Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Shopify?
- What is BigCommerce?
- Shopify Vs BigCommerce: Going Head-to-Head
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
Choosing the right e-commerce platform is a pivotal decision in the growth and sustainability of your online business. Both Shopify and BigCommerce are industry heavyweights providing comprehensive tools for creating and managing online stores. However, these platforms cater to different needs and business strategies, which means one could be a better fit for your brand than the other. In this article, we'll delve into the key differences and strengths of Shopify and BigCommerce, helping you make an informed decision.
What is Shopify?
First introduced in 2006, Shopify is a user-friendly, all-in-one e-commerce solution that allows businesses to create and manage online stores with little technical expertise. Over 4.8 million online stores globally are powered by Shopify, highlighting its robust feature set and wide appeal. Shopify’s adaptable interface, alongside thousands of apps and templates, makes it a versatile choice for both small enterprises and large corporations.
What is BigCommerce?
Founded in 2009, BigCommerce is another significant player in the e-commerce market. It offers a full suite of built-in tools, enabling businesses to establish and expand their online stores without relying heavily on third-party apps. BigCommerce serves a smaller client base compared to Shopify, with fewer than 50,000 stores, but it compensates with rich features aimed at flexibility and powerful SEO and multi-channel selling capabilities.
Shopify Vs BigCommerce: Going Head-to-Head
User-Friendliness
Shopify
Shopify is renowned for its intuitive interface, making it accessible for users with minimal technical knowledge. The platform’s drag-and-drop functionality, combined with step-by-step guides, enables quick and efficient store setup. According to G2 user reviews, 89% rate Shopify as easy to use.
BigCommerce
While BigCommerce is also user-friendly, it lacks Shopify’s simplicity to some extent. Its feature-rich nature means it might require a steeper learning curve. Merchants might need more time to explore and utilize the full range of features effectively.
Verdict: Shopify stands out for its ease of use, guiding users efficiently through the store setup process.
App Ecosystem and Integrations
Shopify
With over 8,000 apps in its App Store, Shopify offers unparalleled customization options. Whether for marketing, inventory management, or customer service, Shopify’s extensive app ecosystem allows businesses to tailor their online store to their specific needs.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce offers approximately 1,800 apps. However, it compensates with a greater number of built-in features directly within the platform. This makes it simpler to manage costs related to essential functions, as fewer third-party integrations are necessary.
Verdict: Shopify wins in terms of app variety and customizability.
Conversion Rates
Studies show that Shopify's checkout process boasts a 12% higher conversion rate compared to BigCommerce. Shopify's finely-tuned checkout experience is designed to be as streamlined and intuitive as possible, curbing cart abandonment better than most competitors.
Verdict: Shopify’s superior conversion rates make it an attractive choice for maximizing sales.
Marketing and SEO Tools
Shopify
Shopify excels with built-in SEO functionalities that allow easy editing of meta titles, alt texts, meta descriptions, and URLs. While numerous marketing features are accessible through third-party apps, this may incur additional costs.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce stands out with its built-in marketing and SEO tools, including email marketing, product reviews, and social media integration. Although these features are less customizable, they are more cost-effective and accessible without the need for extra apps.
Verdict: For businesses prioritizing built-in solutions with lower initial costs, BigCommerce is advantageous. Shopify, however, offers greater customization through its app ecosystem.
Payment Gateway Options
Shopify
Supporting over 100 payment gateways, Shopify provides flexibility for businesses targeting international markets. This wide range allows customers to use preferred local or digital wallet payment options, enhancing global customer reach.
BigCommerce
While BigCommerce supports around 65 payment gateways, it falls short of Shopify’s extensive variety. This limitation could be restrictive for businesses looking to cater to a worldwide audience.
Verdict: Shopify’s extensive payment gateway options offer superior flexibility and international reach.
Market Share and Brand Trust
Shopify
Shopify controls about 29% of the U.S. e-commerce market, making it the most popular platform globally. This dominance translates into a vibrant community, abundant support resources, and trust from millions of merchants.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce has fostered a solid reputation but still supports a smaller user base. This may limit the availability of community resources and third-party expertise relative to Shopify.
Verdict: Shopify’s significant market share and established trust make it the preferred choice for many businesses.
Conclusion
While both Shopify and BigCommerce offer robust solutions for e-commerce businesses, Shopify's user-friendliness, extensive app ecosystem, superior conversion rates, robust marketing and SEO tools, diverse payment gateways, and dominant market share make it the more attractive option for a vast majority of online businesses. Whether you are a novice launching a new venture or a seasoned entrepreneur scaling a multi-million-dollar enterprise, Shopify has the tools to help you achieve your business vision.
FAQ
Q: Which platform is easier to use, Shopify or BigCommerce?
A: Shopify is generally considered more user-friendly due to its intuitive interface and straightforward setup process.
Q: Which platform offers more customization options?
A: Shopify offers over 8,000 apps through its App Store, providing a higher degree of customization compared to BigCommerce’s roughly 1,800 apps.
Q: How do the conversion rates compare between Shopify and BigCommerce?
A: Shopify has a 12% higher average conversion rate, thanks to its optimized, streamlined checkout process.
Q: Are Shopify’s SEO tools better than BigCommerce's?
A: Both platforms offer strong SEO tools, but Shopify’s need for third-party apps may incur additional costs, while BigCommerce provides more built-in solutions.
Q: Which platform supports more payment gateways?
A: Shopify supports over 100 payment gateways, offering more options than BigCommerce’s approximately 65 gateways, beneficial for businesses targeting global markets.
In conclusion, both platforms are robust choices, but Shopify tends to exceed in categories critical to e-commerce growth, making it the go-to platform for many. If you’re ready to make the switch, consider contacting Shopify migration experts to ensure a smooth transition.
