Joomla is a renowned open-source content management system, lauded for its versatile capabilities in building dynamic websites and applications, offering an intuitive interface for efficient utilization. Proficiently serving businesses since 2009, Joomla’s latest version integrates top security, performance, and SEO practices, making it an ideal choice for online marketing endeavors.
For the discerning seeking alternatives to Joomla, a plethora of options await, including WordPress, Drupal, Squarespace, Shopify, Blogger, among others like Wix, Adobe Business Catalyst, and Agility.
WordPress
WordPress, the name that powers 40% of global websites and owns a dominant 64% share in the CMS market. Although not primarily an eCommerce CMS, it’s a powerful platform, offering an array of customizable opportunities for businesses looking to establish an online presence. It also supports eCommerce functionality through its WooCommerce Plugin.
WordPress Top Features
Customization: Over 1,200 eCommerce-focused WordPress themes allowing for comprehensive design customization.
WooCommerce: A free, open-source plugin used by 30% of online stores, granting capabilities like SEO, multiple payment gateways, and efficient tax calculation.
Essential Plugins: Plugins for SEO, product booking, upselling, pre-ordering, aiming to enrich the shopping experience.
Payment Extensions: Variety of payment options, including Stripe, PayPal, Amazon Pay, ensuring a smooth and trusted checkout process.
Yoast SEO Plugin
Helps in creating an SEO-friendly website, boosting organic visibility.
WordPress VIP Subscription
Exclusive features including automated updates, rollback tools, elastic search, and marketing automation.
High-performance DNS with SSL
Enhanced site security with SSL and swift DNS for an efficient and safe browsing experience.
WordPress Limitations
Occasional plugin compatibility issues, impacting the site’s functionality.
High custom design and development costs, varying significantly depending on the scope.
Potential transaction fees from WooCommerce and PayPal.
WordPress Pricing
WordPress is an open-source platform with broad cost structures. Domain registration and essentials ranging from $15-$50 monthly, custom design and development investments (typically $1,000-$10,000 and $25,000+ respectively), and plugins, marketing, and hosting costs that vary. A premium plan, WordPress VIP, is available starting from $25,000 annually.
WordPress Use Cases
Use case 1: Small Enterprises
WordPress is highly viable for small enterprises needing a comprehensive, yet cost-effective digital face. Its wide range of plugins, SEO tools, and WooCommerce integration offers a perfect footing for businesses to start their eCommerce journey.
Use case 2: Content Publishers
Renowned as a CMS, WordPress provides an excellent platform for Content Publishers, offering unlimited pages, custom domain, and handy post-edit tools. The SEO-friendly construct helps garner organic traffic.
Use case 3: Mid to Large Enterprises
With its WordPress VIP Subscription, mid to large enterprises can utilize automated updates, SSL security, and marketing automation, making it a robust solution for an expansive business infrastructure.
Drupal
Anchored by its open source nature, Drupal has etched its distinctive mark in the realm of eCommerce. Spearheaded by young university students in the year 2000, Drupal today powers millions of websites around the world.
Drupal’s Top Features
Fosters business growth, courtesy of a highly adaptable framework
Assists in building headless commerce backend provider via JSON:API or custom REST resources
Fully responsive and mobile-ready eCommerce sites
Accessibility and customization options revered by developers
Facilitates creation of multilingual sites with its four embedded modules in Drupal 9.
Feature
Description
Powerful content design strategies
Drupal facilitates design aesthetic requirements with bespoke content sequences
Expertise in CMS development
DrupalPartners are known for their expertise in developing content management systems
Offers extensive support network
Through its network of developers, consultants, Drupal ensures proficient assistance
Drupal’s Limitations
Cost of website development can be high, depending on the level of customization, size of the website, and complexity of the project
Integration with eCommerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, requires explicit linkage
Cost and timeline for development may escalate depending on the complexity of build
Drupal Pricing
Given the varied nature of customization, Drupal’s pricing varies vastly. Developing a basic Drupal Commerce website can cost $20K-$40K, whereas a custom website might range from $50K-$100K.
Drupal Use Cases
Use Case 1: Complex eCommerce Websites
Drupal lucidly creates complex eCommerce and community websites while allowing customization options and freedom for user-driven sites.
Use Case 2: Rapid Business Websites
For businesses seeking rapid launch, Drupal allows quick site initiation with strong merchandise creation while adjusting to market needs.
Use Case 3: Multilingual Websites
Bringing the world together, Drupal enables the creation of multilingual sites to cater to international businesses and audiences.
Squarespace
Enter the world of Squarespace, a top-tier website builder platform accentuated by a rich selection of visually appealing templates. Tailored for e-commerce, Squarespace offers free website trials and comes loaded with e-commerce tools, email campaigns, social media marketing, 24/7 support, and more.
Squarespace Top Features
Squarespace Blueprint: For unrivaled template customization.
Unlimited product creation and management: Support for all product forms.
Multiple payment gateways and integrated shopping cart: For seamless online transactions.
Powerful analytic tools: Comprehensive insights into visitor behavior and sales tracking.
Membership sites, class selling, and appointment scheduling: For exceptional customer engagement.
Squarespace Commerce
A specific platform for online stores with no transaction limit.
SEO optimization and integrations
Perfect for keeping your online presence and marketing efforts aligned.
Customer support
Assistance available via email, Twitter, and live chat.
Squarespace Downsides
Limited App store: The number of Squarespace Extensions is less robust compared to some competitors.
Dependent on third-party services: For features such as shipping and payment.
Squarespace Use Cases
Use Case 1: E-commerce Store Creation
Squarespace excels in e-commerce store creation. With integrated shopping cart, multiple payment gateways, and no transaction limit, it’s a favorable choice for online retailers.
Use Case 2: Visual Portfolio Showcase
For artists, photographers, and designers, the diverse range of visually appealing templates offers a stunning platform to showcase their work.
Use Case 3: Local Business Presentation
With SEO optimization, local businesses can leverage Squarespace to improve their online presence and reach larger audiences.
Shopify
An affordable and intuitive platform, Shopify caters to online merchants by offering pre-made templates for designing eCommerce websites. It’s worth noting though, for a brand-specific aesthetic, custom design might become necessary.
Shopify Best Features
Pre-Made Templates: Shopify’s pre-made templates make it effortless to set up an eCommerce website.
SEO Integration: With approximately 43% of eCommerce sales stemming from search engines, Shopify’s SEO capabilities are key.
User Retention Features: Shopify includes various features for user engagement such as search functionality, promotion tools, mega menus, and product reviews.
Flexibility: Shopify builds can be both native or headless, offering flexibility in design approach.
Feature
Description
Custom Functionality
Integration with custom ERP or CRM systems to enhance functionality.
Accelerator Programme
Quick-launch solutions by Eastside Co on Shopify, enabling store launch in less than four weeks.
Wishlist Creation
Allows users to bookmark their favourite items for ease of future shopping.
Shopify Downsides
Lack of unique, brand-focused aesthetics in in-built templates, necessitating custom design.
No custom website design services provided; such needs must be addressed by third-party professionals.
Costs can quickly escalate with advanced designs and functionalities.
Shopify Pricing
Shopify subscriptions range from $29.99-$299.99 monthly. Additional costs can arise from theme/template purchases and custom design services, with overall costs varying greatly based on the complexities of the desired design and functionality.
Shopify Use Cases
Use case 1: New Store Owners
With accessible template designs and a low entry cost, Shopify serves as an ideal platform for new store owners seeking a swift, cost-effective launch.
Use case 2: Large established Stores
Large scale businesses often prefer custom-designed themes on Shopify for unique brand representation and advanced functionality.
Use case 3: Stores Seeking Rapid Development
Markets with fast-moving trends might find Shopify’s Accelerator Programme a useful way to get their goods online expeditiously.
Blogger
Blogger, an eCommerce platform specializing in user experience, is a tool that focuses on customer retention through a design that simplifies use, supports quick product searches, and emphasizes strong brand identity.
Blogger Top Features
Customer-centric design: Easily navigable for users of all levels.
Smart Search Feature: Helps customers find their desired product swiftly.
Unified aesthetics: Ensures clear messaging and boosts product and overall business quality.
On-trend with evolving eCommerce aspects: Incorporates interactive premises, data-led suggestions, and personalized digital user experiences.
Social commerce engagement
Integral for effective marketing and enhances user-brand connection.
High-quality imagery
Professional visuals increase persuasion and foster product trustworthiness.
Structured homepage and navigational tools
Guide users and increase their engagement and satisfaction.
Blogger Disadvantages
Lack of mobile optimization: Can lead to a decrease in engagement and conversions.
No clear presence of secure checkout badges: Might affect user’s confidence and lessen potential purchases.
Blogger Pricing
Information about Blogger’s pricing tiers is not available in the summary provided.
Blogger Use Cases
Use case 1: Established Businesses
With its emphasis on a seamless user experience and high-conversion design, Blogger could prove useful for established businesses aiming to build trust with their customers and potentially increase sales.
Use case 2: Emerging Brands
Emerging brands can leverage Blogger’s features like smart search and unified aesthetics to create an appealing and efficient digital presence.
Use case 3: Businesses focused on Social Commerce
Those with a focus on community selling can benefit from Blogger’s clear emphasis on social commerce and customer engagement.
Grant Sullivan
Content writer @ Aircada and self proclaimed board game strategist by day, AI developer by night.
