Webflow vs BigCommerce: Which is the Better Platform?

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Webflow vs BigCommerce: Pricing and Fees
  3. Core Features Comparison
  4. Ease of Use and Customer Support
  5. Conclusion: Which Is Better?
  6. FAQ

Introduction

Choosing the right platform for your ecommerce business can be daunting, given the myriad of options available. Two popular choices are Webflow and BigCommerce. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, appealing to different types of users and business needs. In this comparison, we aim to dissect both platforms thoroughly, helping you determine which might best suit your needs.

By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of Webflow and BigCommerce, covering aspects like pricing, design flexibility, ecommerce capabilities, marketing tools, and ease of use. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a business owner with no coding skills, this in-depth guide will help you make an informed decision.

Webflow vs BigCommerce: Pricing and Fees

Webflow Pricing

Webflow offers a range of pricing options tailored for different needs. One of the key highlights is its free plan, which is a rarity in the ecommerce space. However, it's worth noting that this plan doesn’t support ecommerce functionalities and places several limitations on your site, such as the inability to use a custom domain.

If you want ecommerce functionality, Webflow’s paid plans start at $42 per month, ranging up to $235 per month for advanced features. One downside is the 2% transaction fee on the lowest-tier ecommerce plan, which is something to consider when calculating your potential costs.

BigCommerce Pricing

BigCommerce does not offer a free plan but provides a 15-day free trial. Its paid plans start slightly cheaper than Webflow, at $39 per month. The plans go up to $399 per month, with an Enterprise option available for custom pricing.

A significant advantage here is that BigCommerce does not charge any transaction fees on any of its plans. However, the platform imposes annual sales limits on each plan, capping at $50k, $180k, and $400k for the Standard, Plus, and Pro plans, respectively.

Core Features Comparison

Both Webflow and BigCommerce come packed with a variety of features, but they cater to different aspects of ecommerce and website building.

Website Building and Design

Webflow excels in design flexibility. With more than a thousand pre-built templates and the ability to build custom websites from scratch, it caters well to professional designers and developers. The platform provides a drag-and-drop interface and AI tools for generating custom code, making it accessible for users with varying levels of expertise.

On the flip side, BigCommerce offers robust but somewhat limited design options. While it has a couple of hundred responsive themes optimized for ecommerce, the customization options are not as extensive or intuitive as those in Webflow. Nevertheless, these themes are specifically designed to meet ecommerce needs, featuring options for detailed product variants and custom fields.

Ecommerce and Selling Features

BigCommerce is generally considered the more robust ecommerce platform. It supports unlimited product listings and multiple sales channels, and offers excellent inventory management tools. The platform integrates seamlessly with over 65 payment processors and various social media and marketplaces, allowing for multi-currency sales and expansive reach.

Webflow, although not as ecommerce-centric, provides a solid set of selling features. Users can design custom cart and checkout pages, create unique product galleries, and send customized transactional emails. Webflow supports both physical and digital products, offers multiple payment options, and integrates with several fulfillment services.

Marketing Tools and Analytics

Webflow shines when it comes to built-in SEO tools and content marketing features. The platform allows users to control titles, meta descriptions, alt text, and schema markup easily. It also has a strong content creation suite, making it ideal for businesses that rely heavily on blogging and SEO.

BigCommerce, while offering decent SEO features, takes the lead in promotional tools. The platform allows the creation of gift cards, vouchers, and sales banners, which can be vital for attracting customers. Its analytics and reporting tools are robust, with the added benefit of AI-powered predictive analytics for personalized product recommendations.

AI Capabilities, Integrations, and Apps

When it comes to AI functionalities, both platforms are competitive. BigCommerce’s “BigAI” suite includes tools for content creation, image design, and predictive analytics. The platform also supports AI-powered search and chatbots, enhancing customer experience. Thanks to numerous partnerships, BigCommerce integrates with a vast array of external apps and tools, making it highly flexible.

Webflow's AI features are impressive but slightly more limited. The platform offers AI tools for design, grammar correction, content creation, and SEO optimization. Integrations are possible but often require APIs or webhook solutions like Zapier, making it less beginner-friendly.

Ease of Use and Customer Support

Both Webflow and BigCommerce have steep learning curves, necessitating some time and effort to master.

Webflow User Experience

Webflow offers an intuitive designer interface, particularly for those familiar with web development. However, diving deep into customization options may require some technical know-how. Webflow supports users with a comprehensive help center, a community forum, a library of video tutorials, webinars, and even its own University.

BigCommerce User Experience

BigCommerce has made strides in improving its user interface. While it's more intuitive than before, it's still challenging to navigate, particularly for large stores. The platform offers 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, and phone. It also provides extensive self-help resources, including tutorials and community forums.

Conclusion: Which Is Better?

Both Webflow and BigCommerce bring unique strengths to the table. Webflow stands out for its design flexibility and robust SEO capabilities, making it an excellent choice for designers and developers. On the other hand, BigCommerce excels in ecommerce functionalities, making it a better option for businesses focused on selling products online.

Ultimately, the choice between Webflow and BigCommerce depends on your business needs and technical expertise. If you prioritize design and SEO, Webflow is the way to go. If you're looking for a platform that offers comprehensive ecommerce features, BigCommerce is the superior choice.

FAQ

What are the main differences between Webflow and BigCommerce?

Webflow is better suited for custom website design and SEO, while BigCommerce is more robust for ecommerce functionalities and inventory management.

Is Webflow more expensive than BigCommerce?

Webflow can be more expensive, especially when considering the transaction fees on lower-tier plans. BigCommerce offers more straightforward pricing without transaction fees but caps annual sales limits.

Which platform is easier to use for beginners?

Both platforms have steep learning curves. However, Webflow might be slightly easier for those with some web development experience, thanks to its intuitive design tools. BigCommerce, with its comprehensive ecommerce features, might require more time to master.

Do both platforms support AI tools?

Yes, both platforms offer AI capabilities. BigCommerce has a more extensive suite of AI tools, particularly for predictive analytics and customer experience, while Webflow offers AI-driven design and SEO optimization tools.

Can I use a free domain with either platform?

Webflow offers a free plan, but it does not support custom domains for ecommerce. BigCommerce does not offer a free plan but provides a free trial period.