Launching an online store is an exciting time for any business. You’ve curated a fantastic selection of products, set up your inventory, and are ready to welcome customers to your digital storefront.
But as you navigate the world of e-commerce, a crucial decision awaits: should you build your BigCommerce site yourself or partner with a BigCommerce website designer to ensure everything runs smoothly?
BigCommerce is renowned as a leading e-commerce platform trusted by businesses ranging from startups to established enterprises for its powerful features and scalability. It provides the tools needed to create a seamless shopping experience, but the path you take to build your store can significantly impact its success.
So which choice should you go with, a DIY approach or hiring a professional?
The debate of BigCommerce website designer vs. DIY is pivotal for many business owners. On one hand, taking the DIY route can offer cost savings and complete control over your website’s design and functionality.
On the other hand, collaborating with a BigCommerce marketing agency can provide expert insights, a polished look, and optimized performance tailored to your specific business needs.
Today, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to decide which is better for you.
Getting to Know BigCommerce
Before deciding whether to build your BigCommerce store yourself or seek professional help, it’s important to understand what BigCommerce brings to the table. Let’s take a closer look at the platform’s key features.
Platform overview
BigCommerce is a popular e-commerce platform for easy setting up and managing an online store. It offers a variety of templates you can customize to help you create a visually appealing storefront without needing advanced design skills.
Some of its standout features include:
- Product management: Easily organize and display your products with detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and customizable options.
- Payment integration: Seamlessly connect with multiple payment gateways for a smooth and secure checkout process for your customers.
- SEO tools: Built-in SEO features help your store rank higher in search engine results to drive more organic traffic your way.
- Analytics and reporting: Gain insights into your store’s performance with comprehensive analytics to make informed business decisions.
- Mobile optimization: Ensure your store looks great and functions well on all devices so that you cater to the increasing number of mobile shoppers.
These features make BigCommerce a powerful tool for creating a professional and efficient online store.
The DIY Approach: Building Your BigCommerce Store Yourself
Choosing to build your BigCommerce store on your own can be an appealing option, especially if you’re looking to manage costs and have complete control over your website. Here are the advantages and challenges of taking the DIY route.
Pros of DIY
Cost savings
One of the most significant benefits of the DIY approach is the potential to save money. When you handle the design and setup yourself, you eliminate the need to pay for professional services. It is particularly advantageous for startups and small businesses operating on a tight budget.
Control and flexibility
Building your store yourself gives you full control over every aspect of your website. You can make immediate changes, experiment with different designs, and tailor the site exactly to your vision without waiting for a designer’s availability. This flexibility allows you to respond quickly to market trends or customer feedback.
Learning experience
Taking on the task of building your BigCommerce store can be a valuable learning experience. As you navigate the platform, you gain a deeper understanding of your website’s functionality and e-commerce operations. This knowledge can empower you to manage and optimize your store more effectively in the long run.
Cons of DIY
Time investment
While saving money is a plus, building a website from scratch requires a considerable time commitment that can divert your attention from other essential business activities, such as marketing and customer service.
Limited expertise
Even though BigCommerce is user-friendly, it has advanced features that might be challenging for you to master if you don’t have prior experience. And without the necessary expertise, you might struggle to fully utilize its capabilities, which will potentially result in a website that doesn’t perform as well as it should.
Maintenance responsibilities
Once your store is up and running, you will still need to do regular updates, security checks, and troubleshooting. Managing these tasks on your own can become overwhelming, especially as your business grows and your website becomes more complex.
Partnering with a BigCommerce Website Designer: What You Gain
While building your BigCommerce store on your own has its advantages, a professional website designer can offer several benefits that streamline your business operations.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of hiring a BigCommerce website designer.
Pros of hiring a designer
Professional quality
Working with a BigCommerce website designer means accessing expert design and functionality tailored specifically to your brand.
Designers are experienced in creating visually appealing and user-friendly sites that perform efficiently. Your site will meet industry standards and provide a polished look that can attract and retain customers.
Customization and unique branding
A professional designer will help you create a distinctive look that sets your store apart in a crowded market. The level of customization goes beyond the limitations of standard templates and allows you to showcase what makes your business special.
Efficiency and time savings
Launching a website can be time-consuming, especially if you’re juggling multiple responsibilities. Hiring a designer accelerates the process to a faster launch compared to the DIY approach.
With a professional handling the technical and design aspects, you can focus more on other critical areas of your business, such as marketing, inventory management, and customer service.
Ongoing support
A BigCommerce website designer often provides continuous maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting. Their ongoing support keeps your website up-to-date with the latest features and security measures.
Having a dedicated professional to handle these tasks means fewer headaches for you and a consistently smooth-running online store.
Cons of hiring a designer
Initial costs
One of the main drawbacks of hiring a website designer is the higher upfront investment compared to the DIY approach. Professional services come with costs that can be a consideration, especially for startups and small businesses with limited budgets. However, this investment often translates into a more effective and efficient website in the long run.
Finding the right fit
Selecting the right designer requires time and effort. Find a professional who understands your vision and has experience with BigCommerce.
The process involves researching potential designers, reviewing their portfolios, and making sure their style aligns with your brand. Investing time in finding the right fit can lead to a more successful collaboration and a website that truly represents your business.
Real-World Scenarios: When to Choose DIY or a Designer
Deciding between a DIY approach and hiring a BigCommerce website designer often depends on the specific circumstances and stage of your business. Let’s look at some real-world scenarios to help you determine which option might be best for you.
Small startups
For new businesses just getting off the ground, managing every dollar counts. In the early stages, a DIY approach can be sufficient. Building your BigCommerce store yourself allows you to allocate funds to other critical areas of your business, like product development and marketing.
Additionally, starting with a DIY setup gives you firsthand experience with your website so that you understand its functionalities and how it serves your customers. This hands-on knowledge can be invaluable as you begin to shape your brand and business strategies.
Growing businesses
As your business begins to expand, the demands on your website increase. More products, higher traffic, and the need for advanced features can make a DIY approach less feasible. Hiring a BigCommerce website designer becomes more advantageous in this stage.
A professional will optimize your site for better performance, implement custom features that enhance user experience, and ensure your website scales smoothly with your growth. You will be able to maintain a high-quality online presence without getting bogged down by technical challenges.
Specific needs
Certain business requirements might make hiring a designer the better choice, regardless of your business size. If your brand demands a unique and highly customized website to stand out in a competitive market, a professional designer can bring your vision to life in ways that DIY tools may not accommodate.
Businesses that require complex integrations, advanced SEO strategies, or specialized functionalities will also benefit from the expertise of a designer. For example, if you plan to incorporate unique product configurators, intricate animations, or multi-language support, a professional can ensure these elements are implemented seamlessly and effectively.
What is the Right Choice for Your Business?
Choosing between a DIY approach and partnering with a BigCommerce website designer isn’t always straightforward. To make the best decision for your business, consider the following key factors:
Assess your needs
Start by evaluating what your business truly requires. Ask yourself questions like:
- What are my website goals? Are you aiming for a simple online catalog or a feature-rich store with advanced functionalities?
- Do I have the necessary skills? Assess your technical expertise and willingness to learn the intricacies of BigCommerce.
- How much time can I dedicate? Building and maintaining a website requires significant time investment, especially if you’re handling it alongside other business responsibilities.
- What level of customization do I need? Determine if standard templates meet your needs or if you require a unique design that stands out.
Your answers to these questions will help you better understand whether a DIY approach aligns with your current capabilities and business objectives or if seeking professional help would be more beneficial.
Budget considerations
Budget plays a big role in your decision-making process. Here’s how to weigh the costs:
- Immediate costs: DIY is often seen as more affordable since you’re not paying for professional services. However, consider the costs of everything you might need, such as premium themes, apps, and any additional tools..
- Long-term benefits: Investing in a BigCommerce marketing agency like Epic can lead to a more optimized and high-performing website, potentially driving higher sales and better user engagement. Think about the return on investment (ROI) a professionally designed site can bring over time.
- Hidden costs: DIY might save money initially, but consider the potential costs of troubleshooting issues, implementing advanced features, and the time you spend that could be used elsewhere in your business.
Balancing your budget with these factors will help you determine which option offers the best value for your specific situation.
Long-term goals
Add your business’s future plans to the equation:
- Scalability: If you plan to expand your product lines, enter new markets, or increase your website’s functionality, a professionally designed site can better accommodate these changes without major overhauls.
- Brand development: A unique and professionally crafted website can enhance your brand’s identity and make a lasting impression on customers.
- Ongoing support: As your business grows, so will your website’s needs. Partnering with a BigCommerce website designer gives you access to ongoing support and updates to keep your site current and efficient.
Consider your long-term vision so your website not only meets your immediate needs but also supports your business’s growth and evolution.
Conclusion
Building your BigCommerce store involves weighing the benefits and challenges of both DIY and hiring a professional website designer.
- DIY pros: Cost savings, complete control, and a valuable learning experience.
- DIY cons: Significant time investment, limited expertise, and ongoing maintenance responsibilities.
- Hiring a designer pros: Professional quality, unique customization, efficiency, and ongoing support.
- Hiring a designer cons: Higher initial costs and the effort to find the right designer.
For most businesses, partnering with a BigCommerce website designer offers greater advantages, ensuring a polished and scalable online store while allowing you to focus on growing your business.
Choose the Best Path for Your BigCommerce Success
At Epic, we specialize in crafting BigCommerce solutions that perfectly fit your business needs. Let us help you create a standout online store that drives results and supports your growth.
Contact us today to discuss how our expert designers can elevate your BigCommerce store for the better.
