BigCommerce and Weebly are two prominent website builders that cater to different user needs. BigCommerce is primarily focused on e-commerce, providing robust features for business owners looking to establish and grow their online stores. Its extensive tools support advanced sales functionalities, inventory management, and integrations with various payment gateways.
In contrast, Weebly serves a broader audience seeking a versatile website-building platform. It offers user-friendly design options for personal websites, blogs, portfolios, and small business sites, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.
Users commonly consider these platforms for their unique strengths: BigCommerce for its powerful e-commerce capabilities and scalability, while Weebly for its accessibility and straightforward design process.
When comparing BigCommerce and Weebly, key aspects include:
- Features: Analyze functionalities such as templates, e-commerce solutions, and customization options.
- Pricing: Compare subscription costs, transaction fees, and value for money.
- Ease of Use: Assess the user interface, learning curve, and support resources available for both platforms.
This comparison aims to help potential users select the right tool based on their specific needs and objectives.
BigCommerce VS Weebly: Which tool is the most popular?
| Tool | Number of Reviews | Average Rating | Positive Reviews | Neutral Reviews | Negative Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BigCommerce | 39 | 3.56 | 29 | 1 | 9 |
| Weebly | 20 | 1.00 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
BigCommerce is the most popular tool, with 39 reviews and a favorable average rating of 3.56. It received a significant number of positive reviews (29) compared to its negative reviews (9).
Weebly, on the other hand, is the least popular tool, garnering only 20 reviews with a notably low average rating of 1.00. The reviews indicate a strong dissatisfaction, as it received no positive feedback, with all 20 reviews categorized as negative.
BigCommerce and Weebly: Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature/Aspect | Ahrefs | SEMrush |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Features | – Site Explorer – Keyword Explorer – Backlink Checker – Content Explorer – Rank Tracker |
– Keyword Research – Site Audit – Position Tracking – Content Analyzer – Marketing Insights |
| Target Audience | – SEO professionals – Digital marketers – Agencies focusing on content marketing and backlink analysis |
– Digital marketers – SEO experts – Content marketers – Social media marketers and PPC specialists |
| Main Advantages | – Robust backlink analysis – Comprehensive keyword data – Intuitive user interface – Constantly updated index |
– All-in-one digital marketing tool – Extensive competitor analysis – Wide array of tools for SEO and PPC – Integrated social media management |
| Core Value Proposition | Focused on providing in-depth SEO insights, particularly strengths in backlink profiles and organic keyword rankings. Ideal for users prioritizing content strategy and link-building efforts. | Offers a holistic view of digital marketing, making it easier to manage all aspects of online presence through an extensive range of tools for SEO, PPC, and social media marketing. |
| Ideal Use Cases | – Conducting comprehensive link audits – Developing effective content strategies – Tracking backlinks and organic rankings – Keyword planning for SEO campaigns |
– Managing and optimizing PPC campaigns – Conducting competitive analysis for market positioning – Comprehensive content analytics and SEO tracking – Social media metrics and management |
Most liked vs most disliked features of BigCommerce and Weebly
| Platform | Most Liked Features | Most Disliked Features |
|---|---|---|
| BigCommerce | – User-friendly, straightforward setup accessible for non-technical users. – Highly praised technical support team. – Customization capabilities with excellent API access and PageBuilder. – Suitable for both B2B and B2C businesses, accommodating various product types. – Offers functionalities like inventory management and mobile eCommerce. |
– Minor limitations in managing configurable products may require custom development. – Lack of geo-targeting and better integration with services like Square and QuickBooks. – Checkout process needs improvement for better sales conversion. – Desire for better transparency and tracking in order management. – Some advanced features have a learning curve despite overall user-friendliness. |
| Weebly | – Initial user-friendliness attracts those without extensive technical skills. – Variety of appealing templates and design capabilities for attractive websites. |
– Customer support dissatisfaction due to unresponsiveness and ineffective solutions. – Bugs with form submissions potentially lead to business losses. – Negative impacts on performance, support quality, and user experience post-acquisition by Square, including loading time issues. |
Key Features of BigCommerce vs Weebly
Here’s a detailed list of key features for BigCommerce and Weebly as website builders, along with an explanation of how each feature benefits users and any unique aspects each platform offers.
BigCommerce Key Features
-
Built-in SEO Tools
- Benefit: BigCommerce offers robust SEO features that help users optimize their online stores for search engines, including customizable URLs, meta descriptions, and easy management of sitemaps.
- Unique Aspect: The focus on e-commerce-specific SEO makes it easier for online stores to rank higher in search results, driving more organic traffic.
-
Multi-Channel Selling
- Benefit: Users can sell across multiple platforms like Amazon, eBay, and social media channels seamlessly from one dashboard. This feature expands market reach significantly.
- Unique Aspect: BigCommerce integrates with various sales channels, giving users the ability to manage sales from an all-in-one platform, streamlining their operations.
-
Responsive Themes
- Benefit: Users have access to a plethora of professionally designed responsive templates, which automatically adapt to any screen size. This enhances the user experience on mobile devices.
- Unique Aspect: BigCommerce’s themes are specifically designed for online retail, optimized for e-commerce purposes and conversions.
-
Payment Gateway Options
- Benefit: It supports a large variety of payment gateways without additional transaction fees. This flexibility allows users to choose their preferred payment methods.
- Unique Aspect: BigCommerce’s no transaction fee policy for most payment gateways makes it appealing for larger volume sellers.
-
Scalability
- Benefit: Ideal for growing businesses, BigCommerce can handle a high volume of products and transactions without sacrificing performance.
- Unique Aspect: It is particularly suitable for larger companies looking to scale operations seamlessly, as it can accommodate complex catalog sizes and user levels.
Weebly Key Features
-
Drag-and-Drop Editor
- Benefit: Users can easily create and customize their websites without needing coding skills. This feature makes it user-friendly for beginners and small business owners.
- Unique Aspect: The simplicity and intuitiveness of the drag-and-drop functionality set Weebly apart as an ideal choice for those just starting in website building.
-
E-commerce Capabilities
- Benefit: Weebly allows users to create online stores with integrated shopping cart features, making it accessible for small businesses looking to sell products online.
- Unique Aspect: Weebly provides a straightforward set-up process for e-commerce, appealing to individuals with less technical expertise.
-
Mobile Optimization
- Benefit: All Weebly websites are automatically optimized for mobile devices, ensuring a seamless user experience across all platforms.
- Unique Aspect: The emphasis on mobile optimization helps Weebly cater to users who prioritize mobile accessibility from day one.
-
Appointment Scheduling
- Benefit: Weebly allows businesses to set up appointment booking directly through their site, which is particularly useful for service-based industries.
- Unique Aspect: This feature enhances functionality for service-driven businesses and provides an integrated solution for scheduling.
-
Built-in Marketing Tools
- Benefit: Users benefit from email marketing features, SEO recommendations, and analytics tools, empowering them to market their websites effectively.
- Unique Aspect: Weebly’s marketing tools are integrated within the platform, making it easier for users to manage their online presence without needing third-party services.
Summary
In conclusion, BigCommerce is tailored for larger e-commerce operations, focusing on scalability, multi-channel selling, and advanced SEO tools. It is particularly beneficial for users who need a powerful tool to support extensive online retail. On the other hand, Weebly is designed for ease of use, making it a perfect choice for beginners or small businesses, with a strong emphasis on drag-and-drop editing, mobile optimization, and built-in marketing tools. Each platform has its unique offerings suited to different user needs, making the choice dependent on the specific goals and expertise of the user.
BigCommerce vs Weebly Pricing Comparison
| Feature/Brand | BigCommerce | Weebly |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | 15-day free trial | 30-day free trial |
| Basic Plan | $29.95/month (billed annually: $299/year) | $6/month (billed annually: $72/year) |
| Features: | Features: | |
| – Online sales with no transaction fees | – Basic eCommerce features | |
| – Unlimited products | – Mobile-responsive themes | |
| – 24/7 support | – Basic SEO tools | |
| – Single staff account | – Up to 500MB storage | |
| Plus Plan | $79.95/month (billed annually: $949/year) | $12/month (billed annually: $144/year) |
| Features: | Features: | |
| – Everything in Basic | – All Basic features | |
| – Custom SSL | – Advanced eCommerce features | |
| – Customer groups and segmentation | – Password protection for pages | |
| – 3 staff accounts | – Up to 3,000MB storage | |
| Pro Plan | $299.95/month (billed annually: $3,588/year) | $25/month (billed annually: $300/year) |
| Features: | Features: | |
| – Everything in Plus | – All Plus features | |
| – Google customer reviews | – Enhanced eCommerce features | |
| – 15 staff accounts | – E-commerce shipping | |
| Enterprise Plan | Custom pricing | Not available |
| Features: | ||
| – Advanced functionalities | ||
| – High-volume sales | ||
| – Priority support |
Main Differences:
- Pricing Structure: BigCommerce has a higher entry price point starting at $29.95/month compared to Weebly’s $6/month.
- Features: BigCommerce tends to offer more robust eCommerce features at each tier compared to Weebly, which is more basic in its offerings.
- Free Trial Duration: Weebly offers a longer free trial period (30 days) than BigCommerce (15 days).
- Enterprise Options: BigCommerce provides a customizable Enterprise plan, while Weebly does not have a similar offering.
Support Options Comparison: BigCommerce vs Weebly
| Support Option | BigCommerce | Weebly |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | Available 24/7 for all plans. | Limited to higher-tier plans; not available for free plans. |
| Phone Support | 24/7 support for all plans. | Available weekdays during business hours only; not included in free plan. |
| Documentation | Extensive knowledge base, including guides and troubleshooting articles. | Comprehensive help center with various articles and FAQs. |
| Additional Resources | Offers webinars, a community forum, and video tutorials. | Provides tutorials and some webinars; less extensive than BigCommerce. |
Unique Features of BigCommerce Vs Weebly
| Feature | BigCommerce Unique Features | Added Value & Decision Factors | Weebly Unique Features | Added Value & Decision Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scalability | Supports unlimited products, file storage, and bandwidth. | Ideal for growing enterprises needing to scale without switching platforms. | Limited product offerings in free plans but allows upgrade path. | Encourages growth with tiered plans that include more features at higher levels. |
| Advanced SEO Features | Offers built-in SEO tools like URL customization and schema markup. | Enhances visibility in search engines, important for e-commerce success. | Basic SEO capabilities with easy-to-use setups. | Good for small businesses, but may not suffice for advanced SEO needs. |
| Multi-Channel Selling | Integrates easily with marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. | Expands sales channels, increasing potential customer base and revenue. | Limited integration options compared to BigCommerce. | Best for businesses focused on direct-to-consumer sales through one channel. |
| Payment Gateways | Supports over 65 payment gateways with no transaction fees. | Provides flexibility in payment options, enhancing customer satisfaction. | Weebly Payments and PayPal are available but with limitations. | May restrict options for businesses requiring diverse payment solutions. |
| Customizable APIs | Open API allows for custom app development and integration. | Ideal for businesses with unique needs or those wanting to integrate specific solutions. | Limited API capabilities. | Less flexibility in integrating custom solutions or third-party applications. |
| Abandoned Cart Recovery | Automated emails to recover lost sales. | Increase conversion rates by re-engaging customers who leave without purchasing. | Built-in recovery feature but with less automation. | May miss out on additional revenue that automated recovery strategies provide. |
| Robust Analytics | Advanced reporting and analytics tools for sales and performance insights. | Drives data-driven decisions, critical for optimizing e-commerce strategies. | Simple analytics functionality focused on basic performance metrics. | May not provide the depth of insights needed for larger businesses or strategic growth. |
| Mobile Optimized | Built-in responsive design templates and mobile shopping capabilities. | Ensures optimal shopping experiences across all devices, crucial for conversions. | Offers mobile apps for managing sites but fewer customization options. | May not offer the level of responsiveness needed for more demanding e-commerce sites. |
BigCommerce provides features that tailor specifically to larger businesses or those looking to scale significantly. The robust support for multi-channel selling, extensive API capabilities, and comprehensive analytics cater to growing e-commerce demands. In contrast, Weebly offers a more straightforward setup suitable for small businesses or individuals, focusing on usability over depth in features. The simplicity of Weebly can be a decisive factor for users who prioritize ease-of-use over advanced functionalities.
Most frequently asked questions about BigCommerce vs Weebly
What are the main differences in pricing between Weebly and BigCommerce?
Weebly offers a variety of pricing tiers starting from free plans with limited features to paid plans generally ranging from $6 to $29 per month. In contrast, BigCommerce does not offer a free option, and its pricing starts at about $29.95 per month, going up to $299.95. As one review mentioned, ‘BigCommerce can be expensive, but the features might justify the cost for serious e-commerce businesses.’
Which platform is easier to use for beginners?
Many users find Weebly to be more intuitive for beginners, largely because of its drag-and-drop interface. One user noted, ‘Setting up my site on Weebly was a breeze; I was up and running within a couple of hours.’ Meanwhile, BigCommerce, while powerful, has a steeper learning curve. A reviewer explained, ‘BigCommerce has a lot of options, but it can feel overwhelming to someone new to web development.’
How do Weebly and BigCommerce compare in design flexibility?
Weebly offers a decent range of templates that are customizable but might not be as extensive as those available on BigCommerce. A user pointed out, ‘Weebly’s designs are nice for basic sites, but I found fewer options for more advanced e-commerce layouts.’ On the other hand, BigCommerce provides a wider selection of professional templates aimed specifically at e-commerce, as noted by a commenter: ‘BigCommerce templates are really sharp and tailored for online stores.’
Which platform has better e-commerce features?
BigCommerce is designed as an e-commerce platform and has robust features such as multi-channel selling, abandoned cart recovery, and advanced analytics. One reviewer stated, ‘If you’re serious about selling online, BigCommerce offers everything you need.’ Weebly is more suited for smaller businesses and tends to have limited e-commerce functionality, according to user feedback: ‘Weebly works fine for small shops, but lacks the heavy-duty features you need for larger stores.’
What kind of customer support do Weebly and BigCommerce offer?
Both platforms provide customer support, but their approaches differ. Weebly offers email and live chat support, with some users reporting mixed experiences: ‘Sometimes, it took a while to get a response.’ BigCommerce, however, is often praised for its comprehensive support system, including phone support, live chat, and an extensive knowledge base. A user shared, ‘Every time I’ve reached out to BigCommerce, I’ve received quick and helpful support.’
Can I use custom code on both Weebly and BigCommerce?
Yes, both platforms support custom code, but BigCommerce offers more extensive capabilities. Weebly users can add custom HTML or CSS, though some found it limiting: ‘While I could add some code, it was tricky to implement more advanced features.’ In contrast, a BigCommerce user remarked, ‘With their API and customization options, I was able to build a truly unique online store.’
Are SEO features better on Weebly or BigCommerce?
BigCommerce offers advanced SEO features, including custom URL structures and rich snippets, which many users appreciate. A reviewer mentioned, ‘BigCommerce’s SEO capabilities helped my site rank better in search results.’ Weebly has SEO options, but they are generally considered basic. One user indicated, ‘I found Weebly’s SEO tools adequate but not as powerful as I needed for my business.’
What are user experiences regarding site performance and speed?
Performance can vary, but generally, users report that BigCommerce provides faster load times for e-commerce sites due to its infrastructure. A BigCommerce user stated, ‘My site load times improved significantly, which has directly impacted my sales.’ Weebly’s performance can be slower during peak hours, as noted by a reviewer: ‘At times, my Weebly site felt sluggish, especially with heavier traffic.’
Which platform is better for mobile optimization?
Both platforms offer mobile-responsive templates, but BigCommerce tends to provide more mobile-specific features. A user remarked, ‘BigCommerce automatically adjusts everything for mobile, which is crucial for my business.’ Weebly also offers mobile-friendly designs, but some users feel they need more control. One user observed, ‘I had to tweak my Weebly site a bit more to make it work perfectly on mobile devices.’
Is either platform better suited for scaling a business?
BigCommerce is often recommended for businesses looking to scale due to its robust features and higher capacity for handling transactions. A user highlighted this by stating, ‘BigCommerce has the tools I need to grow my business without hassle.’ Weebly, while effective for smaller businesses, may encounter limitations as a business grows, as noted by one review: ‘I quickly outgrew Weebly’s capabilities, leading me to switch to a more powerful platform.’
