WordPress Versus Shopify

by Connie Cermak | Dec 14, 2024 | Marketing Costs, Shopify, WordPress

WordPress Versus Shopify: Which Platform Should You Choose for Selling Online?

If you’re thinking about starting an online store, there’s no doubt you’ve stumbled across WordPress and Shopify. These two platforms are hugely popular for building eCommerce sites—but which one is actually better? Spoiler alert: it depends! Both have their strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, so let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to digest.

What Do WordPress and Shopify Have in Common?

Here’s what’s great: both platforms let you fully customize your online store and make it your own.

🐝 Themes Galore: Seriously, there are thousands of themes available for both WordPress and Shopify. WordPress takes the crown with over 10,000+ themes (free and paid). Shopify has hundreds of themes, but when you include third-party options, that number climbs into the low thousands.

🐝 Plugins vs. Apps: WordPress calls them plugins, and Shopify calls them apps, but the idea is the same. You can add tools and features for SEO, email marketing, inventory management, and more. This flexibility means you’re not stuck with the basics—you can build an online store that does exactly what you need.

Why WordPress Rocks for Selling Online

Let’s talk about WordPress, which is like the DIY playground for website owners. You get to build and optimize every aspect of your site, especially if you’re using WooCommerce to add eCommerce functionality.

What I Love About WordPress:

🐝 Full Optimization Freedom: WordPress is the ultimate SEO powerhouse. Plugins like Yoast SEO give you tools to customize your meta descriptions, focus on keywords, and optimize every single page or blog post for search engines. (And yes, Yoast works beautifully on WordPress!)

🐝 Unmatched Customization: With over 59,000 plugins, you can add nearly any feature you can dream of—and the themes? Let’s just say there’s no shortage of options for designing your dream store.

🐝 Scalability: Whether you’re selling five products or five thousand, WordPress can handle it. It’s perfect if you’re planning to grow your business over time.

🐝 Cost Flexibility: The WordPress software itself is free, and you can pick hosting, themes, and plugins that fit your budget. This means you’re in control of how much you spend.

WordPress Downsides:

🐝 Learning Curve: WordPress can feel a bit overwhelming for beginners. Setting it up and maintaining it requires some tech-savviness (or hiring someone who’s tech-savvy).

🐝 Self-Hosting Needed: Unlike Shopify, you have to pick your own hosting, which adds a layer of responsibility.

🐝 Image Optimization Isn’t Automatic: You’ll need plugins like Smush or EWWW Image Optimizer to resize and compress images for fast loading times. It works well, but it’s not as effortless as Shopify’s automatic compression.

Why Shopify is a Fan Favorite for Online Stores

Shopify was built for eCommerce, so it takes care of a lot of the heavy lifting for you. It’s like having a store-in-a-box that’s ready to go.

What I Love About Shopify:

🐝 Simplicity: Shopify’s interface is super intuitive. You can set up a store quickly, even if you’re not a tech expert.

🐝 All-in-One Solution: Hosting, security, payment processing—Shopify handles it all for you. It’s ideal if you want to skip the headache of managing multiple systems.

🐝 Image Compression on Point: Shopify automatically compresses images for you, which is a total time-saver. No plugins, no extra steps—just upload and go.

🐝 Support That’s Always There: With 24/7 support, you’re never left hanging if you run into an issue.

🐝 Apps for Everything: The Shopify App Store has thousands of tools to enhance your store, from marketing automation to advanced analytics.

Shopify Downsides:

🐝 SEO Limitations: Shopify’s built-in SEO tools are decent, but they’re not nearly as robust as WordPress. And yes, Yoast is available for Shopify, but it’s not as powerful as the WordPress version.

🐝 Limited Rich Text Content: Shopify doesn’t inherently encourage lots of rich text content on pages, which is a downside for SEO. You can add custom CSS to work around this, but it’s not as straightforward as WordPress.

🐝 Recurring Costs: Shopify charges a monthly fee starting at $39, plus transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments. These costs can add up as your store grows.

🐝 Customization Requires Help: To really make your Shopify site stand out, you might need a developer who understands Shopify’s Liquid coding language.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Shopify vs. WordPress

Here’s a quick rundown of how these two platforms stack up:

Feature	WordPress	Shopify
SEO	Highly customizable with Yoast	Basic, less flexible
Themes	10,000+ (free and paid)	Hundreds, expanding into low thousands
Ease of Use	Steeper learning curve	Beginner-friendly
Image Handling	Manual plugins needed	Automatic compression
Customization	Unlimited, but requires effort	Limited, needs a developer for advanced tweaks

My Take: WordPress versus Shopify; Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re all about flexibility, creativity, and full optimization, WordPress is the way to go. It’s a bit more work upfront, but the payoff is a site you have total control over. On the flip side, if you’re looking for simplicity and don’t want to spend time tinkering with settings, Shopify might be your perfect match!

My advice? Try both! Shopify offers a free trial, and WordPress can be tested for free with hosting like Bluehost. Figure out what works best for your goals and how much control you really want over your store.

Have questions? Email me! I’m always happy to chat about building the perfect online shop for your business.

Why Knowing Your Budget is Key to Marketing Success

by Connie Cermak | Nov 15, 2024 | Content Marketing, Marketing Costs, Small Business and DIY Marketing

When it comes to marketing, understanding your budget isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

A clear financial plan allows us to build strategies that align with your goals, prioritize tasks effectively, and ensure your project is completed seamlessly. Whether you’re aiming for a one-time campaign or consistent, ongoing support, knowing your budget upfront can make all the difference. Let’s explore the benefits of budget clarity and how it impacts your marketing journey.

The Benefits of Knowing Your Maximum Marketing Budget

Having a maximum budget in place allows our team to:

Develop a Comprehensive Timeline

A defined budget helps us plan the entire project from start to finish. Whether it’s designing a new website, managing ad campaigns, or producing social media content, we can allocate resources effectively to deliver on time and within budget.

Prioritize Strategically

We focus on the initiatives that bring the most value, ensuring your investment generates measurable returns. Knowing your budget allows for flexibility within the project scope while keeping us laser-focused on the final outcome. Let’s say you decide you won’t have the bandwidth to take on the web-copy (writing all of the content for your site). We can take that on, and pass the Photo editing and optimizing on to you or your team, or we can move something one of them to phase 2 with a new budget.

Balancing Budgets and Progress

Not everyone has a large budget, and that’s okay. We can work within your financial constraints while still making meaningful progress. Here’s how:

Phased Approaches

Instead of tackling everything at once, we break projects into manageable phases that fit your budget.

Aligned Expectations

By understanding your financial comfort zone, we tailor solutions that meet your needs without compromising quality. This approach ensures you’re investing wisely without overextending, giving you peace of mind while still achieving long-term goals.

Monthly Retainers: Top Priority Access

For clients who want consistent, ongoing support, a monthly retainer offers immense benefits. Retainer clients are at the top of our to-do list. We always know what they need and we widdle away at our task list without pestering them for content.

Predictable Deliverables

Retainers typically include a set number of tasks, such as:

Writing blog articles.
Optimizing web pages
Photo SEO
Videography
Updating your website.
Maintaining the backend of your website.
Creating and scheduling newsletters.
Posting and engaging on social media.
Reporting and analytics
Monthly Meetings

Determining What’s Included in a Retainer

The cost of collaborating with you to define the scope of services, ensuring your most pressing needs are met each month and posting to social accounts three to five times per week typically starts at $2500 a month and goes up to $6000 a month depending on the frequency of posts, the level of engagement you want, the amount of copywriting, graphic design, photos and video necessary to maintain brand consistency, keyword research, optimization, data analysis, and reporting you want. We’ll put together the perfect team for your brand. And in some cases—it might just be me! We’ll figure that out together.

Knowing Your Social Marketing Budget

Social media plays a vital role in growing your business. Posting consistently helps you gain traction and maintain momentum. But how often should you post? And how much does it cost to pay someone to do it for you?

Planning Your Yearly Marketing Budget

A yearly marketing budget is the foundation for long-term success. It should include:

Website Costs: Your domain name is where it all begins. Knowing the initial (and annual) costs for your domain and hosting is essential to your overall budget.

Website Updates: Your website is often the first impression—keep it modern, fast, and user-friendly.

For a small business, here’s a suggested budget allocation based on 2024 industry trends:

Digital Marketing Trends: Allocate 10–15% of your marketing budget to emerging trends, SEO updates, and exploring new platforms. Staying adaptive ensures relevance. (subscribe to my newsletter and I’ll do my best to keep you up to date on trends)

Ad Spend: Dedicate 20–30% of your marketing budget for Google Ads, social media campaigns, or other paid promotions. Test campaigns to optimize ROI.

A Team to Support You: Plan for 30–40% of your marketing budget for hiring experts in content creation, social media management, and strategic planning. If you don’t have the team or the time, this investment saves time and boosts results.

Why Budget Clarity Matters

When you provide your marketing agency with clear budget parameters, you empower us to:

Build realistic timelines.
Maximize your investment.
Deliver exceptional results without surprises or setbacks.

Whether you’re planning for a comprehensive campaign or want steady progress within a smaller budget, our team at Social Nectar thrives on creating tailored strategies that work for you.

Ready to Map Out Your Marketing Budget?

Let’s work together to build a plan that aligns with your goals, keeps your brand buzzing, and makes your investment count! Reach out today, and let’s create some buzz! 🐝

Need Website and Logo Budget Help? We’ve got numbers for you here:

How much should I budget for my website? Read this article.

How much should I budget for my logo? Read this article.

The Cost to Optimize WordPress Site Using Yoast SEO Premium

by Connie Cermak | Oct 1, 2024 | Marketing Costs, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), WordPress

The cost to fully optimize every page of a website using the Yoast SEO Premium plugin varies depending on factors like the scope of the website, the number of pages, and the expertise of the SEO professional or agency. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing and factors:

Base Costs for Yoast SEO Premium

The Yoast SEO Premium plugin costs $99/year for one website. This includes access to advanced tools like multiple focus keywords, internal linking suggestions, and the redirect manager if you change the name of a page or post.

SEO Service Pricing

Per Page Optimization: For professional SEO specialists to fully optimize each page using Yoast Premium, costs typically range from $100–$500 per page depending on page complexity and the content that needs improvement

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Full Website Optimization: For websites with 20–50 pages, costs can range from $1,000–$5,000+. This includes setting up Yoast Premium, optimizing content and meta descriptions, technical fixes, and keyword integration

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Comprehensive Services

High-end SEO agencies may charge monthly retainers of $2,000–$5,000+ for ongoing optimization and reporting, especially for mid level or enterprise level businesses looking for long-term improvements.

.DIY SEO/AEO versus PRO SEO/AEO

If you’re familiar with SEO and the Yoast plugin, you can reduce costs by optimizing pages yourself. Yoast Premium’s built-in tools and academy access can guide you through the process. Yes, it’s time-consuming watching all of the how-to videos, but if have time, you geek out over stats and you want to see some real-time results, it’s totally worth it.

The final pricing depends on whether you need technical SEO audits, content rewrites, or advanced keyword research alongside Yoast setup. If so, there’s quite a bit of time and expertise involved so be prepared to invest a minimum of $1000 for a multi-page website.

Learn More about DIY SEO

To see if you’re up for the challenge, read my article on DIT Search Engine Optimization here.

Learn what featured snippets and evergreen content is and how to create it here.

Read about unlocking the power of your keywords to optimize your brand and your website here.

Learn about AEO/Answer Engine Optimization here.

Or go totally off-topic and learn about Social Media Strategies here.

How Much Does a Website Cost in 2024/2025

by Connie Cermak | Aug 12, 2024 | Marketing Costs, Shopify, Small Business and DIY Marketing, Web Design and User Experience (UX), WordPress

Cost of Websites in 2024/2025: Complete Guide to Pricing and Options for DIY and Professional Web Design

In 2024 and 2025, the cost of building a website can vary significantly based on the design and development route you choose. From DIY website builders like Wix to fully custom WordPress solutions, each option has unique advantages, costs, and long-term implications. Here’s a detailed look at the expenses and considerations for building a website in today’s digital landscape.

Let’s Look at Website Costs in 2024/2025

Your website is a crucial part of your online presence. In 2024, the amount you invest will influence not just the functionality and appearance of your website but also your business’s performance online. Let’s dive into what drives website costs and why it’s essential to consider these factors carefully.

Why Your Website Investment Matters

A website can act as a 24/7 storefront, portfolio, or information hub for your brand. A well-designed website is more likely to keep visitors engaged, encourage them to explore, and convert them into clients or customers.

Key Factors That Influence Website Costs

The cost of a website in 2024 depends on elements like design complexity, functionality, hosting and domain needs, maintenance, and whether you choose a DIY or custom approach.

DIY Website Options: Templates and Builders

DIY website builders are popular for small businesses, startups, and individuals looking to keep costs low while creating an attractive and functional site.

Overview of DIY Platforms: Wix, Squarespace, and More

Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Weebly offer accessible options for building websites with minimal coding knowledge.

Pros of Using DIY Website Builders

Affordability: DIY builders often have low initial costs.
Ease of Use: These platforms are designed for users with no technical expertise.

Cons of DIY Website Builders

Limited Customization: DIY websites are generally less flexible.
Long-Term Costs: Add-on features can increase costs over time.

DIY Website Cost Breakdown

The cost of a DIY website includes monthly subscription fees (averaging $15–$50/month), additional plugin fees, and domain registration.

Custom WordPress Websites: Features and Flexibility

For those looking to build a more unique, high-functioning site, custom WordPress websites provide extensive flexibility.

Overview of Custom WordPress Websites and Plugins

WordPress allows users to add custom plugins and features, making it an ideal choice for businesses that require specialized functionalities.

Pros of Custom WordPress Websites

Full Control: Complete flexibility over design and functionality.
Scalability: WordPress sites can grow with your business.

Cons of Custom WordPress Websites

Higher Costs: Custom development can be costly.
Technical Skills Needed: Requires more maintenance knowledge.

Cost Breakdown for Custom WordPress Sites

Custom WordPress sites generally cost $1,500–$10,000 depending on design, hosting, and the need for complex plugins or e-commerce features.

Comparing DIY Websites vs. Professional Web Design

Choosing between DIY and professional web design services is a major decision. Here’s how these options compare:

Time, Effort, and Expertise Required

DIY platforms are quick to set up but offer limited features, while professional services require time and a budget but deliver tailored results.

Design and Functionality Differences

Professional designs tend to be more polished and feature-rich, providing a better user experience.

Long-Term Value and ROI

Professionally built websites typically provide better ROI due to superior design and functionality that can boost business growth.

Professional Website Design Options and Pricing

If you decide to hire a professional, you’ll generally choose between a freelance designer or a web design agency.

Freelance Designers vs. Web Design Agencies

Freelancers often cost less, while agencies bring specialized teams but charge premium prices.

Pros and Cons of Freelance Web Designers

Cost-Effective: Lower rates compared to agencies.
Flexibility: More personalized attention.

Pros and Cons of Web Design Agencies

Specialization: Agencies bring teams of specialists.
Higher Costs: Generally more expensive than freelancers.

Professional Website Design Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay $2,500–$10,000 for freelance work and $10,000–$50,000 for agency-designed websites.

Which Website Solution Is Right for You?

Your website choice should consider budget, complexity, and growth needs.

Factors to Consider: Budget, Complexity, and Future Needs

Consider how much you’re willing to spend and whether your business needs a highly customized website.

Case Studies: When DIY or Professional Services Are Better

For simple portfolio sites, a landing page or a two to four page site to showcase your services or craft, DIY like Wix or Squarespace might suffice.

For more complex sites with several pages, several services and the ability to fully search engine optimize each page, product and article, or for e-commerce, a professional website may be more valuable.

FAQs: Your Website Costs Questions Answered!

What’s the average cost of a Wix website in 2024?
A Wix site in 2024 costs around $15–$50/month, plus domain and premium add-ons.

How much does a typical custom WordPress site cost with plugins?
Expect to pay between $2,000 and $10,000, depending on complexity and plugins.

Are there hidden fees for DIY websites like Wix or Squarespace?
Yes, additional fees for premium templates, plugins, and features may apply.

What’s the advantage of hiring a professional web designer over DIY?
Professionals bring expertise, custom features, and a design tailored to your goals.

Can I migrate my DIY website to a custom-built WordPress site?

Yes, migration is possible, though it may require a professional to ensure data and design integrity.

What are some affordable website options if I have a limited budget?

DIY platforms like Wix or a basic WordPress template are budget-friendly choices.

Choosing the right website solution in 2024/2025 requires careful consideration of costs, needs, and goals. DIY options offer affordability and ease, while professional web design delivers polish, customization, and greater long-term value.

Learn about the importance of knowing your marketing budget before we get started here.