If you’re not tech savvy, understanding SEO can often feel like deciphering a complex puzzle. And then you find out that there are different approaches to SEO depending on the platform you’re using and it adds to the confusion even more. 

But don’t worry since we’re going to cover the basics in this article. However, there are so many platforms available so let’s narrow it down to just one—BigCommerce. We hope to shed some light between the differences of BigCommerce SEO compared to traditional SEO to help you make informed decisions for your online strategy.

What is Traditional SEO and What is BigCommerce SEO?

Traditional SEO is like the sturdy backbone of digital marketing. It’s a set of practices to optimize websites for search engines like Google or Bing to improve rankings and visibility. Keywords, meta tags, and quality content—these are just a few of the familiar tools of the trade. There’s a lot more to it, of course, but let’s stick with the basics for now.

Meanwhile, BigCommerce is an e-commerce platform that gives businesses the tools to create and manage their online stores. It features web themes and a suite of features ranging from product management to checkout optimization, which are all designed to streamline the online shopping experience. 

Now, BigCommerce SEO is a specialized approach tailored to the unique features that the BigCommerce platform brings to the table. It involves optimizing your online store’s structure, content, and user experience to play nice with search engines. 

BigCommerce has built-in tools and capabilities, and SEO for BigCommerce involves maximizing these tools to catapult your store’s visibility and sales. Think of it as tuning a high-performance engine specifically for the race track it’s going to compete on. 

BigCommerce SEO vs. Traditional SEO: The Key Differences

When we peel back the layers of SEO, it becomes clear that BigCommerce SEO and traditional SEO, while sharing some common ground, have distinct differences.

Platform-specific features

BigCommerce SEO taps into the platform’s unique features, such as built-in SEO tools, product review management, and advanced data analytics. These elements are tailored to enhance an online store’s search engine performance. 

Traditional SEO, on the other hand, applies broader strategies suitable for a wide range of websites and platforms.

E-commerce focused approach

The essence of BigCommerce SEO lies in its e-commerce-centric approach. It pays special attention to optimizing product pages, enhancing user experience specifically for online shopping, and ensuring seamless navigation. 

Traditional SEO, while focusing more on general site optimization such as content creation and link-building strategies, can be adapted to target specific areas of a website. However, BigCommerce streamlines this optimization process, making it more straightforward and effective for e-commerce purposes.

Technical optimization

Technical SEO for BigCommerce involves fine-tuning the website’s backend features like site speed optimization, mobile responsiveness, and structured data specifically for the BigCommerce platform. 

Traditional SEO also covers these aspects but in a more general context and is not tailored to any specific platform.

Integration with e-commerce tools

BigCommerce SEO seamlessly integrates with the platform’s e-commerce tools, including inventory management and checkout optimization, to provide a comprehensive SEO strategy that supports the entire sales funnel. 

Traditional SEO, while not typically including such deep integration with e-commerce functionalities, can be customized and adapted to better support e-commerce needs. This flexibility allows for targeted optimizations in areas like product visibility and user engagement, though it may require more manual effort compared to the built-in integrations of BigCommerce.

Choosing the Right Path for Your Online Journey

Selecting the right SEO path can make all the difference. For businesses on the BigCommerce platform, BigCommerce SEO offers a tailored approach that aligns with the specific needs of e-commerce. 

Remember, while traditional SEO lays down the fundamentals, BigCommerce SEO fine-tunes these principles for the e-commerce environment. It’s like choosing a custom suit over off-the-rack—both serve the purpose, but one is designed to fit you perfectly.

As you venture forward, think about your business goals, your platform, and how your SEO strategy can be modified to meet those targets. 

Step Forward with Epic’s SEO Expertise

Ready to enhance your online presence? Whether you’re exploring the world of BigCommerce or aiming to improve your website with traditional SEO, Epic is your ideal ally. As a full-service digital marketing agency, we bring specialized knowledge in both BigCommerce SEO and traditional SEO, crafting strategies that resonate with your unique business needs.

Our team at Epic boasts the expertise and insight to make your online strategy not just effective, but truly impactful. We understand that each business is different, and we tailor our approach to fit your specific goals. From optimizing your BigCommerce store to boosting your website’s visibility through traditional SEO, we’re here to assist.

Take the first step towards a more engaging and successful online presence. Call us today at (888) 498-5361, or drop us a message. Let’s work together to enhance your digital journey and achieve the success your business deserves!