Do you want to open an online store? We understand that the thought of creating an online store can be terrifying, especially if you are not technically savvy. You’re not alone, though. We decided to create the most comprehensive guide on how to build your online store after assisting hundreds of users in starting their online stores.
What Do You Need to Get Started with an Online Store?
There has never been a better time than now to start an online business.
Anyone with a computer can get started in minutes and without learning any special skills.
To start an online store, you’ll need three things:
- A concept for a domain name (This is the name of your online store, for example, madigitals.com)
- A web hosting service
- An internet hosting account (this is where your website lives on the internet)
For 30 minutes, you have my undivided attention.
Yes, it really is that simple.
We’ll walk you through each step of setting up your own online store with WordPress in less than 30 minutes.
This tutorial will go over:
How to Register a Free Domain Name &Hosting Account
How to Setup WordPress
How to Set Up a WooCommerce Shop
How to Include Products in an Online Store
How to Choose and Customize a Theme
How to Use Plugins to Expand Your Online Store
Learning WordPress and Growing Your Business
Ready? Let’s get started.
Step 1: Construct Your Online Store Platform
The most common error most users make is failing to select the appropriate platform for their online store.
Fortunately, you’re here, so you won’t make that mistake.
We recommend two popular eCommerce platforms: Shopify and WordPress + WooCommerce.
Shopify is a fully hosted eCommerce solution with monthly fees starting at $29 USD. It’s a simple solution in which you simply log in and begin selling. The disadvantage of Shopify is that it can become quite costly, and your payment options are limited unless you pay additional fees.
Because of the flexibility it provides, most users prefer WordPress + WooCommerce. It does necessitate some setup, but it is worthwhile in the long run.
WooCommerce is the world’s largest eCommerce platform (compare Shopify and WooCommerce).
This tutorial will show you how to set up an online store in WordPress with WooCommerce.
To get started, you’ll need a domain name, web hosting, and an SSL certificate.
A domain name is the internet address for your website. It is the address that users will enter into their browsers to get to your website (for example: google.com or madigitals.com).
Web hosting is the location of your website on the internet. It is the internet home of your website. Web hosting is required for every website on the internet.
Your website’s SSL certificate adds a special security layer, allowing you to accept sensitive information such as credit card numbers and other personal information.
This is required in order for your website to accept credit card payments.
A domain name typically costs $14.99 per year, web hosting costs $7.99 per month, and an SSL certificate costs $69.99 per year.
That is a significant initial investment.
Our Recommend Hosting Company, an official WordPress and WooCommerce hosting provider, has agreed to provide our users with a free domain name, free SSL certificate, and a web hosting discount.
In essence, you can get started for $5.95 per month.
Recommended Hosting Company
There are so many hosting companies out there you can choose from but we give just 3 out of all.
Select the appropriate plan on the following screen (starter and plus are the most popular). Following that, you will be prompted to enter your website’s domain name.
Finally, you must enter your account information and finalize the package information to complete the process. Optional extras are available for purchase on this screen.
It is entirely up to you whether or not you buy these, but we generally do not recommend it. If you decide you need them later, you can always add them.
When finished, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your web hosting control panel (cPanel). This is where you manage everything, including support and emails.
Go ahead and access your cPanel.
Step 2. WordPress Installation
Configuring HTTPS to Use SSL
Step 3. Configuring Your WooCommerce Store
WooCommerce can help you calculate and add taxes to your prices automatically.
You can allow your users to enter their credit card information on the checkout page without using Stripe.
Step 4. Product Uploading to Your Online Store
When you are satisfied with all of the product information you have entered, click the Publish button to make it live on the website.
Step 5. WordPress Theme Selection and Customization
If you need assistance choosing a theme, please see our guide on
Step 6. Plugins can help you expand your online store.
The final decision