Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Pricing and Fees
- Core Features
- Pros and Cons
- Final Verdict
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of ecommerce, choosing the right platform to launch and scale your online store can be daunting. With numerous options available, each promising unique features and benefits, finding the perfect fit for your business requires careful consideration. Weebly and BigCommerce are two of the most popular ecommerce platforms, each catering to different business needs. This blog post aims to provide a detailed comparison of Weebly and BigCommerce, highlighting their pricing, features, pros, and cons, to help you make an informed decision.
Pricing and Fees
One of the most significant differences between Weebly and BigCommerce is their pricing structure. Weebly offers a free plan with basic ecommerce features, making it an attractive option for startups and small businesses. Their paid plans range from $10 to $26 per month, with the higher-end plans providing advanced ecommerce insights and abandoned cart emails.
Conversely, BigCommerce does not have a free tier, although it offers a 15-day free trial. Paid plans start at $39 per month and go up to $399 per month. While the pricing is higher, BigCommerce provides more comprehensive tools, including omnichannel selling and advanced inventory management, which justify the cost for larger businesses looking to scale.
Key Takeaways:
- Weebly – Ideal for small businesses with pricing options that range from free to $26 per month.
- BigCommerce – Suited for larger businesses with more advanced needs, with plans ranging from $39 to $399 per month.
Core Features
Website Building and Design
Both Weebly and BigCommerce offer robust website building tools. Weebly's drag-and-drop editor is user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to create a website without coding knowledge. It offers a variety of templates suited for different industries, though these are primarily geared towards smaller businesses and personal sites.
BigCommerce offers a more advanced website building experience. While it also provides multiple templates, these are highly customizable through CSS and HTML, making them a better fit for businesses that need specific functionalities and aesthetics. The learning curve is steeper compared to Weebly, but the payoff is a more tailored and professional online store.
Ecommerce and Selling Features
Weebly provides a solid range of ecommerce tools at an affordable price. Basic features include unlimited products, inventory management, automatic tax calculation, and delivery options. However, some features like abandoned cart emails and PayPal payments are only available on higher-end plans.
BigCommerce excels in ecommerce features, offering advanced inventory management, omnichannel integrations, and real-time shipping quotes. It supports various payment gateways, including discounted rates through PayPal. Additionally, BigCommerce offers robust B2B functionalities and detailed product variants, making it a superior choice for businesses with complex ecommerce needs.
Marketing Tools and Analytics
Marketing is a crucial aspect of ecommerce, and both platforms offer tools to enhance your efforts. Weebly's blogging feature is robust, making it an excellent choice for content marketing. It includes pop-up notifications, customizable Instagram feeds, and lead capture forms. However, its SEO capabilities are somewhat limited.
BigCommerce steps up the game with more advanced SEO tools, customizable dashboards, and comprehensive analytics. You can track everything from sales numbers to customer preferences, providing valuable insights to improve your business strategies.
AI Capabilities
Artificial Intelligence is increasingly becoming a game-changer in ecommerce. BigCommerce is ahead in this area, offering a comprehensive AI toolkit called BigAI. This includes AI content generation, predictive analytics, and personalized product recommendations. Unfortunately, Weebly does not offer any native AI features but allows integration with third-party AI tools via its marketplace.
Integrations and Apps
When it comes to integrations and apps, BigCommerce has a clear edge with over 850 apps, including options for point-of-sale management, marketing, dropshipping, fulfillment, and analytics. Weebly offers around 100 apps, which is decent but not as extensive. BigCommerce's apps are well-organized and include open API options for customized workflows, making it a more versatile option.
Ease of Use and Customer Support
Weebly shines in ease of use, thanks to its intuitive drag-and-drop editor and straightforward interface. It's perfect for beginners who want to set up a website quickly and without fuss. However, customer support is limited on free and personal plans.
BigCommerce, while more complex, offers exceptional customer support. Resources include tutorials, guides, FAQs, and an active online community. Both platforms promise 24/7 support, but BigCommerce provides chat, email, and phone support on every plan, making it more accessible for businesses that may require immediate assistance.
Pros and Cons
Weebly
Pros:
- Affordable pricing plans.
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface.
- Suitable for small businesses and personal websites.
- Strong blogging feature.
Cons:
- Limited advanced ecommerce features.
- Basic SEO tools.
- AI features are lacking unless integrated through third-party apps.
BigCommerce
Pros:
- Comprehensive ecommerce tools.
- Advanced SEO and analytics capabilities.
- Extensive app marketplace.
- Strong AI toolkit.
Cons:
- Higher pricing range.
- Steeper learning curve.
- No free plan available.
Final Verdict
Choosing between Weebly and BigCommerce boils down to the specific needs of your business. Weebly is the ideal choice for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs looking for an easy-to-use, affordable platform. Its robust blogging tools and intuitive interface make it a strong contender for content-focused websites.
BigCommerce, on the other hand, is better suited for larger businesses aiming for scalability and advanced ecommerce functionalities. Its comprehensive set of tools, extensive integrations, and superior customer support make it a more versatile and powerful option.
Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, but understanding your business goals and needs will help you make the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Weebly suitable for scaling an online business?
Weebly is excellent for small businesses and startups. However, as your business grows, you may find the platform's ecommerce and scalability features somewhat limiting.
2. Does BigCommerce support omnichannel selling?
Yes, BigCommerce excels in omnichannel selling, allowing you to integrate with various marketplaces and social media platforms.
3. Can I customize my website with HTML and CSS on Weebly?
Weebly offers limited customization compared to BigCommerce. While you can make some changes, BigCommerce provides more freedom for granular customization through HTML and CSS.
4. Are SEO tools better on Weebly or BigCommerce?
BigCommerce offers more advanced SEO tools, allowing for comprehensive optimization to help improve your website's search engine rankings.
5. What kind of customer support can I expect from Weebly and BigCommerce?
Both platforms offer 24/7 support, but BigCommerce provides more accessible options, including phone support on every plan, while Weebly's support is more limited, particularly on lower-tier plans.
Choosing the right ecommerce platform can make a significant impact on your business success. By evaluating your business needs and comparing the features, pricing, and capabilities of Weebly and BigCommerce, you can make an informed choice that supports your growth and helps you achieve your business goals.
