⏳ Do you want to skip the read and get right to my pick in this EKM vs Shopify comparison? The better eCommerce platform for most people is Shopify.
Introduction to our EKM vs Shopify UK Comparison:
Without a doubt, eCommerce platforms are growing rapidly. If you’re about to build your online store, you might as well consider EKM or Shopify. Both platforms are packed with features and tools that will not just put your online store up, it also ensures that you reach your target market and earn adequate if not above-average sales.
The question is: which between them is a better fit for you and your needs?
Quick Comparison Table for EKM vs Shopify UK
| Features | EKM | 🥇 Shopify (My Top Pick!) |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | User-friendly interface with UK-specific features. | Intuitive and user-friendly platform that is popular globally. |
| Key Features & Flexibility | Offers UK-specific features, like integration with Royal Mail. High degree of customization with themes. | Highly flexible with a vast app store for additional features and functionality. |
| SEO & Marketing | Basic SEO features with integration for email marketing. | Robust SEO features and integration with various marketing tools. |
| Ecommerce Features | Comprehensive eCommerce features tailored for the UK market. | Complete eCommerce solution with a range of features for scaling an online store. |
| Customer Support & Resources | UK-based customer support via phone and chat. Knowledgebase available. | 24/7 global customer support via phone, chat, and email. Extensive documentation and community forums. |
| Pricing | Plans start at £32.49/month (including VAT) with a free domain, SSL, and access to themes. | Starts at $29/month (approx. £21) for Basic Shopify. Additional costs for apps and themes. |
| My View | EKM is ideal for UK-based businesses that want a platform tailored to the local market. | Shopify is a versatile and scalable platform ideal for businesses that aim for global reach. |
| Try for Free | Try for Free |
Overview:
Let's get this comparison started through a brief background of EKM Shopify.
EKM:
EKM is a UK-based eCommerce platform that offers an easy-to-use and direct user interface that appeals to new and seasoned online store owners and operators.
Shopify:
There is no doubt that when it comes to eCommerce, Shopify is a global leader. Over 1.2 million online entrepreneurs use Shopify as their eCommerce platform.
Ease of Use:
EKM:
One of the great things about EKM is that it is specifically designed for online stores created by those who have little to zero background in coding. All its features are beginner-friendly. Likewise, if critical issues arise, you can rely on a competent account manager to help you fix them.
Shopify:
Like EKM Shopify is incredibly simple to set up from creating an account to embellishing your online store. The interface is user-friendly and dashboard elements are pretty much self-explanatory. Still, with its full stack of features, it might get a while to get the hang of getting from point A to point B with this builder.
Winner: EKM! Within our ‘Ease of Use' EKM or Shopify comparison.
Features and Flexibility:
Which has better and more reliable features – EKM vs Shopify?
Out-of-the-box:
EKM:
EKM’s Evolution Mode is a standout feature that automates optimization and updates. This built-in solution removes the constant need to edit or alter certain aspects of your online store to catch up with any market trends.
Shopify:
Being an established eCommerce platform, Shopify banks on its built-in features like its templates, payment processing, and blog page.
Shopify vs EKM Themes and Templates:
EKM:
You can choose from over 70 themes categorized by industries that are completely customisable. Additionally, you can create your own logo, banners, and other graphics within the platform.
Shopify:
Compared to EKM Shopify has more than 60 industry-specific themes. You can rearrange the elements of the layout and incorporate your brand.
Customisation Tools:
EKM:
EKM has customising tools that allow you to tweak your online store aligning it to your brand. Likewise, you can ask for assistance from EKM’s in-house team and your own account manager to help you out with the customisation process.
Shopify:
Personalising your online store with Shopify is relatively simple. You can take advantage of its drag-and-drop mechanism and perform the customisation without the need for elaborate backend coding.
Shopify vs EKM 3rd Party Integrations:
EKM:
EKM mainly focuses on its built-in programs instead of employing third-party apps, extensions, and plugins. Its native apps cover basic tools to let you build and run your online store.
Shopify:
Compared to EKM Shopify has almost 6,000 plus apps on the Shopify App Store. Therefore, you can carefully select which program or tool fits your store best.
Hosting:
EKM:
With EKM, you can expect unlimited bandwidth with 24/7 server monitoring.
Shopify:
If you build your eCommerce store in Shopify, you’ll get the benefit of full in-house hosting services.
Backups:
EKM:
You can automate your database backup with EKM. Likewise, you can overwrite or retain old backups.
Shopify:
Unlike EKM, Shopify does not offer an automated backup system. You will have to do it manually with the help of guides available in the Help Center or use a third-party app to help you out like Rewind.
Migration:
EKM:
You can move your products and categories via the CSV/Excel Import System when you migrate your store.
Shopify:
Importing the data you need from other eCommerce platforms to Shopify follows a concise, readily available guide.
Winner: Shopify! Within our ‘Features and Flexibility' EKM or Shopify comparison.
SEO and Mobility:
SEO:
EKM:
EKM has above-average SEO tools that match well with search engine ranking requirements. You can add meta descriptions, keywords, and follow through with link-building recommendations.
Shopify:
You can use Shopify’s built-in SEO tools. Likewise, you can also choose from SEO-related apps in the Shopify App Store.
Mobile:
EKM:
EKM online stores are mobile responsive. Likewise, you can use the EKM app to check on your online store using your smartphone.
Shopify:
Similar to EKM Shopify is also mobile-friendly. Themes are designed to be compatible with smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. You can also check on your store through the Shopify Mobile App.
Pagespeed:
EKM:
The average load times for EKM are relatively fast for both mobile and desktop settings.
Shopify:
Compared to EKM Shopify has fast servers that ensure optimum pagespeed for its millions of users.
Winner: Shopify! Within our ‘SEO and Mobility' EKM vs Shopify comparison.
eCommerce Tools:
EKM:
EKM’s eCommerce tools are meticulously placed and selected to guarantee sales. Some of its tools include an abandoned cart retrieval system, email marketing, and social media integration.
Shopify:
The platform sports one of the most robust eCommerce suite of tools perfect for small and medium-sized businesses. It also has an enterprise solution called Shopify Plus to solve high-volume and complex store requirements.
Winner: Shopify! Within our ‘eCommerce Tools' EKM vs Shopify comparison.
Support and Resources:
EKM:
When it comes to an excellent support team, EKM is starting to establish a reputable name. The UK-based support staff can be reached via email, live chat, and phone call. Furthermore, it carries plenty of helpful online resources within its Support Centre.
Shopify:
Shopify has 24-hour technical support which you can reach via live chat, phone call, or email. It also has a reliable Help Centre, FAQ section, community forum and Free educational Courses, Tutorials and Webinars at Shopify Learn.
Winner – EKM! Within our ‘Support and Resources' EKM vs Shopify comparison. It's a close one, but we like the more personal touch with EKM.
EKM Shopify Pricing:
EKM:
If you compare EKM’s pricing with that of Shopify, the plans are indeed more costly. Plans start at £32.49 + VAT for the Basic Plan to £549.99 + VAT for the Pro Plan. However, the upside is that you’re also getting your money’s worth since the features are more extensive and personalised.
The terms of service page states the platform offers a standard 14-day free trial from their website but with our link you will receive a 28 day free trial. For this EKM.com review, we have to highlight its whopping 6-month money-back guarantee beginning with their Standard Plan.
Shopify:
Shopify’s cheapest plan that comes with eCommerce features sits at $29 per month. If you want to avail yourself of more tools, you will have to choose higher-tier pricing plans. The enterprise-level plan Shopify Plus requires custom pricing.
As stated on their terms of service page, the platform offers a 14-day trial, letting you wade through Shopify first before committing.
Winner: Shopify! Within our ‘Pricing' EKM vs Shopify comparison.
Comparison Winner: EKM or Shopify?
And just like that, we come to the conclusion of the EKM vs Shopify comparison. Based on how each eCommerce platform performed in each category, we declare Shopify as the Comparison Winner. However, the UK-based EKM is coming inches closer to the competition.
Conclusion and Recommendations to our EKM vs Shopify Review:
To wrap up this EKM vs Shopify comparison;
What is EKM best for?
EKM is best for small business owners and solopreneurs. It is also reliable for those who have a minimum background in building and designing online stores.
What is Shopify best for?
Shopify appeals to those who are aiming to build professional-looking eCommerce stores. It is also compatible with growing businesses and large enterprises.
Shopify vs EKM Alternatives
Here's a list of the best Shopify vs EKM alternatives to create a an online store:
| Rank | Key Features | Price (Basic Paid Plan) | Transaction Fee | My View | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Shopify | Comprehensive e-commerce features, large app store, excellent SEO tools | $29/month Check Pricing | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (for online credit card rates) | Ideal for most online stores due to its comprehensive features | Try For Free |
| 2. Squarespace | Beautiful templates, great for small to medium-sized stores, powerful marketing tools | $12/month Check Pricing | None (but payment processor fees apply) | Great for creatives and those who need a visually stunning online store | Try For Free |
| 3. Webflow | Deep customization options, good for web designers, CMS features | $12/month Check Pricing | 2% on customer's checkout total | Best for designers needing high degree of customization | Try For Free |
| 4. Square Online | Syncs with Square POS, good for small to medium-sized stores, unlimited products | Free to start, e-commerce from $12/month Check Pricing | Yes, 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction | Great for existing Square POS users | Try For Free |
| 5. WooCommerce | Open-source, highly customizable, requires WordPress | Free Check Hosting Pricing | Depends on payment gateway used | Best for WordPress users and those who want total control | Try For Free (with Nexcess Hosting) |
| 6. Wix | User-friendly, great for small stores, wide range of templates | $14/month Check Pricing | None (but payment processor fees apply) | Great for small businesses or beginners | Try For Free |
| 7. Big Cartel | Designed for creators and artists, easy to use, limited features | Free for up to 5 products, plans from $9.99/month Check Pricing | None (but payment processor fees apply) | Ideal for artists and creators with smaller product lines | Try For Free |
| 8. Ecwid | Can be integrated into any website, good for small to medium-sized stores | Free for up to 10 products, plans from $15/month Check Pricing | Depends on payment gateway used | Good for those who want to add a store to an existing site | Try For Free |
| 9. Volusion | Good inventory system, comprehensive e-commerce features | $29/month Check Pricing | None (but payment processor fees apply) | Good for medium-sized businesses | Try For Free |
| 10. Weebly | Easy to use, good for small stores, powered by Square | Free to start, paid plans from $6/month Check Pricing | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction | Good for small businesses or beginners | Try For Free |
EKM vs Shopify Final Word:
Shopify has a stronghold in the eCommerce industry. However, EKM also offers solutions that match the ever-changing needs of businesses.
At the end of the day, aside from this EKM or Shopify review, your choice will be influenced by your goals and which platform speaks well to your comfort.
If you want to make the right choice, consider signing up for Shopify Free Trials.
FAQ:
Do EKM and Shopify require transaction fees?
Shopify has transaction fees while EKM has none.
Can you set up an online store in EKM if you’re outside the UK?
Yes. You can build an EKM online store if you live outside the UK.
That’s all for now:
If you've read our Webflow vs Wix comparison review up to here, we are grateful. Are you up for a longer read? Remember always to keep abreast of the latest developments on website builders, eCommerce, and other articles, such as the ones below;
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