Some potentially exciting news popped up on my newsfeed today courtesy of WPMayor. BigCommerce has emerged with a WordPress integration that would allow you to power your e-commerce store within your WordPress site while still relying on the BigCommerce backend to manage your sales.
For as long as I can remember, I have relied on 2 options for running an e-commerce website – Use Woocommerce within your WordPress website for sites that were websites first and stores second, or forget WordPress and run your store through Shopify. I have been a Shopify fan for years, partially due to Canadian loyalty but mostly because of just how easy they make it to set up a store and then run it post launch. There are no security worries, integrations abound, and their ready made themes are malleable enough to develop a great looking store.
Woocommerce has always been…well…fine. It does the job but it’s clunkier, and is only as safe as your site configuration. Don’t get me wrong, Woocommerce has come A LONG way in ensuring solid addons and integrations but working an e-commerce store from within a WordPress installation can never compete with 3rd party software whose main goal is smooth store management.
In comes BigCommerce. I haven’t had the opportunity to play around with BigCommerce much, mostly because it never seemed worthwhile when Shopify was doing such a great job. But, if we could have a glorious union between beautiful and custom made, scalable website (WordPress) AND seamless store management (BigCommerce) – then count me in!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the BigCommerce WordPress integration differ from WooCommerce?
WooCommerce is a plugin that adds e-commerce functionality directly to your WordPress website, but it requires more configuration and security management. BigCommerce, on the other hand, is a standalone e-commerce platform that integrates with WordPress, offloading many of the store management tasks (such as security and scalability) to BigCommerce’s back-end system.
Can I still manage my store directly from WordPress?
Yes, you can manage your product catalog, content, and store design directly from within WordPress. However, BigCommerce handles the actual transaction process, product inventory, shipping, and other critical e-commerce functions in the background.
Is it easier than using WooCommerce?
Yes, this new integration could provide a more user-friendly experience, especially for those looking for smoother store management. While WooCommerce is effective, it can be cumbersome in comparison when it comes to security and integrations. The new platform simplifies e-commerce management while offering the customization of WordPress.
How does this compare to Shopify?
While Shopify has long been a popular option for building e-commerce stores due to its ease of use and comprehensive features, this integration offers a hybrid solution—combining the flexibility of WordPress with the seamless, professional store management features of a dedicated platform.
Do I need to worry about website security?
No, one of the major benefits of this integration is that it provides a secure and reliable backend for your store, which takes security worries off your plate. You can focus on building your website while trusting the platform to manage and protect your e-commerce operations.
