Features You Should Look for When Choosing a WooCommerce Alternative

The e-commerce market isn’t just growing, it’s exploding. Global retail e-commerce sales are set to hit $6.86 trillion by 2025. That’s a lot of opportunity… and a lot of competition.

The platform chosen to run an online store can make or break the business. Get it right, and sales keep ticking over. Get it wrong, and the store risks sitting quietly while competitors take the lead.

WooCommerce has been the go-to for years. And for plenty of good reasons. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For some, especially those not keen on handling the tech side, it can become a slog.

What WooCommerce Does Well

WooCommerce is an open-source plugin that turns a WordPress site into a fully functional online store. Since launching in 2011, it’s grown to power roughly 28% of all online stores, running on more than 6 million active websites.

Its biggest strength? Flexibility. With thousands of free and premium themes and plugins, it’s possible to tweak almost every corner of the store. And because the site and its data are owned outright, there’s complete control, something many platforms can’t offer.

The trade-off is responsibility. Hosting, security, plugin updates… it’s all on the store owner. With a developer on hand, that’s fine. Without one, it can quickly eat into time and focus.

What to Look for in a WooCommerce Alternative

If WooCommerce feels like too much heavy lifting, other platforms can take care of the technical side. The most important features to look for include:

• Quick setup – Go live in hours, not weeks.
• Built-in security and backups – Automatic updates, SSL encryption, and reliable data protection.
• Mobile-friendly design tools – Over 70% of global e-commerce traffic comes from smartphones. Mobile optimisation isn’t optional.
• Optimised checkout process – Streamlined checkout and multiple payment options can cut into the 22% cart abandonment rate caused by complex processes.
• Built-in marketing tools – SEO-ready product pages, email marketing, and social integrations without relying solely on add-ons.

Why Sticking with WooCommerce Still Makes Sense

There’s still plenty to like about WooCommerce:

• Full control and customisation
• Access to thousands of plugins
• Strong community support
• Total data ownership

For businesses already running WordPress or with developer support in place, WooCommerce remains one of the most powerful platforms available.

Three Popular WooCommerce Alternatives

For those who want less tech hassle, here are three strong contenders:

Shopify

A hosted platform known for reliability and ease of use. Handles hosting, updates, and security.

Pros: 

• Beginner-friendly
• Scalable
• 24/7 support
• Strong app marketplace

Cons: 

• Monthly fees can add up
• Less design flexibility

Pricing: From $29/month.

Wix (Ecommerce Plans)

Combines a drag-and-drop builder with built-in e-commerce tools.

Pros: 

• Simple interface
• Hosting included
• Mobile-ready templates

Cons: 

• Limited scalability for large inventories

Pricing: From $29/month (Core plan).

BigCommerce

Fully hosted with powerful scaling features.

Pros:

• Robust SEO
• No extra transaction fees
• Strong multi-channel selling tools

Cons: 

• Smaller template selection
• slightly steeper learning curve

Pricing: From $29.95/month.

The Risks of Going It Alone

Even with an easy-to-use platform, building a store isn’t as simple as uploading a few products. Overlook something important and it can hurt sales from the start. Common pitfalls include:

• Poor site speed and performance
• Weak security and non-compliance with data regulations
• Frustrating user experiences
• Lack of regular updates and maintenance

Why a Melbourne Web Design Agency Can Make the Difference

A professional agency brings more than design skills. It’s about building a site that’s designed to sell. That means:

• Conversion-focused layouts
• Rock-solid technical setup
• Custom integrations for specific needs
• Ongoing support when changes or fixes are needed

Choosing the Right Agency in Melbourne

When comparing options, it’s worth looking at:

• A proven portfolio of e-commerce projects
• Measurable client results—conversion rate lifts, sales growth
• Strong client feedback and communication style
• Clear, jargon-free explanations of strategy

Why Chromatix Fits the Bill

At Chromatix, e-commerce isn’t an afterthought. It’s part of what’s been done successfully for years in Melbourne. Every site is built to stand out visually while being engineered to convert visitors into customers.

The approach blends creative design with a data-driven strategy. The result? Fast-loading, professional stores that are ready to perform from day one.

Ready to launch a store that’s built to sell? Contact Chromatix today and let’s make it happen.