Purely from a blogging perspective, there is no question WP has the better CMS and overall controls/backend for non-programmers. Shopify is recommended more for expanding your ecommerce options with plugins, promo offers etc. Obviously would need more context here as far as feature scope and what your site needs were, but I'd lean more towards WP just based on what you've described. there are a checklist of factors you can go through in order to figure out which open source platform would be most advisable. Happy to connect and offer any insights or guidance I can to get you on the right platform.
I agree with JC's reply. For the life coaching market, you need to present yourself as an authority and thought leader. Prioritize your content and blog over store features. Also, with WordPress you'd have diverse e-commerce options that could be more suited for your offerings and easier to use. Plugins like Easy Digital Downloads, Restrict Content Pro, and LMS plugins like LifterLMS and LearnDash are great options to consider. Sometimes WooCommerce can get a little cumbersome when you have all or mostly virtual products.
The two options you list are very different.
Usually coaches provide content + many times group coaching (also called membership programs).
This means using WordPress + a membership plugin.
I tell my client to avoid WooCommerce, as it's far more complex to use than you'll imagine at first glance.
Using Shopify, means Shopify owns/controls/dictates your entire process, so I never use this platform.
Start with WordPress.
Look for someone who can consult with you about both business practices and technology, like WordPress.
If you can't find anyone like this, you can book a call with me. Either I can help or point you to someone who can.
Disclaimer: I run a high speed, WordPress hosting company + consult with my clients about topics like end-to-end marketing (from ad spends to conversions) + best practices for site scaling (as traffic increases)...
I say this because I've seen people use both WooCommerce + Shopify incorrectly + trying to escape either of these systems, after they're being used... is painful...
Like getting off hard drugs.
Better just never start.
Either Wordpress or Shopify would work for a life coach and it depends a bit on what you plan to sell. Without knowing much about the situation, I'll guess that you'd like to sell services.
While I typically suggest Shopify for most clients, Wordpress (with WooCommerce) may be a better fit for that situation. Shopify is primarily setup for physical products. That doesn't mean it can't be used for selling services. However, there are a lot features that you won't need in Shopify.
With Wordpress/WooCommerce, the biggest benefit would be the blogging features. Wordpress is the most popular blogging platform by far and more than likely, you'll get more out of using those features than the Shopify ecommerce features.
Shopify has a blogging platform as well and it even can be integrated with Wordpress if desired.
Before getting started, it's worth taking sometime to think about how you'll drive people to your site, what you plan to sell, and where to find your target audience.
I've setup stores on both platforms, and even run one of my own on each of Shopify and WooCommerce. There are pros and cons to both and it's certainly situation-dependent.
If you need help choosing, or taking the next step, with a Shopify or WooCoommerce shop, feel free to schedule a call.
Shopify unless you are especially good with creating websites or website management.
Shopify has the apps and an easy to use interface, plus they have a referral program for the platform. I've seen many consulting individuals use Shopify and have a good experience with it.
