Something like 50,000 active websites are built using the BigCommerce platform, which takes a Software-as-a-Service model approach to delivering an eCommerce solution.
It offers robust functionality out of the box and is geared towards streamlining eCommerce operations. It’s compatible with a wide range of free themes, is good for SEO, and is easy to configure.
Adding categories, products, and options is simple and straightforward, there’s a built-in blog, and admin management is straightforward too.
But while it is true that basically anyone can build and launch a BigCommerce store fairly easily, anything beyond making basic changes to a website will likely require the skill of an eCommerce developer.
So, here’s what you need to know about BigCommerce developers and how they help improve their clients’ eCommerce websites.
What Does a BigCommerce Developer Do?
In a nutshell, BigCommerce developers do everything that any other eCommerce developers do, namely, they design and develop websites. The only difference is that BigCommerce developers specialize in working with the BigCommerce platform.
Each platform has its own unique nuances and familiarity with a platform’s structure, coding, and API can go a long way toward operational efficiency.
How Do BigCommerce Developers Support Their Partners?
BigCommerce sites seamlessly integrate with a wide range of BigCommerce-centric and third-party apps and plugins, and the platform is compatible with several free and SEO-friendly premium themes.
However, BigCommerce developers can deliver the following services and prevent issues associated with them.
- Fix bugs: Anytime anything “breaks” on an eCommerce website, a team of developers should be the first person you call. Even making basic layout changes to a BigCommerce store web page can cause issues if you’re not familiar with the platform; developers can solve these problems.
- Remove excess code: Excess code can clutter up a page’s CSS, slow it down, and create technical issues. Both of these are bad for UX and SEO.
- Perform complex integrations: BigCommerce has a relatively open API, BigCommerce Enterprise allows unlimited API calls, and there are many apps designed for BigCommerce. However, integrated third-party apps can sometimes be more complex than clicking a few buttons; BigCommerce developers can help with that.
- Create custom designs and themes: There are 15 free themes and 5 free theme styles available for BigCommerce; if you want to get a custom-like look for your online store, developers can help design and develop a custom theme or layout.
- Improve site speed and security (which benefits SEO): As a SaaS platform, BigCommerce doesn’t have as many issues associated with speed and security as open-source platforms like Volusion. Still, developers can help speed up and bolster your eCommerce store.
- ADA audits; custom solutions: ADA accessibility is a big deal in eCommerce and it’s critical to ensure your website is accessible to all users.
- Custom app coding and integration: If the available third-party apps just don’t offer you the functionality you need, consider working with a team of BigCommerce developers to code a custom tool for, and integrate it with, your website.
- Product and category page template customization/optimization: BigCommerce developers can create custom page templates with custom options to improve the look and experience of your website.
- Wholesale account setup/pricing customizations: For B2B merchants, creating wholesale accounts and pricing customizations that support these operations is critical to success. Developers can help with that, too.
What Criteria Can You Evaluate to Help You Choose a BigCommerce Developer?
If you’ve decided your team needs the help of a BigCommerce developer, hedge your bets and work with an Elite BigCommerce Partner.
Elite BigCommerce Certified Partners have been vetted by BigCommerce for quality and capability and have demonstrated proficiency with the platform.
Consider working with an agency like 1DigitalⓇ Agency (1DigitalAgency.com) that has more than 10 years of experience working with the platform, or contact your BigCommerce rep for a list of options as well.