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Choose Your Platform
Why This Matters
Choosing the wrong platform costs you 40-80 hours in migration when you inevitably switch. One founder built a full WooCommerce store, realized they had no idea how to maintain WordPress security updates, and spent 3 weeks rebuilding everything on Shopify. That's 3 weeks of not selling.
The right platform handles the technical headaches — hosting, security patches, payment processing, SSL certificates — so you can focus on marketing and sales. Shopify powers over 4 million stores because it removes the most friction. WooCommerce powers 6 million stores because it gives total control. Both work. The difference is how much technical work you want to do yourself.
The best platform is the one you'll actually launch on this week. Don't pick the most powerful option if you'll be overwhelmed. Don't pick the cheapest if you'll spend 10 hours a month on maintenance instead of selling. Match the platform to your technical comfort and budget right now — you can always migrate later when you have revenue to fund the switch.
What You'll Do
Compare the top platforms against your budget, technical skill level, and growth ambitions. Pick one and create your account.
How To Do It
Platform Decision Matrix: Shopify vs WooCommerce vs Squarespace
This decision takes 30 minutes if you don't overthink it.
1. Answer three questions honestly (5 min)
- Budget: Can you afford $39/month? If yes, Shopify is on the table. If you need to start for under $10/month, WooCommerce + cheap hosting ($5/mo) is your path.
- Technical comfort: Have you ever installed a WordPress plugin or edited HTML? If that sounds scary, choose Shopify or Squarespace. If you're comfortable, WooCommerce gives you more control.
- Catalog size: Selling fewer than 20 products with a design-focused brand? Squarespace is beautiful and simple. Selling 50+ products with plans to scale? Shopify or WooCommerce.
2. Use this decision shortcut (10 min)
- Use Shopify when: You want everything to just work, you plan to scale, and you value your time over saving $20/month. Best for 80% of new stores.
- Use WooCommerce when: You want full control, you're comfortable with WordPress, or you're on a very tight budget. Best for technical founders.
- Use Squarespace when: You have a small, curated product line and design quality is your top priority. Best for fewer than 20 products.
Shopify scores 5/5 on ease of setup but costs $39+/mo. WooCommerce scores 5/5 on customization but requires you to handle hosting, security, and updates. Squarespace scores 5/5 on design but has a limited app ecosystem.
3. Create your account and pick a plan (15 min)
Start with the lowest tier on whichever platform you choose. Shopify offers a free trial — set things up before paying anything. For WooCommerce, sign up with Cloudways ($14/mo) or SiteGround ($3.99/mo) and use the one-click WordPress + WooCommerce install.
Don't second-guess this decision. All three platforms power six-figure stores. The best platform is the one you actually launch on.
Deliverables
- A completed platform decision based on your budget, technical skill, and catalog size
- An active account on your chosen platform with the starter/free-trial plan selected
- Your store URL configured and accessible (even if empty)
Recommended Tools
Shopify
The most popular e-commerce platform for good reason. Easy setup, huge app ecosystem, handles everything. Best for most beginners.
From $39/mo
Try ShopifyWooCommerce
Free, open-source WordPress plugin. Maximum flexibility and control. Best if you're comfortable with WordPress.
Try WooCommerceBigCommerce
Powerful built-in features without needing apps. Great for stores planning to scale quickly.
From $39/mo
Try BigCommerceSquarespace
Beautiful templates with built-in e-commerce. Best for design-focused brands with smaller catalogs.
From $33/mo
Try SquarespacePro Tips
- 1Start Shopify's free trial today — even if you're undecided. You can explore the dashboard, add test products, and experience the workflow before paying a cent. Most founders who 'just try it' never look back.
- 2If budget is tight, WooCommerce on Hostinger ($2.99/mo) gets you running for under $40/year. But factor in 3-5 hours/month of maintenance time (updates, security, backups) that Shopify handles automatically.
- 3Check which payment processors your platform supports in your country before committing. Stripe isn't available in every country, and using a non-native payment provider on Shopify adds a 0.5-2% surcharge per transaction.