If you need to decide whether to host your online shop on your own WordPress website or use an external e-commerce provider, there are several factors to consider. Here are the pros and cons of both options.
Online shop on your own WordPress website
Advantages of running your shop on your website
- Seamless integration into the corporate design
- A major advantage of having your own WordPress shop is the ability to seamlessly integrate the design of the shop into the corporate design of your existing website. This strengthens the brand identity and ensures a uniform appearance, which creates trust among customers.
- Comprehensive customisation options
- WordPress gives you full control over the design and functionality of your online shop. You can choose from a variety of themes and plugins to customise the site exactly to your liking.
- Regular changes
- If you want to make regular changes to your products, for example with a dynamic range of courses, events or sales promotions, you have all the design possibilities and options with your own shop.
- Flexibility
- WordPress is a versatile platform that can be used not only for e-commerce, but also for blogging, portfolio sites and much more. If you already run a WordPress website or are planning an integrated content strategy, a WordPress shop is ideal.
- Scalability
- If you have a good web space host, your website can simply grow as your business develops. My favourite WordPress host Raidboxes already offers the ability to automatically add more performance to the system during short access peaks as standard. And if the turnover increases permanently, it is easy to upgrade the server performance.
- Cost efficiency
- Depending on your needs, hosting a shop on WordPress can be inexpensive. Often you only pay for the hosting and some e-commerce plugins, as opposed to the regular fees of external platforms.
- Ownership and control
- You own and control your website completely. This means that you have full control over your data, the design and all future developments.
The disadvantages
- Complexity
- Managing an e-commerce shop on WordPress can be more complex, especially if you are not familiar with web development. It requires regular updates and maintenance.
- Maintenance
- You are responsible for regular maintenance, including updates and backups. This can be time-consuming and require technical knowledge.
- Security
- You need to make sure your WordPress site is secure, including installing security plugins and regular updates to avoid vulnerabilities.
However, I can also support you with my expertise and service during the ongoing operation of your shop.
Your own online shop on your website
External e-commerce platform
Advantages hosting your shop externally
- User friendliness
- Platforms like Shopify are designed to be user-friendly. This makes it easy for beginners to set up and manage an online shop without in-depth technical knowledge.
- Security
- External platforms often have robust security measures that reduce the risk of security problems. They take care of updates, backups and other technical aspects.
- Scalability
- Many external platforms are designed to grow with your business. As your shop grows, the platform can handle more traffic and transactions.
- Customer support
- Most external platforms offer customer support, which can be helpful in the event of problems. You can rely on their expertise to resolve any difficulties.
The disadvantages of an external shop
- Limited customisation options
- Although many external platforms offer customisation options, they are not as flexible as a self-hosted WordPress site. This can be a disadvantage if you have specific design or functional requirements.
- Monthly fees
- The use of an external platform involves subscription fees. Although these fees also cover hosting and support, they can be considerable over time.
- Dependence
- You are dependent on the guidelines and terms and conditions of the external platform. Changes or cancellation of the service may affect your business.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific requirements, technical capabilities and business goals. If you already have a company website and value comprehensive control, customisation options and a seamless corporate design, a self-hosted shop on WordPress is the best option.
If you don't have or don't need your own company website and prioritise an easy-to-use system, quick set-up and ongoing support, an external platform may be more suitable.
I would be happy to advise you on your business situation in an initial consultation and make you an offer for the creation of your own WordPress webshop.