WordPress vs Shopify for a UK or Australian service business: which should you choose?
Shopify is built for selling products; WordPress is built for content and flexibility. Here is how to decide — with costs in GBP and AUD.
Key takeaways
- Choose Shopify if you sell physical products and want checkout, payments and shipping handled for you.
- Choose WordPress if your site is about services, content and lead generation — it is far stronger for SEO-led growth.
- Both can be fast; neither is fast by default. Theme quality and app/plugin discipline matter more than the platform.
The short version
Shopify is a store with a website attached. WordPress is a website that can have a store attached (WooCommerce). If most of your revenue comes from products shipped to customers, Shopify wins. If most comes from enquiries, bookings or consulting, WordPress wins.
Costs compared
Shopify Basic is about £25/month or A$56/month plus transaction fees; a custom theme from an agency starts around £1,400 / A$2,700. WordPress hosting is £10–£40/month; a custom business site from an agency typically runs £1,200–£6,000 / A$2,300–A$11,500.
SEO and content
WordPress gives you full control over URLs, schema, content types and internal linking — the levers that drive organic growth. Shopify’s blog and URL structure are more limited, though fine for a product-led store.
Speed and maintenance
Shopify is hosted and maintained for you. WordPress requires updates and security care — easily handled with a maintenance plan, but it is a real cost to include.
Our recommendation
Service business with occasional product sales: WordPress with WooCommerce or a Shopify Buy Button. Product business with a blog: Shopify. Not sure? We will tell you honestly on a free call.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move from Shopify to WordPress later (or vice versa)?
Yes. Migrations are routine when planned with a redirect map so rankings and customer accounts carry over.
Need this done for your business?
Get a free audit and a fixed-price proposal within 48 hours.