plans

    Squarespace plans

    • Business: $23/month (paid yearly),  $36/month (paid monthly). 3% transaction fee on online store transactions
    • Commerce basic: $28/month (paid yearly),  $40/month (paid monthly). No transaction fees on online store transactions. 
    • Commerce advanced:  $52/month (paid yearly), $72/month (paid monthly)

    8. WooCommerce

    WooCommerce is an open-source eCommerce plugin for WordPress, making it a highly customizable option – perfect for sellers who want complete control over their store. It’s free to use, though you’ll need hosting and a domain to get started. 

    WooCommerce has plugins for features like inventory management, payment gateways, and marketing tools.It’s perfect for businesses looking for a completely customizable solution for selling things online, but it requires technical expertise to set up and maintain. Sellers must handle hosting, security, and updates on their own or hire developers to manage more complex customizations. The costs for hosting and plugins can also add up.

    Pros:

    • Free to use with no service fee structure 
    • Unlimited customization with WordPress plugins and themes
    • Large community of developers and users
    • Ideal for businesses needing flexibility and specific functionality

    Cons:

    • Requires technical expertise for setup and maintenance
    • Costs for hosting, domain, and plugins can add up
    • No customer support – users rely on community forums for help

    Woo fees

    • Free, but hosting costs vary depending on the provider. 
    • Hosting varies from $3 to $10/month; it starts from $2.99/month at Hostinger.

    9. PrestaShop

    PrestaShop is a free, open-source eCommerce platform similar to WooCommerce but designed for businesses with larger inventories and more complex needs.

    It provides full control over every aspect of your store, from design to product listings, and offers multi-language and multi-currency support, making it ideal for merchants looking to scale globally.PrestaShop requires technical expertise to set up and maintain. Businesses must invest in hosting, security, and development, which can become costly over time. Support is limited to community forums unless you hire a professional developer.

    Pros:

    • Mostly free to use – no platform fees
    • Unlimited customization and flexibility with access to open-source code
    • Great for businesses with large inventories or those needing complex product listings
    • Global reach with multi-currency and multi-language support

    Cons:

    • Requires technical expertise for setup and customization
    • No built-in customer support – users rely on the community or hire developers
    • Can become costly when considering hosting, themes, and add-ons

    PrestaShop fees

    • Free to download and use
    • Hosting costs: Range from $3 to $10/month depending on the hosting provider; starting at $2.99/month at Hostinger.
    • Premium add-ons: Costs for templates, modules, and professional support vary depending on your needs.
    • Hosted plan: €24/month (paid yearly), €29/month (paid monthly), excl. VAT/month

    10. BigCommerce

    BigCommerce is built for scalability. Merchants can manage multiple stores, host extensive product catalogs, sell in several regions, use multiple integrations, leverage advanced SEO features, and use omnichannel selling options across multiple platforms like Amazon, eBay, and social media.

    BigCommerce’s standout feature is that it has no transaction fees, even when using third-party payment gateways. The platform’s starting price is higher than some competitors because it can support businesses looking to grow rapidly. However, businesses should be prepared for the learning curve that comes with its advanced tools. Some find the platform’s aesthetics outdated, with few theme options that all look pretty similar.

    Pros:

    • No transaction fees, even with third-party payment gateways
    • Advanced tools for managing large product catalogs and multiple stores
    • Built-in SEO and marketing tools
    • Scalable to support businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprises
    • Built-in integrations with Amazon, eBay, and social media platforms

    Cons:

    • Costs add quickly for businesses wishing to scale up
    • Upgrading your plan is mandatory after a specific number of sales 
    • Steep learning curve for beginners or small businesses
    • Some advanced features require additional apps or custom development

    BigCommerce fees

    • Standard plan: $29/month if paid yearly, $39/month if paid monthly
    • Plus plan: $79/month (yearly), $105/month (monthly)
    • Pro plan: $299/month (yearly), $399/month (monthly)
    • Enterprise: Custom pricing

    Worthy mentions

    1. TikTok Shop

    TikTok Shop lets users sell products directly through the app using the power of social media content. With TikTok’s massive, highly engaged user base, sellers can use viral trends and influencer marketing to drive sales.The platform is becoming one of the best sites to sell online in the US, especially appealing to content creators, influencers, and brands that want to reach younger audiences.

    Pros:

    • Direct access to TikTok’s engaged user base
    • Seamless integration with eCommerce platforms like Shopify
    • Excellent for brand awareness and viral marketing opportunities
    • No listing fees, making it cost-effective for businesses

    Cons:

    • Limited to specific regions
    • Relatively new platform, so tools and features are still developing
    • Requires active content creation and social media engagement to succeed
    • Strict deadlines for order fulfillment
    • Strick product policies

    TikTok Shop fees

    • Transaction fees: 3.78%
    • Commission fees: From 2.70%-10.26%, depending on the category.
    • Other fees and charges, such as a shipping fee adjustment, warehouse services, or platform penalties.

    2. Printify Pop-Up store

    The Printify Pop-Up Store is a user-friendly platform that lets you easily create and launch your own online store, specializing in custom print-on-demand products. With Printify, you don’t need to worry about inventory, production, or shipping – everything is handled for you. Printify Pop-up even takes care of customer support and provides a free URL with a printify.me domain.

    Tip

    Need an even more tailored solution? Integrate a custom Printify API with your eCommerce store.

    Pros:

    • No upfront costs or inventory management
    • Easy-to-use design tools for creating unique products
    • Printify handles fulfillment, shipping, returns, and customer support
    • Free custom URL

    Cons:

    • Limited to selling print-on-demand products
    • Customization options for storefronts are limited compared to platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce

    Printify fees

    • Free for the basic plan.
    • Premium plan: $29/month, which includes discounts on products and shipping.

    Start an online store and integrate with Printify

    A man wearing custom sportswear, walking on a bridge while holding a bag and drinking coffee.

    Printify makes it easy to start an online store by providing everything you need to offer custom products without upfront costs or dealing with the logistics of inventory and shipping. 

    Here’s how to get started with Printify:

    1. Sign up

    Create a free Printify account.

    2. Decide what to sell

    Browse our Catalog full of over 1,000 popular products. Choose from product categories such as clothing and lifestyle accessories, home decor, and more. 

    Then, after picking the right product, choose a Print Provider and click Start designing.

    3. Design your products

    Use Printify’s Product Creator which lets you upload your designs or create your own with AI tools, a pattern maker, a text editor, and other great features. Preview how they’ll look on different products and adjust until it’s just the way you like. Then, move forward to creating a listing.

    Here are some best practices for listings:

    • Use relevant keywords in product titles and descriptions. Our AI tools will speed up the process.
    • Set competitive prices and choose popular shipping methods
    • Save your product and proceed to connect a sales channel.   

    4. Pick a sales channel

    Choose one of the several online selling sites we integrate with, such as Shopify, Etsy, WooCommerce, or a Printify Pop-up store. 

    • Connect Printify seamlessly with your own online store. 
    • Publish your products. We’ll sync them automatically with your store. 
    • Share the link to your online selling site and merch on social media. 

    5. Let us do the rest

    Start selling in your own online store while our network handles the rest. When customers place orders, the printing company takes care of production, packaging, and shipping directly to your buyers, so you get to focus on growing your business.

    FAQ

    The best online selling site depends on various factors, including the type of products you’re offering, your target audience, and your business goals.

    Many people choose to start out on an online marketplace because of their existing traffic and templates, plus they don’t require any coding skills.

    Here are the most popular marketplaces to sell stuff online:

    • Etsy: Sell handmade items or unique merch.
    • Amazon: Offers a wide reach but comes with high fees and intense competition.
    • Shopify: Great for building a customizable online store with full control over your brand.
    • eBay: Suitable for a variety of products, including used items and collectibles.
    • Facebook Marketplace: Excellent for selling stuff locally, especially for used items.

    While there aren’t many platforms that let you sell online completely for free, some options have minimal upfront costs.

    • Facebook Marketplace: One of the best local online selling sites with free listings.
    • Printify Pop-Up Store: Provides a free platform for selling personalized print-on-demand products with a custom Printify.me domain

    You’ll still need to consider transaction and shipping fees and potential production costs.

    The easiest website to sell your stuff on depends on your comfort level with technology and your specific needs. Some options considered relatively easy to use include:

    • Facebook Marketplace: Simple interface for listing items locally.
    • eBay: Provides a straightforward process for creating listings.
    • Printify Pop-Up Store: Offers a user-friendly platform for selling custom products.

    eBay and Facebook Marketplace are excellent websites for selling used items online. 

    eBay generally offers a wider reach, while Facebook Marketplace is better for local sales.

    To summarize

    Choosing the right online selling platforms depends on your business goals, the products you’re offering, and the audience you want to reach.

    Whether you choose a popular online marketplace to sell, like Etsy or eBay, or build a fully customized store on Shopify, each platform has its pros and cons.

    Look into what fees you’ll pay on your online sales, scalability, and tools offered by each to find the best fit for your business. With the right strategy, you can turn any of these online selling sites into the perfect home for your store.

    The post The 10 best online selling sites for 2025 appeared first on Printify.

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    How to design a website: 7 steps to make your first sale (2025) https://printify.com/blog/how-to-design-a-website/ Tue, 26 Nov 2024 09:58:00 +0000 https://printify.com/?p=84262 What are the best practices for designing a website when building an online store? Let's dive into this topic with an expert

    The post How to design a website: 7 steps to make your first sale (2025) appeared first on Printify.

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    Sell custom products with Printify

    Your website is key to making that first sale in the eCommerce market. With the right approach, you can create a site that not only looks great but also drives revenue.

    Whether you’re building an online store, a portfolio website, event pages, or a blog page, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to design a website that grabs your audience’s attention and turns visitors into paying customers.

    Disclaimer

    This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.

    Key takeaways

    • Make a plan, set goals, define your audience, and research competitors before you start building a website.
    • Choose the right platform based on your needs and experience – whether a website builder like Shopify or a self-hosted option like WooCommerce.
    • Develop a clear website structure with a cohesive homepage design, clear brand identity, and smooth navigation.
    • Optimize your content for search engines (SEO) and make sure your website is responsive across all devices to enhance the user experience.
    • Regularly test your site’s performance and make adjustments to improve user engagement and conversions.

    1. Start with planning

    A woman sitting at a desk and taking notes.

    Before jumping into web design, start with a solid plan to lay the groundwork for your website’s success.

    From identifying your goals to understanding your audience and competitors, these steps will guide your design process and help you create a fantastic website.

    Tip

    Check out our blog for a deep dive into defining your niche.

    Consider the target audience

    Identify your ideal site visitors. Knowing their preferences, interests, and behaviors will help you choose the right website elements.

    For example:

    • Younger audiences respond well to visually dynamic sites with social proof, like embedded social media feeds and testimonials. Use bold colors, engaging visuals, and interactive features like live chat to keep them interested.
    • Professionals prefer clean, organized layouts with easy access to product or service information. Include concise headings, case studies, and an FAQ section for quick browsing.
    • Older visitors appreciate simplicity. Use larger fonts, high-contrast colors, and a clear, straightforward layout with prominent calls-to-action.

    Set goals and research competitors

    Do you want to generate leads, boost sales, or build brand awareness? Identifying your goals is crucial when learning how to design a web page. Align website elements like CTAs, product pages, and content with your website’s purpose. 

    Additionally, look at competitors to see what they’re doing right and where they fall short. Improve your own site visitors’ experience based on these findings and stand out by offering something different.

    2. Choose a website platform

    A man sitting on a couch with a laptop on his lap, working.

    There are two main paths to begin the development process for designing your own website – using a website builder or opting for self-hosted web hosting. Both are great solutions but cater to different needs depending on your experience.

    Website building platforms

    Website builders are perfect for beginners. They simplify the design process with a drag-and-drop interface, pre-designed templates, and built-in features that make it easy to get started without coding knowledge

    Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options:

    • Shopify. Focused on eCommerce, it offers all the tools you need to start and grow an online store, from payment gateways to an extensive app marketplace. Monthly fees start at $39/month, with additional costs for third-party apps.
    Tip

    Learn more about how to make money with Shopify.

    • Wix. Ideal for small businesses and beginners, this user-friendly platform has a comprehensive drag-and-drop editor for building professional websites quickly. Plans start from $36/month, and you may require additional apps to scale.
    Tip

    Explore how to create a Wix website on our blog.

    • Squarespace. Perfect for creatives with a digital portfolio and small businesses prioritizing design. Its templates are visually stunning but may lack more advanced eCommerce features. Squarespace eCommerce plans start from $36/month.
    • BigCommerce. Designed for businesses ready to scale with tools for large catalogs and omnichannel selling. It has a steeper learning curve and can get pricey as you scale. Plans start from $39/month.

    Self-hosted websites

    Opt for a self-hosted site if you want complete control over the website’s design and functionality. We don’t recommend it for beginners as this approach requires some technical or coding knowledge.

    Get a hosting plan, a content management system (CMS), and a domain name. You may also need to purchase plug-ins for advanced functionality.

    Hosting costs around $3-10/month, starting at $2.49/month with Hostinger. Web hosts may offer customer support, but many self-hosted site owners turn to community forums for help.

    • WooCommerce. A free open-source plug-in for the WordPress CMS boasting over 4,6 million online stores. The go-to platform for developers and blog websites, it gives you full development control and endless customization options but requires more technical expertise.
    • PrestaShop. Free, open-source, and ideal for businesses with complex site requirements. However, it comes with a steep learning curve, and expenses can add up with hosting and add-ons. Its hosted plan costs €24/month for additional support.

    3. Outline your website structure

    A drawing of a website structure.

    This is one of the most crucial steps to building a website. A well-organized, easy-to-navigate, and professional-looking page will keep visitors engaged and create a seamless user experience. To avoid driving customers away with cluttered visual content, outline a clear website structure from the homepage to your About page.

    Elements like a search bar and clear menu items will help visitors easily find what they need. That way, they can get to know your brand and take the desired action.

    Homepage structure

    Your homepage is the first opportunity to make a great impression. With 94% of first impressions being based on design, it’s crucial to present information clearly and with stunning visuals:

    • Value proposition. Communicate what your business website offers right away. Let visitors know why your product stands out.
    • Easy navigation. A simple, top-level navigation bar helps visitors move through your site with ease. Keep categories clear and concise to avoid overwhelming users.
    • Call-to-action (CTA). Place an engaging CTA like Shop the Sale or Learn More above the fold (the area visible without scrolling) to prompt visitors to take action right away.

    The rest of your homepage should flow logically, guiding visitors through additional details about your products or services as they scroll.

    The general structure for other pages

    Maintain a consistent, intuitive layout throughout each website page for a smooth user experience. Key components include:

    • Organized content. Break down complex information into digestible sections with clear headers.
    • Consistent navigation.  Keep your navigation the same across every page so users can easily browse the site.
    • Logical flow. Lead visitors through your site with a clear path, from product pages to checkout. Consider adding breadcrumbs so visitors can always locate where they are on your site.
    Tip

    Check our article on WooCommerce SEO and explore the best plug-ins for adding breadcrumbs to your website.

    Show your branding

    Two displays with website design in the process.

    Incorporating your brand identity throughout your website enhances its visual elements and builds trust and recognition. Your brand identity should be present in the following design elements:

    • Color scheme. Choose colors that reflect your brand’s personality and use them consistently across every page.
    • Web typography. Select fonts that align with your brand’s style and make sure they are easy to read.
    • Logo placement. Place your logo prominently at the top of each page to reinforce brand recognition.

    Brand identity is more than just looks – it’s how users connect with your business. When you integrate your branding into website elements, you create a memorable, unified experience for visitors.

    4. Add website content

    A desktop computer with a website on the screen.

    It’s time to bring your website to life with exciting, unique and branded content that keeps visitors engaged. From must-have pages to SEO, we break down how to create a seamless website experience.

    Must-have web pages

    Every great website shares a few essentials, and it all starts with the right pages. These must-haves will guide visitors smoothly through your site while keeping them eager to explore more.

    1. Home

    Your homepage should grab attention immediately with a bold header, eye-catching images, and a clear CTA. Introduce your business and products with visually appealing sections and informative copy to encourage exploration.

    1. Products

    Showcase what you offer by describing each product or service clearly, emphasizing its benefits. Clearly list prices or provide an easy way for visitors to request a quote. If you run an eCommerce store, include a search function to help users quickly find what they need.

    1. About 

    The About page gives visitors insight into your brand. Keep the content customer-focused while sharing your mission and values. Describe how your products benefit the audience and differentiate yourself from competitors.

    1. Contact

    Make it easy for visitors to reach out. Include multiple contact details, such as a business email address or phone number. A contact form is excellent for visitors to get in touch directly from the website.

    1. Privacy Policy

    If your website collects personal data like names, email addresses, or payment information, you are legally required to have a privacy policy. Use clear, easy-to-understand language to explain how you collect, store, and use customer data.

    1. Terms and Conditions

    This is a good way to protect your business from disputes. It sets ground rules for how visitors interact with your website and can help prevent legal issues related to your services, like refunds or cancellations.

    Keep search engine optimization in mind

    SEO makes your website visible to search engines like Google and helps your site rank higher when people search for terms related to your business.

    It involves strategically using keywords in your website’s content, creating high-quality pages, and making your website user-friendly.

    Good SEO practices include making sure your site:

    • Loads quickly
    • Works well on mobile devices
    • Is easy to navigate

    These factors not only improve the user experience but also influence your site’s visibility on search engines. With the right SEO strategy, you’ll attract more targeted visitors and increase your chances of converting them into customers.

    Tip

    Use Google Keyword Planner to discover relevant keywords, Yoast SEO to optimize content on WooCommerce and Shopify, and Ahrefs for comprehensive SEO analysis.

    These tools help streamline keyword research, track performance, and refine SEO efforts to attract more targeted visitors and increase conversions.

    5. Ensure responsive web design

    A website opened on multiple devices to show that it’s responsive.

    A responsive website automatically adjusts to fit any screen size, whether a phone, tablet, or desktop. With over 50% of global website traffic coming from mobile devices​, making your website responsive and mobile-friendly is non-negotiable.

    Here’s why having a responsive website is important:

    1. Increases mobile traffic. Use responsive website builders and design tools like Bootstrap or Foundation, which offer flexible templates that adapt to any screen. They make it easier to create a seamless interface without coding.
    2. Lower maintenance. Responsive templates save time and effort, as you’ll only have to update one version of your site. Website builders like Wix and Squarespace offer features that automatically adapt to different screens.
    3. Better user experience. Responsive sites prevent issues like cluttered text or distorted images on smaller screens. Keep your site looking sharp and guarantee fast load times by using image compression tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim.
    4. Improves SEO. Google favors responsive websites because they enhance the user experience. Use Google’s Developer Tools or BrowserStack to preview your site on various devices and fix any display issues before launch.

    6. Test everything before launching

    Before going live, thoroughly test your website and make sure everything runs smoothly. Here’s a quick checklist of key areas to focus on before launching and promoting your site:

    • Functionality. Check that all links, forms, and buttons work properly and lead visitors to the right pages.
    • Speed. With at least 40% of users abandoning sites that take more than three seconds to load, make sure your site is optimized for speed.
    • Responsiveness. Test your website on both desktop and mobile. Verify that it looks great, functions well, and provides a seamless user experience.
    Tip

    Leverage Google PageSpeed Insights to analyze your site’s speed and Responsive Design Checker to see how your site performs across various devices.

    7. Monitor and improve

    A man sitting at a desk and looking at a laptop screen, wearing headphones.

    Once your website is live, monitor its performance and continuously improve it using insights from website analytics tools.

    Most website platforms come with built-in performance dashboards or easily connect with analytic plug-ins. You can also integrate additional tools like Google Analytics and MonsterInsights for more detailed data.

    Focus on key metrics like:

    • Top-performing pages. Identify which pages are getting the most traffic and pinpoint why. Apply these strategies and elements across the site architecture.
    • Bounce rates and session duration. Pay attention to where users leave and how long they stay on your site. If website visitors aren’t sticking around, it might signal the need for better web content or more intuitive navigation.
    • Conversion rates. See how effective your CTAs are. Running A/B tests on buttons, page layouts, or product displays can help optimize performance. Consider adding personalized CTAs, which can boost conversions by up to 42%.​

    Start an online business with Printify

    A woman sitting at a bench in a park, working on her laptop.

    Ready to turn your website into a business? Printify makes it easy to create custom products without upfront costs or inventory. Here’s how to start an online business with Printify in just a few steps:

    1. Sign up

    Create your free Printify account.

    2. Select a product

    Go to our Catalog and choose from over 1,000 customizable products and more than 80 global Print Providers. Then, click Start designing.

    3. Apply your design

    Upload your designs or create new visuals from scratch with our AI-powered Product Creator. Preview realistic mockups and use the images on your new website.

    Don’t forget about your product titles and descriptions and adjust your profit margins and prices. Depending on the sales platform, you may also need to set up shipping profiles.

    4. Sell online

    Integrate your Printify account with your website. Sync with Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix, Squarepace, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, or your own standalone Printify Pop-up Store.

    Publish products from your Printify account, and they will sync automatically to your chosen platform – it’s that easy!

    5. Let Printify do the rest

    Our network will print, pack, and ship your custom products directly to customers. That frees up your time to focus on creating new products, designing your site, and promoting your brand with a solid content marketing strategy.

    Start a business online and sell with Printify now

    FAQ

    The first steps to designing a website are setting clear goals and understanding your target audience. From there, decide whether you’ll use a website builder (like Shopify or Wix) or a self-hosted platform (like WordPress with WooCommerce).

    Then, structure your site with web pages like Home, About, and Shop. Add content, optimize for both users and search engines, and make sure your website is responsive across all devices.

    The cost of designing a professional-looking website varies depending on the platform you choose and the complexity of your website development. For example:

    • Shopify: Starts at $39/month for its basic plan.
    • Wix: Starts at $36/month for small businesses.
    • WooCommerce or PrestaShop: Free to use, but you’ll need to cover hosting fees, which typically range from $3 to $10/month.
    • Printify Pop-Up Store: Completely free with a Printify account.

    Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify let you have a standard site up and running within a day or two, even without a professional designer.

    Customized or complex eCommerce sites built on self-hosted platforms and content management systems like WooCommerce and PrestaShop can take weeks to several months, depending on design, functionality, and content needs. Hiring a website designer can speed up this process.

    The number of pages your website needs depends on your business goals. A standard website typically includes:

    • A homepage to introduce your brand
    • A Product or Service page to showcase your offerings
    • An About page to tell your story
    • A Contact page to make it easy for a site visitor to reach you

    Beyond that, a Blog or FAQ section helps engage visitors and improve SEO. Be careful not to have too many pages, as this may slow down your website and negatively impact the visitor experience.

    To summarize

    You don’t need to be a web designer to build a professional-looking site that converts. Create a stunning, user-friendly site that engages visitors and turns them into loyal customers by choosing the right platform and optimizing your website’s pages.

    Use your site as a dynamic tool for growth – regularly refine its branded content and design based on user feedback. With the right strategies, your website can be a valuable source of income for selling custom products.

    The post How to design a website: 7 steps to make your first sale (2025) appeared first on Printify.

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    12 best eCommerce platforms to start a business in 2024 https://printify.com/blog/best-ecommerce-plaforms/ Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:21:05 +0000 https://printify.com/?p=301288 Choose the best platform for building an eCommerce website. Forget about payment processing, order management, and hosting services – just focus on your brand.

    The post 12 best eCommerce platforms to start a business in 2024 appeared first on Printify.

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    Printify + your favorite platform = more sales!

    Choosing the best eCommerce platform might feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Fear not, because we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.

    In this guide, we’ll explore the top 12 eCommerce platforms that millions of merchants have tried and tested worldwide. We’ll cover their unique features, weigh the pros and cons, and even give you the inside scoop on pricing.

    So, whether you’re a tech-savvy pro or a complete newbie, we’ll help you find the right eCommerce platform that’ll empower you to build a thriving online store and turn your business dreams into reality.

    Key takeaways

    • Choose an eCommerce platform that aligns with your budget, tech skills, and business goals.
    • Make sure the platform can scale alongside your business.
    • Ensure your platform allows you to showcase your brand’s unique identity through customizable themes.
    • Explore the most popular eCommerce platforms, like Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix, WooCommerce, and Squarespace.
    • Prioritize SEO capabilities for maximum visibility.

    What is an eCommerce platform?

    An eCommerce platform is your online business’s all-in-one toolkit. It’s a software solution packed with eCommerce features that lets you build and manage your own digital storefront. In simple terms, it’s a place for building online stores – complete with customer accounts, online payments, and everything you need to manage your eCommerce website and grow your business. 

    From showcasing your products and payment processing to handling shipping and marketing your brand.

    What to know when choosing an eCommerce platform?

    A man sitting at a desk and thinking, while looking at a laptop screen.

    Before you start selling online, you need to pick the best eCommerce platform for your business. It’s like choosing the perfect storefront location – you want to make sure it’s a good fit for your brand and your budget. What should you look for?

    Type of platform

    Do you want all the bells and whistles taken care of for you, or are you a DIY enthusiast? Because there are two options:

    • Hosted platforms – Imagine a luxurious all-inclusive resort where everything is taken care of – your meals, your drinks, even your entertainment. That’s what a hosted eCommerce platform is like.
      They handle advanced eCommerce features, like hosting, security, updates, technical support, and maintenance, so you can focus on running your business, not troubleshooting code.
    • Self-hosted platforms – If prefer a more DIY approach, a self-hosted platform might be your jam. You’ll have complete control over your online store’s design and functionality, but you’ll also need to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty with the technical aspects.
      It’s like building your own custom dream home – you get exactly what you want, but it requires a bit more effort and expertise.

    Pricing

    What’s your budget? eCommerce platforms have different pricing structures, from monthly fees to transaction costs. Figure out what you’re comfortable spending and choose a platform that fits your budget.

    Available functionality

    Different platforms offer various features, including eCommerce store inventory management, accounting software, comprehensive content management systems (CMS), marketing tools, payment options, app integrations, and more advanced functionalities. Consider the must-haves for your business and choose a platform that meets those needs.

    How does the platform handle online payments? Are there transaction fees? Which payment gateways are supported? These are essential factors to consider for smooth and secure transactions.

    Ease of use

    Some platforms are more user-friendly than others. If you’re just starting out, opt for one with an intuitive interface and plenty of support resources to guide you along the way. In the next section, we’ll dissect the best eCommerce sites to help you find your match. 

    Build the best eCommerce website: top 12 eCommerce platforms

    1. Shopify

    Shopify homepage hero section screenshot.

    Shopify is a hosted platform that offers a comprehensive solution for building and managing your online business. It’s an all-in-one platform for beginners and small businesses, as well as large enterprises.

    It’s easy to use and has a wide range of components.

    Key features:

    • Drag-and-drop store builder – Easily customize your storefront without any coding knowledge.
    • Full automation – Secure and reliable hosting provider with automatic updates and maintenance.
    • Wide range of paid and free themes and apps – Choose from hundreds of professionally designed themes and apps to enhance your store’s functionality. 
    • Secure and reliable hosting – Shopify takes care of hosting, security, and maintenance, so you can focus on running your business.
    • 24/7 customer support – Get help with Shopify’s dedicated support team whenever you need it.

    Pros:

    • Shopify is incredibly user-friendly, making it a great choice for beginners.
    • You can buy your own domain name.
    • It can grow with your business, offering plans and features to accommodate your needs as your sales increase.
    • The extensive Shopify App Store provides endless possibilities for customizing and extending your store’s functionality. Check out the Best Free Shopify Apps.

    Cons:

    • Shopify can be expensive, especially as you add more apps and features.
    • If you don’t use Shopify Payments, you’ll be charged transaction fees on every sale.

    Pricing: 

    • Starts at $1 for the first month.
    • Then $39/month when paid monthly, with discounts for annual plans.

    Rating: 4.4/5

    Integrates with Printify: Yes

    2. BigCommerce

    BigCommerce homepage hero section screenshot

    BigCommerce is another hosted eCommerce site known for its powerful features and customization choices. It’s an excellent option for businesses that need more flexibility and control over their online store.

    Key features:

    • Solid characteristics – BigCommerce offers many built-in components, such as abandoned cart recovery, product filtering, and multiple currency support.
    • Extensive customization – Customize almost every aspect of your store, including the checkout process and product pages.
    • B2B functionality – BigCommerce offers specialized features for B2B businesses, such as custom pricing, quoting, and bulk ordering.
    • Headless commerce capabilities – To decouple your front-end and back-end systems, giving you more flexibility and control over your store’s design and functionality.

    Pros:

    • This eCommerce solution offers many powerful tools to help you grow your business.
    • You have a lot of control over the look and feel of your store.
    • BigCommerce can handle large volumes of traffic and orders.
    • No transaction fees, regardless of the payment gateway you use.

    Cons:

    • Can be more complex to use than some other platforms.
    • BigCommerce’s higher-tier plans can be expensive.

    Pricing: 

    • Starts at $29.95/month (billed annually).

    Rating: 4.2/5

    Integrates with Printify: Yes

    3. Wix

    Wix homepage hero section screenshot.

    Wix is a popular website builder that has expanded its capabilities to include a versatile eCommerce platform. It’s known for its user-friendly interface and extensive template library.

    Key features:

    • Drag-and-drop website builder – Create your own website without any coding knowledge.
    • Hundreds of customizable templates – Choose from a wide variety of professionally designed templates to match your brand’s aesthetic.
    • Built-in SEO tools – Optimize your store for search engines and drive organic traffic.
    • App market – Add additional features and functionality to your store with various apps.
    • Mobile users welcome – Ensure your store looks great on all devices.

    Pros:

    • A very user-friendly platform, even for beginners.
    • Offers a range of affordable plans to fit any budget.
    • The drag-and-drop editor and template library make it easy to create a unique and professional-looking store.

    Cons:

    • Wix’s eCommerce features aren’t as extensive as some other platforms.
    • May not be the best choice for businesses with complex needs or high sales volumes.
    • Limited customization options.

    Pricing: 

    • Starts at $16/month.

    Rating: 4.2/5

    Integrates with Printify: Yes

    4. WooCommerce

    12 best eCommerce platforms to start a business in 2024 3

    WooCommerce is a free. open-source eCommerce plugin for WordPress. It’s a popular choice for businesses that already have a WordPress website and want to add a store or for those who crave complete customization and control.

    Key features:

    • Large community and extensive plugin library – Access a vast array of plugins and extensions to add features and functionality to your store.
    • Integrates seamlessly with WordPress – Easily adds eCommerce capabilities to existing WordPress websites.

    Pros:

    • You have complete control over the design and functionality of your store.
    • WooCommerce can handle large stores with complex needs.
    • The core plugin is free, but you’ll need to factor in hosting and extension costs.

    Cons:

    • Setting up and managing a WooCommerce store can be complex and requires some technical expertise.
    • The interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
    • You’re responsible for ensuring the security of your store, as WooCommerce is self-hosted.

    Pricing:

    • Free core plugin.
    • Additional costs for hosting, domain name, and extensions.

    Rating: 4.4/5

    Integrates with Printify: Yes

    5. Squarespace

    Squarespace homepage hero section screenshot.

    Squarespace is a hosted platform known for its stunning templates and user-friendly interface. It’s a great choice for businesses prioritizing design and aesthetics and wanting an easy-to-manage online store.

    Key features:

    • Beautiful templates – Choose from a wide range of professionally designed templates that are visually appealing and mobile-responsive.
    • Straightforward editor – Easily customize your store’s design without any coding knowledge.
    • Integrated tools – Squarespace offers built-in email marketing, social media integration, and search engine optimization tools to help you promote your store.
    • Blogging platform – Share your brand’s story and connect with your audience through a built-in blog.

    Pros:

    • Squarespace templates are visually stunning and will make your store stand out.
    • All the features are user-friendly and easy to navigate.
    • Squarespace offers a range of tools for marketing to help you promote your store.

    Cons:

    • eCommerce features might not be as extensive as some other platforms.
    • Squarespace can be more expensive than other platforms.

    Pricing:

    • Starts at $16/month (billed annually).

    Rating: 4.4/5 

    Integrates with Printify: Yes

    6. PrestaShop

    PrestaShop homepage hero section screenshot.

    PrestaShop is a free, open-source online platform that offers a high degree of customization and flexibility. It’s a popular choice for tech-savvy businesses wanting complete online store control.

    Key features:

    • Large community and extensive module library – Access a vast array of modules to add features and functionality to your store.
    • Multi-language and multi-currency support – Sell to customers around the world with ease.

    Pros:

    • You have complete control over the design and functionality of your store.
    • PrestaShop can handle large stores with complex needs.
    • The core platform is free, but you’ll need to factor in hosting and module costs.

    Cons:

    • Setting up and managing a PrestaShop store can be complex and requires technical expertise.
    • The interface can be a bit of a learning curve for beginners, but once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless.
    • You’re responsible for ensuring the security of your store, as PrestaShop is self-hosted.

    Pricing:

    • Free core platform.
    • Additional costs for hosting, domain name, and modules.

    Rating: 4.3/5

    Integrates with Printify: Yes

    7. Adobe Commerce

    Adobe Commerce (ex Magento) homepage hero section screenshot.

    Adobe Commerce, formerly known as Magento, is a powerful and highly scalable open-source eCommerce platform. It’s a top choice for large enterprises and businesses with complex requirements.

    Key features:

    • Robust and scalable architecture – Handles high traffic volumes and complex product catalogs with ease.
    • Vast customization possibilities – Tailor every aspect of your store to match your brand and business needs.
    • Advanced marketing and SEO tools – Drive traffic and increase conversions with a wide range of built-in marketing and SEO features.
    • Multi-store capabilities – Manage multiple stores from a single admin panel.
    • B2B functionality – Offers specialized features for business-to-business needs.

    Pros:

    • A highly flexible eCommerce platform designed to grow with your business, no matter how large or complex it becomes.
    • Highly customizable, allowing you to create a unique and tailored shopping experience.
    • Offers a wide range of advanced features, including product recommendations, customer segmentation, and personalized marketing.

    Cons:

    • May not be the best eCommerce solution for beginners.
    • One of the more expensive eCommerce platforms.

    Pricing:

    • Pricing is based on a quote, depending on your business size and specific needs.

    Rating: 4.0/5

    Integrates with Printify: No

    8. OpenCart

    OpenCart homepage hero section screenshot.

    OpenCart is a free and open-source eCommerce platform known for its user-friendly interface and flexibility. It’s a good option for small to medium-sized businesses that want a cost-effective and customizable solution.

    Key features:

    • User-friendly interface – Easy to navigate and manage your store, even without technical expertise.
    • Vast extension marketplace – Add features and functionality to your store with a wide range of extensions.
    • Multi-store capabilities – Manage multiple stores from a single admin panel.
    • Multi-language and multi-currency support – Sell to customers around the world.

    Pros:

    • The core platform is free, making it a budget-friendly option for small businesses.
    • Customize the look and feel of your store with a variety of themes and extensions.
    • OpenCart has a large and active community of users and developers who can offer support and guidance.

    Cons:

    • OpenCart’s core functionality is limited, and you may need to install extensions to add essential features.
    • Some customization may require technical expertise.

    Pricing:

    • Free core platform.
    • Additional costs for hosting, domain name, and extensions.

    Rating: 4.3/5

    Integrates with Printify: No

    9. Square Online

    Square homepage hero section screenshot.

    Square Online is a hosted eCommerce platform designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It’s known for its simplicity, ease of use, and integration with Square’s point-of-sale, or POS, system.

    Key features:

    • Intuitive interface – Easy to set up and manage your online store.
    • Drag-and-drop website builder – Create a professional-looking website without any coding knowledge.
    • Integrated with Square point-of-sale – Seamlessly manage your online and offline sales in one place.
    • Free plan available – Get started with Square Online for free with limited features.

    Pros:

    • Very user-friendly, making it a great choice for beginners.
    • The free plan is a great way to get started, and paid plans are also very affordable.
    • Integration with Square POS is a major advantage for businesses that also sell in person.

    Cons:

    • The features aren’t as extensive as some other platforms.
    • May not be the best choice for businesses with complex needs or high sales volumes.

    Pricing: 

    • Starts at $0/month, plus additional pricing options.

    Rating: 4.2/5

    Integrates with Printify: No

    10. Volusion

    Volusion homepage hero section screenshot.

    Volusion is an established, hosted eCommerce platform known for its all-in-one approach to online sales. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features designed to simplify the process of building and managing eCommerce stores. 

    Volusion is one of the best eCommerce solutions for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a user-friendly interface with built-in marketing and SEO capabilities.

    Key features:

    • Intuitive site builder  For creating and customizing your online store, even if you don’t have coding experience.
    • Integrated analytics and marketing features To track your store’s performance.
    • Volusion handles hosting, security, and maintenance – Allowing you to focus on growing your business.
    • Excellent customer support – To assist you with any questions or issues.

    Pros:

    • Volusion offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features for managing your online store.
    • The platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
    • Built-in marketing and SEO tools to help you promote your store and attract customers.

    Cons:

    • The selection of themes is more limited compared to other platforms.
    • Volusion can be more expensive than other platforms, especially for smaller businesses.
    • Some plans may include transaction fees in addition to the monthly subscription.

    Pricing:

    • Starts at $35/month.

    Rating: 3.2/5

    Integrates with Printify: No

    11. Shift4Shop

    12 best eCommerce platforms to start a business in 2024 4

    Shift4Shop is a solid eCommerce platform that caters to growing businesses. It offers a wide array of elements, making it a versatile choice for those who want to scale their online store and experiment with different sales strategies.

    Key features:

    • Feature-rich – Shift4Shop boasts a wide range of built-in features, including SEO tools, marketing automation, and a CRM system.
    • Customizable – Tailor your store’s appearance and functionality with various themes and customizable templates.
    • Many payment solutions  Including Apple Pay, Stripe, Google Pay, and Venmo.
    • Mobile-friendly – Ensure your store looks great and functions seamlessly on all devices.
    • Scalable – Shift4Shop can easily accommodate your business as it grows, offering plans to handle increased traffic and sales.

    Pros:

    • Shift4Shop offers a comprehensive set of features at a competitive price.
    • No need to worry about running out of space or bandwidth as your store grows.
    • Shift4Shop doesn’t charge transaction fees.
    • Get help whenever you need it with their dedicated support team.

    Cons:

    • The platform’s extensive features can be overwhelming for beginners.
    • While customizable, the number of available themes isn’t as extensive as some other platforms.

    Pricing: 

    • If you process at least $500 in monthly sales through Shift4, your Shift4Shop platform is completely free.

    Rating: 3.9/5

    Integrates with Printify: No

    12. Ecwid

    Ecwid homepage hero section screenshot.

    Ecwid is a versatile eCommerce platform that can be easily integrated into your existing website or social media pages. It’s a good option for businesses that already have an online presence and want to add a simple yet effective eCommerce store.

    Key features:

    • Easy integration – Seamlessly add a shopping cart to your existing website or social media pages.
    • Mobile-responsive design – Guarantee your store looks great on all devices.
    • Variety of payment options – Accept payments from various providers, including PayPal.
    • Automated tax calculations – Simplify your tax management with built-in tax calculation tools.
    • Inventory management – Easily track your inventory levels and manage your products. Ecwid provides a seamless way to add eCommerce functionality to your existing website, enabling you to easily sell products online.

    Pros:

    • It’s very easy to set up and use, even for those without technical experience.
    • Integrate with your existing website or social media pages without rebuilding your entire online presence.

    Cons:

    • Customization options may be limited compared to other platforms.
    • Ecwid may not be the best choice for businesses with complex needs or high sales volumes.

    Pricing: They promise a free forever plan, plus three additional tiers for various needs. 

    Rating: 4.7/5

    Integrates with Printify: No

    Start an eCommerce business with Printify

    A man in a custom white t-shirt with an illustrated Koi fish print.

    1. Sign up

    First, create a free Printify account. It’s your golden ticket to a world of possibilities! No strings attached, just endless potential for selling goods with your custom designs.

    2. Choose what to sell

    Browse the Printify Catalog and let your imagination run wild. We’ve got everything from classic t-shirts and cozy hoodies to trendy phone cases and eye-catching wall art. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect canvas for your unique designs.

    3. Design your products

    Start adding art to your new products. Use our intuitive Product Creator to create your own custom designs with the pattern maker or AI image generator, or upload your existing visuals. With our easy-to-use tools and templates, you’ll be designing like a pro in no time.

    4. Decide where to sell

    When your products are ready, choose one of the 12 eCommerce platforms we’ve discussed today: check out all functionalities, paid and free themes, payment processing solutions, and whether paid plans align with your budget. 

    5. Relax while Printify works

    With Printify, sit back, relax, and watch your eCommerce empire flourish. Our network handles all the nitty-gritty details of production, fulfillment, and shipping, leaving you free to focus on what you do best – creating and promoting your unique products.

    FAQ

    There isn’t a one-size-fits-all best eCommerce platform – for small business owners or seasoned entrepreneurs. The ideal choice depends on your specific needs, budget, technical skills, and business goals.

    Shopify is a popular choice for beginners and small businesses due to its user-friendliness and wide range of features, while BigCommerce is a good option for growing businesses that need more customization and scalability.

    Consider the following factors when choosing the best platform for launching an eCommerce website:

    • Type of platform: hosted or self-hosted
    • Pricing
    • Features and integrations: inventory management, marketing and SEO tools, payment gateways
    • Ease of use
    • Scalability

    Shopify and Wix are excellent choices for beginners due to their intuitive interfaces, drag-and-drop builders, and comprehensive customer support.

    BigCommerce and Shopify are both strong contenders for SEO, offering built-in tools and optimizations. WooCommerce, a WordPress plugin, also excels in SEO due to its flexibility and access to WordPress’s vast SEO plugin ecosystem.

    Profitability isn’t solely determined by the platform you choose. It depends on various factors like your product margins, marketing strategies, and overall business model. However, platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce offer features that can help you optimize your sales and increase your profits.

    Many consider Shopify as the best platform for eCommerce website building, but it might not be the best fit for everyone. BigCommerce is a strong alternative for businesses that need more customization and scalability, while WooCommerce offers unmatched flexibility for tech-savvy users. Ultimately, the best platform for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

    Which is the best eCommerce software for you?

    Choosing the right eCommerce platform is the cornerstone of your online success. Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of Shopify, the flexibility of WooCommerce, or the design prowess of Squarespace, there’s a platform out there that’s perfect for your business.

    Take the time to research your options, consider your budget and needs, and don’t be afraid to experiment. With the right platform in your corner, you’ll be well on your way to building a thriving online store and achieving your eCommerce dreams.

    Make it happen today!

    The post 12 best eCommerce platforms to start a business in 2024 appeared first on Printify.

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    Top 12 Squarespace templates to use in 2025 https://printify.com/blog/squarespace-templates/ Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:09:00 +0000 https://printify.com/?p=121218 Squarespace offers 100+ beautiful templates to choose from. Have a look at our top recommendations and take your business to the next level!

    The post Top 12 Squarespace templates to use in 2025 appeared first on Printify.

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    Printify + your favorite platform = more sales!

    When building an eCommerce store, leaving a good first impression can be crucial for your business. 88% of visitors are less likely to return to a website after a bad experience.

    So, how can you ensure that your website design and user experience align with your customer’s needs?

    Squarespace offers various templates to help you bring your ideas to life and ensure your website has everything it needs to attract your potential customer’s attention.

    In this article, we’ll go through our top picks and give you in-depth information about the best Squarespace templates to help you grow your business successfully.

    Squarespace overview

    Squarespace is an online platform that can help creative minds and online entrepreneurs build and design their websites. There is no coding involved when building your online presence on Squarespace. The tool is easy to use and has many features that can help you bring your ideas to life.

    This platform is an excellent choice for artists, photographers, and anyone who likes to play around with their design ideas on their websites. It also comes with a range of eCommerce tools, which is helpful for everyone starting their online shop.

    Squarespace is used by over 3.79 million people worldwide, and it’s affordable compared to other similar options. Their subscription comes with a 14-day free trial, allowing users to test if this platform fits their needs.

    12 Best Squarespace themes to use for your online business

    Squarespace features a large collection of website templates that users can customize according to their needs. Most of them come with professional designs that can easily suit any kind of website. 

    You can find more than a hundred free options on the Squarespace template shop. They all have a high standard of design and usability. 

    There is also an option to purchase other premium Squarespace templates from third parties and customize your website based on that. The templates come with different pricing kits, most of which are for both Squarespace 7.0 and Squarespace 7.1 versions.

    Choosing the right templates can be vital for your business. To ensure that you’re going in the right direction, we have prepared a list of the top 12 free and premium templates to help you decide. 

    Let’s have a look.

    1. Galapagos

    Top 12 Squarespace templates to use in [bp_year] 5

    The Galapagos Squarespace template is an excellent option for anyone who wants to build an eCommerce store with a minimalist design on their website. The layout can guide you to create an elegant design with a good user experience.

    These templates come with various product layouts and hovering photo options that can give your customers an interactive experience while visiting your website. 

    Other than that, Galapagos has a Quick-view feature that brings convenience to your online shop. It allows your potential customers to view product details directly from the current page they have opened.  

    It also includes a Sqaurespece shopping cart system and secure payment processing features.

    2. Brine

    Top 12 Squarespace templates to use in [bp_year] 6

    Brine is another great option for anyone looking to start an eCommerce business using Squarespace. This premium template can help you create modern-looking store pages aligned to your business needs. 

    If you plan to sell a small variety of products in your online store, this template is for you. It has amazing flexibility and useful functionality. For example, you can add a blog to your website, which is a great way to grow organic traffic. 

    Other than that, this template comes with various features. You can add different blocks on the top banner, allowing you to add texts, videos, or images to impress site visitors and get their attention.  

    The Brine template is also very easily customizable for mobile devices. 

    3. Paloma

    Top 12 Squarespace templates to use in [bp_year] 7

    If you have a podcast and want to make a new site to show off your awesome project, then the Paloma Squarespace template is perfect for you.  

    This template comes with a simple design that can help you push visitors to check out your podcast episodes and find out more about you. You can also add a blog section to the website, which is a great way to promote your podcast and increase the number of listeners.

    Paloma includes a built-in player on the landing page, where you can feature your show’s latest and most exciting episodes. You can also add the donate button to accept donations from your online community and get more revenue. 

    Course creators can also benefit from such features.

    4. Ready

    Top 12 Squarespace templates to use in [bp_year] 8

    The Ready Squarespace template is designed specifically for coaches, consultants, or graphic designers. It has a minimal and elegant layout that can help you showcase your work in the best way possible.

    This template has built-in contact functions that allow your potential clients to reach out to you whenever they need your help. It’s perfect for professionals who offer their services on-demand. 

    Ready also includes a CTA button, which you can add to your sales page. This allows your visitors to book a call or schedule an appointment with you. You can set this up by using a built-in scheduling system from Squarespace. 

    5. Bailard

    Top 12 Squarespace templates to use in [bp_year] 9

    The Bailard Squarespace template is among the most popular choices for non-profits and community organizations. It has a clean design and pushes visitors to take a particular action by having two CTA buttons on the main page, letting you create a beautiful site for your business. 

    This unique Squarespace template includes various sections such as Home Page, News, About, Read Me, and more. A full-screen image comes along on the start screen, followed by other beautifully designed sections.  

    Bailard also includes adding a shopping cart option, which can help website owners add eCommerce features to their Squarespace website. Other than that, this is one of the premium Squarespace templates for creating a blog and sharing your thoughts. 

    There are many beautiful social media templates available for this option.

    6. Avenue

    Top 12 Squarespace templates to use in [bp_year] 10

    Another great template to use for creating a portfolio website with a detailed gallery and showing your work is Avenue. It’s a simple and minimalist template that creative entrepreneurs can use to build their proper portfolio page. 

    It all starts with the homepage, which has a grid-based layout. This is where you can include examples of your work. Whenever someone clicks on one of the examples, they will be directed to a page where they can see more information about that particular project.  

    This template has a grid-based index that allows you to organize your projects easily. Avenue is one of the most useful Squarespace templates for creating your portfolio as a designer or a photographer.

    Using these kinds of Squarespace templates can be a great start for freelancers and course creators to build a professional website and sell their services more effectively.

    7. Loam Bakery

    Top 12 Squarespace templates to use in [bp_year] 11

    Loam Bakery is an excellent choice for anyone running a local business operating in the food service industry. In this premium template, you can include food menus, articles, product pages, and more. There are also many beautifully designed layouts to choose from.

    Another great detail about this template is that you can include an eCommerce store on your existing site, so your visitors have the opportunity to order products online. This can help you easily convert visitors into loyal customers. 

    There are lots of features that come with the Loam Bakery template. You create product pages with a responsive design, accept local delivery orders, write blogs, and post step-by-step videos that can help you endorse your brand.

    Templates with the Loam Bakery style are a fantastic option for service-based businesses.

    8. Mariana

    Top 12 Squarespace templates to use in [bp_year] 12

    Mariana is one of the best templates for building a website operating in the fashion industry. It has everything you need for showcasing your design kits and latest collection to its fullest. 

    This template has an eCommerce integration, letting you sell your products online. The experience starts with a full-screen home page showing the latest collection with the Add to Cart option in the top right corner.  

    Mariana has simple navigation and great segmentation, making it easy for potential customers to choose their favorite products in the simplest way possible. Additionally, this template also includes a separate Contact page.

    9. Carmine

    Top 12 Squarespace templates to use in [bp_year] 13

    Are you an event organizer? Do you want to reach a massive audience and tell them about your work? Using the Carmine template might be the best option for you. 

    This is one of the premium templates designed for anyone who wants to create an effective landing page to promote their event. It’s full of different sections that allow you to include information about tickets, schedules, speakers, blogs, and more. 

    Squarespace websites made with Carmine templates are known for their clean and minimalist design. 

    For example, the speaker’s section has space for short descriptions and subtitles. You can also integrate the eCommerce functionality into your website to sell tickets directly from your website.

    10. Granger vintage

    Top 12 Squarespace templates to use in [bp_year] 14

    The Granger Vintage template is the perfect choice for businesses dealing with home decor. It has simple navigation and a minimalistic design. The menu placed on top includes Shop, About, and Contact pages.  

    This template also includes a social media button that makes it easier for customers to share their favorite products with their online connections, giving you more visibility and brand authority in front of your audience.  

    There is also a one-click checkout option with a shopping cart included. This makes the whole buying process easier for your customers.  

    Granger Vintage is one of the best Squarespace templates for interior designers and Squarespace users alike to showcase their work.

    11. Forster Juice Co

    Top 12 Squarespace templates to use in [bp_year] 15

    If you’re running a food and beverages business and want to build a website for your brand, the Forster Juice Co template is an ideal option for you. The design is easily customizable and comes with a clean layout.   

    This template lets you showcase your most delicious products and sell them online directly to your customers, as it has built-in eCommerce and shopping cart features.

    Forster Juice Co also features Contact, FAQ, and Blog sections where you can answer every question your customers might have.

    12. Fable

    Top 12 Squarespace templates to use in [bp_year] 16

    Fable is one of the premium Squarespace templates you can use for selling home accessories and decorations. It helps you use blog content and pictures to push the product in front of your target audience.

    Besides that, it also offers social media integration, making it easy to connect all your promotional channels and establish your brand. 

    This template makes it easy to customize the fonts and colors and match them with your brand vision. Fable also comes with eCommerce integration, so you can start making sales from your website immediately.

    Start your online business with Squarespace

    If you’re looking for ways to start your online business, Squarespace could be the perfect choice for you. Many beautifully designed templates can help you build your Squarespace site and attract new customers. 

    Alongside many other options, you can start an eCommerce store and sell products to your customers worldwide. Thanks to their beautifully designed templates, it only takes a few hours to build a demo site and get started on Squarespace. 

    However, choosing a reliable supplier is vital to successful online selling. This is where we can help.

    Printify is a print-on-demand platform that has seamless integration with Squarespace. You can sell your personalized products to a massive audience using our platform. After making a sale, we ensure that every other detail in the process is taken care of – printing, inventory, and shipping. 

    Look at our step-by-step guide on integrating the Printify platform into your Squarespace account and start your print-on-demand journey.

    FAQ

    Yes. Squarespace offers both free and paid templates to its users. Users can choose from more than 100 free templates when building their website on the Squarespace platform. 

    You can use free Squarespace templates to create portfolio websites, eCommerce stores, blogs, or for any other reason to showcase your work.

    If you need to change and test other templates from the existing Squarespace site, click the Template in the Design panel and choose a new template from the Install new template menu. 

    When changing the Squarespace template, you’re changing your site’s design, structure, and website metrics. Most of the content stays as it was on the existing website.

    After creating a Squarespace account, you have many choices when building a new website. There are 110 templates for both Squarespace 7.0 and Squarespace 7.1. 

    These templates are suitable for people who want to build a new site in various categories like online stores, photography, portfolio websites, and more.

    There are various third-party providers where you can buy new template kits and build a custom website. If, for some reason, you don’t like your current Squarespace website, you can change the template from third-party providers. You can also create your own template if needed.

    With these providers, you can purchase the most premium Squarespace templates that can benefit your business in the long run.

    Yes, Squarespace is an excellent option for anyone starting an eCommerce business. This platform is not a specialized eCommerce website builder, but it offers great functionality that can be useful for any merchant. 

    Many eCommerce websites successfully operate in their field created with the Squarespace 7.1 version. Anyone can choose their favorite templates with eCommerce functionality and start their online business. Most offer customization packages, a great way for creative entrepreneurs to showcase their products.

    To ensure your new website is aligned with your business needs, you can follow various video tutorials and build your eCommerce website on Squarespace without coding knowledge.

    After creating your Squarespace account, there are four different options to choose from for your subscription plan:

    • Personal $16/mo
    • Business – $23/mo
    • Commerce (basic) – $27/mo
    • Commerce (advanced) – $49/mo

    The Squarespace cost differs case by case. 

    When choosing a Squarespace plan, it’s important to consider if your choice fits your business needs and website strategy. For example, a personal plan is a good fit for freelancers and individual creators. The business plan is a better option for digital marketers. You should choose your templates according to that as well.

    Conclusion

    Squarespace is a wonderful tool for anyone who wants to create a website for their business and showcase their products or services to customers. After signing up, you get immediate access to 100+ templates with countless design kits that can help you attract your visitors.

    The process of choosing your template kits is simple too. You only need to enter their creative market, choose the templates you like most, and start designing your website. 

    Which ones are your favorite Squarespace templates? Would you add any other templates to our list? Let us know in the comments below.

    Start your own print on demand business today!

    The post Top 12 Squarespace templates to use in 2025 appeared first on Printify.

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