Last week I was having it out on Reddit with some Shopify shills about which is better Shopify v WordPress. They all treat Reddit like their sole lead source so they will say anything and get very aggressive about defending their point – or attacking you!
See the reddit thread here https://www.reddit.com/r/shopify/comments/1gqy1ab/the_ever_going_battle_shopify_vs_wordpress/
I layout below why Shopify pales in comparison to WordPress. There is honestly no comparison. Shopify vs WordPress is a false comparison. It is only winning if you are a newb, have tons of money or don’t know if you are going to succeed or will be in business in 12 months.
This is going to be a topic I come back to so let’s get started…
When it comes to building your online presence, the choice of platform can have a monumental impact on your success. Shopify often comes up as the “go-to” option for beginners, but let me be frank—while it’s a fine tool for hobbyists or those testing an idea, it falls short in many ways for anyone with long-term aspirations. If you’re serious about your business and want true control, flexibility, and affordability, WordPress is your best bet. Let me explain why.
Master WordPress in Just 35 Hours
One of the most common misconceptions about WordPress is that it’s complicated. That’s simply not true. You can learn everything you need to know about WordPress in less than 35 hours. That’s just five days of focused, eight-hour sessions. Think about it—one work week and you’ll have all the tools you need to build, manage, and scale your website like a pro.
Plus, you don’t have to learn it alone. I can guide you step by step, making the learning process efficient and even enjoyable. With the skills you gain, you’ll never have to depend on expensive developers or feel limited by your platform.
WordPress is Free (And Everything You Need is Cheap)
Let’s start with the obvious: WordPress itself is free. It’s open-source software, meaning you can download, install, and modify it without paying a dime. All you need is a hosting provider, which is incredibly affordable. For instance, Hostinger’s cloud hosting (which powers JonJones.ai) costs just $7.99/month, and it’s lightning-fast. Compare that to Shopify’s $79/month base fee, and the difference is stark.
With WordPress, you can use GPL-licensed themes and plugins, many of which are free or cost mere pennies compared to Shopify’s expensive monthly add-ons. Want reviews, gift cards, affiliate programs, email marketing, or loyalty programs? WordPress has plugins for all of that—often for free or with a one-time cost. Shopify, on the other hand, will nickel-and-dime you with monthly charges for every additional feature.
No Revenue Tax or Hidden Fees
One of Shopify’s most glaring downsides is its third-party transaction fees. If you don’t use Shopify Payments and opt for your own card processor, Shopify charges an additional 1% of your revenue. Think about that—1% of your hard-earned money just vanishes. For a business pulling in $100,000/year, that’s a $1,000 loss just because you wanted the flexibility to use your own processor.
With WordPress, you have zero additional fees. You’re free to choose any payment processor, and every penny of your revenue stays in your pocket.
True Control and Freedom
When you use Shopify, you’re operating under their rules, on their servers, and within their ecosystem. That means you’re monitored, controlled, and at risk of compliance issues that could temporarily or permanently shut down your store. Shopify has been known to stop stores for verification checks, often halting revenue in its tracks while the process plays out.
With WordPress, you’re the boss. You own your website, your data, and your hosting. No one can stop or control your operations. This level of autonomy is invaluable for any serious entrepreneur.
Integration and Customization
WordPress integrates with just about everything. Whether you need CRM tools, email marketing platforms, or advanced analytics, WordPress has you covered. Its flexibility is unmatched—you can make it look, feel, and function exactly how you want. From custom designs to advanced features, the possibilities are endless.
Shopify, by contrast, is highly restrictive. If you need manual edits or custom solutions, you’ll have to hire a specialty developer—adding yet another cost to an already expensive platform.
SEO and URL Structure
WordPress is widely recognized as the best platform for SEO. With clean URL structures, customizable metadata, and powerful SEO plugins like RankMath and Yoast, WordPress gives you everything you need to rank high on search engines.
Shopify, however, has a notoriously complex URL structure that creates duplicate pages for categories and products. This redundancy not only confuses search engines but can also hurt your rankings. Why fight against the platform when you can use WordPress to work smarter, not harder?
Performance and Speed
Shopify servers are not inherently faster than WordPress hosting, especially when you choose a quality host like Hostinger. With WordPress, you can optimize your site to load in milliseconds, ensuring a smooth user experience. Shopify’s reliance on bloated scripts and apps can often slow down your site, which negatively impacts both user experience and SEO.
Build for the Long Term
Shopify is great for hobbyists or short-term experiments, but if you’re building something lasting—a business, a brand, or a vision—WordPress is the way to go. It’s scalable, adaptable, and cost-effective, making it the perfect choice for anyone serious about their future.
Final Thoughts on Shopify vs WordPress: WordPress is the Clear Winner
The choice between Shopify and WordPress boils down to one question: Are you in it for the short term or the long haul? Shopify might work for those dipping their toes in the water, but for anyone serious about building a thriving business, WordPress is the only logical choice.
You’ll save money, gain control, and unlock the full potential of your online presence. And with someone like me guiding you, the process is easier than you think. Let’s build something extraordinary—on WordPress.
AI & Digital Marketing Strategist
With over 25 years in digital marketing, e-commerce, sales, and international business, Jon Jones is a seasoned entrepreneur dedicated to empowering small businesses through innovative AI solutions. His journey began in investment banking on Wall Street, guiding companies through capital acquisition and complex markets, and has expanded to include expertise in web development, brand design, product development, and courses and training.
Fluent in Mandarin and with a rich foundation in both finance and tech, Jon launched JonJones.ai to provide accessible, transformative tools for small businesses to streamline operations, generate leads, and build sustainable growth. His mastery of AI, automation, and digital strategy has enabled numerous businesses to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern technology, ensuring they thrive in today’s digital landscape.
