Key Dos and Don'ts Every BigCommerce Developer Should Know for Success

In the dynamic landscape of e-commerce, being a successful BigCommerce developer requires a keen understanding of best practices, tools, and strategies. With online shopping on the rise, businesses look for robust digital solutions that BigCommerce offers. As developers, understanding the core dos and don'ts can not only elevate your skills but also enhance the quality of the projects you undertake.

Here, we explore the key dos and don'ts for every BigCommerce developer striving for excellence in their field.

Do: Understand the BigCommerce Platform Thoroughly

Deep comprehension of the platform is the foundational step for any developer. BigCommerce offers a range of functionalities, themes, and APIs. Familiarize yourself with:

• Customizing Themes: Knowledge of Stencil, BigCommerce’s templating engine, is crucial. Understanding how to apply themes correctly ensures better aesthetic and functional design.
• APIs and SDKs: Learn the different APIs BigCommerce provides, such as Catalog, Storefront, and more. Grasp how they facilitate seamless integration with other platforms.
• Feature Utilization: Get acquainted with the built-in features, such as SEO tools, payment gateways, and shipping integrations.

Don't: Overlook the Importance of SEO

SEO is a cornerstone for any e-commerce platform, impacting visibility and traffic. Developers must:

1. Optimize Site Speed: Fast-loading sites rank better and enhance user experience.
2. Implement Structured Data: Use schema markup to help search engines understand the content.
3. Ensure Mobile Responsiveness: As mobile commerce grows, ensure the site is mobile-friendly.

Avoid ignoring metadata and alt attributes, which are crucial for search engine evaluation.

Do: Prioritize Security and Compliance

Security is non-negotiable with the increasing threats to online platforms. As a developer, you must:

• Use HTTPS: Ensure sites are secure by enabling HTTPS.
• Regular Updates: Keep all platform extensions and customizations updated to patch any vulnerabilities.
• Data Privacy Compliance: Understand and implement necessary compliance with GDPR or CCPA regulations depending on your region.

Don't: Neglect Maintenance and Updates

Success in e-commerce is not just about building but also maintaining platforms. Ensure you:

1. Schedule Regular Backups: Prevent data loss by regularly backing up the entire store.
2. Monitor Performance: Use analytic tools to track site performance and user behavior.
3. Review and Test Changes: Always test updates and changes in a staging environment before going live.

Skipping these can lead to unexpected downtimes and customer dissatisfaction.

Do: Focus on User Experience (UX)

An intuitive and seamless user experience converts visitors into customers. Remember to:

• Simplify Navigation: Design a straightforward and logical menu structure.
• Enhance Checkout Process: Implement a smooth, multi-device compatible checkout process.
• Provide Visual Clarity: Use high-quality images and a neat layout that focuses on products.

A poor UX can drive potential customers away. Therefore, user-centric design should be at the top of your priority list.

Don't: Ignore Customer Feedback

Feedback is invaluable in refining the e-commerce platform. Developers should:

1. Regularly Collect Feedback: Use tools and surveys to gather user input on functionality and features.
2. Act on Customer Insights: Implement valuable suggestions to improve the store.

Disregarding user feedback can lead to unsatisfied customers and stagnation in sales growth.

Do: Learn and Adapt Constantly

The e-commerce domain is ever-evolving. BigCommerce developers should:

• Stay Updated on Tech Trends: Follow industry news, blogs, and platforms to stay abreast of changes.
• Engage in Community Forums: Participate in BigCommerce community discussions to exchange ideas and solutions with peers.
• Attend Workshops and Webinars: Networking and learning from experts can spark innovation and improved practices.

Conclusion

Mastering the dos and don'ts of BigCommerce development is vital to crafting high-performance, user-friendly e-commerce sites that excel. By integrating these principles into your development practice, you can enhance your skill, improve business outcomes for your clients, and boost your career as a BigCommerce developer.