Websites using Woothemes

Okay, let s break down WooThemes (now primarily known for their WooCommerce platform) in terms of overview, revenue, alternatives, pricing, and customer care. It s important to note that WooThemes as a standalone entity no longer exists; it was acquired by Automattic (the company behind WordPress.com) and is now heavily integrated with and known for WooCommerce.

Overview: The Transformation from WooThemes to WooCommerce

• Early Days (WooThemes): WooThemes was originally known for creating and selling premium WordPress themes. They had a strong reputation for high-quality, well-designed themes with a focus on functionality and design.
• The WooCommerce Era: They developed WooCommerce, a free, open-source e-commerce plugin for WordPress. This plugin became immensely popular and effectively eclipsed their theme business.
• Acquisition by Automattic: Automattic acquired WooThemes in 2015, signaling a shift in focus. WooCommerce became the dominant product, while the original WooThemes offerings were largely phased out.
• Current Focus: Today, the primary focus is on WooCommerce, with the emphasis on providing a flexible, powerful, and scalable platform for building online stores of all sizes.

Revenue:

• Historical Revenue (WooThemes): Information on the specific revenue generated by WooThemes before the acquisition is not publicly available. It was a significant player in the WordPress theme market.
• Current Revenue (WooCommerce/Automattic): Automattic does not disclose the specific revenue of WooCommerce separately. However, WooCommerce is a very significant revenue driver for Automattic. It s estimated to be one of the leading e-commerce platforms globally, powering millions of stores. The revenue comes from:
  • Premium Extensions: WooCommerce offers a vast library of premium extensions that add extra features and functionality, contributing heavily to its income.
  • WooCommerce.com: The WooCommerce.com website is a key distribution channel for these extensions.
  • Other Services: Automattic offers related services and products that are tied into the WooCommerce ecosystem.
  • Subscriptions: Some extensions and services may be offered through subscription models.

Alternatives to WooCommerce:

WooCommerce is incredibly popular, but it s not the only option. Here are some common alternatives, depending on your needs:

• Shopify:
  • Pros: Easy to use, all-in-one platform (hosting, security, payment processing handled), large app store, good for beginners.
  • Cons: Less flexibility and customization than WooCommerce, can be more expensive for scaling.
• BigCommerce:
  • Pros: Scalable platform, good for large stores, built-in marketing tools, strong customer support.
  • Cons: More complex to use than Shopify, not as intuitive as WooCommerce for basic setups, can be more expensive.
• Squarespace:
  • Pros: Very easy to use, visually appealing templates, good for small businesses, all-in-one platform.
  • Cons: Limited e-commerce features, less flexibility than WooCommerce.
• Magento:
  • Pros: Highly customizable and powerful, great for large enterprise businesses, open-source, highly scalable.
  • Cons: Complex to use, requires technical knowledge, can be expensive to develop and maintain.
• PrestaShop:
  • Pros: Open-source, good for European markets, large community, many free and paid extensions.
  • Cons: Less user-friendly than some alternatives, requires technical skills for configuration.
• Ecwid:
  • Pros: Easy to integrate into existing websites, good for small businesses, free plan available.
  • Cons: Less feature-rich than platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, limitations on free plan.
• Big Cartel:
  • Pros: Designed for artists and creatives, simple to use, affordable.
  • Cons: Limited features, less suitable for large stores or complex product catalogs.

Pricing (WooCommerce Ecosystem):

• WooCommerce Core: The WooCommerce plugin itself is FREE.
• WordPress Hosting: You will need a hosting plan that supports WordPress (prices vary greatly).
• Premium Extensions:
  • Most of the cost associated with WooCommerce comes from the premium extensions, which vary greatly in price (from free to hundreds of dollars per extension).
  • Prices can be one-time purchases or annual subscriptions.
  • You ll likely need at least a few to get the features you need beyond the basic e-commerce setup.
• Themes:
  • While WooThemes itself is gone, you ll need a WordPress theme. Many free and premium themes are compatible with WooCommerce, with prices ranging from free to hundreds of dollars.
• Development Costs:
  • If you need custom functionality, you may need to hire a WordPress developer.
• Payment Gateways: Transaction fees from payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) apply.

Key takeaway on pricing: WooCommerce can be very affordable to get started with, but costs will increase as your needs evolve.

Customer Care Details:

• WooCommerce Documentation: Extensive and well-maintained documentation is available on the WooCommerce website. This includes guides, tutorials, and troubleshooting tips.
• WooCommerce Support:
  • Free Support: Basic support for the core plugin is generally available through the WordPress.org support forums.
  • Premium Support: Premium support is typically included with the purchase of premium extensions and subscriptions purchased on WooCommerce.com.
• Community Forums: The WooCommerce community is large and active, and you can often find help and answers to your questions in forums and online groups.
• WooCommerce Blogs: They have blogs that often answer common questions or offer updates on the product and related services.
• Third-Party Developers and Consultants: Many developers and agencies specialize in WooCommerce and offer support and development services.

In Summary:

• WooThemes Legacy: Remember that the name WooThemes is now largely associated with the history of WooCommerce, not the theme business it once had.
• WooCommerce is King: The focus is entirely on the WooCommerce e-commerce plugin.
• Flexibility and Scalability: WooCommerce is known for its flexibility and scalability.
• Cost is Variable: The cost of WooCommerce will largely depend on the extensions and services you choose.
• Strong Support System: There is robust documentation and support available for WooCommerce.

If you re considering WooCommerce, carefully assess your needs, research available extensions, and choose a hosting plan that will meet your needs. If you re having problems, use the support resources, documentation and the forums.