Magento vs Shopify
We investigate the key differentials between Magento and Shopify for consideration when making your eCommerce platform choice.
Magento and Shopify are two of the most popular eCommerce platforms within the market today, both are widely renowned and used for eCommerce store creation and management platforms.
Both have fundamental differences and significant advantages, so comparing options is never easy. It’s important to explore which platform is the right choice for different user groups.
Magento is an open-source eCommerce platform suited to larger and more complex eCommerce sites. The average user will require web development and programming skills to use the platform successfully. Shopify is a software-based platform, simple to use and suitable for anyone to build a store, without having a deep knowledge of web development or going through a long learning process.
Magento Key Features:
- A high degree of flexibility due to being an open-source platform.
- Advanced built-in features.
- Inventory management.
- A large option of themes and templates.
- Extensive range of apps and add ons.
- Built-in multilingual capabilities.
- Simple interface.
- Installation and installation can be complex and may require developer support.
- A large community of supporting users due to the nature of being an open-source platform.
- The Magento forum is a network of Magento users sharing tips and support.
- Hosting is required.
- SEO features.
- Built-in extensive promotion options.
- Newsletter subscription.
- Detailed reports for analytics.
Shopify Key Features:
- Inventory management.
- A limited number of themes and templates.
- A limited number of apps and add ons.
- Blogging functionality.
- All themes automatically optimise for different devices.
- Free trial to test and evaluate functionality.
- Wizard mode allowing beginner stores users to set up stores easily.
- Simple methods to change basic attributes of stores such as font colours.
- Simple interface.
- Easy installation and set up.
- Hosting included.
- Closed platform with restrictions on flexibility.
- 24/7 support is available.
- Support centre to answer all queries.
- SEO features.
- Social media flexibility.
- Newsletter subscription service.
- Limited promotion options.
- Analytics reports.
Which is the correct platform for you?
Shopify may be a solution suited to users looking for a simpler choice. For smaller businesses or users who want to sell a smaller volume of products, having just a few customisation options will not be a problem.
Magento is the more complex platform with a lot to offer in terms of flexibility and functionalities. This makes it a great option for growing medium-sized businesses and for bigger companies that are already established. The user will have the capability to select every detail from product attributes right down to the details of appearance.
It is not the capabilities of the two platforms that will determine which is better, it’s simply the target audience and their expectations that may differ, and the choice will depend on which audience you and your business belong to.
Get in touch to find out how PushON, a leading Magento Agency and Professional Solution partner, can help your business.
Do you have an eCommerce development challenge for us?
Contact us on 0161 820 7628 or email us today
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