Shopify Review 2024: Is It The best E-commerce platform For SMEs

As of 2024, Shopify powers over 150,000 websites in Australia, officially outpacing competitors like WordPress WooCommerce, which supports around 121,000 sites (Source). This surge in Shopify’s adoption showcases its undeniable impact on the e-commerce landscape, becoming a go-to choice for both budding entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. With user-centric design, robust customisation options, and advanced integrations, Shopify is more than just a platform—it’s a catalyst for growth and innovation, inspiring business owners to push boundaries and set new standards. This review delves into why Shopify is trusted by so many and what makes it a compelling choice in today’s digital marketplace.

Shopify: What is it? Benefits of Shopify

Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform. People usually know it as an ease of use and accessible platform. Thanks to the platform, you can sell products and services through multiple channels. Such as your own website, social media platforms and online marketplaces. 

This flexibility helps businesses reach a broader audience and maximise sales opportunities. Moreover, Shopify has many plans for business such as unlimited storage, bandwidth and product listings. Additionally, Shopify offers over 6,000 app integrations. Hence, the platform can enhance your store’s functionality.

The benefits of Shopify for SMEs

Shopify is a leading website builder with a 38% market share. So, many businesses can apply it to create e-commerce websites. With Shopify, anyone could build their own online store from scratch. This is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways. 

Currently, Shopify has more than 8,000 apps in the ecosystem. So, it can provide business and e-commerce tools for inventory management, shipping support.  All you need is an idea. And you can immediately start operating your own Shopify store. 

Usability

Shopify has the best usability features. Users can set up an account and launch their online store in just a few minutes. Even if they have no prior technical experience. Moreover, Shopify also has the greatest admin dashboard. It is clean, well-organised and easy to navigate.

This helps highlight key performance data for your store. Then, businesses can quickly access the most important metrics at a glance. Additionally, the sidebar menu provides convenient links to all store management tools.

Shopify also takes care of all the technical work behind the scenes. Such as server maintenance, security updates and payment fraud analysis. Hence, users of all levels can focus on running their business.

Various marketing elements

Many small businesses choose the Shopify “Basic” plan. Because it provides impressive marketing features to drive traffic and boost sales. Even at this entry level, users can use essential tools. Such as abandoned cart recovery, gift cards, discount codes to engage with customers.

For additional functionality, SMEs can utilise free and paid native apps. It includes Shopify Email, Product Reviews and Shopify Collabs. These apps have room for enhancement. Moreover, they serve a strong foundation for small businesses to get their online store up.

Shopify handles a lot of the technical SEO work

SEO is a critical aspect for any business. In several years, SEO used to be a bit of a weak spot for Shopify, but it’s come a long way and is now at a much more manageable level. That said, if we’re being honest, it still doesn’t quite stack up to platforms like WordPress WooCommerce or custom-coded sites when it comes to SEO capabilities.

In detail, Shopify automatically handles many technical SEO tasks. Such as generating sitemaps and creating a proper robots.txt file. But one of Shopify’s biggest limitations is its fixed URL structure, which can’t be customised for full SEO optimisation. However, this setup is generally acceptable and manageable for most businesses, especially given Shopify’s other strengths in e-commerce functionality.

Nowadays, Shopify’s ecosystem includes a range of SEO apps. Many of them are free plans and automation features. For example, TinyIMG can automate key SEO tasks. Hence, Business owners can achieve search engine results.

Flexibility and expansion potential for businesses

Any small company can make money on Shopify. Because this platform supports all types of business models. You can sell across platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Google Shopping. Then, business will reach a broader audience.

Furthermore, you could store your shop with no inventory. Such as print-on-demand (POD) or one with extensive warehouse stock. Because the platform provides the tools to make it easy. Additionally, businesses can use Shopify’s shipping partner platform to take your business global. Thanks to it, you will facilitate smooth international expansion.

Adaptability to mobile devices

Shopify has its standout features for users on smartphones and tablets. Businesses can automatically adjust your online store to fit various screen sizes and devices. More than that, every Shopify theme is responsive. Hence, it can adapt perfectly to mobile devices.

As a result, business can enhance user experience. This advantage especially helps you to align with Google’s mobile-first indexing. Then, you can improve your search engine rankings. The adaptability also helps businesses to stay competitive on the market.

Shopify has its standout features for users on smartphones and tablets

Complimentary administrative instruments

Shopify provides many tools for small businesses. Such as a business name generator, domain name generator, logo maker and slogan maker. These resources can help you establish a brand identity and set up your online store quickly. Then, you can save time and reduce upfront costs. 

Moreover, Shopify also has a profit margin calculator. So, you can keep a close eye on profitability. These tools support you make decisions about pricing, financing and promotional strategies.

A range of payment options

Thanks to Shopify Payments, businesses can accept payments from your online customers. In particular, you will manage every aspect of payment processing. Even if your customers prefer using external payment options like PayPal. Shopify can adapt this preference. You can connect these payment tools effortlessly. Although you will incur a small third-party transaction fee.

Image source: Shopify

Moreover, Shopify Payments also integrated with Shopify POS (Point of Sale). Hence, sellers could process and analyse both online and offline sales data together.  Shopify’s POS system is a game-changer, transforming it from a simple e-commerce platform into a powerful omnichannel solution that seamlessly syncs online and offline sales data. This capability not only simplifies inventory and customer management across channels but also creates valuable insights by capturing billions in daily transactions. With this data, Shopify empowers businesses to unlock new opportunities and optimise their overall sales strategies.

Platform safety

Shopify complies with global privacy and data protection laws. Hence, the platform can build trust and credibility for users. By adhering to these regulations, Shopify helps ensure that user data remains safe and protected across the world.

Shopify follows PCI compliance carefully. It meets the necessary standards for secure transactions and payment information. Hence, when customers use cryptocurrency or credit cards, Shopify secures their data. 

Shopify continuously monitors its networks for vulnerabilities. The platform enforces strong access control measures to safeguard cardholder data. This ensures both business owners and customers can rely on a high level of security for every transaction.

The cost of Shopify for SMEs

For SMEs, Shopify is an ideal choice initially due to its affordability and strong benefits. However, over time, the platform’s cost-per-order fees (Card Rates) can start to eat into your profits, making it less appealing in the long run. While small businesses gain significant advantages in the short term, they may need to consider alternative platforms as costs rise over the medium to long term.

Update Shopify’s pricing at: https://www.shopify.com/au/pricing

Compare Shopify vs other ecommerce platforms

Businesses usually hesitate to choose the right eCommerce platform. Hence, it is essential to compare the available options to find the best fit. Besides Shopify, there are many other ones. Such as WordPress, WooCommerce, Squarespace. Let’s explore how Shopify compares to these alternatives. 

Shopify vs Custom Web Development

Shopify vs WordPress WooCommerce

Shopify vs Squarespace

Shopify stands out as a highly user-friendly platform. Thanks to this platform, users can set up an online store in just a few hours. Hence, the main advantages of Shopify are over custom development. However, with SMEs, the price of this platform will be a challenge. Because Shopify’s fees may increase. Especially with additional apps and transaction fees. 

5. Check if Shopify is right for your business? 

There are a few key factors to consider. Shopify is ideal for businesses because it has an easy-to-use platform. Businesses can use many tools on Shopify for eCommerce, marketing and customer management.

However, many businesses require extensive customisation and unique features. Hence, you need to consider any other advanced integrations. At this time, custom websites will be the best solution for you. 

Some SMEs usually face challenges when deciding whether they should use Shopify or not. At that time, you can meet an expert like Ven Agency. We can help assess your business goals, budget and long-term vision. The main purpose is to ensure that you choose the right platforms.

Contact Information:

• Address:
  • Australia: L2, 627 Chapel Street, South Yarra, VIC 3141
  • Vietnam: 83 Tan Vinh Street, Ward 6, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000
• Website: https://ven.com.au/
• Hotline: (03) 7003 5248

E-mail: hello@ven.com.au

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shopify remains one of the most reliable eCommerce platforms for SMEs in 2024. With features like built-in marketing tools, payment integrations, Shopify provides SMEs with everything they need to launch and grow their online stores efficiently. Hence, you can focus on scaling your business and market demands.

Andy Nguyen

Director

Andy Nguyen is the Co-founder & Director of Ven Agency, specialising in innovative digital marketing and brand development. With over a decade of industry experience, he excels in driving successful campaigns and building strong client relationships. Andy's strategic vision and creativity have positioned Ven Agency as a leader in enhancing online presence and audience engagement.