Shopify vs GoDaddy | 9 Crucial Differences To Know in 2024

Having doubts about Shopify vs GoDaddy? 

I get you! It’s a choice many people have doubts about. And I’m here to help you understand the differences, so you can make the choice that’s best for you!

You found the right page. I’ve built and analyzed over 300 websites built with Shopify and GoDaddy, and I’m here to share my experiences with you.

My work is supported by affiliate commissions. Learn more.

My name is Ralph de Groot. I’m the founder and author at My Codeless Website. Wake me up for a great web design!

Shopify vs GoDaddy at a glance

1. Two most popular website builders

Shopify and GoDaddy are the two top-rated website builders on the market. Combined, they have over 1 million websites up and running.

2. Aggressive feature releases

Both Shopify and GoDaddy have been releasing new features at the speed of light. It’s clear that they’re going head to head to become the most popular website builder. That being said, when one of them releases a popular feature, it won’t be long until the other releases it as well.

3. Main difference between Shopify and GoDaddy

Shopify is mainly built for eCommerce, whereas GoDaddy can do both websites and online stores.

4. Incredible templates

Shopify has 70 templates, while GoDaddy has only 19. That being said, I’m sure you’ll find a beautiful one with both of them!

 5. Disadvantages Shopify ❌

• Monthly charges pile up  
• No email hosting provided 
• It doesn’t let users post blogs or vlogs (pure eCommerce only) 

6. Disadvantages GoDaddy ❌

• Few theme options 
• Has uptime issues 
• The restoration cost is expensive

Installing Shopify or GoDaddy is actually super easy! Just follow my steps, and you’ll have everything set up in less than 5 minutes. Pinky promise!

I split it up into 2 phases.

Phase 1 is for Shopify, and Phase 2 is for Godaddy.

Phase 1 – How to Install Shopify

Step 1: Go to Shopify’s website and try their 14-day Free Trial.

Step 3: Answer some questions about yourself and your business. 

Step 4: After answering the needed questions, you’ll be redirected to your own Shopify profile. 

Step 5: Add the items you want to sell.

Step 6: Make essential pages for your shop.

Step 7: Choose a theme and personalize your online store.

It’s time to unleash your hidden creativity! 

Step 8: Configure your shipping options.

Step 9: Set up your tax settings.

Step 10: Configure your payment system and rewards.

Step 11: Get your store ready for launch.

Step 12: Open your shop.

Congratulations! It’s time to sell!

Phase 2 – How To Install Godaddy

Step 1: Go to Godaddy’s website.

Step 2: Start creating your website for free by setting up a GoDaddy account. 

Step 3: Choose a design.

Then, use the drag-and-drop editor to add your own images, text, or contact form. You can create a website that is as simple or as complicated as you want.

That’s it! Just three easy-peasy steps!

After all of those, publish your website to show what you’ve got.

Shopify Templates 

Let’s start with some fantastic Shopify templates.

Millions of merchants are expanding their operations by using themes created by developers worldwide. 

The cool thing is, the Shopify Theme Store features over 500 paid and free eCommerce designs for you to explore. In fact, they are made by well-known designers such as Pixel Union and Clean Themes. 

So… in the end, you’ll indeed find one that fits your taste. Whoopee! 

If you’re looking for the best possible theme for your upcoming store, do not hesitate to check out what they offer. 

Check these examples first as a reference:  

Example 1 – Handy 

Example 2 – Empire 

Example 3 – Avenue 

Things you should know about Shopify Templates:

• Shopify has over 70 pre-built themes—both free and premium. Ten themes are free, while the remaining 60+ start at $140. That may appear to be a large sum, but it is a worthwhile investment that’ll help bring your website to life.

• All themes in Shopify are mobile-friendly, which increases your chances of converting on-the-go customers.

• A free Shopify theme is ideal for people who are just getting started selling online. However, compared to a premium theme, the layout of a free theme is relatively basic.

GoDaddy Templates 

Let’s continue with GoDaddy.

Create a website that screams for a second look with GoDaddy’s available templates!

Take a look at these examples:.

GoDaddy Template 1 – Factory (Light)

GoDaddy Template 2 – Bookish

GoDaddy Template 3 – Wanderly

Things you should know about GoDaddy Templates:

• In comparison to Shopify, GoDaddy offers fewer template alternatives. Still, I’m confident you’ll discover one that’s perfect for you. If you want to stand out, I recommend Shopify for more options.

• Even though there are only a few options, GoDaddy’s templates are completely responsive!

• Any template can be customized so that it perfectly complements your content.

Winner: 

The thing is, they both offer templates that will look fantastic on any screen. However, if you’re looking for a variety of choices, I’d recommend Shopify as GoDaddy only has 19 templates for you to explore. Nonetheless, I’m positive that you’ll find the one you’re looking for.

It’s tough to compare the user interface of Shopify and GoDaddy, as it’s highly dependent on personal preferences.

There will be tons of people who think that Shopify clearly has a better editor. But then again, others will say GoDaddy wins.

Which of the two options should you use to sell your products and services? 

I’ll start comparing the two for you to see the difference: 

The Shopify editor compared to GoDaddy 

The Shopify editor is straightforward to use. Being the best eCommerce platform globally doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it to the maximum.

Because the interface is similar to a word document, you should have no trouble inserting data and photos. Even if you do, there is always someone who can assist you!

Overall, the basic elements required to establish and sell an online store, such as layouts, a payment processor, a weblog, and even email marketing tools, are offered with Shopify.

The GoDaddy editor compared to Shopify 

GoDaddy’s editor provides a pleasant and straightforward editing experience. Like other website builders, it has a central dashboard for managing your site and page sections that you can add and change from within the visual editor. 

In addition, you can even edit your site from a mobile device! What a convenient way to accomplish stuff. 

However, the editor provides very little design flexibility, and the adjustment options are also somewhat limited. 

Winner:

Shopify vs GoDaddy? As I always say, it really depends on your needs. Not everything is for you.

Shopify is perfect for users who want a lot of inventory control and want to develop a comprehensive online business. On the other hand, GoDaddy is for consumers who wish to quickly set up an eCommerce business and don’t mind using a basic platform. 

If you want more advanced features, choose Shopify as it is best if eCommerce is your priority. 

Shopify 

Shopify is simple to use as it has a clear, intuitive interface and gives a generally good user experience. The menu on the left allows you to access features or material, which you can then change or edit on the right.

Furthermore, the interface allows you to create and manage several sales channels, including an online store, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, buy button, and wholesale. Overall, you won’t be disappointed with it. 

Bonus part: it is an excellent choice for anyone interested in dropshipping!

GoDaddy 

GoDaddy is a simple website builder that uses Artificial Design Intelligence (ADI) to make website construction easier and more efficient. It leverages the information you give to build a personalized site in minutes, making it ideal for newbies who wish to publish a basic result!  Just like cooking pancakes – quick and easy!

Winner:

GoDaddy wins this round! As a website builder, it’s definitely fit for a newbie. Whether you’re an adult who’s just getting started or someone younger, you’ll be on board with ease. 

For eCommerce, GoDaddy employs ADI to establish your online store in minutes, making it the quickest and easiest method to have your eCommerce business up and running. While Shopify’s drag-and-drop interface is convenient, it cannot compete with GoDaddy’s total ease of use.

Can you use Shopify or WordPress for eCommerce?

Yes, actually, they’re both perfect for it. Let me show you why.

Let’s start with Shopify.

Is Shopify good for eCommerce?

I mean, come on! It’s already stated on the website that it’s “the platform commerce is built on!”

See? 

Without a doubt, Shopify is trusted by over a million of the world’s most successful enterprises to sell, deliver, and process payments anywhere. 

In fact, it has helped over 1,700,000 businesses in 175 countries earn more than $200 billion in sales. Terrific! 

A few of Shopify’s eCommerce features: 

• 70+ professional themes

In need of professional themes for your dream website? Look no further. Shopify has options for you to decide on. You’ll enjoy how your website appears on Shopify, thanks to themes made by famous designers, such as Happy Cog, Clearleft, and Pixel Union.

• Mobile commerce ready

Your Shopify online store comes with a built-in mobile commerce shopping cart. How cool is that? 

• Brand and customize your online store

Every template includes its own number of simple settings that allow you to quickly and easily change every aspect of your storefront.

• Digital products 

All customers can order and download your digital products directly from your website.

• Unlimited products 

You have no restrictions on the amount or type of products you can offer in your online store.

GoDaddy

Let’s continue with GoDaddy.

With GoDaddy’s E-Store, you can create an online business that speaks to clients in their language, increases sales, controls inventory, and much more! 

In fact, you can go online in minutes with their professional-looking templates and can begin selling your goods and services right away. Quick as a flash!

A few of GoDaddy’s eCommerce features: 

• Professionally designed templates 

With GoDaddy’s eCommerce templates, you’ll be online in no time. Sell your goods, services, or digital downloads.

• Very easy to use 

When you’re satisfied with your goods, just adjust your shopping options, and you’re good! So trouble-free! I would recommend this to save yourself from the hassle. 

• Online Product Catalog 

With a gorgeous online store designed to drive purchases, you can showcase and sell up to 2,500 different products.

• Coupons

With the option to provide unique savings online and through printable coupons, you can reward customers and improve sales.

• Incorporation of ShipStation

ShipStation is a widely used application for printing shipping labels.

• Payment Processing

Increase your sales by allowing clients to pay in whichever way they want. GoDaddy E-Store offers more than 40 payment gateways.

• Sell Digital Content

The GoDaddy E-Store isn’t simply for physical items. You can sell music, films, and other digital content directly from your store.

Winner:

A hundred percent yes to Shopify. The word already gives it ‘Shopify. Trust me, your eCommerce journey will be a hit with that platform. Shopify is truly one of the most popular eCommerce platforms. It currently supports over 600,000 online stores and has over 1.2 million registered users, which makes it an impressive platform.

Both Shopify and GoDaddy have a lot of features. Honestly, I can’t think of any feature I would like to add to either one of them.

However, I can imagine you want to know more about what features are included. So here we go.

Shopify 

Try Shopify for free and learn about all of the tools and services you’ll need to launch, manage, and improve your business. Check out these excellent features to see what Shopify is capable of: 

• Online sales channels

Shopify allows you to sell online through a variety of channels. In fact, each channel is linked to it, allowing you to quickly monitor your goods, purchases, and customers across all platforms.

• Manual order creation

You can generate new orders and provide payment information directly from the Shopify admin. 10/10 for this feature! Very helpful in my opinion. 

• Abandoned cart recovery

Customers who leave your store without finishing the checkout process are automatically emailed via abandoned checkout recovery (ACR). Go get that order! 

• Finance reports

You can examine an overview of your sales, transactions, and pending sales data by using the financial summary. 

• Unlimited bandwidth and online storage

You will not be billed based on the number of online visits to your store or the number of files or photos you upload.

GoDaddy

GoDaddy is a quick and easy platform to construct a website that you and your clients will enjoy. Take a look at these fantastic features to see what it’s capable of!

• Visually Appealing Templates 

GoDaddy has slick, responsive, and mobile-friendly templates that make you look fantastic on any screen. Selling on the internet? They also have store templates for you to explore on. Take a look at their E-Store Builder.

• Easy-to-Use Website Builder

You can build a website without any technical knowledge. No headaches included—just pure basics. 

• Free Professional Photographs

You don’t have any images yet? Don’t worry, you can utilize GoDaddy’s free professional photographs on the sites.

• Content Creation with GoDaddy Studio

Make eye-catching content for social media, email, and other platforms by utilizing gorgeous layouts, fonts, and graphics! 

For beginners, GoDaddy Studio is a content creation tool that is available on mobile and desktop. Its sophisticated image editor enables you to generate professional-looking content quickly and easily.

• Rapid Page-Load Performance

Nothing is more frustrating than a slow-loading website. The good thing is, GoodDaddy won’t let you down. GoDaddy’s loading speed is an average of 171.1 ms, indicating that they are swift.

• Connections 

From your dashboard, you can create and deliver customized messages to your customers.

Winner: 

They’re both fantastic platforms, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages for your goals.

Let’s talk about pricing. When comparing Shopify vs GoDaddy, price is an essential factor to consider. So, which platform is less expensive and which gives more value? 

Let’s take a closer look.

Shopify Pricing

When you use Shopify to build and maintain your online store, you’ll have access to sales channels, versatility, and many website features. The question is, how much does all of this charge you?

Shopify offers 4 main pricing options as of April 2024:

• Basic Shopify — $25 per month
• Shopify — $65 per month
• Advanced Shopify — $399 per month
• Plus — $2300 per month

Shopify’s plans are pricey compared to other eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce.  However, if you’re passionate about creating a successful online store, Shopify is a fantastic platform to help you get there.

GoDaddy

GoDaddy offers 4 pricing options as of April 2024: 

• Basic – $10.99 per month
• Standard – $10.49 per month
• Premium – $14.99 per month
• E-commerce – $16.99 per month

Winner: 

If you do not want to spend any penny, I’d recommend GoDaddy right away! GoDaddy’s website builder, known initially as Websites + Marketing, is an online editing and publishing tool that allows you to create a responsive website without any technical skills. However, Shopify offers more value for money if we’re talking eCommerce.

I’m going to keep this short.

Both of them are great for SEO.  I’ve seen several Shopify and GoDaddy websites with millions of visitors per month, all because of SEO!

Shopify Email provides you with the resources you need to build your business, from pre-built layouts to tracking. With no prior experience required, you’ll appear to be an expert right away!

In addition, you can start with no charge at all! You can send up to 2,500 emails every month for free. Shopify makes it simple to get started with email marketing and will support you as you grow. 

Playbox Technology is an information company that specializes in all things linked to television.

Using only GoDaddy, they are able to appropriately illustrate a wide range of intricate services that they provide. The design is extremely minimalistic and does a good job of emphasizing each part.

https://playboxtechnology.com

A high level of customer service keeps your online store running, income flowing, and customers pleased. Without a doubt, it’s an essential aspect of building a successful eCommerce empire. But which platform is the most beneficial? Let’s get to it. 

Shopify

Shopify places great importance on customer service. They are available 24/7, and the reaction time is very quick, ensuring that you’re never left in the dark. You can contact them by phone, mail, or webchat. 

GoDaddy

The 24/7 phone support and the live chat feature are significant advantages for GoDaddy.

Winner:

While both of them provide phone assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Shopify goes above and above with email and live chat support.

Shopify vs GoDaddy? Honestly, it depends on what you need. 

For a reason, Shopify is the most incredible platform on the market. It’s ideal for online business as it provides all of the tools required to develop an eCommerce powerhouse.

On the other hand, GoDaddy is great for those that wish to build an online store quickly and don’t require a lot of state-of-the-art sales tools. Overall, it’s a good option if you don’t have the time to spend hours building a store.

Overall, both options have surpassed my expectations, and I would love to see how nicely they work for you too.

Which is faster, Shopify or GoDaddy?

It’s a draw! They both function well with no interruptions, so you don’t need to worry about anything.

Is Shopify better than GoDaddy?

No. They both serve different advantages for their users. Choose Shopify for advanced eCommerce capabilities and GoDaddy for everything basic. 

Which is cheaper, Shopify or GoDaddy?

Definitely GoDaddy. You can literally start building a website for free with no coding skills as much as possible.