In a nutshell, a BigCommerce developer is someone that has skills with website development and is specifically versed in the use of the BigCommerce platform.
Being a SaaS platform, BigCommerce is basic and fairly easy for a layman to understand and use, but because it’s templated and the code is not open-source, making extensive customizations can be tough.
This is the main reason to hire a BigCommerce developer. Most entrepreneurs just don’t have the time or resources to learn how to do the following things well, all of which a developer can do for your website.
Integrate Plug-Ins
BigCommerce has a relatively open API and is compatible with a wide range of third-party apps and plug-ins, many of which were expressly developed for the platform.
However, some integrations are much more complex than others, even if the app in question is intended for use with BigCommerce, especially if it needs access to a bunch of different features of the website.
For those plug-ins that can’t be integrated and configured with a few clicks, BigCommerce developers can typically get the job done fairly painlessly.
Code Custom Apps
While there are over 1300 apps available for BigCommerce (and others that may be compatible for it through other app stores), sometimes, the functionality you need is not available “out of the box.”
That hypothetical project is not just going to require a more complex integration, but a more complex job overall.
Fortunately, experienced BigCommerce developers often have the skills to code custom apps from scratch and then integrate them.
A custom app is often the avenue for you to pursue if you need some sort of unique functionality for your website that a standard app can’t deliver.
Create Custom Themes and Templates
BigCommerce does offer its users access to a wide variety of free, and even more premium paid themes and templates, but if you want to go beyond the basics, you’re going to need access to skills of developers who can write the code for that.
Granted, you can make a really impressive BigCommerce website just using the free tools, templates, and other features, but when you want to take brand integration to the next level with a fully customized theme, you may need the help of a skilled BigCommerce developer.
Debug
Have you ever visited a website and something felt off? Either there was a problem with the layout shift or something wouldn’t load? Perhaps you tried to open a chat window or searched through the menu but there was a glitch and it just didn’t work as intended.
The causes behind these issues are more diverse than the colors of the rainbow, but rest assured, it’s some sort of code issue that’s causing it. Some break in the code, a character where there shouldn’t be one – either way, it’s an issue caused by coding that a skilled developer with experience debugging can help find and fix for you.
Optimize Performance and Speed
In addition to what’s been covered so far, experienced BigCommerce developers can generally optimize the performance and speed of an eCommerce website.
Just by going through the motions, they know what does and does not work for an eCommerce website and generally are well attuned to what features and functionality are necessary to produce a viable positive user experience.
On top of that, if you need to make a website faster or more secure, they’re generally experts at that as well.
Hire an Elite BigCommerce Developer
BigCommerce developers are rated and accredited by BigCommerce itself according to their skill level and expertise. All else being equal, the best developer you can hire is an Elite BigCommerce developer. Speak with your BigCommerce representative to learn more; he or she may even be able to make direct recommendations.
