Best Online Sales Tools for Solopreneurs: Shopify vs ManyChat Compared
Shopify: Leading E-commerce Platform for Solopreneurs
| Feature | Description | Why It Matters for Solopreneurs | Star Rating | Affiliate Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customizable Storefronts | Drag-and-drop builder with free & paid themes | Create a brand that reflects your personality and appeals to your target market | ★★★★★ | Try Shopify Free for 3 Days |
| Inventory & Product Management | Centralized dashboard to track stock and SKUs | Helps stay organized without needing an extra tool | ★★★★☆ | |
| Payment Processing | Accepts all major cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and more | Makes checkout easy and trustworthy for customers | ★★★★★ | |
| App Store & Integrations | 8,000+ apps including SEO tools, marketing automations, and sales boosters | Add new features as your business grows | ★★★★★ | |
| Built-in Marketing Tools | Email marketing, SEO fields, discount codes, blogging tools | Everything you need to attract and retain customers | ★★★★☆ |
• Shopify is super beginner-friendly
Even if you’re not “techy,” you can set up your store in under a day. I tried it with zero coding skills and had my first product live before lunch. The dashboard is clean, and you won’t get lost in endless menus like other platforms. Plus, Shopify walks you through every step.
• You get everything in one place
No need to juggle different apps for payments, shipping, and marketing. Shopify’s like a well-organized kitchen — everything’s within arm’s reach. From one login, you can track sales, fulfill orders, manage inventory, send emails, and even write blog posts. It’s perfect for solopreneurs who already have too much on their plate.
• The themes actually look professional
Ever seen a janky-looking online store that looks like it was built in 2008? Yeah, not the vibe. Shopify themes are modern, clean, and mobile-friendly. Even free ones like “Dawn” look like a designer built them. That kind of polish builds trust — which translates to sales.
• The Shopify App Store is a goldmine
Think of it like your business toolbox. Want to recover abandoned carts? There’s an app for that. Need better analytics? Done. Want to add a chatbot? Yep — and guess what, ManyChat integrates directly. You’re not stuck with the basics; you can upgrade your store without rebuilding everything.
• Entreprelyst has tutorials to help you get the most out of Shopify
If you’re worried about learning curves or optimizing your sales pages, don’t be. Check out Entreprelyst’s Medium for tutorials on designing your Shopify store, boosting conversions, and keeping customers coming back. It’s real-world advice, no fluff.
ManyChat: Multi-Channel Chatbot Automation to Boost Online Sales
| Feature | Description | Why It Matters for Solopreneurs | Star Rating | Affiliate Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Platform Messaging | Works with Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, SMS, WhatsApp, and Email | Reach your customers where they hang out the most | ★★★★★ | Try ManyChat Free |
| Lead Capture Automation | Auto-captures emails, phone numbers, and custom inputs during conversations | Builds your email/SMS list on autopilot | ★★★★☆ | |
| Pre-built Automation Templates | Ready-to-use chatbot flows for sales funnels, FAQs, order tracking, and more | Saves time — no need to build everything from scratch | ★★★★★ | |
| Integration with Shopify | Syncs customer data, tracks purchases, and automates cart recovery directly within Shopify | Helps boost conversion rates without lifting a finger | ★★★★★ | |
| Affordable Pricing | Free plan up to 1,000 contacts; Pro starts at $15/month | Budget-friendly for early-stage solopreneurs | ★★★★☆ |
• You don’t need to babysit your business 24/7
I used to worry about replying to every message or inquiry while eating lunch or running errands. With ManyChat, that’s over. It’s like hiring a virtual assistant that never takes a day off. You set the conversation flow once, and it keeps working — morning, noon, and midnight.
• Lead generation happens without lifting a finger
Let’s say someone DMs your business on Instagram asking about a product. Boom — ManyChat can grab their email, answer their question, and offer them a discount — all in a few seconds. It’s wild how fast it can grow your email list without you even noticing.
• Works seamlessly across all the platforms that matter
From Instagram to Facebook Messenger to SMS, ManyChat’s got you. Whether someone’s sliding into your DMs or clicking your WhatsApp link, they’ll get a fast, friendly response that feels real. And if you’re already using email? You can blend that in too.
• Don’t know where to start? Use templates
When I started using ManyChat, I was overwhelmed by the idea of creating automation. But then I discovered the ready-made flows. Want to recover abandoned carts? There’s a flow. Want to send coupons? Covered. These templates are a lifesaver, especially for solopreneurs juggling a million tasks.
• Entreprelyst has exclusive templates just for you
If you’re wondering what the heck should I even say in a chatbot, we’ve got you. Head over to Entreprelyst’s Pinterest where you’ll find plug-and-play chatbot sales funnel templates and workflows made with ManyChat. It’s all built for real solo businesses like yours.
Pricing and Discounts: Which Tool Offers Better Value for Solo Entrepreneurs?
| Tool | Pricing Structure | Best For | Star Rating | Affiliate Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | Starts at $29/month + transaction fees + optional add-ons | Solopreneurs needing an all-in-one store setup | ★★★★☆ | Try Shopify Free for 3 Days |
| ManyChat | Free up to 1,000 contacts; Pro starts at $15/month | Solopreneurs focused on customer engagement & automation | ★★★★★ | Try ManyChat Free |
| Free Plan | Available for ManyChat only | New businesses just starting out | ★★★★☆ | |
| Add-Ons/Extras | Shopify has paid apps; ManyChat has most key features built-in | Shopify extras can add up; ManyChat stays lean | ★★★★☆ |
Don’t overspend — choose the tool that fits your solo business and start free ➡ Try Shopify or Try ManyChat
• Shopify gives you more features — but at a cost
Shopify’s $29/month plan might seem affordable, but once you add in transaction fees and a few third-party apps, it can sneak up on your budget. When I used it for a test project, I quickly found myself spending closer to $50/month without realizing it — and that was with just a couple of essential add-ons.
• ManyChat’s free plan is perfect for beginners
If you’re just starting out or still figuring out your niche, ManyChat’s free plan is a blessing. You can message up to 1,000 contacts, test different funnels, and automate simple conversations — all without touching your wallet. I used the free version for 4 months before upgrading.
• Pro plans grow with your business
ManyChat’s Pro pricing is super reasonable. Starting at just $15/month, it scales based on your contact count. So you’re only paying for growth when it actually happens — no more, no less. Shopify doesn’t really offer that kind of flexibility.
• Consider your sales stage
If you’re still figuring out product-market fit or building your email list, ManyChat is a safe low-cost way to build momentum. On the flip side, if you’ve already got traffic or products ready to go, Shopify’s upfront cost can be worth it for the all-in-one dashboard and ease of setup.
• Get pro tips without the guessing
Not sure how to make the most of your plan? Check out Entreprelyst’s YouTube Channel for pricing comparisons, breakdowns, and ways to stretch your dollar on both platforms. You’ll find videos walking through actual store setups and chat automations — with zero fluff.
Grow smarter, not costlier — test ManyChat for free or build your store risk-free with Shopify ➡
Key Features and Integrations: How Shopify and ManyChat Streamline Sales Processes
| Tool | Key Features | Integrations | Star Rating | Affiliate Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | Store builder, inventory tracking, payment processing, SEO tools | Works with Stripe, PayPal, USPS, Klaviyo, Printful, and more | ★★★★☆ | Try Shopify Free for 3 Days |
| ManyChat | Multi-channel chat automation, lead collection, prebuilt sales funnels | Connects with Shopify, Google Sheets, Zapier, Mailchimp, and more | ★★★★★ | Try ManyChat Free |
| Sales Automation | Abandoned cart recovery, auto-follow-ups, discount triggers | Both platforms support these functions via apps or workflows | ★★★★☆ | |
| AI Tools | ManyChat’s AI lead qualifying and Shopify’s app-based AI analytics | Can customize experiences based on behavior | ★★★★☆ |
Combine the best of e-commerce and automation to boost your solo business ➡
• Shopify keeps your business organized behind the scenes
You’ve got one place to list products, track orders, and accept payments. No jumping between tabs or copying data into spreadsheets. When I ran a small digital product store, the ability to automate receipts, fulfillment emails, and even tax calculations saved hours each week.
• ManyChat helps you never miss a customer again
Whether someone’s asking “Is this in stock?” or “How do I order?” — you don’t have to be online 24/7. ManyChat captures those leads in real time and handles conversations with pre-programmed logic. And you don’t have to be a tech nerd to set it up — the drag-and-drop editor is super simple.
• Shopify + ManyChat = next-level automation
When used together, it’s magic. Let’s say someone abandons their cart on your Shopify store. ManyChat can automatically send them a reminder through Instagram DMs or Facebook Messenger — maybe even toss in a discount. It’s like having your own marketing assistant nudging people to buy… without annoying them.
• Most solopreneurs don’t use 10 tools — they use the right two
Between Shopify and ManyChat, you’re covering everything: store setup, product delivery, messaging, follow-ups, and upselling. Why pay for 5 different platforms when these two do the job better, faster, and cheaper?
• Want to go deeper?
If you’re ready to take this pairing seriously, head over to Entreprelyst’s Medium where you’ll find advanced sales funnel strategies and chatbot automation blueprints. These guides show how to link Shopify with ManyChat step-by-step — even if you’re a total beginner.
Double your impact with half the effort — Shopify and ManyChat are the perfect combo ➡
Pros and Cons: Choosing the Best Online Sales Tool for Your Solo Business
| Tool | Pros | Cons | Star Rating | Affiliate Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | All-in-one e-commerce setup, sleek themes, powerful app ecosystem | Monthly fees, transaction costs, and a bit of a learning curve | ★★★★☆ | Try Shopify Free for 3 Days |
| ManyChat | Easy to set up, low-cost, great for automation and real-time engagement | Doesn’t build your storefront — it supports one | ★★★★★ | Try ManyChat Free |
| Best For… | Product sellers who want full control over the storefront experience | Solopreneurs focused on lead gen, conversion, and customer chat | ★★★★☆ | |
| Learning Curve | Shopify: Medium | ManyChat: Low | ★★★★☆ |
Pick the one that fits your focus — or combine both for serious solo success ➡
• Shopify shines when you’re ready to build your brand storefront
If you want to sell your own products and have control over how your store looks and feels, Shopify is the way to go. Think of it as renting a virtual storefront on your terms — shelves, checkout, design, everything. It’s perfect for solopreneurs who like to keep everything in one place.
But — and here’s the thing — it can feel like too much if you’re just starting. When I launched my first Shopify store, I spent a week just figuring out how to tweak the homepage layout. Once I got the hang of it though, it felt like running my own mini-Amazon.
• ManyChat is a smart shortcut to better conversions
If your business lives on Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp — or you’re constantly chatting with potential customers — then ManyChat is a must-have. It turns followers into buyers by talking to them in real-time. When I added it to my store, conversions doubled — no joke. People want answers now. This gives it to them.
That said, it’s not a store builder. You still need something like Shopify or Etsy to host your actual products.
• Not either/or — but both
A lot of solopreneurs make the mistake of picking one and ignoring the other. But these tools aren’t rivals — they’re partners. Shopify sets up the shop. ManyChat brings in the customers, engages them, and gets them to buy. You don’t have to choose. I use both — and recommend others do too, especially once sales start picking up.
• Match your tool to your goal
Ask yourself: Do you want to set up a polished, standalone online shop? Go Shopify. Do you want to automate convos and capture leads through DMs? Start with ManyChat. Want to grow fast and look pro? Use both.
• Stay updated and keep testing
The world of solo selling changes fast. That’s why Entreprelyst’s Pinterest and YouTube Channel are always updated with new chatbot flows, pricing hacks, and growth tricks. You’ll find bite-sized ideas that make a real difference.
The smartest solopreneurs use the right tools at the right time — get started now ➡