When you know your online store needs an upgrade, one of the first questions is: should I redesign what I already have, or start fresh with a brand-new custom theme? Both paths can get you to a better-looking, higher-converting store, but the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and how far your current setup can stretch. Let’s break it down in plain English. What a Redesign Really Means A BigCommerce redesign usually keeps your…
E-Commerce Strategy & Planning
Planning an e-commerce website or trying to figure out your next move? This is where most businesses get stuck.
This section covers the decisions that actually impact your timeline, budget, and long-term growth — from how long a BigCommerce launch takes to what’s involved in a migration, redesign, or platform switch.
You’ll find breakdowns of real-world timelines, common delays, and what to expect at each stage, along with guidance on how to prepare, avoid costly mistakes, and move faster.
If you’re evaluating your options, comparing approaches, or trying to understand what’s involved before you start, these articles will help you make informed decisions and plan your next steps with confidence.
Running an online store isn’t “set it and forget it.” Your site might look great the day you launch, but over time, design trends shift, customer expectations change, and your business grows. Eventually, your website may start working against you instead of for you. So how do you know when it’s time for a BigCommerce redesign? Here are seven clear signs your store could be holding you back. 1. Your Store Looks Outdated First impressions…
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…
When launching a BigCommerce store, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to stick with a free theme or invest in a premium one. On the surface, free themes seem like an easy way to save money, but depending on your store’s needs, that savings might cost you in lost conversions or extra development work down the road. Here’s my take after working with hundreds of BigCommerce merchants. Free Themes: Budget-Friendly but Limited…
I get this question a lot, especially from clients who see there’s an update available for their theme and wonder if they should apply it. But theme updates aren’t always as straightforward as they seem. Let’s break down what these updates actually mean, how they work in BigCommerce, and when it makes sense to invest the time and effort in updating your store’s design. What Happens When a Theme Is Updated? When you first install…
If you’re in the middle of evaluating e-commerce platforms, it can be hard to cut through the noise. Everyone claims to be “the best,” every platform has its loyal fans, and at a glance, they all kind of look the same. But they’re not. And picking the wrong one can lead to serious frustration (and sometimes a full rebuild) down the road. I’ve worked with hundreds of merchants across all kinds of platforms, and in…
Choosing an e-commerce platform isn’t just a tech decision — it’s a business decision. And yet, so many merchants pick a platform based on whatever’s cheapest, fastest to launch, or getting the most buzz at the moment. Then a few months later, they’re stuck with limitations, high app costs, or a site that can’t keep up with their growth. I’ve worked with hundreds of store owners across a lot of different platforms, and I can…
