The WooCommerce Journey to Woo
World's Most customizable eCommerce isn't just a plugin anymore! In August 2023, WooCommerce made a bold move, rebranding itself as "Woo." It has proven to be a complete e-commerce platform that's set to make waves in the industry.
Let's rewind to 2011 when WooCommerce started as a free plugin for WordPress. Back then, it was known for its user-friendly interface and open-source approach, making it a go-to choice for anyone with a WordPress site and big e-commerce dreams. But now, it's not just an add-on for WordPress; rather Woo.com is here to stay, and ready to revolutionise the e-commerce game. Hold onto your hats because the journey has just begun!
Benefits of Woo For Merchants & Startups
Improving User Experience through Woo Rebranding
The transformation to Woo signifies a thorough redesign of the platform's interface, navigation, and functionalities. The primary goal is to deliver a user experience that is not only seamless but also enjoyable, making the process of creating and managing custom e-commerce stores more intuitive.
Effortless Online Store Setup
Woo, being an open-source e-commerce platform, boasts an interface designed for simplicity and efficiency. This allows users to effortlessly create personalized e-commerce stores within minutes, eliminating the need for coding. The streamlined setup process ensures that your online store is up and running promptly, removing any technical barriers that may hinder the process.
A Cost-Effective Solution for Merchants
One of Woo's standout features is its cost-effectiveness in comparison to competitors such as Shopify and Wix. This affordability serves as a distinct advantage for merchants, particularly small businesses, by reducing the financial burden associated with establishing an online presence. Woo empowers businesses to go digital without requiring significant financial investments.
If you're a new business owner or simply want a streamlined setup, their Woo Express option might be the perfect fit.
Woo Express Platform Features
WooCommerce, now rebranded as Woo, introduces the Woo Express platform, enabling users to effortlessly establish their online stores without incurring any costs.
Woo Express is an integrated package comprising various themes, plugins, and hosting, all powered by WordPress. It combines everything you need to get started quickly and easily, all in one place:
Powerful e-commerce platform: Access the core Woo.com functionality for managing products, orders, customers, and payments.
Beautiful themes: Choose from a curated selection of professionally designed themes to give your store a stunning visual identity.
Essential extensions: Pre-installed extensions for key features like payments, shipping, taxes, and email marketing.
Automated updates: No need to worry about keeping your software up-to-date – Woo Express takes care of it for you.
Secure hosting: Your store will be hosted on WordPress.com's secure and reliable infrastructure.
Mobile app: Manage your store on the go with the Woo Mobile App.
Benefits of Woo Express
Quick and easy setup: Get your store up and running in days, not weeks.
Simple to use: Even if you're not tech-savvy, Woo Express is designed to be user-friendly.
Affordable: Start with a 14-day free trial, then choose from flexible monthly plans.
Scalable: As your business grows, you can easily add more features and functionality.
Supported by Woo.com: You get the peace of mind knowing a trusted e-commerce leader backs you.
What does it cost:
Woo Express offers a tiered pricing structure, so you can choose the plan that best fits your needs:
Essential* Plan, Includes one staff account and 50GB of storage.
Performance* Plan. Includes three staff accounts and 250GB of storage.
Stats that Speak Volumes:
Over 4 million active Woo.com stores worldwide (Source: WooCommerce)
$250 billion in gross merchandise value processed annually (Source: WooCommerce)
How to Set Up Your Online Store with Woo?
Woo is offering a 14-day free trial* to set up your online store and experience the latest changes made by Woocommerce on their platform as WooCommerce rebranded to Woo. The store setup process with Woo is as easy as Shopify. Here are the WooCommerce store setup steps:
Visit Woo's official website to initiate the process of creating a free store by signing up or logging in.
Next step, you’ll be strategy, and selecting the option that aligns best with your business requirements.
Woo streamlines the store setup process by automatically configuring the initial store parameters.
Following these steps, you will be redirected to Woo Express, where your store will be set up automatically.
Although the initial store setup with Woo Express is user-friendly, it's important to note that making additional customizations may necessitate technical expertise. If you prefer a hassle-free store setup, you also have the option to engage the services of a WooCommerce development agency, ensuring a seamless and professional setup for your online store.
Why Consider Woo Express?
Woo Express is worth considering if you're looking for a fast, easy, and affordable way to launch your online store. It's perfect for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and anyone who wants to get started with e-commerce without the hassle.
"Woo.com gave us the freedom to build a unique online store that perfectly reflects our brand and vision. It's been a game-changer for our business." - Sarah, Founder of Eco-Friendly BoutiqueHowever, if you need a highly customized store with a lot of unique features, you might be better off going with the full Woo.com platform and choosing your hosting and extensions.
Woo vs. Shopify Price Comparison
Woo Express by Woo.com: Monthly subscription fees, start at $39 per month. Includes one staff account and 50GB of storage. include hosting and a domain name.
Shopify: Monthly subscription fees start at $39, and include hosting and a domain name. Limited customization options without custom coding.
Choose Your Champion: Woo vs. Shopify
Deciding between Woo.com and Shopify can be a head-scratcher. Both platforms offer compelling features and cater to diverse needs. Here's a breakdown of their key strengths to help you make an informed choice:
Woo.com
Flexibility & Control: Own your data, customize every aspect of your store, and integrate freely with any tools you need.
Cost-Effectiveness: Start free, add extensions as you grow, and avoid recurring subscription fees.
Community & Support: Access a vast community of developers, plugins, and resources for constant support and inspiration.
Shopify
Ease of Use: Beginner-friendly interface, all-in-one solution with minimal technical hassle.
Scalability: Handles high traffic and complex needs with ease, offering robust enterprise plans.
Dedicated Support: 24/7 customer service directly from Shopify experts for quick issue resolution.
Our Final Words
Both platforms have their strengths and drawbacks. Woo.com offers unmatched flexibility, control, and cost-effectiveness, while Shopify provides ease of use and an all-in-one solution. If you're considering customizing your WooCommerce store extensively, it may be beneficial to hire WooCommerce developers who can customize the platform to your individual needs. Ultimately, choosing the best platform for you depends on your specific requirements, and hiring a WooCommerce developer can enhance the customization and optimization of your online store.