Wondering how to build an online store in less than 1 hour?
In this “How to Create Ecommerce Website” guide, we will walk you through the process of starting an online store using WordPress in 6 simple steps.
Before you know it, you will be selling products online with ease.
Let’s get started!
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How to Start Your Own ECommerce Store in Just 1 Hour: What We’ll Cover
Whether you are a new entrepreneur, a new blogger, an existing business looking to expand into the realm of online stores, a freelancer, or an agency seeking to offer web services, there are many benefits to building an online store.
So is it possible to build an online store quickly? Can anyone build a store like this? The answer to both questions is a resounding yes!
Below, we are going to go over how to build an online e-commerce store and discuss the tools you will need.
With the right knowledge, anyone can easily create an online e-commerce store using WordPress and WooCommerce in well under an hour.
Here’s a quick outline of what we are going to cover to save you valuable time.
How to Build an Online Store in Less than 1 Hour: What You’ll Need to Build Your Store
All you’ll need to build your online store in less than an hour is a web domain and hosting plan (e.g. Bluehost), WordPress, WooCommerce, and a WordPress theme.
It’s really that simple!
The Advantages of WordPress eCommerce and WooCommerce
Building an online store using WordPress is a fantastic way to monetize your blog, grow your retail business, and take advantage of the internet in general.
WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems in the world. It provides the ideal platform for setting up your e-commerce website.
The WordPress eCommerce System allows you to access a great selection of developers, themes, and plug-ins.
The process of learning how to build your online store using WordPress is simple as well.
About WooCommerce
WooCommerce is an eCommerce system developed by the same minds that created WordPress. In fact, most online WordPress stores run on WooCommerce.
This open-source platform only requires you to pay for web domain hosting. Not only does this lower costs, but it also gives you more flexibility when it comes to customization and creativity.
With WooCommerce, you can access an immense collection of plug-ins with virtually limitless customization settings.
Step 1: Installing a Good WordPress Theme
To start the process, let’s assume that you have already set up your WordPress website. If you don’t already have a WordPress site, consider getting a managed WordPress Hosting account. That way, your domain setup will already be taken care of.
Now, all you need to do is install a good theme.
Astra is without a doubt one of the most popular WordPress themes available.
And with good reason!
For a theme that has so many great features, Astra is very lightweight, needing less than 50 KB in resources (most other themes need at least 300 KBs). It’s built for speed and responsiveness, and is great for SEO.
Astra is also very USER friendly! It was created so beginners could create professional-looking websites without any coding experience.
It comes with tons of starter sites and templates to choose from. You can simply choose one you like and adjust it as needed. This means you can create your site in a matter of minutes!
Step 2: Installing & Configuring WooCommerce on a WordPress Website
To build an online store with WordPress, you will first need to install an eCommerce platform. In this case, we are discussing using WooCommerce, since it’s so powerful, versatile, and popular.
Installing WooCommerce on Your WordPress Site
To install the WooCommerce plug-in, simply:
1. Sign in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to the plug-ins in the navigation menu and select “Add New.”
3. Type “WooCommerce” in the search bar.
4. In the WooCommerce box, choose “Install Now.”
5. Then select “Activate.”
Configuring WooCommerce
Now, all you need to do is configure WooCommerce. The setup process is incredibly simple!
After getting the plug-in activated, just launch the self-guided setup wizard. Here, you will answer some easy questions about your online store. Then, you will be ready to start designing your store and adding products.
Alternative Method: Links and Templates
Installing a WordPress theme is another great route to take. You can easily use any one of the Starter Templates from Astra!
Here are some helpful links and templates to give you an example of what’s possible and make the process easier.
Examples of Great WordPress Themes:
Or, if you want to start from scratch, click here for a helpful guide from Astra!
Step 3: Testing Things and Adding Products to Your Store Online
At this point, it’s time to start testing everything in your store and adding products.
So, if you have completed the setup wizard, look at the checklist in your store and add products.
If you click the add products links, you will have four options.
These are :
1. Start with a template (see alternative method above)
2. Add manually
3. Import via CSV
4. Import from another service
If you are new to WooCommerce, the template options are the easiest (see the above alternative method and templates from Astra).
This option will navigate you to the add product screen where pop-ups will walk you through every step. Then, when everything is set up, you can test your store and make sure that things are configured to your liking.
Step 4: Configuring Your Payments, Tax, and Shipping
In order for your online store to work properly, you will need a way for people to pay you.
So, it is time to set up taxes, payments, and shipping.
In the set text list, there will be an option that says “get paid with WooCommerce payments.” This link will walk you through the process of integrating with the WooCommerce payment gateway.
However, WooCommerce also supports different payment methods. As such, if you want to implement a different payment gateway, follow the instructions for integration.
Sales Tax
After you set up your payment gateways, you will also need to configure your shipping and tax specifications. There are automatic options available for calculating sales tax. Or, you have the option to manually configure your sales tax.
Shipping
By default, the shipping method is flat rate shipping. However, if you want to let users calculate shipping costs at checkout, you can install a shipping plugin.
Step 5: Setting Up Marketing Tools
For promoting your online store, you will need marketing tools.
These tools are optional but can be a big help!
WooCommerce recommends setting up marketing tools as you set up your online store. However, it may be easier to skip this step until later.
A few effective marketing tools to implement include:
• SEO
• Content marketing
• Email marketing
• PPC advertising
Step 6: Designing Your Online Store
The final step for getting your online store ready to launch is the design process.
At this point, you can personalize your store by clicking “personalize my store.” When you click that link, you will get the option to create a customized homepage, set notices, and upload your logo.
Just click the “Create Homepage” button and complete the process of uploading your logo.
As far as store notices go, you can wait until later to set these up.
You will also see an option that says “Design your store with Storefront.” So, click “Let’s Go” and get the process started.
From there, you can create a homepage and upload your logo.
Use the customization options to change the way your store looks and feels.
Update fonts, layouts, and colors using easy walk-through steps and pop-up options.
When you are done, click “Let’s Go” once more.
Now, your store is set up.
The final thing that you should do is refine your settings.
There are many ways to customize your WordPress website using WooCommerce. By refining how your store works, you can reap all of the benefits of this open-source platform!
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
So there you have it! Now you know how to set up your online store using WordPress and WooCommerce in under an hour. Hopefully, these six simple steps have been helpful.
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