If you run an ecommerce site or plan to launch one, Shopify’s latest development is worth your attention.
They’ve released an official WordPress plugin that brings Shopify’s ecommerce engine directly into WordPress.
For businesses that value WordPress’s content strengths but want powerful ecommerce capability, this could be the perfect combination.
Why this matters
WordPress powers more than 40% of all websites. It’s flexible, SEO-friendly and ideal for managing content.
Until now, many site owners have had to make a choice: stay with WordPress and work around WooCommerce’s limitations, or move everything to a dedicated ecommerce platform such as Shopify.
This new plugin changes that. You can keep your WordPress site exactly as it is while adding Shopify’s checkout, product management and secure payment system.
It means no migration and no compromise, only the best parts of both platforms working together.
How it works
The setup is straightforward. After installing the free plugin from the WordPress directory, connect it to your Shopify account.
You can then add products to any WordPress page or post using the block editor. When customers buy, they use Shopify’s checkout system, which manages payments, security and order processing.
Your inventory, orders and customer data are all handled in your Shopify dashboard, while WordPress continues to manage your content, blog and brand presence.
The benefits
Higher conversion rates
Shopify claims its checkout converts up to 17% better than WooCommerce. That is based on billions of transactions and continuous optimisation. For most businesses, that improvement in conversions alone can easily justify the monthly cost.
Security and compliance
The plugin includes PCI DSS Level 1 compliance, built-in fraud protection and GDPR tools, all supported by Shopify’s infrastructure. If you have ever worried about WordPress vulnerabilities or payment compliance, this gives you peace of mind.
Performance
WooCommerce sites often slow down as product catalogues grow. With the Shopify plugin, the ecommerce functionality runs on Shopify’s servers, keeping your WordPress site fast and efficient.
The trade-offs
There are still some points to consider.
Shopify subscription costs
UK pricing starts at £19 per month for the Basic plan when billed annually. There is also a Starter plan at £5 per month, and higher plans reach up to £259 per month for advanced features. Shopify still offers introductory deals such as three months for £1 on many plans.
While WooCommerce is free at its core, once you factor in hosting, security and maintenance, the cost difference becomes less clear.
Two systems to manage
You will work with both WordPress for content and Shopify for products and orders. It is not complicated but does require logging into two dashboards.
Checkout customisation
Shopify’s checkout is reliable and optimised, but fully customising it is limited unless you are on Shopify Plus. Businesses with very specific requirements might need a higher-tier plan or a different setup.
A standardised solution
For more complex requirements such as multi-vendor marketplaces, B2B pricing or custom subscription models, you may eventually need a bespoke or headless ecommerce build.
What this means for your ecommerce strategy
Shopify launching an official WordPress plugin validates what many of us in the digital space have long believed: the future of ecommerce isn't about choosing a single platform, it's about combining the right tools for your needs.
WordPress remains the best platform for content management and SEO, while Shopify continues to lead in secure transactions and reliable order management.
For businesses that rely on both content and commerce, this plugin offers a practical, hybrid solution that bridges the gap between the two.
Need help choosing the right approach?
Ascensor work with businesses to determine the right ecommerce approach for their specific situation.
If you're considering your ecommerce options and want to talk through what makes sense for your situation, get in touch.
