Starting an Online Store with WordPress and WooCommerce

Are you interested in launching your own virtual shop?

The idea of creating an e-commerce website can be daunting, especially if you're not tech-savvy. But fear not, as you're not the only one. I have aided numerous individuals in launching their online stores, making this the perfect place for you.

This article aims to demonstrate the simple steps to begin an e-commerce website.

What is Required to Begin an Online Store?

Now is the ideal moment to dive into the world of online business - the possibilities are endless! All you need is a computer and a few minutes to get started, no special skills required. To launch your own online store, there are three key things you'll need: First, come up with a catchy domain name for your business, like yourbrand.com. Next, sign up for a web hosting service to get your website up and running - check out Namecheap or HostGator. Finally, set aside a distraction-free 2-hour block to focus on building your e-commerce site. In less than an hour, you can have your website set up using WordPress, and I'll walk you through each step of the process. Let's get started! Remember, success doesn't happen overnight, but with dedication and hard work, you can turn your online store into a thriving business. Don't be afraid to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and always keep your customers at the forefront of your decisions. So, Take that first step towards building your online empire today!

Let begin, Shall we?

Step 1: Establish Your E-commerce Platform

One of the most common errors made by users is failing to select the appropriate platform for their digital store.

Fortunately, I will be explaining this briefly , so you won't be repeating that error.

I suggest two highly favored eCommerce platforms for online businesses: Shopify or WordPress + WooCommerce.

Shopify is an all-inclusive eCommerce platform with a starting price around $29 per month (with the option to pay monthly or receive a discount by paying upfront for a year). It offers a seamless solution where users can simply log in and begin selling.

One of the drawbacks of Shopify is its high cost, and it also offers limited payment options unless you are willing to pay extra charges. But shopify is also a great choice, I have few designs on that as well, but our main focus today is WordPress and Woocommerce.

The reason why a majority of individuals opt for WordPress along with WooCommerce is due to its versatility. While it may need some initial configuration, it is a worthwhile investment for the future.

The website builder WordPress is widely used and the eCommerce platform WooCommerce is considered the biggest in the world.

This guide will demonstrate the steps to create an e-commerce website on WordPress with the help of WooCommerce, utilizing one of the top recommended WooCommerce hosting providers I use.

In order to establish your eCommerce store, three essential components are required: a domain name, web hosting, and an SSL certificate.

A website address is known as a domain name and serves as the location of your website on the internet. This is the information that users will enter into their browsers in order to access your website, such as google.com.

Web hosting is the virtual location where your eCommerce website resides on the internet, serving as its online home. Just like how every physical house needs a physical address, every website on the internet requires web hosting.

The SSL certificate is a crucial component for ensuring the security of your website. It enables you to securely collect sensitive data, including credit card details and personal information. This is essential if you want to process credit card payments on your online store.

Typically, the combined expenses for a domain name, web hosting, and an SSL certificate can amount to around one hundred dollars. This can be a significant amount for initial business investments.

Fortunately, Namecheap, a hosting provider officially recommended by WordPress and you can add WooCommerce yourself to your WordPress site on name cheap. You can also add a shop to any existting website by creating a new directory or subdomain so you can either have yourbrand,com/shop or shop.yourbrand.com anyone of them is cool.

Note: I'm not an affiliate of Namecheap nor will i receive a commission for promoting any WordPress hosting company. I only choose services i use and trust

If your have successfully purchased the domain, hosting and SSL certificate, go on to install WordPress I already have a topic about installation of Wordpress on for Blogging that article will be helpful too so you can read that also.

Your login details will be sent to your email. Go on to login and install WordPress it should be listed where other software are usually close to the bottom of the control panel.

You have the freedom to choose anything you desire, and if you have a change of heart, you can always modify it later.

In case you are not acquainted with the WordPress dashboard or administrator section, don’t worry don’t be in a hurry to launch your store take sometime to practice offline, You can read my article on setting up word press on Xampp.

The WordPress dashboard can be accessed by clicking on the "Dashboard" option on the left-hand side of the screen. It provides an overview of the website's activity and allows users to manage their site's content, appearance, and settings. To access the dashboard, simply click on the "Dashboard" link.

Step 2. Configuring Your WordPress Site

Let's get your WordPress website set up.

To begin, it is necessary to go to the Settings ? General section to configure the title and tagline for your WordPress site. If you are satisfied with the current site title, there is no need to modify it.

The tagline is not mandatory, so there is no need to stress if you are unable to think of one immediately.

Enabling SSL for HTTPS Connection

Included in your WordPress hosting plan is a complimentary SSL Certificate that has already been installed for your domain. However, proper configuration of your WordPress site is necessary to ensure it loads using HTTPS instead of HTTP. For guidance on this process, please refer to this helpful tutorial: How to Properly Move WordPress from HTTP to HTTPS (Beginner's Guide).

To switch from using http to https, go to the General page under Settings and modify both your WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL).

Be sure to reach the bottom of the page and select the 'Save Changes' button in order to save your preferences.

The initial setup for your WordPress website is finished. It is now the appropriate time to establish your virtual shop.

Step 3. Establish Your WooCommerce Store Setup

WooCommerce is considered the most superior option for creating online stores. This platform is based on WordPress, offering the same level of versatility while allowing users to sell a wide range of products.

To begin, the WooCommerce plugin must be installed and activated. It is usually installed as a plugin.

To find WooCommerce, navigate to the Plugins ? Add New page and use the search function. Once the results appear, select the 'Install Now' button located next to the listing for WooCommerce.

The WooCommerce plugin will be fetched and installed by WordPress.

Please wait until the plugin has finished downloading before clicking on the 'Activate' button to proceed.

After being activated, WooCommerce will initiate the setup wizard, and the Welcome to WooCommerce screen will appear.

The essential settings for WooCommerce will be guided to you by this setup wizard.

To set up your online store, the initial step is to input fundamental details such as your address, country, and region. In case you are a retailer, you can also include your retail location information as the address.

Next, proceed by selecting the 'Continue' button to advance to the following stage.

Afterwards, you will be prompted to select a store industry. You have the option to choose the industry that is most similar to the type of store you wish to create.

To proceed further, simply click on the 'Continue' button.

Following this, you will be prompted to select the categories of items that you intend to sell in your shop. For example, if your merchandise requires delivery, you may opt for 'Physical Products.'

There is also the option to select various types of products.

One can opt for both Physical Products and Downloads when adding products. There is no need to be concerned about offering different types of products, as the user can specify the type for each individual product.

Select the 'Continue' option.

In the following step, you will be prompted to enter certain business information, such as the number of products you intend to sell and whether or not you are currently selling elsewhere. If applicable, you may select the 'I don't have products yet' option and indicate 'No' for the other option.

Next, you must navigate to the tab labeled 'Free Features'.

Upon viewing, a box will be marked by default to install complimentary features on your website.

Please ensure to deselect this option, as it will automatically install various WooCommerce extensions that may not be necessary for your use. If you require them in the future, you can easily install them individually.

Press the 'Continue' button to proceed to the following stage.

Afterwards, you will be prompted to select a design for your virtual shop. You have the option to stick with your current default theme, opt for 'Storefront', or pick one of the complimentary WooCommerce themes displayed on the website.

Do not stress about selecting the ideal theme immediately. We will guide you on how to pick the most suitable theme for your online store in the following sections of this article.

Congratulations, you have successfully finished setting up WooCommerce.

Step 4. Arrange Payment Options for Your E-commerce Site

To begin, it is necessary to establish payment methods for accepting online payments through your store. With WooCommerce, there are multiple payment gateways available that can be effortlessly configured.

To access the 'Payments' tab, navigate to the WooCommerce ? Settings page. The available options, including PayPal Standard, Cash on Delivery, Checks, and Bank Transfers, are listed by default.

If you scroll down, you will also find the choice to add Stripe, PayPal Checkout, and WooCommerce Payments as installation options.

For your payment options, I suggest selecting one suitable payment gateway for your region, if you’re in Nigeria there is Flutterwave, Paystack and so on.

To set up each payment gateway, simply select the Set up button and enter the necessary details.

If you’re using Stripe for example is the option to activate Stripe and input your API Keys. This data can be located within your Stripe account.

Remember to click the 'Save changes' button in order to save your payment preferences.

Note: It is suggested to utilize the WP Simple Pay plugin instead of the default Stripe addon provided by WooCommerce.

Included in its offerings are additional functionalities such as a rapid installation guide, automated webhook generation, instant express payments, and other added features.

Step 5. Incorporate Items into Your E-commerce Website

To begin, you can add your initial product to your online store.

To add a new product, please navigate to the Products ? Add New page

To begin, start by giving your product a title followed by a comprehensive description.

The 'Product Categories' box can be found in the right-hand column. To add a category for this product, click on the '+ Add new category' option. This feature enables both you and your customers to conveniently filter and view products.

As you continue scrolling, you'll come across the 'Product Data' box.

In this section, you can supply details about the product such as cost, stock availability, delivery, and more.

Underneath the product data box, there is a section where you can input a brief product summary.

When browsing through multiple products on a page, these product descriptions will be utilized.

Finally, in the column on the right, there are options to insert a primary product image and a product gallery.

Simply include the images that you believe effectively display your products.

When you have finished adding all the product information and are content with it, you can select the 'Publish' button to make it available on your website.

To add additional products, simply repeat the same process as required.

Step 6. Choose and Personalize a WordPress Theme

The appearance of your WordPress site to visitors is determined by themes. In the case of a WooCommerce store, themes also dictate the presentation of your products.

A multitude of WordPress themes, both paid and free, can be found to assist in building an impressive online presence. These themes can be accessed through the link provided and can be evaluated for their advantages and disadvantages.

Although there are numerous WordPress themes available, not all are suitable for eCommerce websites. To help you find the perfect fit, we have carefully selected a list of the top WooCommerce themes for you to consider.

After installing a WooCommerce theme, you have the ability to modify its appearance to fit your specific needs.

To access the customization options for a classic theme, navigate to the Appearance ? Customize page. This will open the Theme Customize r, allowing you to modify various aspects of the theme.

Contemporary WooCommerce themes offer a variety of customization choices and are optimized for both desktop and mobile usage.

In case you opt for a block theme instead, you can refer to our tutorial for guidance on utilizing the WordPress full site editor.

Step 7: Enhance Your E-commerce Website with Add-ons

As your store nears completion, you may consider incorporating additional features to establish a thriving online store. For instance, you could include a form for customer support or advertise your new venture on various social media platforms to secure your initial sale.

Plugins play a crucial role in this aspect.

The integration of plugins or extensions in both WooCommerce and WordPress provides a convenient way to enhance your website's functionalities.

WordPress plugins are similar to applications for your website. There is a vast selection of these plugins available, including both free and paid options. With over 59,000 plugins in the WordPress.org directory alone, the choices are endless.

The numerous options available can be overwhelming for novice users who are trying to select the most suitable plugins. How can one determine which plugin is the best choice?

Below are a few recommendations for crucial plugins that every internet store should incorporate.

1. OptinMonster

OptinMonster assists in converting website visitors into paying customers effortlessly. Its features include lightbox popups, persistent header and footer banners, countdown timers, spin to win, and many others.The use of all these methods can effectively enhance conversions, increase sales, expand your email database, and decrease instances of shopping cart abandonment.

2. AffiliateWPWith

AffiliateWP, you can effortlessly incorporate an affiliate program into your e-commerce site, enabling you to collaborate with affiliate marketers who will promote your products in exchange for a commission.Our platform offers robust affiliate tracking, zero transaction fees, advanced fraud detection, quick payouts, and an easy-to-use partner dashboard. To learn more, refer to our comprehensive tutorial on setting up a referral program for your e-commerce site using WordPress.

3. Enhanced Discounts

The Advanced Coupon Plugin is widely considered as the top choice for a coupon code plugin for WooCommerce. With its features, you can enhance the standard WooCommerce coupon capabilities and generate powerful coupons that can greatly contribute to the success of your business.Utilizing Advanced Coupons, you have the ability to establish loyalty initiatives, planned coupon offers, Buy 1 Get 1 Free promotions, shipping discounts, and other options. To learn more, refer to our comprehensive tutorial on creating intelligent coupons for your online store.

4. SeedProd

SeedProd stands out as the top page building extension for both WordPress and WooCommerce platforms. This powerful tool empowers you to effortlessly design personalized landing pages for your e-commerce store.The package contains pre-made templates specifically created for increasing conversions and sales. Additionally, it provides drag-and-drop WooCommerce blocks for creating unique product pages, homepages, checkout pages, thank you pages, and other pages without the need for coding.Additionally, it is possible to link it to your chosen email marketing platform in order to expand your email subscriber database.

5. PushEngage

Through PushEngage, you have the ability to customize and deliver messages to your desired audience. These messages can include but are not limited to updates on new products, reminders for abandoned carts, notifications for restocked items, welcoming messages, and more.

6. AIOSEO for WordPress

The AIOSEO plugin is highly recommended for optimizing SEO on WordPress, particularly for online stores using WooCommerce. Even without prior experience in search engine optimization, this plugin makes it effortless to improve your store's SEO. Additionally, WPBeginner has recognized it as the top choice for optimizing WordPress websites.The platform offers comprehensive backing for eCommerce, schema markup, sitemaps, and breadcrumbs, among other features, to enhance the flow of visitors to your web store. For in-depth information, refer to our beginner-friendly guide on maximizing WooCommerce SEO for top Google ranking.Additionally, there exists a complimentary version of AIOSEO that holds considerable capabilities for beginners.

7. HubSpot

HubSpot is a highly recommended CRM plugin for WordPress and WooCommerce. This powerful tool enables you to effortlessly synchronize your forms, effectively handle contacts, categorize them into various lists, and track all interactions between your visitors and your website. Furthermore, it offers a complimentary email marketing function integrated into its features.

They also provide the option to seamlessly incorporate live chat onto your website pages and offer analytics to monitor the effectiveness of your marketing strategy. There are numerous chat plugins available for WordPress, allowing you to customize and enhance your website as you become more familiar with the platform.

By now, you should have a functioning e-commerce store that you built yourself, and it should be looking pretty good. Remember, perfection takes practice, so don't get discouraged if it's not flawless right away. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or seek assistance from the vast array of WordPress forums available online. Join the community and continue to improve your website-building skills.

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