Provides a highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface, requiring no coding knowledge. It's suitable for solopreneurs and small businesses. Design templates are responsive and cater to various industries, from blogs to portfolios.

Though less intuitive initially, its learning curve is offset by robust customization options, including access to CSS and HTML files for in-depth tweaking. Templates are primarily designed for ecommerce needs, featuring product category sections, global widgets, and more.

Robust ecommerce features include unlimited product support, inventory management, automatic tax calculation, and several delivery options. However, features like PayPal integration and abandoned cart emails are restricted to higher-tier plans.

Offers an extensive range of ecommerce functionalities, from advanced inventory management to omnichannel selling capabilities, including marketplace and social media integrations. Additional perks include real-time shipping quotes, product ratings, and multi-currency selling on all plans. Specialized solutions are also available for B2B and wholesale businesses.

Features effective blogging capabilities, pop-up notifications, customizable Instagram feeds, and lead capture forms. However, it has limited SEO customization options compared to BigCommerce. Basic email marketing is included, but for more sophisticated needs, third-party integrations are advisable.

Stands out with its in-depth analytics and SEO tools. It offers customized dashboards for monitoring inventory, sales, and customer behavior. Comprehensive email marketing can be integrated directly, making it easier to manage campaigns and analyze their effectiveness.

Currently lacks native AI capabilities, although some third-party integrations are available through the Weebly marketplace.

Features a comprehensive AI toolkit called "BigAI," offering predictive analytics, personalized product recommendations, and AI-powered search functionalities. The platform is also actively working on new AI integrations to further expand its capabilities.

Offers around 100 apps through its “App Center,” covering various functionalities such as marketing, payment gateways, and analytics. The available apps are useful but relatively limited.

Provides over 850 apps, covering a broader range of functions from point-of-sale solutions to dropshipping and fulfillment. The platform also allows for open API integrations, enabling automated workflows and customized solutions.

Weebly vs BigCommerce: Pricing, Features, Pros, and Cons Explained

Introduction
Pricing and Fees
Core Features Comparison
Ease of Use and Customer Support
Final Verdict
Conclusion
FAQ

Introduction

Choosing the right ecommerce platform can make or break your online business. With a plethora of website builders available, it might seem overwhelming to select one that fits your unique needs. Weebly and BigCommerce are two popular options that cater to different business magnitudes and types. For large enterprises aiming to scale up quickly, BigCommerce may offer the advanced tools necessary for growth. On the other hand, smaller businesses may find Weebly’s user-friendly interface and cost-effective plans more appealing. This article aims to provide an in-depth comparison of Weebly and BigCommerce, breaking down their pricing, features, and overall offerings to help you make an informed decision.

Pricing and Fees

Weebly’s Pricing Structure

Weebly stands out for its affordable pricing options and even offers a "free forever" plan that includes access to a shopping basket and unrestricted item listings. Paid plans are quite reasonable, ranging from around $10 to $26 per month, with various features escalating with the price.

Personal Plan ($10/month): Supports a custom domain and offers unlimited storage.
Professional Plan ($12/month): Adds more comprehensive design options.
Performance Plan ($26/month): Includes advanced ecommerce insights and abandoned cart emails.

BigCommerce’s Pricing Structure

In contrast, BigCommerce doesn’t offer a free plan but provides a 15-day free trial. The paid plans are significantly costlier but come packed with powerful features.

Standard Plan ($39/month): Includes essential ecommerce functionalities but caps yearly sales at $50k.
Plus Plan ($79/month): Extends the sales cap to $150k annually.
Pro Plan ($399/month): Allows sales up to $400k annually, with advanced ecommerce tools.
Enterprise Solution: Custom pricing for businesses with larger needs.

BigCommerce doesn’t charge transaction fees, which is an additional cost-saving measure for businesses. However, the platform limits the volume of sales per plan, which could potentially be a drawback for rapidly growing businesses.

Core Features Comparison

Website Building and Design

Both Weebly and BigCommerce offer extensive design capabilities, but they serve different customer bases.

Weebly: Provides a highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface, requiring no coding knowledge. It's suitable for solopreneurs and small businesses. Design templates are responsive and cater to various industries, from blogs to portfolios.
BigCommerce: Though less intuitive initially, its learning curve is offset by robust customization options, including access to CSS and HTML files for in-depth tweaking. Templates are primarily designed for ecommerce needs, featuring product category sections, global widgets, and more.

Ecommerce and Selling Features

When it comes to ecommerce capabilities, BigCommerce is notably more advanced but requires a steeper learning curve.

Weebly: Robust ecommerce features include unlimited product support, inventory management, automatic tax calculation, and several delivery options. However, features like PayPal integration and abandoned cart emails are restricted to higher-tier plans.
BigCommerce: Offers an extensive range of ecommerce functionalities, from advanced inventory management to omnichannel selling capabilities, including marketplace and social media integrations. Additional perks include real-time shipping quotes, product ratings, and multi-currency selling on all plans. Specialized solutions are also available for B2B and wholesale businesses.

Marketing Tools and Analytics

Marketing efforts and analytical depth can significantly affect the long-term success of your online store.

Weebly: Features effective blogging capabilities, pop-up notifications, customizable Instagram feeds, and lead capture forms. However, it has limited SEO customization options compared to BigCommerce. Basic email marketing is included, but for more sophisticated needs, third-party integrations are advisable.
BigCommerce: Stands out with its in-depth analytics and SEO tools. It offers customized dashboards for monitoring inventory, sales, and customer behavior. Comprehensive email marketing can be integrated directly, making it easier to manage campaigns and analyze their effectiveness.

AI Capabilities

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated in ecommerce platforms, offering functionalities that range from content generation to predictive analytics.

Weebly: Currently lacks native AI capabilities, although some third-party integrations are available through the Weebly marketplace.
BigCommerce: Features a comprehensive AI toolkit called "BigAI," offering predictive analytics, personalized product recommendations, and AI-powered search functionalities. The platform is also actively working on new AI integrations to further expand its capabilities.

Integrations and Apps

The availability of third-party apps and integrations can extend the usability of any ecommerce platform.

Weebly: Offers around 100 apps through its “App Center,” covering various functionalities such as marketing, payment gateways, and analytics. The available apps are useful but relatively limited.
BigCommerce: Provides over 850 apps, covering a broader range of functions from point-of-sale solutions to dropshipping and fulfillment. The platform also allows for open API integrations, enabling automated workflows and customized solutions.

Ease of Use and Customer Support

Weebly

User-friendliness is one of Weebly’s strongest points. The drag-and-drop interface allows even beginners to start building and managing their stores immediately. Customer support includes 24/7 availability, but higher-tier plans offer more comprehensive support options like chat and email.

BigCommerce

While BigCommerce does have a steeper learning curve, its in-depth customer support resources make up for it. Users can access chat, email, and phone support on any plan, backed by an extensive library of tutorials, guides, and a vibrant online community. Their support is often cited as one of the best in the industry.

Final Verdict

For Small Businesses

Weebly emerges as a clear winner for smaller businesses or solo entrepreneurs. Its straightforward interface, lower pricing, and sufficient ecommerce capabilities make it an excellent choice for those just starting.

For Scaling Enterprises

BigCommerce is tailored for larger businesses with its robust set of advanced features, better scalability, and comprehensive customer support. Given its higher price, it is more suitable for companies poised for growth and looking for a platform that can support extensive inventory management and a wide array of integrations.

Conclusion

Both Weebly and BigCommerce possess unique strengths tailored to different business needs. While Weebly shines with its ease of use and affordability, making it perfect for smaller enterprises, BigCommerce stands out with advanced features suitable for large-scale operations. Your choice depends on your current business size, budget, and long-term goals. Ultimately, both platforms offer valuable tools to build and manage a successful online store.

FAQ

Which platform is more affordable?

Weebly offers lower pricing plans, including a free forever plan, making it more cost-effective for small businesses.

Which platform is better for large-scale businesses?

BigCommerce provides advanced ecommerce features and scalability, making it better suited for larger businesses.

Does BigCommerce offer a free plan?

No, but BigCommerce offers a 15-day free trial to get a feel of the platform.

Can I customize my website deeply with Weebly?

Weebly allows for some customization but lacks the in-depth customization options available with BigCommerce, such as access to CSS and HTML.

How does customer support compare between Weebly and BigCommerce?

BigCommerce offers more robust customer support options, including phone support on all plans and extensive online resources. Weebly offers 24/7 support, but higher-tier plans enjoy more options like chat and email support.

Choosing the right ecommerce platform involves weighing your current needs and future aspirations. Whether you pick Weebly for its simplicity or BigCommerce for its advanced capabilities, both platforms can provide the foundation needed for a prosperous online business.

Weebly vs BigCommerce: Pricing, Features, Pros, and Cons Explained

Table of Contents

Introduction