If you’ve ever stared at your ecommerce site and thought, “Something just feels off, but I don’t know what,” you’re not alone. Store owners know when their site isn’t working, but figuring out why can be tough. That’s where ChatGPT comes in. No, AI can’t replace a professional web designer. But it can act like a brainstorming partner. With the right prompts, you can use ChatGPT to generate new navigation ideas, fresh layout concepts, and…
2025
When it comes to ecommerce, every second counts. Studies show that even a one-second delay in page load time can cause visitors to bounce—or worse, abandon their cart altogether. And it’s not just about conversions: site speed is also a ranking factor for Google and plays a big role in customer satisfaction. If you’re running your store on BigCommerce, the good news is that the platform gives you a solid technical foundation. But design decisions…
When someone lands on your online store, you don’t have long to make an impression. In fact, shoppers usually decide within a few seconds whether your site feels trustworthy—or if they should hit the back button. What makes that split-second difference? More often than not, it’s your visuals. Crisp product photos, clear videos, and consistent branding are what reassure people that you’re a real, professional business. The good news is: you don’t need a Hollywood…
If you’ve been paying attention to how people shop online lately, you may have noticed something new: they’re not just typing into Google anymore. They’re asking questions in tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s AI Overviews—and then following the answers to make buying decisions. That shift means your ecommerce website has a new audience to impress: not just your shoppers, but the AI tools they’re using to find you. Designing your site with “AIO” (AI…
Judge.me has long been a favorite 3rd party app for collecting and syndicating customer reviews on BigCommerce. As a free app, it offered advanced features at a cost merchants couldn’t resist! Unfortunately, Judge.me has announced it will no longer support BigCommerce stores (or other platforms) to focus exclusively on Shopify merchants. This news has left many store owners wondering what Judge.me alternatives are available, and how they compare on features and pricing. I’ve already been…
Hiring a BigCommerce website designer for your store can feel risky, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Every designer has their own approach, and not every process will be the right fit for every merchant. That’s okay. The important thing is to find someone whose process aligns with your needs, goals, and communication style. Here’s how I approach BigCommerce design projects, based on working with hundreds of merchants over the years. If you’re…
If you’re building or redesigning your BigCommerce store, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to use a ready-made theme or go with a fully custom design. It’s a big decision, and not just about looks. Your choice will impact cost, launch timeline, flexibility, and even how your customers experience your site. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so let’s break down what each option really means, the pros and cons, and how to decide…
Hiring the right BigCommerce web design company can make or break your online store. A good designer doesn’t just make things look nice—they understand the platform, know what helps customers convert, and can guide you through decisions that impact performance, user experience, and long-term flexibility. Whether you’re starting from scratch or thinking about a redesign, here are 10 questions to ask before choosing a designer and what to listen for in their answers. Essential Questions…