Shopify vs a custom website: what a local service business needs

Short answer: Shopify is built for selling products online. If your business wins work through calls and quote requests, you probably don't need it. If you sell products too, Shopify can be the right call.

I build sites for service businesses, so I'll be upfront that this is my side of the table. I'll also tell you when Shopify is the better pick.

What Shopify does well

Shopify handles products, inventory, checkout and shipping. If your business is a store, it's a serious tool, and it saves a lot of work. It also has monthly plans and card-processing fees, so check their pricing page for the current numbers before you commit.

Why it's often the wrong tool for service work

A mechanic, a cleaner or a landscaper doesn't have a shelf. People don't check out. They call, ask for a quote and want to know if you'll show up. A site for that needs:

• A page for each job you do, written for what people search
• Tap-to-call on every page
• A quote form that lets someone send photos
• Your service area written out in plain towns
• A Google profile and reviews behind it

You can bolt those onto a store platform, but you're paying for a checkout you won't use.

When you do sell something

Some local businesses sell products as well: a salon with retail, a shop with gift cards, a pizzeria taking orders. If most of your revenue is product sales online, a store platform may be right. If it's a side line, a simple payment link or a custom order flow is usually enough. Ray's Pizzeria is a restaurant where I built the site around one-tap call to order, with the full menu readable by Google.

How to decide

• Most of your income comes from selling products online: look at Shopify
• Most of your income comes from calls, quotes and bookings: a service site fits
• Both: tell me what each side is worth, and I'll give you a straight answer

Not sure? Ask for a demo. I'll look at your business and tell you which fits, even if it isn't me. For the other platforms, see Squarespace vs Wix vs custom and WordPress vs hiring a designer.