Shopify vs Bigcommerce: Choose the Best E-commerce Platform

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Choosing the Right E-commerce Platform
   • Shopify
   • Bigcommerce
3. Setting up a Shopify Store
   • Creating an Account
   • Selecting a Store Name
   • Adding Products
4. Setting up a Bigcommerce Store
   • Understanding the Platform
   • Selecting a Pricing Plan
   • Customizing the Store
5. Pros and Cons of Shopify and Bigcommerce
6. Growing Your E-commerce Business
   • Marketing Tools and Strategies
   • Expanding to Multiple Platforms
7. Conclusion

Introduction

In today's digital age, starting an e-commerce business has become a popular choice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Two of the leading platforms for building online stores are Shopify and Bigcommerce. This article will explore the best methodologies and strategies required to become an independent seller on these platforms.

Choosing the Right E-commerce Platform

When deciding on an e-commerce platform, it's essential to consider factors like user-friendliness, features, pricing, and integrations. Both Shopify and Bigcommerce offer robust solutions, but understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision.

Shopify

Shopify is a global commerce platform that enables entrepreneurs to sell their products online, offline, and everywhere in between. It provides an intuitive drag-and-drop store creator, eliminating the need for coding expertise. With customizable templates and a vast selection of apps, Shopify allows you to create a visually appealing and feature-rich online store. Additionally, it offers excellent marketing tools and social media integration to help you reach a wider audience. Shopify is available in over 170 countries and has powered a significant portion of the global e-commerce ecosystem, making it a reliable choice for aspiring independent sellers.

Bigcommerce

Bigcommerce is another trusted e-commerce platform that offers a range of features to help businesses thrive online. It follows an open Software as a Service (SaaS) model, allowing for greater customization and scalability. With Bigcommerce, businesses can tailor their online stores to fit their specific needs, with options for B2C and B2B sales. It also provides integrations, services, and partners to enhance the overall e-commerce experience. Bigcommerce has gained recognition for its reliability, flexibility, and ability to support businesses of all sizes.

Setting up a Shopify Store

Creating a Shopify store is a straightforward process that doesn't require any coding expertise. Follow these steps to get started:

Creating an Account

To begin, visit the Shopify website and click on the "Get Started" button. You will be prompted to sign up for an account by providing your email address, password, and store name. Shopify offers a 90-day free trial, giving you ample time to explore the platform and set up your store.

Selecting a Store Name

Choosing a unique and reflective store name is crucial for branding purposes. Conduct thorough research on your competitors and target niche to ensure your store name stands out. Once you've selected a name, enter it during the account setup process.

Adding Products

After creating your store, you can start adding products to your inventory. Use the "Add a New Product" feature in the Shopify dashboard to input product details such as title, description, price, and images. Shopify's user-friendly interface makes it easy to manage your products and organize your inventory.

Setting up a Bigcommerce Store

Getting started with Bigcommerce involves a few essential steps to build a successful online store:

Understanding the Platform

Before setting up your Bigcommerce store, familiarize yourself with the platform's interface and available features. Bigcommerce offers an open and flexible SAS solution that allows businesses to customize their websites according to their specific requirements.

Selecting a Pricing Plan

Bigcommerce offers different pricing plans to cater to businesses of various sizes. Choose the plan that best aligns with your needs and budget. The plans range from standard options for smaller businesses to enterprise plans for larger organizations. Consider the features and benefits offered under each plan before making your selection.

Customizing the Store

Once you've signed up and selected a pricing plan, you can begin customizing your Bigcommerce store. Take advantage of the platform's design options and templates to create a visually appealing and user-friendly website. Customize elements such as colors, layouts, and fonts to reflect your brand identity and enhance the customer experience.

Pros and Cons of Shopify and Bigcommerce

Both Shopify and Bigcommerce have their own merits and drawbacks. Understanding their pros and cons can help you make an informed decision when choosing the right platform for your e-commerce business.

• Shopify Pros:

  • Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
  • A wide range of customizable templates and themes.
  • Extensive app store for added functionality.
  • Global reach and availability in over 170 countries.
  • Excellent marketing tools and social media integration.

• Shopify Cons:

  • Additional costs for premium themes and apps.
  • Transaction fees for using external payment gateways.
  • Limited control over backend functionality.

• Bigcommerce Pros:

  • Flexible and customizable platform.
  • Open Software as a Service (SaaS) model for customization.
  • Scalability for businesses of all sizes.
  • Robust integrations and partner ecosystem.
  • B2C and B2B sales capabilities.

• Bigcommerce Cons:

  • Learning curve for beginners.
  • Higher pricing plans compared to some competitors.
  • Limited default design options.

Growing Your E-commerce Business

Building a successful e-commerce business requires more than just setting up a store. Here are some strategies to help you grow and scale your online business:

Marketing Tools and Strategies

Utilize the marketing tools offered by Shopify and Bigcommerce to reach a wider audience. Implement SEO strategies, social media marketing, email marketing, and other digital marketing techniques to enhance your brand visibility. Leverage the power of online advertising platforms to drive targeted traffic to your store.

Expanding to Multiple Platforms

Consider expanding your business beyond a single e-commerce platform. With a multi-platform approach, you can tap into a larger customer base. Establishing presence on additional platforms such as Amazon, eBay, or other niche-specific marketplaces can significantly boost your sales and reach.

Conclusion

Starting an independent e-commerce business on platforms like Shopify and Bigcommerce can be a rewarding endeavor. Selecting the right platform, setting up your store, and implementing effective marketing strategies can help you achieve financial independence and success in the e-commerce industry. Remember to continue learning and adapting as the e-commerce landscape evolves, and use the available tools and resources provided by these platforms to your advantage.

Highlights:

• Shopify and Bigcommerce are two leading e-commerce platforms for building online stores.
• Shopify offers a user-friendly interface, customizable templates, and a wide range of apps for added functionality.
• Bigcommerce follows an open SaaS model, allowing for greater customization and scalability for businesses.
• Both platforms have their pros and cons, and it's important to consider factors like pricing, features, and integrations.
• To grow your e-commerce business, utilize marketing tools, expand to multiple platforms, and stay adaptable to changes in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I start an e-commerce business with no coding experience? A: Yes, both Shopify and Bigcommerce provide user-friendly interfaces and drag-and-drop store creators, eliminating the need for coding expertise.

Q: Which platform is better for beginners, Shopify or Bigcommerce? A: Shopify is often considered more beginner-friendly due to its intuitive interface and extensive support resources. However, Bigcommerce offers more flexibility and customization options.

Q: Can I sell products on multiple platforms simultaneously? A: Yes, it is possible to expand your e-commerce business to multiple platforms, including Amazon, eBay, and social media marketplaces. This can help you reach a wider audience and increase sales.

Q: Do Shopify and Bigcommerce provide marketing tools? A: Yes, both platforms offer various marketing tools, including SEO features, social media integrations, and email marketing capabilities, to help you promote your online store effectively.

Q: Can I switch from Shopify to Bigcommerce or vice versa? A: Yes, it is possible to switch platforms if you decide that another platform better suits your business needs. However, the migration process may require some effort and planning.