Should I move my WordPress website to Shopify or go for a custom-built website?

[boxprint]

Hi everyone,

I currently have a WordPress website for my business, citipackaging.com. While it serves its purpose, I’m not impressed with the design, and I feel it could look more professional and user-friendly. I also have a list of around 1200 products, but I’ve only managed to upload 300 so far because WordPress is creating some technical issues, and handling such a large catalog feels cumbersome.

Some people have suggested that Shopify is a better platform, not only because it simplifies product listing and management but also because it boosts SEO and rankings. Is that true?

At the same time, I’ve been thinking about the possibility of going for a custom-built website (maybe in React) since it’s fast, loads on one click, and offers complete customization. However, I’m worried about maintenance, scalability, and ensuring that I don’t have to redo this all over again in a couple of years.

I’m looking for advice from those with experience on these platforms:

1. Would Shopify be the best choice for my business considering my large product catalog?
2. Or should I invest in a custom-built solution for a long-term, scalable option?
3. How does Shopify compare with a custom website in terms of SEO, user experience, and ease of management?

I want to make the right decision now and avoid headaches down the road. Any insights or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

[EcomGraduates]

Shopify is a great choice for your business, especially with a large product catalog. It’s super easy to manage, even when uploading lots of products, and it automatically handles SEO basics like clean URLs and sitemaps. The design options are professional and customizable, and it scales with your needs without the hassle of technical maintenance. Plus, Shopify’s apps help with everything from inventory management to SEO improvements, making it a solid option for growth.

[apexagency]

Based on the situation, if you have the technical knowledge and enough investment to manage the team for custom handling then for sure custom design should be the first-go. else Shopify works best for non-technical person, also it serves all the facilities you have mentioned.

It is just my opinion. 

[Bundler-Manuel]

Hey there @boxprint  I also agree with the points raised in the previous comments and I think the custom built Shopify website is the better option especially long term as opposed to Word Press. In terms of SEO, your store once properly optimized has better chances of ranking higher with Shopify. The ease of management and user experience is also pretty much of a guarantee as well.

[akshay_bhatt]

@boxprint 
Boxprint is a fantastic idea for today’s market, not only for your brand but for others as well. I wanted to share my experience over the years, particularly with the growing demand for e-commerce and the evolution of Shopify.

After seeing the growth of Shopify, I believe it’s the best platform for businesses looking to scale. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Shift from WordPress to Shopify: Moving from WordPress to Shopify is a smart decision. Shopify offers everything you need in one place—payments, customer management, and backend integration. It’s cost-effective, time-efficient, and easy to use, making it ideal for scaling.
2. Challenges with Custom Development: While platforms like React offer customizability, they come with longer development timelines, more complex law handling, and potential issues when the business expands. Shopify simplifies this process, allowing for faster growth without compromising on functionality.

If you’d like to discuss this further or learn more from my long-term experience, feel free to connect with me. I’m happy to share more insights and ideas.

Best regards,
Akshay

[Avitanshi_17]

Hey @boxprint,

What you have heard is correct and based on your questions here are some recommendations from me:

Choose Shopify if:

- You want a quick, reliable solution with minimal hassle.

- Managing your product catalog easily is a priority.

- You value user-friendly design and SEO without needing technical expertise.

Opt for a Custom Website if:

- You have a long-term vision for unique functionality or branding that Shopify cannot deliver.

- You’re prepared to invest in development and ongoing maintenance.

- You want complete control over every aspect of your site.

Stay with WordPress if:

- You are comfortable with its interface and willing to resolve technical issues with professional help.

- You prefer cost-effective flexibility but understand its limitations for scalability and product management.

Final Thoughts:

For your business and 1200-product catalog, Shopify seems like the best fit. It offers scalability, professional design, SEO tools, and ease of management, helping you focus on growing your business instead of battling technical issues.

If, however, you’re looking to build a unique brand experience and have the budget for long-term investment, a React-based custom website could be a forward-looking solution. Make sure you hire a reputable developer for this path.

Also, If you find this helpful then click like and mark it as an accepted solution.

Thank You!

[vinods]

hi @boxprint 

The current website of yours is a good website, the design is good too, i see that you have just listed the products as catalog.

If you want to sell your products online the you can use shopify as of now your website is just a listing website (catalog website)

Feel free to ask any questions