How to Create an E-commerce Website Using WooCommerce
With 193,527,411 active websites out there, creating one of your own could be intimidating. But, once you learn how to create an e-commerce website using WooCommerce, yours will be among 6.6 million live pages that use this WordPress plugin. Let's check out easy steps for effortless site creation.
How to Create an E-commerce Website Using WooCommerce
Creating a site with WooCommerce means you'll have to choose the domain and hosting app, and then install WordPress and activate the plugin. Luckily, the dashboard you'll work from is user-friendly so you'll navigate swiftly.
Select the most suitable theme and add your products. Then, configure payment getaways and shipping options and promote the brand after launching a store by using social media and other effective marketing strategies.
Choose the Right Domain and Hosting
Your hosting plan and domain name as a reseller need to be secured before anything else. With more than 350.5 million domain names registered, you should come up with something innovative that is directly connected with the brand. The address of the website is its domain name, such as "yourbusiness.com." It's how people discover you online, so picking a name that fits your business is essential.
After obtaining a domain name, you will require a website hosting company. Hosting services save the content of your website and make it available to users anywhere. Since you're already using WordPress, check out the WP Engine, one of the most popular plugins among cross-listing software users and WordPress developers.
Install WordPress and Activate WooCommerce
There are many reasons why you should use WordPress. One of its main benefits, the user-friendly interface, made more than 470 million sites use this platform. Did you know that every day more than 10,000 sites are created with WordPress? It's a great number comparing it with just 60-80 on competitor platforms like Shopify.
Installing WordPress is straightforward, as well. Most hosting providers offer a one-click installation feature. Log in to the hosting account, find the installer, and follow the prompts to complete the setup.
For first-time setup, choose a strong admin username and password and configure your site’s title and tagline. Additionally, ensure the permalink structure is SEO-friendly by selecting the "Post name" option in the settings. These initial steps set a solid foundation for any WooCommerce store.
Navigate the WordPress Dashboard
To install WooCommerce, go to the WordPress dashboard, then to Plugins, and click "Add New." Search for WooCommerce, install, and activate it. The initial setup wizard will guide you through essential configurations like store details, currency, and product types. Here are other steps you need to take from the dashboard:
- Add business details,
- Choose a payment provider,
- Configure shipping,
- Add other extensions to improve your e-commerce even more.
Select and Customize a WooCommerce Compatible Theme
Three requirements must be met for you to have an ideal theme - performance, functionality, and aesthetics. The theme should speak to your target audience and reflect the image of the brand. For example, if you're a clothes reseller, one of the best themes is Apparel.
When starting an online business with no money, you should check out some free themes such as Astra or Zakra. Additionally, a seamless buying experience can be guaranteed with a modern, clean design with simple navigation.
To customize the theme, navigate to the WordPress Customizer under Appearance, where you can adjust colors, fonts, and layout settings to match your brand. Personalizing themes ensures the store looks professional and aligns with your business vision.
Add Products to Your Online Store
Adding and managing products in WooCommerce is straightforward. Go to the Products section in your dashboard, click "Add New," and fill in details like title, description, price, and images. Write effective product descriptions that highlight key features and benefits. Organize products using categories and tags for easier navigation and better SEO.
These categories include General, Inventory, Downloadable Products, Approved Download Directories, and Advanced. In the General tab, you may specify the page where you want your store to be located, the preferred behavior when a product is added to the basket, default measurement units, and review/rating settings. In the Inventory area, you may set stock management and low inventory criteria.
This step is great if you're planning to expand your business and decide to use online selling tools. As a reseller, you shouldn't be on only one online marketplace platform. Find potential buyers on Asos and the well-known Facebook Marketplace.
Configure Payment Gateways and Set Up Shipping Options
WooCommerce supports various payment gateways. Popular options include PayPal and Stripe. To set them up, go to WooCommerce settings, select Payments, and follow the prompts to configure each gateway. Ensure secure transactions by enabling SSL and using trusted payment processors. And don't worry, these are some of the most secure solutions - PayPal has more than 300 million active users.
When it comes to shipping, no matter if you're a full-time reseller or if it's just a hobby, you need to configure shipping zones and methods to cover different regions. Integrate with courier services like Hermes, DHL, UPS, or FedEx for seamless logistics. Set shipping rates and rules based on weight, dimensions, and destination to offer flexible and accurate shipping options to customers.
Launch Your E-Commerce Business and Promote It
Before launching, perform final checks to ensure everything works correctly. Promote your new e-commerce business through social media, email marketing, and SEO strategies. You can also use cross-posting software to sell on both eBay and Depop and other popular platforms.
Engage with potential customers and drive traffic to the store to boost sales and establish the brand. If you're new to this, make sure to check out the video below for some great tips on promoting your new business. And since 89% of marketers say that email is their main way to get leads, let's focus on that strategy.
Let Zipsale, a Cross-Posting Software, Help Your E-Commerce Business
Using WooCommerce with WordPress is a great way to make a top-notch website for your online store. After all, having a site is more important than you think - 75% of people say they judge a business's trustworthiness based on how its website looks.
However, all this work can be a bit exhausting, so letting a top-notch crossposting app do the work for you is a way. Sign up with Zipsale and let a reliable crosslisting software take care of your listings on more than one multi-vendor marketplace platform, from eBay to Etsy and Vinted.
