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Read time : 6 min
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Published on 03-07-2024
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Article
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Read time : 6 min
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Published on 03-07-2024
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BigCommerce Vs. Squarespace: Your Guide for 2024

Aakanksha Sharma
Aakanksha Sharma
Content Marketer
BigCommerce Vs. Squarespace: Your Guide for 2024

Have you ever found yourself wondering which e-commerce platform will truly elevate your online business? I’ve been there too. With years of experience working alongside development and design teams, I understand the weight of this decision. In this guide, I dive into an in-depth comparison between BigCommerce and Squarespace, two giants in the e-commerce world. We’ll dissect everything from pricing and themes to customization options, features, and support.

But before we delve into the technicalities, let’s take a moment. Think about what you’re planning to sell and the unique needs of your business. This isn’t just about choosing an e-commerce platform; it’s about selecting a partner that aligns with your vision and business goals. By the end of this guide, you won’t just have a list of features and prices. You’ll have a clearer understanding of which platform will help you build not just a store, but a thriving digital presence that attracts and retains customers

What is BigCommerce?

I've seen many platforms come and go, but BigCommerce has consistently stood out, especially for businesses aiming to scale. It’s not just another platform; it’s a powerhouse designed for growth.

BigCommerce brings enterprise-level features within reach of growing businesses, striking a balance between affordability and advanced capabilities. Having worked with numerous clients who've leveraged BigCommerce, I've seen firsthand how its robust backend transforms the complex needs of expanding stores into manageable tasks. The dashboard, for instance, isn't just a control panel; it's a strategic command center. Here, you can effortlessly manage your catalog, keep a close eye on inventory, run sales, and delve into analytics that offer real insights into your business performance.

A notable aspect of BigCommerce, which I often highlight to clients, is its integration capacity. It seamlessly connects with over 100 apps, expanding its functionality to fit the unique contours of each business. This adaptability is crucial for stores that are evolving and scaling.

Security is another domain where BigCommerce doesn't just participate but leads. Its commitment to being PCI compliant and offering a free SSL certificate to all users speaks volumes. In the eCommerce world, uptime is everything. BigCommerce understands this, delivering an impressive 99.9% uptime. I recall a holiday season when a client's store on BigCommerce stayed flawlessly active despite the high traffic, a testament to its reliability.

And let's talk about payment flexibility. With over 65 payment gateways, including major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and various regional methods, BigCommerce is a global player. This diversity, combined with support for over 100 currencies and localization features, makes it a favorite for businesses eyeing international markets.

While it's true that BigCommerce might challenge you more at the start, the learning curve is worth it. From my experience, for businesses with large catalogs or those poised for rapid growth, BigCommerce isn't just an option; it's the go-to solution. Squarespace, with its aesthetic appeal, might be better for creating visually stunning stores, but when it comes to scalability and handling complexity, BigCommerce leads the race.

What is Squarespace?

When exploring the realm of eCommerce platforms, Squarespace often emerges as a beacon for those seeking simplicity and aesthetic appeal. My experience with Squarespace, particularly when working with small to mid-size business clients, has highlighted its user-friendly nature and visual strengths. Let’s delve into what makes Squarespace a choice worth considering:

Squarespace stands out with its exceptionally user-friendly interface. It’s not just a platform; it’s a gateway to creating an online presence with minimal fuss. The drag-and-drop editor simplifies the process of building an online store, making it accessible even to those with no coding background. This ease of use is a significant plus for entrepreneurs who want to focus more on their business and less on technical intricacies.

The platform offers a range of designer-made templates, each exuding elegance and sophistication. These templates are not only visually appealing but also highly customizable. You can personalize fonts, colors, and layouts to mirror your brand's ethos. In my work, I've guided clients through this customization process, and the transformation from a template to a personalized brand experience is always remarkable.

Pricing is a crucial factor for any business, and Squarespace understands this. Their eCommerce plans are competitively priced, starting at $26 per month, and they don't charge additional transaction fees on sales. This transparency in pricing is something I always point out to clients considering Squarespace.

Beyond building your store, Squarespace equips you with powerful marketing tools. From creating impactful email campaigns to setting up coupon codes and improving search rankings with built-in SEO tools, these features are designed to drive traffic and boost sales.

A common misconception is that Squarespace is only suitable for small-scale operations. However, I’ve seen it adapt and support businesses as they grow. It comfortably handles unlimited products and orders, a testament to its scalability. And if the time comes to move to a different platform, Squarespace makes it easy to export your store data.

Pricing Comparison: Costs and Value Analysis

Feature BigCommerce Squarespace
Starting Price Approx $30/month Approx $30/month
Included in Base Plan - Real-time shipping rates
- Abandoned cart recovery
- Product Filtering
Basic online store features
Higher-Level Plans More built-in features at a lower cost compared to Squarespace Extra charges for advanced features
Value for Money Better for established stores and growth-focused businesses Suitable for new stores or those on a tight budget
Key Advantages - Comprehensive ecommerce tools
- Cost effective for scaling businesses
- User friendly
- Stylish designs
- Lower upfront investment
Best Suited For High volume sales and businesses planning to expand Startups and businesses prioritizing design and simplicity

In comparing BigCommerce and Squarespace, it's evident that while both platforms start at a similar price point, they diverge significantly in terms of features and value.

BigCommerce stands out for its comprehensive ecommerce tools and scalability, making it a cost-effective choice for growing businesses. Squarespace, on the other hand, is more suitable for new or small-scale businesses that prioritize design and ease of use over advanced ecommerce functionality.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your business's specific needs and growth plans. Consider not only your current requirements but also what you'll need as your business expands.

Ease of Use: Which Platform Is More Beginner-Friendly?

In my years of helping businesses build their online presence, the question of which platform is more beginner-friendly between Squarespace and BigCommerce has often surfaced. Based on my experience and client feedback, here’s how they stack up:

  1. Squarespace: The Gateway for Non-Tech Entrepreneurs

Squarespace shines as a beacon for those venturing into eCommerce without a tech background. Its elegance lies in its simplicity – a quality I often highlight to clients who are just starting out. The platform's drag-and-drop editor is a game-changer, enabling you to add various elements to your store, from galleries to blogs, without any coding. It's about empowering entrepreneurs to take full control of their site's layout and appearance, offering pre-made sections that are as easy to customize as they are visually appealing.

  1. BigCommerce: A Playground for the More Tech-Inclined

Contrasting with Squarespace, BigCommerce offers a more intricate experience. It's a platform that provides depth in customization, which is great for those who have some experience in web-building or who are willing to climb the learning curve. This dichotomy within BigCommerce is something I've observed firsthand. Adding products is straightforward, but store customization can present a challenge for beginners, as echoed by user experiences. It's a platform that caters well to those who seek advanced features and have the technical know-how to utilize them fully.

Guiding Your Choice- For beginners, Squarespace is the go-to for its user-friendly approach and stylish templates. It's designed for ease, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, BigCommerce is a robust option for those who have some experience in web development or are willing to invest time in learning its intricacies. It’s about choosing a tool that aligns not just with your current technical skills, but also with your business aspirations.

Design and Customization: Template Quality and Flexibility

In the digital marketplace, the visual appeal and customization of your online store play a pivotal role in brand identity and customer engagement. From my experience in eCommerce design, the platforms that stand out in this arena are the ones that balance aesthetic appeal with user-friendly customization tools. Let's compare how Squarespace and BigCommerce fare in this critical aspect.

  1. Squarespace: A Synonym for Style and Simplicity
  • Extensive Template Collection: Offers over 100 designer-made templates, each embodying modern and clean design aesthetics.
  • Ease of Customization: The drag-and-drop editor simplifies template customization, allowing changes in fonts, colors, images, and layouts with ease.
  • Ideal for Non-Techies: Combining stylish templates with easy-to-use tools, Squarespace is perfect for those seeking a professional-looking store without needing advanced technical skills.
  1. BigCommerce: Functionality Over Form
  • Basic Template Offerings: Provides essential store templates, focusing more on functionality.
  • Limited Customization: The options for customization are somewhat restricted, especially for those without technical expertise.
  • Challenging Editor Interface: Users often find the template editor less intuitive, posing a challenge for non-technical users.

In conclusion, while BigCommerce excels in inventory management and business operations, Squarespace takes the lead in design and customization. If the aesthetic of your store and a customized look that reflects your brand are high on your priority list, Squarespace is the unequivocal choice. Their combination of gorgeous templates and straightforward editing tools empowers you to create not just an online store, but a stylish, professional representation of your brand. Overall, for design and customization, Squarespace emerges as the clear winner.

BigCommerce Vs Squarespace: Sales Tools, Inventory Management and More

Feature BigCommerce Squarespace
Inventory Management Advanced: Ideal for large catalogs
- Automatic SKU generation for variants
- Efficient product organization
Basic: Suitable for smaller catalogs
- Straightforward but less extensive
Product Types Supports physical, digital, and service-based goods Primarily focused on physical and digital goods
Sales Tools - 65+ payment gateways
- Customer accounts for faster checkout
- Social media sales integration
- Limited payment options
- Simple checkout process
- Basic social media integration
Best Suited For High-volume selling, rapid scaling
- Extensive product ranges
Smaller stores, budget-conscious businesses
- Ease of use and design focus
Overall Suitability Ideal for businesses planning to scale fast or with vast inventory
- Offers robust ecommerce features for growth
Perfect for smaller stores or those starting out
- Combines ease of use with stylish design

Overall Pros and Cons: BigCommerce Vs Squarespace

Having navigated both platforms extensively, I've distilled their strengths and weaknesses into key areas to consider:

  1. Pricing Considerations

Squarespace: Known for its affordability, Squarespace offers plans starting at just $12 per month, with a free trial included. This makes it a highly attractive option for small businesses or startups working with tight budgets. BigCommerce: While also competitive in pricing, BigCommerce's plans tend to be a bit pricier, especially for larger stores. The investment, however, aligns with the advanced features and scalability it offers.

  1. Ease of Use

Squarespace: Its reputation for a user-friendly interface is well-deserved. “Everything was laid out logically, and it didn’t take me long to work out where to go to complete different tasks,” as one user aptly put it. Squarespace is ideal for those who value straightforward, intuitive navigation. BigCommerce: The platform offers a more complex backend, suitable for managing larger inventories and stores. It might feel overwhelming at first, but it's a trade-off for accessing its advanced tools and features.

  1. Design and Customization

Squarespace: If a visually stunning storefront is your top priority, Squarespace leads the way. Its templates are not just stylish but also easy to customize, catering to beginners and design-conscious entrepreneurs. BigCommerce: The templates here are more functional than flamboyant, focusing on backend business tools rather than front-end flair. However, they serve well for sellers more focused on operational aspects than design.

BigCommerce Vs Squarespace: Which Platform is Right for Your Business?

Standing at the crossroads of choosing the right eCommerce platform can feel overwhelming. But remember, the best choice aligns seamlessly with your business aspirations and operational style. Let me help you distill this decision into a clear pathway.

For the Budget-Conscious and Design-Savvy Entrepreneurs Choose Squarespace if you're starting out or running a smaller shop. Its appeal lies in the budget-friendly plans and the ease of use. The platform's strength is its ability to help you craft a visually stunning storefront without needing to delve into the intricacies of coding. Squarespace is particularly adept for businesses that focus on a curated range of products, where design and user experience are paramount.

For the Ambitious and Growth-Focused Businesses Opt for BigCommerce if your venture involves a vast inventory or if you're aiming for rapid scale. Despite its less intuitive editor, BigCommerce equips you with enterprise-level tools essential for high-volume selling. It shines in areas like bulk pricing, customer segmentation, and seamless drop shipping integration. This platform can effortlessly manage extensive product ranges, making it a robust ally for businesses planning significant expansion.

Final Thoughts

Both platforms ensure reliable service, comprehensive marketing features, and all the necessary tools to kickstart your online selling journey. However, the crux of your decision should rest on two pillars: scalability and simplicity. Reflect on your business's current standing and your vision for the future. Which platform not only meets your needs today but also aligns with your growth trajectory? Make your choice with not just the present in mind but also an eye on the future.

Ultimately, whether it's the streamlined simplicity of Squarespace or the expansive scalability of BigCommerce, your decision should resonate with where you see your business tomorrow, not just where it stands today.