BigCommerce Store User Testing

What a stranger notices on a BigCommerce store

BigCommerce stores frequently leverage Stencil themes, which are designed to be visually appealing and responsive across devices. However, these themes sometimes come with usability challenges that aren't immediately obvious to the store owner. For instance, faceted search—a key strength of BigCommerce—may not be configured to display the most relevant filters, leading to user confusion. B2B features are robust, yet their complexity can overwhelm a first-time shopper if not properly streamlined. Theme defaults might hide important details like shipping information or return policies, which can deter potential buyers. The optimized one-page checkout is a significant advantage, aiming to reduce cart abandonment, but the integration of additional apps can inadvertently disrupt this smooth process. BurnTest.io gives you a firsthand look at how these elements function in real-world scenarios. A stranger records their screen while navigating your store, sharing their immediate reactions. They might struggle with locating the product categories or express surprise at unexpected shipping costs during checkout. Learn more about how it works.

Where BigCommerce stores lose the sale

BigCommerce platforms often encounter friction points that can deter customers from completing a purchase. Navigation issues are a common culprit; for example, a shopper might express frustration if the main menu is cluttered or if category pages are not logically organized. During checkout, disruptions can arise from unexpected costs or unclear instructions, causing hesitation. Default settings that fail to communicate trust—such as missing SSL certificates or unclear return policies—can further compound these issues. Apps added for enhanced functionality might slow down page load times, testing a shopper's patience. With BurnTest.io, you gain a clear perspective on these pain points. Watch real users as they interact with your store, narrating their journey. They might highlight confusion over product variants or express doubt about payment security. This feedback is invaluable for refining your user experience, helping you identify and eliminate barriers that lead to lost sales.

How to brief a reviewer for a BigCommerce store

To maximize the effectiveness of your burn, a detailed brief is essential. Begin by pasting your BigCommerce store URL into the submission form. Decide whether you want the review conducted on a desktop or mobile device, as user experiences can vary significantly between platforms. Clearly describe your ideal customer to ensure the reviewer aligns with your target demographic. Specify a task for the reviewer, such as finding and purchasing a specific product. This task should reflect a typical customer journey, offering insights into potential stumbling blocks. Conclude with a closing question like 'Would you buy from this store?' to gauge overall satisfaction and likelihood of conversion. Providing this structured guidance ensures you receive focused, actionable insights. Reviewers might comment on the ease of finding product information, or they might question the credibility of customer reviews. For more guidance on crafting an effective brief, visit our support center.

Keep going

If you want to act on this today: run the free AI Fire Score on your URL, read the BurnTest blog on first impressions and checkout friction, see the dtc brands page, see the burn vs heatmaps page, compare burn packs on the pricing page. Your first burn is free, and a real person will have watched your site, usually within 1–2 days.