Whether to use an external or embedded eCommerce platform depends on many factors; however, if you already have a WordPress site enabled, it will likely be easier to use an eCommerce plugin such as WooCommerce for the following reasons:
- The initial cost to set up a WooCommerce store is much lower than an external store like Shopify. On a single site, the monthly hosting fee can be as little as $3.99.
- Consolidating your eCommerce store with the rest of your WordPress site means adding only some additional areas to moderate on your existing site, rather than starting an account on a separate platform and managing both.
- WooCommerce (and other eCommerce plugins) are open-source and highly customizable, meaning you can seamlessly integrate your style choices with your online store, creating a unified theme and design.
- Additional plugins can be installed that integrate with WooCommerce to add functionality and further expand the capabilities and features of your online store.
- What WooCommerce and other plugins lack in specialized support, they make up for with their dedicated online communities and documentation. Other users can provide guidance and outlines for how to manage most aspects of running an online store, and the plugins’ documentation can provide detailed guides and tutorials to help you along the way.
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