If you’re in the middle of deciding how to design your BigCommerce online store, you’ve likely encountered this dilemma: BigCommerce themes vs. custom designs. 

Both options have their unique advantages, and choosing the right path depends on your business needs, budget, and vision for your brand. 

BigCommerce Themes vs Custom Designs: What’s the Difference?

Let’s clarify what we’re talking about.

BigCommerce themes are pre-designed templates that you can easily apply to your store. They’re user-friendly, cost-effective, and can get your site up and running quickly.

Custom designs, on the other hand, are built from scratch to meet your specific requirements, offering a unique look and tailored functionality for your brand. 

Flexibility and brand identity

When it comes to BigCommerce themes vs. custom designs, one of the major considerations is the level of flexibility and brand identity you’re aiming for. Themes offer a quick and easy way to launch your store, with numerous options available that can be customized to your brand’s visuals and personality. 

However, for businesses seeking a highly distinctive online presence that stands out in the digital marketplace, custom designs provide the ultimate level of personalization and brand expression.

Cost and time considerations

Another crucial aspect to consider is your budget and timeline. BigCommerce themes are generally less expensive upfront and can significantly shorten the development time of your site. This makes them an attractive option for startups or businesses looking to go live without a hefty investment or a long development process. 

Custom designs, while more costly and time-consuming to develop, offer long-term benefits by providing a unique, scalable, and optimized eCommerce solution tailored to your business needs.

Performance and SEO

When weighing BigCommerce themes vs. custom designs, it’s also important to consider website performance and search engine optimization (SEO). 

Pre-designed themes are optimized for speed and user experience, ensuring your site performs well right out of the gate. Custom designs, crafted with your specific goals in mind, can further optimize site performance and SEO, potentially offering a competitive edge in search rankings and user experience.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Which is right for you? If you’re looking for a cost-effective, quick-to-market solution, and you can find a theme that resonates with your brand, BigCommerce themes might be the way to go. 

On the other hand, if you’re seeking a distinctive online presence with tailored functionalities that can grow and evolve with your business, investing in a custom design could be the best decision.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

At Epic, we specialize in both BigCommerce themes and custom designs. We’re here to guide you through the decision-making process, so that your online store reflects your brand’s personality, meets your business needs, and provides an exceptional shopping experience for your customers. 

Contact us today, and let’s create an online store for you that truly stands out!