The arrival of a new website on the internet is less a simple launch than a technological statement. The site, which may handle e-commerce, content publishing, and user interactions, can represent a significant investment in design and development. Yet identifying the platform it's built on is often straightforward for those who know what to look for. With its flexible architecture, extensive plugin ecosystem, and user-friendly interface, WordPress powers a massive portion of the web, while Shopify offers a streamlined, dedicated e-commerce solution. Understanding whether a site uses a flexible SEO-friendly WordPress theme or a proprietary Shopify template is the first step in appreciating its underlying technology and potential.
How to Check if a Website is Made on WordPress or Shopify
Figuring out the platform behind a website doesn't require advanced technical skills. You can use several simple methods to uncover this information. Here is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you determine if you're looking at a WordPress or Shopify site.
- Check the Source Code: Right-click anywhere on the webpage and select "View Page Source" or "View Source." Once the code opens, press Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F on Mac) to search. Look for tell-tale signs. For WordPress, search for "/wp-content/" or "wp-json". For Shopify, search for "shopify" or ".myshopify.com". The presence of these strings is a strong indicator.
- Look at the Login Page: A classic method is to try to access the admin login page. For a WordPress site, append "/wp-admin" or "/wp-login.php" to the end of the website's main URL (e.g., www.example.com/wp-admin). For a Shopify store, try appending "/admin" (e.g., www.example.com/admin). If you are redirected to a login page that matches the platform's standard design, you have your answer.
- Inspect the Footer: Many websites, especially those built with WordPress, include a credit line in the footer that says "Proudly powered by WordPress" or something similar. While this can be removed by a developer, it's a quick and easy thing to check first. Shopify sites rarely have such a direct credit, but it's still worth a look.
- Use Online Tools: Several free online tools are designed specifically for this purpose. Websites like "BuiltWith" or "Wappalyzer" allow you to enter a URL and will analyze the site to reveal the content management system, e-commerce platform, and even the specific responsive plugins for WordPress it might be using. This is one of the easiest and most reliable methods.
- Examine the URL Structure: WordPress often uses a specific permalink structure for its blog posts and pages, commonly containing dates and categories (e.g., /2023/10/sample-post/). Shopify product URLs, on the other hand, typically include "/products/" in the path (e.g., /products/blue-t-shirt). Browsing a site's blog and product pages can provide clear clues.
Can I switch my existing Shopify store to WordPress?
Yes, you can migrate a Shopify store to WordPress, specifically to WooCommerce, which is a powerful e-commerce plugin. This process involves exporting your products, customers, and orders from Shopify and then importing them into your new WooCommerce store. It's a technical process that requires careful handling of data, images, and SEO redirects to ensure a smooth transition for your customers and search engine rankings. Many businesses undertake this move to gain more flexibility and control over their design and functionality, which is a core strength of WordPress. For a complex project like this, it's often wise to use professional website migration services to avoid data loss or downtime.
The migration is more than just moving data; it's about rebuilding the customer experience on a new, more flexible platform. You'll need to set up payment gateways, configure shipping options, and design a new storefront that matches or improves upon your old one. This is where the extensive library of WordPress themes and plugins shines, allowing for a highly customized online store.
What are the main differences between WordPress and Shopify?
The core difference lies in their fundamental nature. WordPress is an open-source Content Management System (CMS) that is highly flexible and can be used to build any type of website, with e-commerce added via plugins like WooCommerce. Shopify is a dedicated, hosted e-commerce platform specifically for online stores. This leads to key distinctions in cost, control, and ease of use. With WordPress, you own your site and data, but you are responsible for hosting, security, and managing WordPress updates. Shopify is a subscription service that handles all the technical backend for you, but it locks you into their system and has ongoing fees.
| Feature | WordPress (with WooCommerce) | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Open-source CMS | Hosted E-commerce |
| Cost Structure | Self-hosted (variable costs) | Monthly Subscription + Transaction Fees |
| Customization | Nearly Unlimited | Limited to Apps & Themes |
| Ease of Use | Steeper Learning Curve | Very User-Friendly |
| Ownership | You own everything | Platform owns the system |
Why would someone choose WordPress over Shopify for an online store?
Businesses often choose WordPress with WooCommerce for the unparalleled freedom and control it offers. Since it's open-source, you can modify every aspect of your store's design and functionality without platform restrictions. You have access to thousands of free and premium themes and plugins, allowing you to build a truly unique store that integrates with a wide range of third-party services and advanced CRM plugins for WordPress. This is ideal for businesses that anticipate complex needs, want to avoid long-term transaction fees, and desire complete ownership of their digital property and customer data.
Is it possible to find out what theme a WordPress site is using?
Absolutely. You can often identify a WordPress theme by inspecting the site's source code. Right-click and select "View Page Source," then search for "/themes/". The text following this often includes the theme's folder name. Alternatively, you can use online tools like "What WordPress Theme Is That?" which automatically detect the active theme and plugins by simply entering the site's URL. For developers needing to make precise customizations, knowing how to locate a specific page ID in WordPress is another useful skill that works in tandem with theme knowledge.
What if I want to completely remove a WordPress site?
If you need to shut down a WordPress site permanently, the process involves more than just letting your hosting expire. To do it properly, you should first create a full backup of your files and database. Then, you can delete all WordPress files from your server via your hosting control panel's file manager or FTP. Finally, you must delete the associated MySQL database. It's also important to understand how to delete a user account from WordPress if you are transferring ownership or closing a multi-user site. This ensures the site is completely removed and cannot be reinstated by someone else, protecting your content and data.
Grow Your Online Presence with WPutopia
At WPutopia, we specialize in harnessing the full power of WordPress for your business. Our expert team provides comprehensive WordPress maintenance, ensuring your site is always secure, fast, and up-to-date. We handle everything from routine theme upgrades and plugin installation to performance optimization and security monitoring, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on what you do best—running your business.
Whether you're looking to build a new site from scratch, migrate an existing store from another platform like Shopify, or need ongoing support to manage your digital presence, WPutopia is your trusted partner. We are dedicated to delivering reliable, professional WordPress services tailored to your specific goals. Let's work together to build a website that not only looks great but also performs flawlessly and grows your business.
