Webflow vs BigCommerce When it comes to building an online presence, selecting the right platform is crucial. Two of the most popular platforms today are Webflow and BigCommerce, each offering unique features that can cater to different business needs. Whether you're an entrepreneur launching your first online store or a seasoned business owner looking to switch platforms, understanding the differences between Webflow vs BigCommerce is essential to make an informed decision. With the right platform, you can do much more than just sell products — you can build a complete, scalable online business. This guide will provide a thorough comparison of these two platforms, focusing on key aspects such as design flexibility, eCommerce features, pricing, SEO capabilities, and user experience. By the end of this article, you'll have a clearer picture of which platform is the best fit for your business, backed by data-driven insights to support your decision-making process.

What is Webflow?

Webflow is a powerful web design and development platform that allows users to build websites without needing to write code. It's known for its flexibility in design, offering complete creative freedom for users who want to build visually appealing websites. Unlike traditional website builders, Webflow allows for a high level of customization, making it an excellent choice for designers and developers who want more control over the final product. Webflow’s key features include:
  • Visual Design Editor: A drag-and-drop interface that mimics professional design tools.
  • Custom Code Integration: For users with coding knowledge, Webflow supports HTML, CSS, and JavaScript integrations.
  • Responsive Design: Easily create designs that look great on all screen sizes.
  • CMS and E-commerce Support: Webflow also includes a content management system (CMS) and eCommerce features.

What is BigCommerce?

BigCommerce, on the other hand, is a specialized eCommerce platform designed to help businesses build and manage online stores. It’s tailored for entrepreneurs who are primarily focused on selling products online, offering robust features to manage inventory, process payments, and optimize sales performance. BigCommerce is known for its scalability, making it an excellent choice for businesses that plan to grow over time. BigCommerce’s key features include:
  • E-commerce Storefront: A fully responsive and customizable storefront to showcase products.
  • Built-In Payment Gateway Integration: BigCommerce supports multiple payment methods like PayPal, Stripe, and more.
  • Advanced Inventory Management: Track and manage product inventory with ease.
  • SEO Tools: Built-in tools to improve your store’s visibility on search engines.
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Webflow vs BigCommerce: Core Differences

At a high level, Webflow vs BigCommerce can be distinguished by the primary focus of each platform. Webflow excels in web design, providing freedom and flexibility to create custom websites. BigCommerce, however, focuses on eCommerce functionality, offering a suite of tools designed specifically to help businesses sell products online. To give you a better idea of how these platforms compare, let’s break down the core differences:
Feature Webflow BigCommerce
Platform Type Website builder and CMS E-commerce platform
Target Audience Designers, Developers, Small to Medium Businesses Online retailers, Entrepreneurs, Large Businesses
Ease of Use Requires some design knowledge User-friendly, with a focus on eCommerce
Design Flexibility Highly customizable with full design freedom Limited customization, but offers templates
E-Commerce Features Basic eCommerce capabilities Extensive eCommerce features, including multi-channel selling
Pricing Pay-per-project or subscription-based plans Subscription-based plans with a free trial option
SEO Capabilities Advanced SEO tools and control Built-in SEO features tailored for online stores

Which One Should You Choose for Your Business?

When deciding between Webflow vs BigCommerce, the key is to understand your business’s priorities. If you are looking for complete creative control over the design of your site, take Webflow as a great option. However, if your primary focus is selling products online and you need a platform that provides robust eCommerce tools, BigCommerce could still be the ideal choice.

Webflow: Best for Design-Focused Websites

If you are a designer or a business owner who values aesthetics and wants the ability to create a fully custom website, Webflow is the right platform for you. Its drag-and-drop interface makes designing websites easy, but it also offers the flexibility to integrate custom code for users who need more control. Additionally, Webflow’s CMS capabilities allow for dynamic content creation, making it a great choice for content-heavy sites. You can try it out if you want to experiment with different designs before committing.

BigCommerce: Best for Established or Growing Online Stores

If your primary goal is to run a successful eCommerce store, BigCommerce is a powerful platform designed specifically for online sales. Its extensive eCommerce features, including inventory management, multiple payment gateways, and multi-channel selling, make it an excellent choice for businesses that plan to scale. BigCommerce also integrates with various third-party applications to further enhance your online store’s functionality. ecommerce-blog-featured-image

Key Factors to Consider in Webflow vs BigCommerce

Choosing between Webflow vs BigCommerce goes beyond just the design and functionality; it’s important to consider how each platform aligns with your long-term business goals. Webflow is excellent for businesses that prioritize brand identity and require a unique design approach without the need for extensive eCommerce tools. It's ideal for small to medium-sized businesses or entrepreneurs who value flexibility in their website’s visual presentation. On the other hand, BigCommerce is tailored for businesses looking to grow their online store quickly, offering an array of features like inventory management, multi-channel integration, and advanced reporting tools that can support larger operations. For rapidly growing businesses or those with complex sales processes, BigCommerce might be the better choice to ensure scalability and robust support for online sales. Understanding your business's specific needs and future aspirations will help you determine the best fit between these two powerful platforms.

Design Flexibility and Customization

When it comes to customization and design freedom, Webflow stands out. It allows you to create a truly unique website, making it ideal for businesses that need a highly personalized design. BigCommerce, while customizable, offers a more templated approach to design, which might be limiting for those looking for complete creative freedom.

E-Commerce Features

BigCommerce clearly shines in this department. With built-in features like abandoned cart recovery, product recommendations, and automated discounts, BigCommerce offers a comprehensive set of tools that streamline the eCommerce experience. Webflow, on the other hand, provides only basic eCommerce functionality, which may not be sufficient for larger stores or businesses with complex selling needs.

Pricing

Both platforms offer subscription-based pricing models, but Webflow’s plans are more tailored to design-focused projects. If you only need to build a website with minimal eCommerce capabilities, Webflow might be more cost-effective. BigCommerce’s plans are focused on eCommerce functionality and may be more expensive, but they include advanced tools and integrations suited to growing online stores.

Webflow vs BigCommerce: Which is Right for You?

To help you make the final decision, consider the following factors:
  • If design is your top priority: Webflow’s flexibility will allow you to create a custom-designed website with ease, making it perfect for businesses looking to create a unique online presence.
  • If you need a fully-fledged eCommerce platform: BigCommerce is designed for businesses looking to sell products online. Its built-in eCommerce tools, integrations, and scalability make it the best choice for online retailers.

Final Verdict

Both Webflow and BigCommerce offer unique features that can help you build a successful online presence. The right platform for your business depends on your specific needs. Whether you prioritize creative control over design with Webflow or need comprehensive eCommerce tools with BigCommerce, both platforms provide the resources necessary to succeed in the digital world. Choosing between Webflow vs BigCommerce ultimately depends on whether you value design freedom or eCommerce functionality more. Regardless of which platform you choose, both are powerful tools that can help you achieve your business goals.

FAQ

What is the main difference between Webflow and BigCommerce?

The main difference between Webflow vs BigCommerce is their focus. Webflow is primarily a website builder with a strong emphasis on design flexibility and creative control, making it ideal for designers and developers. On the other hand, BigCommerce is a robust eCommerce platform specifically tailored for online retailers, offering extensive tools for inventory management, multi-channel selling, and scalability. In 2024, the choice between these two platforms will depend on your business’s market needs and whether you're targeting a specific customer category.

Which platform is better for a small business looking to sell online?

If you're a small business that needs both a strong design and basic eCommerce functionality, Webflow can be a great option due to its flexibility and ease of use. However, if your primary focus is to sell products online and scale your business quickly, BigCommerce would be a better choice as it offers comprehensive eCommerce features and tools built specifically for online stores. In 2024, the category of tools and features available on each platform can significantly impact your customer experience and business growth.

Can I switch from Webflow to BigCommerce if I need more eCommerce features?

Yes, it is possible to transition from Webflow to BigCommerce if your business outgrows Webflow's eCommerce capabilities. BigCommerce is a powerful eCommerce platform with more advanced tools, and migrating from Webflow is a viable option if you need more complex selling features. However, you may need to rework the design and functionality to match your business’s evolving needs in the competitive market.