Online stores are rarely static. You expect them to grow and expand with your business. But if you fail to choose the right platform, you can stunt your business’s growth. For your online venture, choosing the most suitable e-commerce platform is crucial. Your store’s scalability, functionality, and overall success hinge on it.
Presently, the e-commerce platform landscape offers a vast selection, but BigCommerce and Shopify emerge as top contenders, owing to their solid foundations and wide-ranging integrations.
So now the next question is if the choice comes down to BigCommerce vs Shopify, which should you choose? Let’s take a closer look.
BigCommerce vs Shopify: A Quick Look
Both BigCommerce and Shopify are cloud-based e-commerce solutions, equipping businesses with the necessary tools to establish and manage their online stores. Since they’re cloud-based (their services are delivered over the internet) their platforms give greater accessibility to users as they can access it from anywhere in the world.
Shopify hit the scene first in 2006 and has since grown to become a player to reckon with in the e-commerce world. BigCommerce, on the other hand, started a little bit later in 2009, but it has been steadily rising in popularity since then and is giving Shopify stiff competition.
Shopify Features
Shopify’s approachable design and simple navigation make it perfect for newcomers eager to start their online shops swiftly. Its drag-and-drop interface lets you create a professional-looking online store even without you having any coding knowledge or skill.
Shopify has numerous built-in options such as transaction handling, shipping, and promotional tools like email campaigns and discount codes. These features make Shopify a preferred choice for businesses looking for a smooth setup. Also, Shopify’s payment system is first-rate, accepting all primary credit cards and multiple payment methods.
BigCommerce Attributes
In contrast to Shopify, BigCommerce presents a more adaptable and customizable e-commerce solution. If enhancing your online store’s search engine visibility is a priority, BigCommerce’s emphasis on personalization and SEO optimization may be ideal for your venture.
BigCommerce includes features like an integrated blog, various payment options, and compatibility with many third-party services such as Google Shopping, Facebook, and eBay. Additionally, BigCommerce offers a more robust suite of reporting and analytics tools compared to Shopify.
Design and Customization
Both BigCommerce and Shopify provide an array of design and customization possibilities, including themes and templates. They allow you to insert custom code and make design adjustments independently. Additionally, both platforms are mobile-responsive, ensuring your store appears and functions optimally across all devices.
Nevertheless, some key distinctions exist between the two platforms. BigCommerce offers more advanced customization features, such as custom fields and product options, ideal for businesses with intricate product catalogs. In contrast, Shopify boasts over 70 polished templates and a more streamlined design process, making it suitable for businesses seeking a simplified setup.
Cost and Packages
BigCommerce and Shopify have distinct pricing plans and models. Shopify’s entry-level starts at $19 per month, while BigCommerce’s standard plan begins at $29 per month. Both platforms also provide higher-tier plans with additional features and enterprise-level options for larger businesses.
Consider what each pricing plan includes. BigCommerce’s lower-tier plans come with more built-in features, like support for numerous payment gateways, integration with point-of-sale providers and marketplaces, and real-time shipping quotes. Shopify’s lower-tier plans concentrate on basic features, such as shipping discounts, abandoned cart recovery, and marketing automation.
Client Support
Both BigCommerce and Shopify offer robust customer support options, including online documentation, live chat, and phone support. On the other hand, the quality of customer support varies between the platforms.
Shopify has an extensive community of developers and users who can offer assistance and advice. They offer a rich collection of learning materials like articles, webinars, and courses, which is excellent for newbies who require additional guidance. Shopify’s customer support operates 24/7 and is known for prompt, dependable responses to customer concerns.
In contrast, BigCommerce adopts a more personalized and hands-on approach to customer support. They provide a dedicated account manager for all customers, offering tailored support and consultation. BigCommerce’s customer support team can be contacted via phone, email, and live chat.
BigCommerce vs Shopify: Which Is Best For You?
In the competition between BigCommerce vs Shopify, which e-commerce platform should you choose for your business? The answer ultimately depends on your specific needs and objectives. If you desire a more customizable and flexible platform with advanced features, BigCommerce may be the better choice. For those who value a straightforward, user-friendly platform, Shopify could be an excellent match.
Opting for an e-commerce platform is just the initial step in constructing a flourishing online store. To genuinely stand out, you must prioritize creating top-notch content, ensuring your store is search engine friendly, and delivering outstanding customer support. Regardless of your chosen platform, these aspects will be crucial in determining your online store’s success.
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