Look, you want to create an online store with BigCommerce, and you know that you’re going to need some help to do that.
So, you turn to third-party apps and integrations.
Unfortunately, when it comes to choosing these third-party apps and integrations, you don’t know what’s what.
So, to get an inkling, you’ve scanned through its marketplace, in search of apps and integrations to clear the haze, but to no avail.
Afterwards, you’ve resigned to the search engines like Google and Bing, but they don’t have the answers you seek either.
Sound familiar?
Well, luckily for you, we get where you’re coming from, and want you to succeed.
Which is why, we decided to write this in-depth blog post detailing all the essential software when it comes to running an online store.
So, if you don’t care to mull through it all, you can skim down through the various sections until you find what you’re looking for.
To get the ball rolling, we’ll provide a little bit of information about BigCommerce. Then, we’ll list off the apps we feel work brilliantly with BigCommerce’s platform. And, we’ll finish by breaking these apps up into their relevant sections.
Enjoy!
What is BigCommerce?
BigCommerce is an online store building platform. You’re all probably familiar with Shopify, so think of it as Shopify’s twin whom it looks nothing alike.
Got it?
What does BigCommerce do?
Essentially, BigCommerce gives you the features and functionality you’ll need to create an online store and begin to sell products through it.
Why Apps are Important when using BigCommerce
Like most online platforms, BigCommerce doesn’t come with the level of “out of the box” functionality that you’ll need to successfully run an online store.
So, to get that level of functionality, you will have to download, or subscribe to, third-party apps.
If you’re confused about these apps, think of them in the same light as tools that would help you build a house.
Building a house without tools would be pretty hard, right?
Well, funnily enough, so is creating and running an online store.
Best BigCommerce Apps and Integrations
In this section of the article, we’re going to talk about some of the best apps that we recommend you integrate with BigCommerce.
Please note though, that we will be compiling this list in no particular order.
Also, this is going to be an extremely superficial account of all these apps.
But all apps mentioned in this section will be reviewed more thoroughly in later sections.
So, please stay tuned for that.
Anyway, without further ado, let’s get cracking with these apps.
App Number One: Shogun
What is Shogun?
Shogun is a Content Management System (CMS) and drag and drop page builder that is designed to integrate seamlessly with e-commerce platforms such as:
- Shopify
- BigCommerce
- Salesforce
What you can use Shogun for in your e-commerce store
You can use Shogun to create and optimize pages for your BigCommerce store, but it specializes in helping you to create the perfect landing page.
The platform offers you a host of different features to achieve this end.
Its page editor operates in a drag and drop format and will give you the functionality you need to create high converting mobile responsive pages.
You’ll also have over 30 professionally designed templates to base your store’s pages off. With its visual analytics suite, you’ll be able to monitor and compare key metrics in relation to your site’s performance.
And, as if you didn’t already have enough tools at your disposal, you’ll have access to A/B testing to optimize your pages for conversions.
Also, if you run into difficulty using any of these features, you can simply contact their support staff who guarantee “same-day response”.
App Number Two: JustUno
What is JustUno?
JustUno is an app designed to help you boost conversions from the traffic that visits your online store. It does this using conversion tools that have been programmed to pick up on customer behavioral patterns by combining three key data sets:
- Behavioral session data
- Visitor profile data
- Transactional and product data
Using this information, it produces targeted messaging that is most likely to earn you a conversion.
The app can be integrated with:
- Shopify
- BigCommerce
- Squarespace
What you can use JustUno for in your e-commerce store
You can use JustUno to grow your contacts list, which advertently grows the number of leads your brand is associated with. For those unaware, a lead is a contact that could possibly be turned into a conversion. So, this software can be summarised as something that helps you to generate leads, and therefore earn conversions. If you’re a marketer who is heavily reliant on social media and email marketing, this app will work really well for you.
It creates a little popup on the side of your website. The popup will read something like “WANT 25% OFF”, and your customers will click on it to avail of the deal. Now, you don’t have to offer a discount specifically. It can also be a “buy one get one free” offer.
Obviously, you’re going to ask for something in return for handing out a discount, which will be your customer’s email or for them to share your brand on social media. For anyone looking to grow their contacts list, or increase their social media presence, this handy little app is for you.
App Number Three: LeadDyno
What is LeadDyno?
LeadDyno is a piece of software that will enable you to quickly and easily manage and launch your affiliate program. And, the best part? You don’t need to possess any knowledge of coding or advanced developmental skills to use it.
LeadDyno can be integrated with:
- PayPal
- BigCommerce
- Shopify
What you can use LeadDyno for
LeadDyno can be used to create a comprehensive list of affiliate partners to work in conjunction with your brand. Its software will give you and your affiliates the functionality that ye will need to generate more leads and increase conversions. The app’s dashboard will allow your affiliates to see exactly how much money they’re making from commissions. Also, you can use LeadDyno’s database to find affiliates who are already using its platform.
A handy tip that will help you find the best affiliates, is to sort through their database and identify the most successful bloggers. Bloggers are great because they always have not only a strong following but a loyal following. Having trust between buyer and seller is crucial, and that’s why bloggers make excellent affiliates. They’ve already established that trust through producing informative content week in week out.
So, their followers are more likely to purchase the products and services that they promote. Which means that they’re more likely to earn you sales than the average affiliate marketer. Overall, this is an awesome app that is guaranteed to earn you some extra cash while increasing your brand awareness.
App Number Four: Smile.io
What is Smile?
Smile is an app that will allow you to reward your customers for their generosity and turn them into lifetime buyers. To achieve this rather lofty end, it will give you the tools you need to create a warm and inviting community. As well as an onsite experience that will leave your customers wanting more.
Smile can be integrated with the following e-commerce platforms:
- Shopify
- BigCommerce
- WooCommerce
What you can use Smile for
You can use Smile to create a satisfied customer base by offering them rewards in return for purchasing your goods and services. In the current digital economy, it is getting harder and harder to make your e-commerce store stand out.
After all, virtually anyone can now buy a domain and hosting to supplement with a BigCommerce subscription and begin selling through their store.
While winning customers is important, it may be smarter to approach your business’s plan of action with retaining customers to the fore instead.
Anyway, regardless of your business approach, you can use Smile to create and customize a customer loyalty program that matches your brand’s vision. To help you along during this process, you will have:
- Points
- VIP Tiers
- Referrals
If you wish to find out more about Smile, check out our “apps to improve customer service” section down below.
App Number Five: Omnisend
What is Omnisend?
Omnisend is one of many email marketing and marketing automation apps that can be integrated with BigCommerce. The app offers an advanced level of email marketing functionality that almost anyone can use without any prior knowledge of coding or development.
It’s possible to integrate Omnisend with the following online store building platforms:
- Shopify
- BigCommerce
- WooCommerce
What can you use Omnisend for?
You can use Omnisend to bridge the gap between you and your customers. If you’re talking about the best big commerce apps, Omnisend has got to be up there. Mainly, because of how quick it is to get started using and also how easy it is to use.
When we refer to bridging the gap between you and your customers, we mean creating email marketing campaigns to get in touch with them. You can use Omnisend to create and send professional-looking emails in a relatively short period.
On top of that, you can use it to send out email newsletters as well as automated messages if people:
- Abandon their cart
- Make a purchase
- Require information on where their purchase is in the process of getting to them
With Omnisend, you’ll also be able to avail of a host of tools that will aid in SMS and social media marketing automation. So, you’re getting an extremely well-rounded marketing automation tool.
App Number Six: FOMO
What is FOMO?
FOMO is a social proofing app that will increase your conversion rate by taking advantage of the fear of missing out (also known as, FOMO). It does this by showing real-time purchases that are being made in your digital store, which entices potential customers to get in on the action. FOMO is also one of the many BigCommerce apps that is cloud-based and code free.
Here are the platforms that FOMO can be integrated with:
- BigCommerce
- Shopify
- Volusion
What you can use FOMO for
You can use FOMO to increase your online store’s conversion rate. This is achieved by displaying sales and activity happening on your site in real-time to visitors. Doing this provides social proof of your site’s legitimacy, which in turn provides an aura of trust and credibility. All of these things combined, eventually lead to sales.
The app manifests this social proof in the form of a popup on your screen. It also gives you the necessary tools to customize these popups so that they fit in with your brand image and page design. What’s also great about Fomo, is that you can have the whole process up and running in a matter of minutes.
And, if you feel like you need a little help with optimizing your site once it goes live, you can use Fomo insights. It’ll process all your data for you using machine learning so that you don’t waste a minute of your precious time.
App Number Seven: PriceWaiter
What is PriceWaiter
PriceWaiter, for lack of a more elaborate term, is a negotiation app. The theory behind the app is that it’ll make buying and selling products through your online store much easier, by simplifying the processes of negotiation.
Which is a drawn-out way of saying that it’ll find things that you can buy with the intention of selling on for a profit.
Also, this is genuinely one of the best BigCommerce apps. After all, they did create it!
What e-commerce platforms are open to PriceWaiter integrations:
- BigCommerce
What you can use PriceWaiter for
As a seller, you can use this app to sell more using the conversion tools contained within. PriceWaiter is probably best used to sell unwanted stock or clear large volumes of merchandise quickly in the guise of a clearance sale. But you could also use it to boost sales for your brand’s end of season sales.
The platform offers a builder and analytics dashboard to help you generate sales and attract new customers. You can use it to convert comparison shoppers bouncing around from store to store and make MAP moot.
Now that we’ve established what we think are some really great BigCommerce apps, let’s start breaking them up into categories that should make for easier viewing.
Also, we will be getting into the nitty-gritty details of what we love about them, so stay tuned for that!
The Best Landing Page Builder for BigCommerce
In this segment of our post, we’re going to be analyzing what we believe to be one of the best landing page builders on the market, Shogun.
Shogun
As previously stated, Shogun is one of the top BigCommerce apps on the market.
It enables you to create stunning and modern landing pages using drag and drop functionality, but that’s not all. It also offers a page importer that you can use to edit and customize pre-existing pages. As well as that, it works well for use in creating about pages, contact pages, and other pages of that nature.
Anyway, this is all awesome because it means that you don’t need prior knowledge of coding to be able to effectively use the tool. This also means that you won’t have to pay a developer. Which is huge because normally they demand a pretty penny in exchange for their services.
But if the need arises for a developer to be introduced, Shogun offers advanced functionality that’ll be right up their alley. For example, its “custom templating” feature allows you to create additional elements in coding languages such as liquid and HTML.
Once you create or edit a page with Shogun, you have the option to preview the page before it goes live. This will help ensure that the page is mobile responsive and that nothing is broken.
The importance of having a mobile responsive site cannot be stated enough, with 50% of internet traffic now coming from mobile devices.
In terms of integrations, it works super well with Shopify and BigCommerce, and all their respective themes. BigCommerce customer reviews have left the app rated five stars with 166 people already having rated the app, so you know it’s high performing.
To test out Shogun’s support, we decided to get in touch by asking them a few frequently asked questions that we googled. We found that they were very responsive but most importantly helpful. One thing that we didn’t like about Shogun’s support, is that it prioritizes customers on the basic and pro plans.
Which, in a way, is fair seen as they are paying more than the subscribers to its starter plan. Also, a redeeming factor in all of this is that Shogun offers email support to all users, regardless of the plan that they’re on. But some will just have to wait longer than others to avail of it due to the whole priority thing.
Shogun Pricing
Shogun offers three pricing plans:
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Overall, Shogun is a page builder that we, and many other reviewers, would recommend.
The Best Apps for Improving Marketing and Increasing Conversions
As we did in the previous segment, we’ll again be taking a closer look at some of the best apps that can be integrated with BigCommerce. Only this time, we’ll be concentrating on marketing and conversion apps. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
JustUno
The first marketing and conversion app that we’re going to be discussing is JustUno. You can use JustUno to create:
- Popups
- Lead generation solutions
- Targeted messaging to boost conversions
JustUno offers core visitor intelligence technology that has been specially designed to improve your conversion strategies. This out of the box functionality will collect visitor data and track behavioral patterns inside your digital stores to profile your target audience.
Once this customer profiling is complete, you can marry your findings with the tools offered in Justuno’s AI suite to create effective conversion strategies. This will ensure that you’re able to earn more conversions and generate leads with ease.
Another great way to increase your sales with JustUno is by upselling.
This can easily be done on-page by recommending products to go along with other products. Which is admittedly extremely basic, but effective, nonetheless. You can also use the app to create exit pop-ups that appear when customers choose to abandon their cart. These pop-ups could be used to display promotions, or perhaps best sellers that match that visitor’s personal product and transactional data.
This is a great method to use if you’re someone who likes to be proactive in winning sales.
You can also make use of JustUno’s omnichannel messaging to help you make more sales through your online store. You see, omnichannel messaging will ensure that you’ll be able to connect with leads and increase your brand awareness across multiple platforms. Which is becoming increasingly important in today’s market.
In terms of Ease of Use, we’d rate the app below average. Mainly because all the customisation and features can become a little overwhelming. Also, its UI is kind of tricky to get the hang of. Something that other online reviewers have also noted.
The final reason we’d label JustUno as one of the better BigCommerce apps in this category is because of its audience segmentation feature. Audience Segmentation is fantastic because it will allow you to always send the right promotional content to the right people. Which is not only essential when it comes to making more sales but also when it comes to increasing your brand awareness.
Pricing
JustUno’s pricing structure is complicated, so we recommend that you take advantage of the free trial that it offers before you opt-in.
Info on JustUno’s free trial:
- You do not have to sign up with your credit card.
- You are not obligated to buy a plan with the platform.
- You will not have to pay any hidden activation fees.
LeadDyno
The next marketing app up for dissection is LeadDyno.
LeadDyno is an all in one type of affiliate marketing and tracking solution, which can be easily integrated with BigCommerce.
It gives you the functionality you need to create and then manage your affiliate program, as well as track conversions by inputting URLs.
Something that we find really cool about LeadDyno, is how easy they make it for a visitor to promote your products. You see, if a visitor purchases your products through your online store, they can share them on social media with the click of a button. All of this is made possible thanks to the app’s social media plugin.
In terms of signing up affiliates, the process is rather straightforward and can be completed in a matter of minutes. You can choose to pay your affiliates’ commissions one of three ways:
- The first way is automatically through your chosen payment processor.
- The second way is using one-click payment verification.
- The third way is with affiliate mass pay, which lets you pay all your affiliates’ commission with a few quick clicks.
There are also some great features that’ll help you grow your affiliate list. For instance, when someone purchases a product from your online store, you can send them an invite to become an affiliate.
Another great feature worthy of a mention is the Per Product Commission. In short, this feature enables you to put a different percentage commission on products of your choice. You can also use it to set up a fixed sum of money as a commission in place of a percentage fee.
This BigCommerce integration also provides you with real-time affiliate reporting, so you can keep a close eye on everything. Plus, it’s annoying to have to wait for the dashboard to update affiliate information, so the fact you won’t have to is awesome.
The UI offered by LeadDyno is super easy to use, and your affiliates can see all your partnership information on the dashboard. This is great because we feel it helps create a transparent, and therefore, more trusting working relationship.
LeadDyno can also be used to track Google AdWords and Social media conversions. To do this, you need to create a new tracking campaign and input the URL you want to be tracked for conversions into your ads.
The one bad thing we’d say about LeadDyno is that its reporting is slightly lacking in comparison with other apps.
LeadDyno Pricing
Here’s a breakdown of LeadDyno’s pricing structure for all its “Basic Plans”:
Starter – $49 Per Month
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Biz Builder – $59 Per Month and this plan includes everything the starter plan does, plus:
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Accelerator – $79 Per Month and includes everything the other two plans do, as well as:
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Omnisend
Omnisend is best described as an omnichannel marketing and automation solution for marketers.
The word “omni” alludes to the fact that the platform enables you to automate marketing projects across multiple communicative channels.
These channels include:
- SMS
- Social Media
The app has received 100 reviews in BigCommerce’s market place, averaging a 4.5-star rating.
Omnisend offers a tonne of great features, especially when it comes to email and text automation.
Along with the usual welcome and confirmation notifications, it also allows you to create and send cart recovery and product abandonment messages.
For those who don’t know, these messages will target people who abandoned their cart or looked at a product but never made a purchase. This will be done using product recommendations and alternatives.
According to Omnisend, this will help you win back customers, so no complaints there.
When it comes to writing your newsletters and other promotional content, you will again have some helpful tools at your disposal. For instance, you’ll have built-in email templates available to you that have been optimized to earn conversions.
Another cool thing about Omnisend is its product picker. You can use it to import products and product details to your store in a matter of minutes.
You’ll also have access to CTR Boosters and Discount Coupons to entice your email recipients into buying some of your products.
Along with that, you’ll be able to boost your on-page marketing efforts, by taking advantage of sign-up forms. You can place these forms in a discrete, yet visible location, in your store using a widget.
This is great for growing your email list and generating new leads.
A negative associated with Omnisend, is the lack of customisation it offers within certain themes and pertaining to certain elements. One online reviewer was disgruntled by the fact that they could not change the colour scheme of the spin to win wheel to match that of their store. As a result, they can’t use that feature, which is annoying seen as gamification is effective and they’re paying to be able to use it.
Omnisend’s Pricing
Here’s a breakdown of Omnisend’s pricing:
| Plan | Cost Per Month |
| Standard | $16 |
| Pro | $199 |
| Enterprise | $2,000 |
BigCommerce Apps to Improve Customer Conversions
The next segment is going to focus on the BigCommerce apps that are going to help you turn leads into sales.
Let’s begin!
FOMO
The first app we’re going to be looking at is FOMO.
As previously alluded to in the best BigCommerce apps and integrations portion of this article,
FOMO is a social proof marketing platform.
The app gives you the power you need to create and edit messaging so that your vision is always
conveyed in the clearest way possible. This is made doable by its patent-pending architecture.
Pretty neat, right?
FOMO also gives you the option to incorporate automation and fallbacks into your site. These filters should provide you with the necessary elements to customize your site. And, enhance your visitors’ buying experience.
Something that many people do not seem to know about this app, is that it is extremely sophisticated. For example, it’s analyzing approximately 10 billion data points every hour, so that you can optimize your pages for conversions.
What’s also super about this digital marketing solution, is its templates and theme builder. FOMO’s templates provide you with a page base that’s proven to convert, while its builder lets you make it look stunning.
The builder comes with elements that enable you to customize your site without any knowledge of coding languages. But there is a CSS function available for more advanced developers. Also, they allow members access to its API, so you should have no qualms regarding customizing your online storefront.
For anyone who’s looking to target a certain part of the world as their client base, you can by using IP tracking.
FOMO’s scoreboard comes along with the app and will provide you with an indication of how useful it has been for you.
In terms of support, this BigCommerce integration makes JavaScript “side helpers” available to help you create the best site possible. Once more, you will be able to perform CSV exports so that you’re able to collect all the data about your store that you could possibly need.
How Much Does FOMO Cost?
Here’s a breakdown of Fomo’s pricing:
| Plan | Cost Per Month |
| Starter | $19 |
| Essential | $39 |
| Plus | $79 |
| Advanced | $199 |
PriceWaiter
While using the app, you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you realize that almost everything has been automated.
Now, an entirely automated platform is a crux for more advanced marketers and developers. So, you may be pleased to know, that you’ll also have the option to manually set up some sales features.
Although the level of customization you’ll have available to you is still somewhat limited, it’ll give you control over when these items go live.
The most attractive element of this app is that it enables you to sell products that you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to sell.
When it comes to optimizing pages with PriceWaiter, you’ll have access to A/B testing to ensure they’re high converting.
On top of that, you’ll be able to decrease your bounce rate by using metrics that calculate exit intent.
The lower your bounce rate, the better search engine crawlers will rank your site in the SERPs.
The only obvious downside to PriceWaiter, is that there’s no guarantee that you’re going to be able to use it effectively. And, that’s because it can be a little tricky to get the hang of, but once you do, you should be fine.
PriceWaiter’s Pricing
This app does not require a set up or subscription fee. It operates as a marketplace, so instead, they take a percentage commission from the seller.
Top BigCommerce App to Improve Customer Service
Smile.io
Smile is an awesome BigCommerce integration, which will give you the functionality you need to create a rewards program to give back to your loyal customers.
The app has a 4.5 star-rating in BigCommerce’s app marketplace. Which would indicate that it’s in the higher echelons of what’s available when it comes to improving customer service.
The first thing we love about Smile is that it provides more than one method of rewarding your customers. You see, if a customer makes a purchase, you can reward them. If they share your brand on social media, you can reward them. If they merely tell a friend, and that friend mentions who pointed them in the direction of your store, you can reward them.
According to Smile’s about info in the BigCommerce app marketplace, there are over ten different consumer actions, which can result in customer rewards.
When creating your rewards programs, you’ll be able to add imagery and logos so that the program feels as though it’s an extension of your brand.
If you find that you need access to customization features that are not available through smile, you can have them coded in through its API.
Please note, you do not have API access unless you are subscribed to Smile’s Enterprise plan. Admittedly, this is a bit of a bummer.
One of the most practical methods you can use to ensure customers remain loyal to your brand is Smile’s VIP structure. In short, VIP encourages customers to continue to buy your products, buy offering them rewards. Plain, and simple!
Rewarding your customers is a great way to improve your customer service because it makes the customer feel valued.
Also, it shows that you care about the people who buy your products, which is another nice touch.
The Best BigCommerce Shipping App
Let’s face it, shipping can be so complicated, not to mention downright over the top.
So, before you find yourself stressed to the point that you’re foaming from the mouth and clenching your fists so tight that they turn blue.
*Exhales slowly and breathes in deeply*
Well, why not investigate downloading an app that’ll, more or less, do most of the hard work for you, eh?
AfterShip
Aftership is a tracking solution that marketers can integrate into their online stores.
The app is great because it will automatically track your couriers so that you are up to date pertaining to the whereabouts of your customers’ orders.
Shipments can be automatically tracked through aftership using shopping carts, marketplaces, and CSVs.
The app’s interface will provide you with a:
- Time of delivery
- Date of delivery
- Delivery status regarding items whereabouts and condition
What we like about this app is the ability to manage your shipments using filters. For example, you are able to sort deliveries out by the courier delivering them. So, if you need to find data relating to shipments being delivered by a specific courier, you can quick and easy.
Other metrics that you can sort by include:
- Final location of delivery
- The date the delivery is fixed to be shipped
- The time it will take for a delivery to be completed
For those of you who like to stay one step ahead of the game, you’ll be able to perform an audit on all your shipments. This is awesome because it should give you a reasonably strong idea as to how long your deliveries will take.
Aftership lets you send notifications via email to your customers. This is useful if something happens to your shipment because it’ll allow you to keep your customers up to date. While also affording them a little peace of mind.
To set this up, you’re going to have to establish status triggers. For instance, if an item gets delivered, the status of that shipment will change to display “delivered”. Upon this change, you can arrange for a generic confirmation email to be sent to all your customers.
As with most of the BigCommerce apps on this list, you will have access to an API. So, for all you developers, you will be able to code the app to suit your shipping needs.
For customers to track their orders, they need only go to your site and look for the tracking page. Within the tracking page, they’ll find all the information there is to find about their order.
The actual function that will allow you to implement a tracking system on your site, is called the “Track Button”. To get this feature up and running on your store, you’ll need to copy and paste a few lines of code, which can be found on AfterShip’s website.
In terms of cons, there are a few that other reviewers have experienced.
For instance, reviewers on GetApp.com noticed problems with tracking couriers and getting the tracking ID to appear. One person who left a review on the platform claimed that they did not provide good enough documentation when it comes to explaining how to effectively use the site’s API.
Not huge problems, but food for thought, nonetheless.
How Much Does AfterShip Cost Per Month?
| Plan | Cost Per Month |
| Starter | Free |
| Essential | $9 |
| Growth | $29 |
| Pro | $99 |
| Advanced | $199 |
| Platinum | $399 |
| Quartz | $599 |
| Ultimate | $799 |
| Titanium | $999 |
| Enterprise | $Tailored |
Here’s Our List of Must-Have BigCommerce Apps Once More
- Shogun
- JustUno
- LeadDyno
- Smile
- Omnisend
- FOMO
- Pricewaiter
