As an online business owner, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is choosing the right ecommerce platform. Two popular options in the market are BigCommerce and Magento. In this article, we will compare the ease of use of these platforms to help you make an informed decision.
The Importance of Ease of Use
When running a business, you want to focus on your customers, products, and brand, rather than spending excessive time and effort on building and customizing your website. This is where the ease of use factor comes into play. A user-friendly e-commerce platform allows you to swiftly create and manage your online store without requiring extensive technical knowledge or coding skills.
BigCommerce: A User-Friendly Option
BigCommerce is known for its ease of use, making it an attractive option for beginners and less tech-savvy individuals. One of the key advantages of BigCommerce over Magento is that it doesn’t require hosting integration. This means you can set up your online store quickly and easily without worrying about technical complexities.
Dashboard Convenience
BigCommerce’s user-friendly dashboard provides a seamless experience for store owners. All the essential tools and features are easily accessible with just a few clicks. You don’t need to have any coding knowledge to customize your BigCommerce store. Whether it’s changing the homepage title or updating images, BigCommerce simplifies the process for you.
However, it’s worth mentioning that some users have found BigCommerce’s interface to be less intuitive. They experienced difficulties with certain aspects of store creation that they expected to be easier. Despite this, BigCommerce’s overall user-friendly approach still makes it an excellent choice without requiring expert coding skills.
Continuous Improvements
BigCommerce is committed to enhancing its platform and making it more accessible to a wider audience. The platform regularly introduces improvements and bug fixes to streamline the user experience. Keyboard shortcuts and the “Store Design” feature are examples of how BigCommerce simplifies tasks and allows you to track the effects of your edits in real-time.
Magento: A More Complex Option
On the other hand, Magento is a more complex ecommerce platform that requires a higher level of technical expertise. While it offers a range of advanced features, its user interface and setup process can be challenging, especially for beginners.
Technical Terminology and Coding
Magento utilizes complex terminology and requires coding knowledge to fully customize your online store. This can be intimidating for users without coding experience. If you’re an experienced coder and have ample time to set up your store, Magento can be a suitable option. However, it’s important to note that Magento scored poorly in ease of use testing, receiving a disappointing 2.5 out of 5 stars.
For absolute beginners, Magento is not recommended due to its steep learning curve and reliance on coding knowledge.
Setup and Onboarding Comparison
The ease of setup and onboarding is another crucial aspect to consider when choosing an ecommerce platform. Let’s compare the setup process for BigCommerce and Magento.
Magento's Advanced Setup Process
Magento’s setup process is more complex compared to BigCommerce. Apart from the technical jargon involved, you need to create a store and connect it to a hosting provider. Many hosting providers do not offer automatic installation, which further adds to the time and effort required.
The advanced setup process of Magento can be a time-consuming endeavor, causing potential difficulties for users. Additionally, Magento lacks 24/7 phone support, which can make troubleshooting issues more challenging.
BigCommerce's Streamlined Setup
In contrast, BigCommerce offers a streamlined setup process. The platform provides customizable templates and hosting, reducing the need for extensive manual setup. This makes it much easier for users to create and launch their online stores. If you’re currently using Magento, you can even migrate your store to BigCommerce using the Catalog Transfer: Magento app. This free app automates the process of moving your products, categories, options, and customers from Magento to BigCommerce, saving you time and effort.
Furthermore, BigCommerce’s built-in features eliminate the need for third-party integrations, enabling you to save both time and money. It’s estimated that you can go to market 50% faster on BigCommerce compared to Magento, allowing you to start generating revenue sooner.
Making the Right E-commerce Choice: Your Path to Success Starts Here
In the battle of BigCommerce vs. Magento, ease of use plays a significant role. BigCommerce emerges as the winner when it comes to user-friendliness. Its intuitive dashboard, lack of coding requirements, and continuous improvements make it an excellent choice for beginners and less tech-oriented individuals. On the other hand, Magento’s complex setup process, technical terminology, and reliance on coding skills make it more suitable for experienced users.
Consider your technical expertise, time availability, and specific business needs when choosing between BigCommerce and Magento. Ultimately, selecting an ecommerce platform that aligns with your skillset and goals will enable you to create and manage your online store efficiently. Contact MageMontreal for a consultation about the right platform for your business.
Interested in our content?
Subscribe to our newsletter to get notified when we release a new podcast episode or new blog post.
At MageMontreal, we strive to offer our clients affordable, top-notch services that are tailored to their individual needs. Our team of certified Magento developers are experienced and devoted to helping our clients accomplish their goals. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how our services can benefit your online business.