If you're currently running a Shopify store or eCommerce business, you've likely considered adding a blog at some point and wondered whether it's worth the effort.
It's a common question amongst online store owners. Some swear by the SEO benefits, whilst others argue you're better off sticking to dedicated blogging platforms.
Let's look at the real pros and cons to help you decide what's right for your business.
The pros - why Shopify blogging might work for your business
Easy to get started
One of the biggest advantages is how straightforward Shopify blogging is. You don't need to know coding to get started. The editor is intuitive, and you can publish content within minutes.
This is particularly handy if you're already managing a store and don't have time to learn another platform.
The editor allows you to add images, videos and even polls to make it more engaging and professional.
SEO friendly out of the box
Shopify's blogging tools come with fundamental SEO features:
- Customisable meta titles and descriptions
- Clean URL structures
- Automatic sitemap generation
- Mobile-responsive design
These features can enhance your site's search engine ranking, potentially driving more organic traffic to your store.
In terms of SEO visibility, you can share tips, stories from your customers, or product guides to keep people engaged on your site.
Seamless eCommerce integration
This is probably one of Shopify's biggest strengths. With Shopify Lite, you can now sell from your blog by adding “buy now” buttons to your posts, turning readers into customers easily.
You can also link to other products within your blog posts, creating content that naturally leads to purchases.
If you're planning to sell products (or already are), this integration is extremely useful, as it keeps everything in one place by combining content and commerce.
Cost-effective options
Shopify's pricing starts from £4 per month with their Starter plan, making it relatively affordable to get started. You can also pause your store temporarily if needed, which helps keep costs down during periods of low activity.
Built-in support
Unlike free platforms, where you're on your own, Shopify provides customer support. If something goes totally wrong, you can actually speak to someone who can help.
The cons - where Shopify falls short
Blogging on Shopify isn’t perfect for everyone. There are several challenges to consider before you begin your journey.
It's not really built for blogging
Let's be honest, Shopify is an e-commerce platform first and foremost. The blogging features sometimes feel like an afterthought, and many users describe them as quite basic compared to dedicated blogging platforms.
Some users have provided blunt feedback that the blogging features are inadequate for serious content creators.
Limited customisation
Whilst you can add images, videos, and basic formatting, you're quite restricted compared to platforms like WordPress.
If you are looking to integrate advanced features, you'll likely need to:
- Purchase additional apps
- Hire a developer
- Work within Shopify's constraints
Basic analytics
Shopify provides simple metrics like page views and unique visitors, but it's nowhere near as detailed as what you'd get with Google Analytics on a WordPress site. For serious content marketers, this lack of insight can be frustrating.
More affordable options exist
If you’re not planning to sell products immediately, platforms like WordPress, Webflow, Medium, Ghost or GitHub Pages offer cheaper and more flexible alternatives for blogging. These platforms often provide more bang for your buck if blogging is your primary goal.
Shopify’s plans can be expensive if you’re only blogging, whereas WordPress can be free or low-cost, making it a better choice for those on a tight budget.
The verdict - when might blogging on Shopify make sense?
Here's a quick recap of what we covered, and a quick comparison to help you decide:
Who Shopify blogging is good for:
- You're already selling on Shopify
- You want seamless store integration
- You prefer simplicity over flexibility
- You're new to blogging
- You plan to sell products from your blog
Consider alternatives if:
- You're not planning to sell products within a year
- You need advanced blogging features
- You're on a tight budget or strapped for time
- You want detailed analytics
- Your primary focus is content creation
Wrapping it all up
Adding a blog to your Shopify store can enhance your SEO and customer engagement, but it may not be the right choice for everyone.
If you're running an e-commerce business and want to incorporate content marketing, Shopify's blogging features are perfectly adequate and wonderfully integrated.
However, if you're a serious blogger who happens to sell a few products, you'll probably be happier with a dedicated blogging platform.
The key is being honest about your priorities. Are you an e-commerce business that wants to add content, or are you a content creator who wants to sell products? Your answer will point you in the right direction.
Remember, you can always start with one platform and migrate later if your needs change. The most important thing is to actually start creating content; the perfect platform is really the one you'll actually use.
