If you’re looking to expand your customer base and boost your revenue, creating an e-commerce website could be the answer. In fact, global e-commerce sales amounted to a staggering $4.28 trillion in 2020 and are projected to reach $6.39 trillion by 2024, according to a report by eMarketer.
But we know that building an e-commerce website can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the world of online business. That’s why we’re here to help.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the 8 simple steps involved in constructing an e-commerce website using WooCommerce + WordPress, the most popular and powerful platform for shopping websites.
So, get ready to dive into the world of e-commerce and take your business to the next level!
8 Steps to Create an E-commerce Website
- Sign up with an e-commerce builder
- Create your WordPress website
- Connect your WordPress site with WooCommerce
- Fine-tune your e-commerce website’s settings
- Add your products to your e-commerce store
- Add plugins and extra content to boost conversions
- Get a domain name
- Make your e-commerce site public
We’ll be discussing each of these steps in detail in the following sections.
But before getting into these steps, let’s understand what an e-commerce website is and its benefits.
What Is an E-commerce Store?
Have you ever purchased something online? If so, you’ve likely used e-commerce. An e-commerce store, also known as an online shopping site or an internet store, is a website where you can purchase goods and services online. It’s like having a virtual shopping mall at your fingertips!
Online stores come in all shapes and sizes, from small businesses selling handmade goods to large retailers like Amazon selling millions of products. They allow customers to browse and purchase products from the comfort of their own homes, making shopping more convenient than ever before.
But e-commerce stores aren’t just convenient for customers – they’re also a powerful tool for businesses to increase their reach and drive more sales. With the rise of online shopping, having an online store is becoming increasingly essential for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to expand your customer base or a large retailer wanting to tap into new markets, creating an online store is a great way to achieve your business goals.
Related: 12 of the Most Common Types of Websites
Benefits of Having an E-commerce Store
If you’re running a business, whether big or small, you might be considering the benefits of having e-commerce.
Here are some key advantages that can make a huge difference in the success of your business:
- Increased Reach: By having an online store, you can sell your products to customers all over the world, rather than being limited to your local area. This greatly expands your potential customer base and can help you grow your business exponentially.
- Lower Overhead Costs: With an online shop, you don’t need to rent a physical storefront or pay for other expenses associated with maintaining a brick-and-mortar shop. This means that you can save a significant amount of money on overhead costs and use those savings to invest in other areas of your business.
- Ability to Operate 24/7: Your e-commerce site will be open and available for customers to shop at any time of day or night. This means that you can continue to make sales even when you’re not physically present in the shop.
- Increased Sales: With an online store, you can easily track and analyze customer data, which can help you make informed decisions about pricing, promotions, and marketing strategies. By optimizing these areas, you can increase your sales and revenue.
- Improved Customer Experience: E-commerce provides customers with the convenience of shopping from the comfort of their own homes without having to deal with crowds or long lines. Additionally, customers can easily compare products, read reviews, and make purchases with just a few clicks, making for a seamless shopping experience.
Overall, having an online shopping site can be a game-changer for you, helping you grow your brand, reach new customers, and increase sales.
E-commerce Store Platforms
When it comes to building an online store, there are many different platforms to choose from. The most popular options are hosted and self-hosted platforms.
Here is a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of each platform type:
Table-1
Hosted Platforms | Self-Hosted Platforms | |
Setup Cost | Low to none | High |
Monthly Fees | Yes | No |
Customization | Limited | Complete control |
Hosting and Security | Provided | Responsibility of owner |
Scalability | Limited | Highly scalable |
Integrations and Plugins | Limited | Extensive |
Support and Maintenance | Included | Responsibility of owner |
Data Ownership and Control | Limited | Complete control |
SEO Capabilities | Limited | Extensive |
As you can see, hosted platforms have low setup costs and provide hosting, security, support, and maintenance but have limited customization and scalability.
On the other hand, self-hosted platforms give you complete control over customization, data ownership, and control, scalability, and SEO capabilities but require high setup costs and the responsibility of hosting, security, support, and maintenance.
When choosing between the two types of platforms, consider factors such as your budget, technical expertise, business needs, and long-term goals.
For example, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t have much technical knowledge, a hosted platform might be a better option.
However, if you have more complex business needs and want full control over your online presence, a self-hosted platform like WooCommerce might be the way to go.
Types of E-commerce Stores
When it comes to e-commerce, there are two main types: Individual brands and Online retailers.
Each has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right type of store for your business is an important decision.
I. Individual Brand E-commerce Stores
An individual brand e-commerce is a website owned and operated by a single brand or company. This type of online shop is perfect for businesses that want to establish their own online presence and maintain complete control over their branding and customer experience.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of individual brand e-commerce:
Advantages:
- Complete control over branding and customer experience
- Ability to build a unique online identity and stand out from competitors
- Direct access to customer data and insights
- Greater flexibility in terms of pricing and product offerings
Disadvantages:
- Higher upfront costs and ongoing maintenance expenses
- Limited reach compared to online marketplaces
- More difficult to attract and retain customers without the support of a larger platform
- Greater responsibility for marketing and customer acquisition
II. Online Retailers
Online retailers are e-commerce that operates on online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. These marketplaces provide a platform for businesses to sell their products to a large customer base, without the need for their own website or e-commerce infrastructure.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of online retailers:
Advantages:
- Access to a large customer base and established marketplace
- Lower upfront costs and maintenance expenses
- Built-in marketing and customer acquisition support
- Ability to take advantage of existing customer reviews and ratings
Disadvantages:
- Limited control over branding and customer experience
- Heavily reliant on the marketplace for traffic and sales
- Increased competition and difficulty standing out from other sellers
- Limited access to customer data and insights
Table comparing individual brand e-commerce stores and online retailers:
Table–2
Individual Brand E-commerce Stores | Online Retailers | |
Control over branding | Yes | Limited |
Ability to build a unique online identity | Yes | Limited |
Direct access to customer data and insights | Yes | Limited |
Ability to take advantage of existing customer reviews and ratings | No | Yes |
Reach | Limited | Large |
Upfront costs | High | Low |
Marketing and customer acquisition support | Limited | Yes |
Responsibility for marketing and customer acquisition | High | Low |
Access to customer data and insights | Yes | Limited |
Choosing the right type of online store for your business is crucial for success. Individual brand sites provide complete control over branding and customer experience but require higher upfront costs and marketing responsibilities.
Online retailers offer access to a large customer base and built-in marketing support, but limited control over branding and customer experience.
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each store type, and choose the one that best fits your business goals and budget.
Step 1: Sign Up With an E-commerce Builder
If you’re ready to create an e-commerce shop, the first step is to sign up with an e-commerce builder.
An e-commerce builder is a software platform that helps you create and manage your online store. It offers features such as web page templates, inventory management, payment processing, and shipping options.
There are many e-commerce builders available in the market, each with its own features and pricing plans. Some of the most popular e-commerce builders include Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and Magento. To choose the right one for your needs, you should consider factors such as your budget, the size of your business, and the features you require.
Table-3
E-commerce Builder | Pricing | Features | Pros | Cons |
WooCommerce | Free (but need to pay for hosting and other features) | Extensive plugin options, customizable, WordPress integration | Highly customizable, extensive documentation and support, large user community | Requires a self-hosted WordPress site, Need technical expertise to set up |
Shopify | Starts at $29/month | Hosting, SSL, Payment gateways, SEO tools | User-friendly interface, easy to set up and manage, comprehensive features, 24/7 customer support | Limited customization options, transaction fees on some payment gateways |
BigCommerce | Starts at $29.95/month | Multi-channel selling, built-in SEO tools, 24/7 support | User-friendly interface, enterprise-level features | Higher pricing plans can be expensive, limited design customization |
Magento | Free (but need to pay for hosting and other features) | Scalable, Multi-site management, Robust product catalog | Highly customizable, extensive feature set, scalable for large stores | Steep learning curve, requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain, costly to host |
Squarespace | Starts at $26/month | Drag-and-drop website builder, Mobile-optimized templates, Built-in SEO tools, 24/7 customer support | User-friendly interface, easy to set up and manage, good design customization options, comprehensive features | Limited payment gateway options, limited SEO features |
Wix | $23-49/month | Drag-and-drop website builder, Social media integration, Mobile optimization | User-friendly, great for beginners, affordable | Limited design flexibility, not ideal for large businesses |
Once you have chosen an e-commerce builder, the sign-up process is usually straightforward. You’ll need to provide your personal and business information, choose a pricing plan, and select a domain name for your site. Some e-commerce builders also offer free trials or demos, allowing you to test the platform before committing to a paid plan.
By signing up with an e-commerce builder, you can save time and effort in creating your online shop, as well as access a range of features and tools to help you grow your business.
Step 2: Create Your WordPress Website
Install WordPress + WooCommerce
When it comes to building an e-commerce store, choosing the right platform is essential. WordPress has become an increasingly popular choice for e-commerce stores due to its versatility, scalability, and a wide variety of plugins and themes available.
WordPress is an open-source content management system that allows users to create and manage sites of all types, including e-commerce stores. WooCommerce is a plugin that can be added to WordPress to turn it into a fully functional e-commerce platform.
To get started with creating a WordPress site, you’ll need to choose a hosting provider and install WordPress. Many hosting providers offer one-click installations for WordPress, which makes the process quick and easy. Once you have WordPress installed, you can install and activate the WooCommerce plugin to start building your online store.
One of the benefits of using WordPress for your online store is the ability to customize your site with themes and plugins. There are a wide variety of free and premium themes available that are specifically designed for online store sites, as well as plugins that can add additional functionality to your store.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install WooCommerce:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to “Plugins” and click on “Add New.”
- Search for “WooCommerce” in the search bar.
- Click “Install Now” and wait for the installation process to complete.
- Once installed, click on “Activate” to activate the plugin.
- You will then be prompted to set up WooCommerce by running a setup wizard.
- Follow the steps in the setup wizard to configure your store settings, such as currency, shipping, payment options, and taxes.
- After completing the setup wizard, you can start adding products and customizing your store design using WordPress themes and plugins.
That’s it! WooCommerce is now installed and ready to use on your WordPress site.
Overall, choosing WordPress and WooCommerce to build your site gives you a lot of flexibility and control over the design and functionality of your store. With the right hosting provider and plugins, you can create a powerful and effective e-commerce site that meets all of your needs.
Step 3: Connect Your WordPress Site With WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free, open-source plugin that allows you to turn your WordPress website into an e-commerce store. It is one of the most popular e-commerce solutions and is easy to install and use. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing and setting up WooCommerce on your WordPress site.
Install WooCommerce Plugin:
The first step is to install the WooCommerce plugin on your WordPress site. To do this, log in to your WordPress dashboard and click on “Plugins” in the left-hand menu. Then, click on the “Add New” button at the top of the page. In the search bar, type “WooCommerce” and hit enter. The WooCommerce plugin should appear as the first search result. Click the “Install Now” button next to the plugin, and then click “Activate” once it’s installed.
Add Your Basic Information:
Once you’ve activated the WooCommerce plugin, you’ll need to set up your basic information. Click on the “WooCommerce” tab in the left-hand menu and select “Settings.” You’ll see a number of tabs at the top of the page, including “General,” “Products,” “Shipping,” “Payments,” and more.
Under the “General” tab, you’ll need to enter your store’s location, currency, and other basic information. Make sure to fill out all the required fields, as this information will be used throughout your store.
Choose Your Ecommerce Website Theme:
Next, you’ll need to choose a theme for your e-commerce site. A theme is a template that determines the look and feel of your site. You can choose from a number of free and paid themes, depending on your needs and preferences.
To choose a theme, click on the “Appearance” tab in the left-hand menu and select “Themes.” You’ll see a number of pre-installed themes that you can choose from. You can also click on “Add New” to browse and install new themes. Once you’ve selected a theme, click “Activate” to apply it to your site.
Customize Your Ecommerce Website:
Once you’ve installed and set up WooCommerce, you’ll need to customize your e-commerce website to match your brand and style. This includes adding products, creating pages, and configuring settings.
To add a product, click on the “Products” tab in the left-hand menu and select “Add New.” You’ll be taken to a page where you can enter all the details of your product, including the name, description, price, and more.
To create a page, click on the “Pages” tab in the left-hand menu and select “Add New.” You can create pages for your homepage, about us, contact us, and more.
To configure settings, go back to the “WooCommerce” tab in the left-hand menu and select “Settings.” From here, you can configure a number of settings related to your products, shipping, payments, taxes, and more.
Connecting your WordPress site with WooCommerce is a straightforward process that can help you create a fully functional e-commerce website. By following the steps above, you can install and set up WooCommerce in no time and start selling your products online.
Step 4: Fine-Tune Your Ecommerce Website’s Settings
After setting up your e-commerce website with WordPress and WooCommerce, it’s time to fine-tune your site’s settings. This step involves configuring payment options, tax rates, shipping options and personalizing your website to make it stand out.
Set Up Payment Options
Setting up payment options is essential for any e-commerce store. WooCommerce provides multiple payment options to its users, including PayPal, Stripe, and credit/debit card payments. To set up payment options, navigate to the WooCommerce > Settings page in your WordPress dashboard and select the Payments tab.
Here you can enable or disable payment gateways, add new payment gateways, and configure payment settings. You can also set up payment processing for different countries and currencies.
Configure Your Tax Rates
Tax rates vary based on your e-commerce store’s location and the products you sell. WooCommerce provides you with the flexibility to configure tax rates based on your store’s location and the products you sell. To configure tax rates, navigate to the WooCommerce > Settings page in your WordPress dashboard and select the Tax tab.
Here you can configure tax options such as tax classes, tax rates, and tax locations. You can also set up tax exemptions for specific products or customers.
Set Up Shipping Options
Shipping options are another crucial aspect of e-commerce store settings. WooCommerce provides you with a range of shipping options to choose from, including free shipping, flat-rate shipping, and real-time shipping rates. To set up shipping options, navigate to the WooCommerce > Settings page in your WordPress dashboard and select the Shipping tab.
Here you can configure shipping zones, shipping methods, and shipping classes. You can also set up shipping rules based on the order’s weight, destination, and shipping carrier.
Personalize Your E-commerce Website
Personalizing your e-commerce website can help you stand out from the competition and make a lasting impression on your customers. WooCommerce provides you with several options to personalize your e-commerce site, including changing your site’s theme, adding widgets, and creating custom pages.
To personalize your website, navigate to the Appearance > Themes page in your WordPress dashboard and choose a theme that aligns with your brand’s aesthetics. You can also add widgets to your website’s sidebar or footer, such as a search bar, social media icons, or a newsletter signup form.
Finally, you can create custom pages such as an About Us page, Contact Us page, or FAQs page to help customers learn more about your business.
Step 5: Choose Your Ecommerce Website Theme
Your website theme is one of the most important factors that can impact your online business success. It’s the first impression that your visitors will have when they visit your website, so you want to make sure it looks professional and engaging.
When selecting a theme, consider the following factors:
- Customizability: Look for a theme that allows you to customize the layout, fonts, colors, and other design elements to match your brand and business goals.
- Responsiveness: Make sure the theme is optimized for mobile devices as more and more people are accessing the internet from their phones and tablets.
- Speed: A slow-loading website can negatively impact your search engine rankings and user experience. Choose a theme that is optimized for speed.
- Support: Check whether the theme developer provides good support and regular updates to ensure compatibility with the latest version of WordPress.
- Compatibility: Make sure the theme is compatible with your e-commerce plugin (such as WooCommerce) and other essential plugins you may be using.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a theme that not only looks great but also provides a seamless user experience. For more detailed guidance on choosing the right theme for your website, check out our blog post on this topic.
Step 6: Add Plugins and Extra Content to Boost Conversions
At this point, your WooCommerce store should be up and running. However, there are still some extra steps you can take to ensure that your e-commerce site is as effective and user-friendly as possible. In this step, we’ll cover how to install plugins and add extra content to boost conversions.
Install Plugins
Plugins are additional pieces of software that can be added to your website to enhance its functionality. There are a variety of plugins available for WooCommerce that can help improve your store’s performance and increase conversions. Here are a few plugins that are worth considering:
- RankMath SEO: This plugin can help improve your store’s visibility in search engine results pages by optimizing your content for specific keywords.
- OptinMonster: This plugin can help you create pop-ups, slide-ins, and other types of lead-generation forms to capture more email subscribers.
- Mailchimp for WooCommerce: This plugin integrates your store with the popular email marketing service Mailchimp, allowing you to create targeted email campaigns and track customer behavior.
- WPForms: This plugin can help you create custom contact forms, surveys, and other types of forms to collect customer feedback and data.
To install a plugin, go to the WordPress dashboard and click on “Plugins” in the left-hand menu. Then click on “Add New” and search for the plugin you want to install. Once you’ve found it, click “Install” and then “Activate” to enable it on your website.
Add Necessary Content
In addition to installing plugins, it’s important to make sure your website has all the necessary content to help customers navigate your store and make informed purchase decisions.
Here are a few types of content you should consider adding to your website:
- Product Descriptions: Make sure each product on your site has a detailed description that includes key features, benefits, and specifications. This information can help customers make informed purchase decisions and reduce the likelihood of returns or exchanges.
- About Us Page: This page should include information about your business, your team, and your mission. Adding a personal touch to your website can help build trust with potential customers and differentiate your brand from competitors.
- Contact Page: Make it easy for customers to get in touch with you by including a contact form, phone number, email address, and physical address on your website.
- FAQ Page: Anticipate common questions customers may have about your products or policies and provide clear, concise answers on a dedicated FAQ page.
- Blog: Consider adding a blog to your website where you can publish informative articles related to your products, industry, or customer interests. This can help drive traffic to your website and establish your brand as an authority in your niche.
Step 7: Get a Domain Name
Getting a domain name is an essential step in creating your e-commerce site. A domain name is your website’s address, and it’s how your customers will find you online. You can purchase a domain name from a domain registrar, which is a company that specializes in selling and managing domain names.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a domain name:
- Brainstorm domain name ideas: Before you start looking for a domain registrar, you need to come up with a list of domain name ideas. Your domain name should be short, memorable, and easy to spell. You can use tools like Namecheap or GoDaddy to search for available domain names and get suggestions.
- Choose a domain registrar: There are many domain registrars to choose from, so it’s important to find one that’s reliable and affordable. Some popular domain registrars include GoDaddy and Domain.com.
- Check domain name availability: Once you’ve chosen a domain registrar, you can search for available domain names. If your desired domain name is taken, the registrar will suggest alternatives that are available.
- Choose your domain name: Once you’ve found an available domain name that you like, it’s time to register it. You’ll need to provide your personal and payment information, as well as select the length of registration (usually 1-2 years).
- Add domain privacy (optional): When you register a domain name, your personal information (name, address, email) becomes a public record. If you want to keep this information private, you can add domain privacy to your registration for an additional fee.
- Connect your domain to your website: Once you’ve registered your domain name, you need to connect it to your e-commerce site. This is usually done through your website hosting providers, such as Bluehost or SiteGround. You’ll need to update your domain’s DNS settings to point to your website’s IP address.
Getting a domain name for your site is a crucial step in establishing your online presence. By following these steps, you can choose a domain name that represents your brand and easily connect it to your website.
Step 8: Make Your Ecommerce Website Public
Launch Your Website
After setting up your e-commerce web page, it’s time to make it public and start attracting customers. Launching your website involves making it visible to search engines and promoting it through various marketing channels.
The first step to making your e-commerce website public is to publish it online. You can do this by removing any placeholder pages and making your homepage live. Next, ensure that your website is optimized for search engines, which involves optimizing your content and including relevant keywords. This will help your website rank higher in search engine results, increasing its visibility to potential customers.
To promote your e-commerce website, you can use various marketing channels such as social media, email marketing, and advertising. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram can be effective in reaching a wide audience, while email marketing can help you target your existing customers with personalized offers and promotions. Advertising through platforms such as Google Ads and Facebook Ads can help you reach a targeted audience and drive traffic to your website.
Finally, it’s important to monitor the performance of your website and marketing efforts. Use analytics tools such as Google Analytics to track website traffic and user behavior, and adjust your marketing strategies accordingly to improve your website’s performance.
Conclusion
Creating an e-commerce website is a multi-step process that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn new skills. While it can be a daunting task, the rewards of having an online store that operates 24/7 and reaches customers worldwide are well worth the effort.
However, if you find the process too complex or time-consuming, don’t worry – we are here to help. Our team of experienced web designers can help you create a professional and effective e-commerce website that meets your business needs.
Whether you need help with website design, development, or maintenance, we are here to provide you with the support you need.
So if you’re ready to take your business to the next level with an e-commerce website, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure that your website meets your goals and exceeds your expectations. Click here to learn more about our web design services and how we can help you succeed online.