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Tag: ecommerce

  • 5 of the Best Cheap Ecommerce Platforms in 2023

    Starting an online business can be an exciting venture. However, if you have a tight budget, you may feel a little restricted in terms of options. You’re probably looking at cheap ecommerce platforms, but you’re not sure which one to use. To help you out, we’ve picked the best ecommerce platforms for sites with small budgets.

    The post 5 of the Best Cheap Ecommerce Platforms in 2023 appeared first on Themeisle Blog.

  • STAGGS Product Configurator: The Ultimate Visual Tool for WooCommerce

    In the bustling world of e-commerce, standing out is no longer just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Enter the STAGGS WooCommerce Product Configurator, a game-changing tool designed to revolutionize the WooCommerce landscape. But what makes it so special? Let’s dive in.

    The post “STAGGS Product Configurator: The Ultimate Visual Tool for WooCommerce” first appeared on WP Mayor.

  • 15 Free Ecommerce Plugins for WordPress to Consider in 2023

    In this article, we’re going to introduce you to some of the best free ecommerce plugins for WordPress to save you from having to dig around.

    The post 15 Free Ecommerce Plugins for WordPress to Consider in 2023 appeared first on Themeisle Blog.

  • How to Create Ecommerce Website in WordPress (Step-by-Step)

    How to create ecommerce website in WordPress.Wondering how to create ecommerce website in WordPress?
    Building an ecommerce website is not hard, but it can be time-consuming. It involves a number of steps and carrying them out can be overwhelming for a newbie. The good news is that, with the Elementor page builder and Neve theme, the process becomes significantly faster.

  • How to Sell on Etsy: The Ultimate Guide for 2023

    Etsy is an online marketplace that can turn your side hustle into a full-time business. In this post, we’ll help you decide whether Etsy is the right platform for you. Then, we’ll guide you through a number of simple steps to set up your Etsy store.

    The post How to Sell on Etsy: The Ultimate Guide for 2023 appeared first on Themeisle Blog.

  • How to Add Products to Google Shopping (for WooCommerce)

    If you run an ecommerce business, it’s important to take advantage of every opportunity to help customers find your products in Google. While a strong SEO strategy may help with that, it can still be challenging to make it to the top of search results. Therefore, you might be wondering how to add products to Google Shopping. In this post, we’ll teach you how to do it, step by step.

    The post How to Add Products to Google Shopping (for WooCommerce) appeared first on Themeisle Blog.

  • How Much Does it Cost to Sell on Etsy vs WooCommerce

    Selling your crafts online is a great way to make some extra money from your favorite hobbies. Choosing where to sell those crafts, however, can be tricky; there are several options, many of which come with complicated fees. So, we’ve put together this guide to answer one of your biggest questions: how much does it cost to sell on Etsy vs WooCommerce?

    The post How Much Does it Cost to Sell on Etsy vs WooCommerce appeared first on Themeisle Blog.

  • Books Gallery Review: Showcase Your Book Library in WordPress

    Are you a book hound? Do you get excited about sharing your favorite books with your audience? Or maybe you’re considering bringing in extra income by selling books through your website. Either way, you need to create a WordPress books gallery.

    The post “Books Gallery Review: Showcase Your Book Library in WordPress” first appeared on WP Mayor.

  • How to Sell Products Online: A Beginners Guide for 2023

    The internet has revolutionized businesses, opening up endless opportunities for entrepreneurs to sell their products online. Whether you have physical goods, digital downloads, or productized services to offer, the online marketplace provides a vast customer base and the potential for significant revenue. This comprehensive guide is here to help you understand how to sell products online—even as a total beginner.

    Before we go into all of that, let’s cover the benefits of selling online versus in physical places.

    The Benefits of Selling Online

    Selling products and services online offers entrepreneurs and small businesses immense growth opportunities.

    Sunglass Shop Page - Divi Template Preview

    Example of an Online Store – Divi Layout Pack – Sunglass Shop

    Moreover, here are the key advantages of the eCommerce route compared to traditional brick-and-mortar retail:

    • Reach People Beyond Your Location: Break free from geographical limitations and tap into a global consumer base. Expand your market and cater to diverse audiences, increasing your potential customer base.
    • Lower Your Overhead and Costs: Reduce overhead costs compared to physical stores. Save on rent, utilities, inventory storage, and staffing expenses. Operate with a small team or as a sole proprietor to further cut costs.
    • Keep Your Store Open While You Sleep: Your eCommerce store operates 24/7, allowing customers to browse and purchase at their convenience. Automated systems ensure efficiency and seamless transactions.
    • Enjoy Unparalleled Lifestyle Flexibility: Work and manage your business from anywhere with an internet connection. Fulfillment centers handle inventory storage and shipping, enabling a location-independent lifestyle.
    Illustration of Selling Products Online - Payment

    Image by Julia Tim / shutterstock.com

    How to Sell Products Online: 6 Key Steps

    Next, let’s explore the critical steps in launching your eCommerce business to ensure a successful online store:

    Follow this strategic process to set up an effective and profitable online store:

    Step 1: Find the Right Product to Sell

    Choosing a solid product is critical right out of the gate because you need something with healthy demand and potential for profit. Conduct thorough market research to identify gaps, opportunities, and target markets. Consider the market size, growth forecasts, consumer demographics, trends, and competition levels. Evaluate product ideas based on production costs, pricing potential, uniqueness, shelf life, shipping considerations, and required upfront investment. Aim to select a product that has existing demand, allows you to differentiate yourself, and offers decent profit margins.

    Online Product Research Illustration

    Image by eamesBot / shutterstock.com

    You can leverage several free tools when conducting product research and evaluating customer demand. Here are some popular options:

    1. Google Trends: Explore search trends and compare keyword popularity over time to gauge growing customer interest
    2. Google Keyword Planner: Gather data on KW search volumes, competition, and related keywords to identify potential opportunities
    3. Amazon Best Sellers: Discover top-selling products in various categories to understand market demand on one of the biggest marketplaces in the world
    4. eBay Trending Items: Identify trending products and categories based on recent buyer activity from an online retail giant
    5. Online Forums and Communities: Engage with relevant forums, Reddit, Quora, and specialized communities to interact with potential customers and understand their needs

    Rather than just chasing general demand, focus on products that solve a specific customer problem or need. Fulfilling an unmet need better than competitors gives your business a meaningful edge.

    If creating a physical product seems initially complex, you can explore alternatives like dropshipping, print-on-demand, digital products, or affiliate marketing. These options have lower barriers to entry and can be ideal for beginners.

    Step 2: Choose the Right Online Sales Channel

    Once you have a product, selecting the right online sales channel is crucial to reach your target audience effectively. Here are three main avenues to consider:

    1. Build Your Own Online eCommerce Store

    Firstly, creating your custom website for an eCommerce online store gives you the most control and flexibility over the shopping experience. WordPress or website-building platforms like Wix or Shopify offer easy do-it-yourself options.

    Owned eCommerce Store Illustration

    Image by Graphic farm / shutterstock.com

    Pros of Building Your Own Online Store:

    • Build your brand: With your own online store, you have the freedom to create a unique brand identity, customize the user experience, and tailor every aspect of your store to match your vision.
    • Customize experiences: You can optimize your website for maximum conversions by implementing specific design elements, personalized product recommendations, and seamless checkout processes.
    • Own customer data: Having your online store allows you to gather valuable customer data, such as purchase history, preferences, and contact information, which can be used to build long-term relationships and personalize marketing efforts.

    Cons of Building Your Own Online Store:

    • Higher upfront effort: Setting up and managing your online store requires more initial effort, including website design, technical setup, and ongoing maintenance.
    • All tech/marketing tasks fall on you: As the owner of your online store, you’ll be responsible for managing technical aspects like hosting, security, and updates. Additionally, your responsibility is to drive traffic, implement SEO strategies, and run promotions.

    2. Use Established eCommerce Marketplaces

    Secondly, utilizing established eCommerce marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy provides instant access to a large consumer base and pre-existing technology to do it.

    Pros of Using eCommerce Marketplaces:

    • Instant access to millions of buyers: You tap into their massive user bases by selling on established marketplaces, increasing your product’s visibility and potential customer reach.
    • Built-in tools and infrastructure: Marketplaces often offer robust tools for managing inventory, handling payments, and streamlining shipping processes, saving time and effort.

    Cons of Using eCommerce Marketplaces:

    • Limited brand control: While marketplaces provide exposure, you have limited branding and customer experience control. Your store’s appearance and messaging will conform to the marketplace’s guidelines and layout.
    • Marketplace fees per sale: When selling on established platforms, you’ll typically incur fees per sale or a percentage of each transaction, impacting your profitability.

    3. Use Social Commerce Platforms

    Lastly, social commerce allows you to sell directly on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram Shops.

    Pros of using social commerce:

    • Tap into captive, loyal audiences: Social media platforms have millions of active users, presenting an opportunity to reach and engage with a large and captive audience.
    • Native mobile experiences: Social commerce provides a seamless shopping experience for users on their preferred devices since social media platforms are primarily accessed through mobile devices.
    • Built-in advertising tools: Social commerce lets you tap into channel-based advertising optimized for the platform’s users. Advertising doesn’t get simpler.

    Cons of using social commerce:

    • Limited product showcasing and branding capability: Selling through social commerce limits your ability to showcase an extensive product catalog or customize the shopping experience to the same extent as with your online store.
    • Limited data collection: The social media giant owns everything, meaning all the convenience is non-tangible if you decide to leave it.

    Consider a Hybrid Model

    A hybrid model that combines elements of an owned online store, marketplace presence, and social commerce can maximize your reach and sales potential.

    You can leverage the advantages of each approach while hedging against each of their respective limitations. Many brands have their own eCommerce stores where they sell products online, tap into social commerce experiences, and sell their wares on known marketplaces.

    We’d recommend that you choose one and master it. The advantage of creating your own eCommerce store is that integrations abound that can connect your store with both social platforms and 3rd party marketplaces. These integrations easily push your products and store data to these other channels—cutting down on individual platform management.

    This lets your eCommerce store be the central hub through which you run your entire business.

    Step 3: Set Up an Online Store

    There have never been so many options to start selling products online. We’ll give you the general steps to take for building a store with WooCommerce or Shopify and becoming a seller on Amazon.

    Sell Products with WooCommerce + WordPress

    WooCommerce is an infinitely extendable platform that allows you to build a customized online store.

    WooCommerce Logo Mark

    Here’s a high-level overview of the steps involved:

    1. Get a Domain: Choose a domain name that reflects your brand and is easy for customers to remember. Here’s how to purchase a domain.
    2. Get Hosting: Select a reliable web hosting provider to support your online store’s needs. We recommend that beginners use Siteground to make domains and hosting easy. (See our Siteground review)
    3. Build the Website: Utilize WordPress’s eCommerce plugins like WooCommerce to add product listings, set up secure payment gateways, and configure shipping options.
    4. Design Freely with Divi: Customize the design and layout of your whole site to match your vision—even on cart, product, and other theme-designed pages.
    5. Extend with Plugins: Extend the functionality of WordPress and WooCommerce with the best plugins for WordPress.

    For more detailed help, visit our guide on building an online store with WordPress.

    Sell Products with Shopify

    Shopify is an all-in-one platform designed explicitly for eCommerce. Although we prefer WooCommerce, Shopify is a reliable platform for online store owners.

    Shopify Logomark

    Here’s a high-level overview of the steps involved:

    1. Create an Account: Sign up for a Shopify account and choose a plan that suits your business needs.
    2. Get a Domain: Register a domain name for your online store or connect an existing domain. We recommend Namecheap for domains that won’t be used with WordPress.
    3. Configure Store Settings: Set up your store preferences, including currency, shipping options, taxes, and payment gateways.
    4. Add Products: Upload product images, write compelling descriptions, and set prices for your products.
    5. Design the Store: Customize the appearance of your online store using Shopify’s themes and templates. Ensure a visually appealing and user-friendly layout.
    6. Extend with Apps: Extend the functionality of base-Shopify with apps from the official marketplace.

    Using an eCommerce Marketplace (like Amazon)

    Another option is to leverage existing eCommerce marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Poshmark.

    Here’s a high-level overview of the steps to take for selling on Amazon:

    1. Create an Account: Sign up for a seller account on the marketplace of your choice, such as Amazon.
    2. Add Products: Provide detailed information about your products, including titles, descriptions, images, and prices.
    3. Ship via FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon): Consider utilizing Amazon’s FBA service, where Amazon stores, packs, and ships your products to customers. This can simplify the fulfillment process.
    4. Monitor Pricing: Regularly review and adjust your product prices to remain competitive within the marketplace.

    Using an eCommerce marketplace allows you to tap into an existing customer base and benefit from built-in infrastructure. However, remember that you’ll have less control over the branding and customer experience compared to having your own online store.

    Step 4: Market Your Online Store

    Once your online store is set up, you need to market it to attract customers. Once your store is built, your day-to-day shifts to marketing tasks.

    Key strategies to employ:

    • Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your website’s content and structure to improve its visibility in search engine results. Target relevant keywords and create informative, keyword-rich product descriptions and blog posts to attract organic traffic.
    • Social Media Marketing: Leverage social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to promote your products and engage with your target audience. Create compelling posts, share visually appealing images, and utilize social media advertising to expand your reach.
    • Email Marketing: Build an email subscriber list by offering incentives like discounts or exclusive content. Regularly send newsletters, promotions, and personalized recommendations to nurture customer relationships and drive repeat purchases.
    • Influencer Marketing: Collaborate with relevant bloggers, YouTubers, or social media influencers in your niche to reach their followers and leverage their influence. Influencer endorsements and product reviews can significantly boost your brand’s visibility and credibility.
    • Paid Advertising: Utilize platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads to run targeted ad campaigns. These platforms allow you to reach specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, ensuring your products are shown to potential buyers.
    Online Product Marketing Illustration

    Image by Lauritta / shutterstock.com

    As best as you can, implement a combination of these marketing strategies, focusing on the ones that align best with your target audience and resources.

    Regularly monitor and analyze the performance of your marketing efforts, making adjustments based on the data and feedback you receive. An iterative approach will help refine strategies and maximize the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.

    For WordPress users, check out these best Marketing plugins to help boost your online store.

    Step 5: Offer Outstanding Customer Service

    Provide your customers with 5-star experiences through every touchpoint. Exceptional customer service keeps buyers happy and encourages repeat business and referrals.

    Customer Support Illustration

    Image by Irina Strelnikova / shutterstock.com

    Critical elements for customer service:

    • Respond quickly to customer questions and concerns through chat, email, or social media. Address pre-sales questions to help potential customers make informed decisions and provide post-purchase support to ensure a smooth experience.
    • If customers encounter any purchase issues, simplify the return and refund process. Clear return policies and hassle-free procedures will instill confidence and encourage repeat business.
    • Provide regular order status updates and shipping notifications through email and readily available on your website.
    • Automated assistance via live chat services or chat plugins is one of the best ways to use AI for 24/7 self-service.
    • Encourage customers to leave ratings, reviews, and testimonials about their experience with your products and services. Display these social proof elements on your website to build trust and confidence among potential buyers.
    • Delightful surprises like handwritten notes create a personal touch.

    The extra effort pays dividends in lasting loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing. Top-tier customer service can differentiate you from competitors and create a loyal customer base that supports your business in the long run.

    Step 6: Continuously Optimize Your Approach

    Selling online requires an agile, iterative mindset. Continuously test and refine your strategies based on data insights and customer feedback.

    • Review analytics regularly and double down on what works.
    • Adapt quickly to shifts in market demand or industry trends.
    • Seek customer input to guide improvements via surveys and regular customer interaction.
    • A/B test promotions, design, and copywriting to get the most potent mix possible.
    • Automating order fulfillment, inventory management, and customer support can save time and increase efficiency.
    • Explore emerging technologies to enhance experiences.

    More Tips to Boost Online Sales

    Now, implementing some of these tips can help drive higher conversion rates and sales growth for your online products. Give them a try and see what works for you.

    Optimize for Mobile Browsing Experiences

    To begin with, build your online store with a mobile-first mindset. By optimizing layouts and experiences for smartphones, you can cater to the over 50% of eCommerce traffic that comes from mobile users.

    An example of a mobile app.

    Image by monkographic / shutterstock.com

    Designing for a desktop view is perfectly fine, but do not neglect your mobile experience. Google and your customers will likely opt for other brands that do.

    Use High-Quality Images

    Next, showcase products through visually appealing and zoomable images shot from multiple angles.

    Multiple Product Images with Click to Zoom

    Crisp, detailed photos establish trust and help customers make informed purchase decisions.

    Images can dramatically slow down the loading speed of your website, so you need to compress images without compromising quality. This will enhance user experience and conversions.

    Use AI image enhancers for your product images—even if you aren’t a graphic designer or photographer.

    VanceAI Photo Enhancer Example Result

    Photo Credit: “Cars in Cuba, Cuba” by Nouhailler and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

    AI can improve lighting, remove busy backgrounds, adjust colors, and make small, fuzzy images large and clear.

    Write Strong Product Descriptions and Landing Pages

    Moreover, compelling descriptions highlight your products’ features, benefits, and value propositions. Use persuasive language and capture customers’ attention.

    Writesonic AI Writer Template Library

    AI writers can assist with generating compelling descriptions with just a little direction. Popular options include Jasper and Writesonic. These are especially helpful for high-volume stores that are seeing new products come in and need a good way to help manage writing product descriptions for everything that comes in.

    Highlight Trust and Social Proof

    Collect and prominently display customer reviews, testimonials, star ratings, and awards to establish credibility. The more obvious that real, live humans left reviews, the more trust potential customers will place in your store.

    Store Reviews

    Site Reviews Plugin By Paul Ryley (see review plugins)

    User-generated content builds trust because viewers know that these are the opinions of 3rd party consumers who trusted you and were delighted by your product.

    Make Checkout Frictionless

    Remove unnecessary steps from the checkout process to reduce abandoned carts. This can be done by allowing guest checkouts. Or you can keep payment forms simple by using something like Barn2’s Fast Cart to make checkout painless.

    This help because any friction added to the checkout process will show up in your conversion rates—customers have more time to think and to change their mind.

    Offer Referral Programs

    Next, you can encourage existing customers to refer friends to earn rewards and discounts on your store.

    NordVPN Refer a Friend Example

    Offer discounts or account credits for successful referrals. This will get people in the sharing mood with your product as the center of attention. You can use an affiliate plugin on your site to make this process easier.

    Run Retargeting Ads

    Retargeting previous visitors with remarketing efforts (with Google Ads, Facebook, and Instagram ads) is an excellent way to recoup previously interested visitors.

    SweetCode Remarketing for WooCommerce

    Remarketing for WooCommerce by SweetCode

    Using a remarketing plugin that directly connects your WooCommerce store with ad platforms will help you easily create dynamic retargeting ads that match the products that visitors previously looked at.

    Send Cart Abandonment Emails

    Finally, recover lost sales by sending personalized emails reminding customers about items they added to carts but didn’t purchase.

    Abandoned Cart Email Example

    Most of the best email marketing services will offer an eCommerce integration that can help you achieve this.

    Conclusion

    Selling products online opens up incredible opportunities for entrepreneurs.

    You can build a successful online business from scratch by following the steps outlined in this guide. Conduct thorough research, choose the proper sales channels, create a user-friendly store, implement effective marketing, provide excellent customer service, and constantly adapt based on feedback. With some grit and a customer-focused approach, you can thrive in the digital marketplace and achieve your selling goals.

    We’re here to support you as you build an online business. We’ve created the best guides for building with WordPress, including:

    Let us know your progress as you sell products online and any questions you have about the process.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Before we wrap up, let’s answer some of your most common questions regarding how to sell products online. Did we miss one? Leave a question below, and we will respond!

    How do I sell my own items online?

    To sell your items online, you can create an account on popular e-commerce websites like eBay, Amazon, or Etsy or set up your online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Take clear photos of your items, write detailed descriptions, and set a competitive price. Promote your products through social media and other digital marketing channels to reach a wider audience.

    What are the best products to sell online?

    The best products to sell online have high demand, low competition, and a good profit margin. Popular products include electronics, beauty and personal care items, clothing and accessories, and home goods. Niche products, such as eco-friendly and handmade items, can also be successful. Ultimately, the success of a product depends on market research and identifying the needs and wants of your target audience

    Why should I use WordPress to sell online?

    WordPress is a popular platform that can help you create an online store quickly and easily. With its user-friendly interface, customizable designs, and robust e-commerce plugins like WooCommerce, you can set up a secure and efficient online shop with product listings, checkout pages, and more features. Plus, WordPress is widely supported, offering a large community of users and developers who can provide support and guidance as needed.

    Can I start selling online for free?

    Yes, several platforms allow you to start selling online for free, such as Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay. You can also create your website using free e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce or Shopify Lite. However, remember that some platforms may charge transaction or listing fees, or you may need to pay for things like domain and hosting, and you may need to invest in marketing and advertising to reach your target audience.

    Should I sell products on my own website or a third-party website?

    Selling on your website gives you more control, makes you look professional, and offers branding opportunities but requires more time and money to set up and maintain. Selling on a third-party website like Amazon or Etsy can provide more exposure and convenience but may come with fees and less control over the customer experience. Consider your priorities and weigh the pros and cons before deciding.

    How can I make my online shop successful?

    To make your online shop successful, focus on providing high-quality products, excellent customer service, easy navigation, and secure payment options. Utilize social media and digital marketing strategies to drive traffic to your site and engage with potential customers. Continuously gather feedback and data to improve your offerings and stay competitive in the market.

    Is selling online profitable?

    Yes, selling online can be profitable. E-commerce sales have been steadily increasing over the years, and with the COVID-19 pandemic encouraging more consumers to shop online, the potential for profitability has only grown. However, success in online sales requires careful planning, marketing, and management to effectively reach and engage customers and stand out in a competitive marketplace.

    Do I need to manufacture things I want to sell online?

    No, you do not need to manufacture things you want to sell online. You can source products from wholesalers, drop shippers, or other suppliers and sell them through various online marketplaces or your own e-commerce website. You can also offer digital products or services that do not require physical manufacturing.

    Where can I source products for my online store?

    You can source products for your online store from various sources, such as wholesalers, manufacturers, drop shippers, and distributors. You can also consider sourcing products from online marketplaces like Alibaba, Amazon, and eBay or using print-on-demand services for customized products. Additionally, attending trade shows and networking with other businesses can help you find potential suppliers.

    Where should I host my online shop?

    You should host your online shop on a reliable e-commerce platform that suits your business needs and budget, apart from reliable performance, secure transactions, and scalable resources to accommodate growth. Popular options SiteGround, Hostinger, Cloudways, and Pressable. You can read our detailed comparison of various hosts here.

    What’s the best way to sell digital products?

    The best way to sell digital products is to create a user-friendly website using a tool like WordPress + Divi, offer various payment options, provide detailed product information, and use marketing techniques such as social media and email campaigns to reach a broad audience. Providing excellent customer support and discounts or promotions can also help boost sales.

    The post How to Sell Products Online: A Beginners Guide for 2023 appeared first on Elegant Themes Blog.

  • How to Start an Online Store for Your Business (2023 Guide)

    Starting an online store is a great way to reach a wider audience and sell your products or services to people worldwide. WordPress and WooCommerce are the most popular platforms for creating and managing online stores.

    This article will walk you through the steps of starting an online store with WordPress and WooCommerce.

    We will cover everything from choosing a niche and target audience to setting up and marketing your store.

    1. Have a Comprehensive Plan for Your Online Business

    Before you delve into the technicalities of building your site, starting with a solid business plan is crucial. This roadmap will guide your decisions as you establish your online store.

    Let’s break down the critical components of your plan:

    Identify your Niche

    If you’re considering how to start an online store, you likely have a product in mind. If not, it’s time to figure that out before you proceed.

    Ask yourself: What will you sell, and to whom will you sell it?

    Choosing a niche that aligns with your passions can make your journey more enjoyable and sustainable. Your enthusiasm for your products will resonate with your customers, creating a unique and engaging shopping experience.

    Niche Down Your Online Store

    Image by Dragon Claws / shutterstock.com

    Next, understand your target audience and their personas. Identify their needs, preferences, and buying habits. The more you know about your audience, the better you can tailor your products and marketing strategies to them.

    Remember, choosing a profitable, searchable niche that aligns with your passion is imperative for success. This ensures a return on your investment and that there’s an active audience looking for your products or services.

    Select Your Products

    Once you’ve identified your niche, it’s time to decide on the specific product(s) you’ll sell. Clarity about your offerings, whether physical goods, digital products, or services, is key.

    Start with a limited catalog to test demand. You can always expand your product range later.

    Consider factors like demand, competition, and profitability when selecting your products. If you’re entering a popular market, consider how to differentiate your offerings.

    If you’re selling physical products, plan your inventory management strategy. Will you need custom manufacturing, drop shipping, or wholesale purchasing?

    Keyword Research

    Keyword research helps you understand what potential customers are searching for online, guiding your content creation and SEO strategy. SEO Tools like Google’s Keyword Planner and SEMrush can assist with this research.

    Semrush Keyword Magic Tool

    By conducting keyword research, you’ll uncover high-traffic search terms consumers use to find products like yours. Use these insights to optimize your site with SEO content based on the keywords your audience is searching for. You can even use AI SEO tools like Surfer SEO or Jasper to generate and optimize your content for keywords.

    Doing so will help your online store rank higher in search engine results, attracting more visitors.

    2. Register Your Domain

    Before you can create a website, you need to buy a domain. Your domain name is your online store’s address on the web. It should be easy to remember and reflect your brand.

    Purchase a Domain Name Illustration

    Image by Eny Setiyowati / shutterstock.com

    You’ll need to buy your domain from a reputable domain registrar. You want reasonable prices and easy-to-manage domain options. You can’t go wrong with Namecheap or Godaddy. Some hosting providers, like Siteground, will also allow you to pick a domain directly from their platform.

    Follow along in our dedicated, step-by-step guide for registering a new domain for a website.

    3. Choose an eCommerce Platform

    When it comes to eCommerce platforms, two options often dominate the conversation: WordPress with WooCommerce and Shopify. Website builder platforms like Shopify offer an all-in-one solution that can be a great option for many online stores. However, with WordPress powering over 40% of all online stores, it’s worth exploring why this platform, combined with WooCommerce, is a top choice for many.

    WordPress + WooCommerce: A Winning Combination

    WordPress, the best content management system (CMS) for building websites, offers one of the most flexible options for building an online store. While the platform is free, associated costs include hosting, domain registration, plugins, and themes. However, these costs are often considered a worthy investment, given WordPress’s freedom and ease of use.

    WooCommerce Logo Mark

    Even for beginners, WordPress is a straightforward platform to learn. It’s intuitive, and a wealth of tutorials and documentation are available from various sources to help you navigate any learning curve. Plus, with its comprehensive dashboards and a handy mobile app, you can stay informed about your store’s performance anytime, anywhere.

    Customizability with WooCommerce

    WooCommerce is the go-to eCommerce solution for WordPress, and it is one of many great eCommerce plugins you can use to enhance your online store. One of the standout features of WooCommerce is its customizability. Whether you’re setting up a small boutique store or a sprawling online marketplace, there are plenty of WooCommerce themes designed to help you create a unique and engaging shopping experience for your customers. You can easily tweak the layout, colors, fonts, and other design elements to match your brand’s aesthetic. There are also some great WooCommerce plugins and add-ons to add more features and functionality to your online store. For those with more technical expertise, WordPress also allows custom code snippets and webhooks for further customization.

    Scalability for Growth

    As your online store grows, the WordPress and WooCommerce combination can handle increased traffic and content. It’s a scalable solution that grows with your business, ensuring your website can handle the demands of a growing customer base.

    With WordPress and WooCommerce, you’re not just building an online store but a platform designed for growth and success.

    Comparing eCommerce Platforms

    Choosing the right eCommerce platform for your needs is crucial. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compared WooCommerce with other top website builders and CMS solutions for eCommerce:

    4. Choose the Right Hosting Provider

    Choosing a reliable hosting provider is crucial for your online store’s performance and security. SiteGround is one of the most recommended options with optimized WordPress infrastructure.

    We’ll reference SiteGround in many of the steps below, as it is one of the most trusted providers out there for WordPress. It includes free CDN, free SSL, and email account management.

    Siteground Logo Mark - White on Dark BG

    If you want to research more, you can review the fastest WordPress hosting companies or read our take on the best hosting companies.

    5. Create Your Website

    Once you’ve chosen your platform and hosting provider, it’s time to create your website, which will be the start of your online store. This involves:

    • Installing and setting up WordPress + WooCommerce
    • Configuring your general settings
    • Choosing and setting up a theme

    Install WordPress

    Here, we’ll show you how to install WordPress using SiteGround’s Site Tools dashboard. If you’d like to learn other ways to install WordPress, read our definitive guide on installing WordPress.

    After signing up for a SiteGround account, you can easily install WordPress in just a few clicks. Start by clicking the “Set Up Site” button at your screen’s top center.

    install WordPress

    Next, choose whether to set up your site on a new, existing, or temporary domain. Select “Temporary Domain,” then click “Continue.” This will let you create a site before you purchase your domain.

    choose temporary domain

    SiteGround will assign a temporary domain to your WordPress installation. To proceed, click “Continue“.

    temporary domain

    Next, click “Start New Website.”

    start new website

    Choose “WooCommerce” to have WordPress automatically installed with all the eCommerce hardware.

    Choose-WooCommerce

    The next step allows you to create your admin login credentials. This is how you’ll log in to your WordPress dashboard when working on your site. Be sure to save your login information for reference. Click “Continue” to proceed.

    WordPress for beginners

    Finally, click the “Finish” button to install WordPress + WooCommerce.

    finish setup

    You have two choices in accessing the WordPress dashboard. Through SiteGround, you can click “Log in Admin.”

    Another way to log in to WordPress is through the CMS by navigating to www.yoursite.com/wp-admin in your browser. Be sure to replace www.yoursite.com with your unique domain or the temporary domain that SiteGround provided you.

    Configure WordPress Settings

    The WordPress settings section allows you to configure the major settings controlling your WordPress installation. They are found by clicking “Settings” in the admin sidebar.

    WordPress settings

    These settings are too granular to cover in detail here, but if you have lingering questions, you can consult these helpful mini-guides for WordPress settings:

    Choose Your WordPress Theme

    Choosing the right theme for the start of your online store can significantly impact its appearance and functionality. Divi is particularly well-suited for eCommerce websites, thanks to its integration with WooCommerce. And it’s theme builder is the easiest way to edit high-impact pages such as product and checkout pages visually.

    Here’s why Divi is the perfect theme for any online store:

    Setting up Divi

    Installing Divi is a straightforward process. First, Divi needs to be downloaded from the Elegant Themes membership dashboard after purchasing a subscription. Log into your Elegant Themes account and navigate to the “Themes & Plugins“section to get the Divi theme file.

    How to Install Divi - Steps 1

    In the WordPress dashboard of your site, go to Appearance > Themes. Click on the “Upload Theme” button and select the Divi.zip file that was downloaded from your Elegant Themes Membership dashboard. Click “Install.”

    How to Install Divi - Steps 2-5

    After WordPress uploads the Divi theme, click “Activate” to use it on your website. This will replace your existing theme with Divi.

    How to Install Divi - Steps 6

    The final step is entering your Elegant Themes API Key. This allows your Divi theme to automatically update whenever Elegant Themes releases a new version, ensuring you always have the most up-to-date Divi theme. Go to your Elegant Themes Membership and the “Account” page. Click on “API Keys,” remember your “Username,” then scroll to the bottom of the page.

    How to Install Divi - Steps 7-10

    Generate a new “API Key,” give it a label/name, and click to copy the key code.

    How to Install Divi - Steps 11-13

    To add the API Key, go to Divi > Theme Options > Updates. Enter your Elegant Themes API Key and Username into the field and click “Save Changes.”

    How to Install Divi - Steps 14-18

    You can learn more about installing a WordPress theme if you choose a different theme to start your online store.

    6. Build Your Online Store

    With your website set up, it’s time to build your online store. This involves setting up WooCommerce, adding products, and setting up preferred payment gateways.

    You’re now into the exciting part of how to build your online store!

    Setup WooCommerce

    After configuring WordPress settings and choosing a theme, you can walk through the initial setup wizard to configure key settings for your store in WooCommerce. Remember that we had our host install WooCommerce alongside WordPress, so there is no need to install the WooCommerce plugin. If your host didn’t provide that courtesy, you can view our guide to installing + configuring WooCommerce.

    The setup wizard configures your store with basic configurations and additional WooCommerce-specific plugins based on your needs. To get started, under WooCommerce, click “Home.”

    Woo Onboarding Flow - Steps 1-2

    The WooCommerce Onboarding Wizard begins with basic store information (address and email address).

    Woo Onboarding Flow - Steps 3-4

    Then select the industries that your store best fits into.

    Woo Onboarding Flow - Steps 5-6

    Choose the functionality you want with your store regarding the type of products you wish to sell. Depending on your selection, additional WooCommerce plugins will be installed to give you the necessary functionality.

    Note that WooCommerce offers plugins that have a monthly fee associated with them. You can use these solutions if you want—they are reliable! But you also have more options if you do a bit more digging. We’ve gathered the best membership, bookings, and other free WooCommerce plugins you can use.

    Woo Onboarding Flow - Steps 7-9

    Then tell WooCommerce a bit more about yourself and your store.

    Woo Onboarding Flow - Steps 10-11

    The WooCommerce ecosystem has plenty of free plugins as well. The last step will be to select which WooCommerce plugins you want to be installed (each handles a specific and essential task). If you wonder if they are worth it, see our Jetpack and MailPoet reviews.

    Woo Onboarding Flow - Steps 12-13

    WooCommerce Settings

    The nitty gritty settings of any platform can be a lot of work when starting an online store. WooCommerce has settings pages to configure and customize your online store for every single detail:

    • General Settings control currency, product types, checkout, and catalog
    • Product Settings manage options like units, visibility, and inventory
    • Shipping Settings configure delivery methods, costs, and other preferences
    • Payment Settings set up payment gateways for customer checkout
    • Account Settings configure registration, privacy, and data
    • Email Settings customize transactional emails from your store
    • Advanced Settings fine-tune advanced functions like hooks

    These settings are discussed in detail with our guide on configuring WooCommerce settings.

    Add Products to Your Online Store

    Adding products to your WooCommerce store involves creating a new product in your WordPress dashboard and filling in the product details, including the title, description, price, and product image.

    Site owners can add products in bulk to WooCommerce via CSV if they have that information in a spreadsheet. Otherwise, products can be easily added through the dashboard.

    Go to WooCommerce > Products > “Add New” in your WordPress dashboard.
    Add Products - Steps 1

    Enter the product name for your product that will be displayed to shoppers.
    Add Products - Steps 2

    Add a product description and upload your product image.
    Add Products - Steps 3-4

    Now you can choose what product type, price, manage inventory, set shipping options, and more from the individual product page.
    Add Products - Steps 5-6

    You can publish the product draft once you are happy with your product. Add as many products as you have.

    Learn more about WooCommerce inventory management to handle product stock, and visit our guide on setting up shipping in WooCommerce.

    7. Design Your Online Store

    Designing and starting your eCommerce online store is a lot of work—but it’s work that makes all the difference. Most WordPress themes lock you into a set design, but we’ll show you how to build a web store using Divi that gives you complete design freedom.

    A page builder like Divi allows you to design your website visually without coding. It will enable you to customize every part of your store using a drag-and-drop interface and a variety of modules. This includes your product pages, cart, and checkout pages.

    You can learn all about Divi’s WooCommerce modules which are the building blocks of a successful store.

    Add Products to a Page with Divi

    Divi allows you to import pre-made layouts, saving you time designing your online store.

    Open up and edit your Home Page with Divi. Choose “Browse Layouts” to see what layouts are out there that can save you time that you like.

    Product to Page with Divi - Steps 1

    Search through the hundreds of layout packs with every Elegant Themes membership. For ease, look for layout packs with a “Shop Page.” Then, import the layout into the page by clicking “Use this Layout.”

    Product to Page with Divi - Steps 2-4

    The template’s Woo Products module imported and displayed our product information on the page. This module is editable, allowing you to change the number of products displayed, the number of columns, ordering, and what elements are displayed (in addition to the design settings).

    Product to Page with Divi - Steps 5

    If we wanted to add a single product to a page from scratch, we could add a new row and place it in the “Woo Products” module from the list of WooCommerce Modules.

    Product to Page with Divi - Steps 6-7

    Design Cart Pages

    Standard pages that your store uses are included with WooCommerce. They are:

    1. Shop page (like the blog page but for products)
    2. Cart page (which shows items that customers put into their shopping carts)
    3. Checkout page (which displays what customers see as they checkout)
    4. My Account page (which helps users manage their user accounts with your store)

    Woo Shop Pages in Theme Builder - Steps 1-2

    Divi lets you edit each of these pages through the Theme Builder.

    For more details on creating these pages, visit our cart page layout tutorial, checkout page layout tutorial, and building WooCommerce pages with Divi tutorial.

    8. Add Plugins for More Features

    One of the great things about using WordPress and WooCommerce is the ability to extend functionality with plugins. Thousands of free and premium plugins add helpful features to an online store. Here we point you in the direction of WooCommerce plugin categories that you should be aware of.

    SEO Plugins

    SEO is crucial for driving traffic to your online store. Plugins like Yoast SEO and Rank Math allow you to optimize pages and content for search engines. They add schema markup, XML sitemaps, and other SEO best practices.

    We have an entire guide on WooCommerce SEO that’ll require using one of the great WooCommerce SEO plugins. You can check out these AI-based SEO tools if you are adventurous and into Generative AI.

    Security Plugins

    Security is vital for any online business. Plugins like Wordfence Security, iThemes Security, and Sucuri add protection and threat monitoring layers. If you are collecting user data, receiving a lot of traffic, and authorizing plenty of transactions—security is paramount for your store to run effectively.

    wordfence vs sucuri

    Check out our recommendations on the best WordPress security plugins and why they are essential.

    Product Filtering and Search Plugins

    Plugins that enhance product filtering, search, and navigation result in better customer experiences.

    The top options are SearchWP and the others referenced on our list of best search plugins.

    SearchWP settings

    Barn2 and Yith make some of our favorite WooCommerce plugins. There are also dozens of solid WooCommerce options in the Divi Marketplace if you want a solution that is guaranteed to work with Divi.

    9. Launch Your New Online Store

    Once your online store is built, it’s time to get the word out and attract customers. Some key marketing channels to leverage include:

    Email Marketing: Email is one of the most effective ways to market to customers. Build your list by offering an incentive to subscribe. Send regular newsletter emails showcasing new products. Use email segmentation to target different groups. Choose one of the best email marketing services like Mailchimp or one of its alternatives.

    Store SEO: Search engine optimization helps customers find your products through search. Carry out on-page optimization across your site. Choose an SEO plugin like Yoast or RankMath to optimize your content. Use advanced SEO techniques to improve rankings.

    Social Media: Promote your store through social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Share products, run giveaways, and advertise through paid social campaigns. Many ways of doing social commerce can help increase exposure and sales.

    Affiliate Marketing: Open an affiliate program where other creators can reference, review, and promote your products. This is quickly done with affiliate management plugins. Also, you can consider becoming an Amazon affiliate if your online store is focused on selling others’ products with Amazon. This earns you commissions on resulting sales.

    PPC Ads: Paid search ads put your products in front of people as they search on Google and other search engines. Use AI tools to optimize your ads and copywriting to see even more outstanding results.

    Site Speed and Optimization: Fast site speed is vital for conversions. Use caching plugins and follow a Divi optimization guide to speed up your store.

    Be sure to track metrics with eCommerce analytics to optimize efforts and take an omnichannel approach.

    Conclusion

    Starting an online store is an ambitious goal that can be intimidating at first. But by following a step-by-step guide, anyone can create a thriving online store. All that’s left is driving traffic and running your business.

    Don’t let technology or self-doubt hold you back. You have what it takes to turn your retail goals into a thriving online store that realizes your entrepreneurial vision.

    If you need more help with, we create some of the best content about WordPress. You might even check out our favorite tools for productivity that may help you greatly. Let us know how your online store plans are shaping up!

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Before we wrap up, let’s answer some of your most common questions regarding how to create an online store. Did we miss one? Leave a question below, and we will respond!

    How do I make an online store?

    To make an online store, you must choose an e-commerce platform like WordPress/WooCommerce, create a domain name and website, design your storefront, add products, set up payment and shipping options, and launch your website. You can also market your store through social media and search engines to attract customers.

    Can I start an online store for free?

    Yes, while it is possible to start an online store for free using platforms like Shopify and, WooCommerce, remember that these platforms may have limitations on features and functionality, or you may still need to pay for services like hosting and domain.

    How much does it cost to start an online store?

    The cost to start an online store can vary depending on the platform used, website design, domain name, hosting, payment processing, and marketing. Some platforms, like  WooCommerce, are free but require hosting and additional expenses. A basic online store can cost around $500-$1,000 but can increase with additional features and customization.

    Why should I use WordPress to build my online store?

    Using WordPress to build your online store offers a range of benefits, including easy customization, a vast selection of plugins, and flexibility to scale as your business grows. With WordPress, you can completely control your store’s design and functionality and integrate with popular payment gateways and shipping options. Plus, its user-friendly interface makes managing your store a breeze.

    Which is better, Shopify or WordPress?

    WordPress offers greater flexibility and customization options than Shopify. With WordPress, users can access a wide range of plugins and themes, enabling them to customize their online store fully. Using WooCommerce with WordPress offers more affordable pricing plans, unlimited product listings, and no transaction fees. Additionally, WordPress is an established platform with a large community, providing a wealth of resources and support.

    Can I create an online store without physical products?

    Yes, it is possible to create an online store without physical products. This can be done by selling digital products such as software, ebooks, music, or courses. Alternatively, you can provide consulting, coaching, or freelancing services. Such online stores are known as digital or service-based stores.

    How do I start an online store without inventory?

    To start an online store without inventory, consider dropshipping or print-on-demand services. Drop shipping lets you partner with a supplier who ships products directly to your customers. With print-on-demand, you create designs printed on products only when ordered. Choose a platform like WooCommerce, set up your website, select products, and start marketing your store.

    What are the important pages that my online store should have?

    An online store should have essential pages such as a homepage, product pages, about us page, contact us page, FAQs page, shipping and returns policy page, and a blog page. These pages help provide an easy and engaging shopping experience for the customers and build trust and credibility for the brand.

    Where should I host my online store?

    When choosing a hosting provider for your online store, look for one that offers fast and reliable performance, secure transactions, and scalable resources to accommodate growth. Consider popular options such as SiteGround, Hostinger, Cloudways, and Pressable. You can read our detailed comparison of various hosts here.

    How do I create an online dropshipping business?

    To create an online dropshipping business, you must choose a niche, research and select products to sell, find and partner with a dropshipping supplier, develop an online store, and market your business through social media and other channels. You can use platforms like WooCommerce to set up your store and automate the ordering and shipping process.

    How do I sell digital products online?

    To sell digital products online, you need a platform to showcase your products, such as a website or e-commerce store, which you can easily make using tools such as WordPress, Divi, and WooCommerce tools. Ensure that your product is valuable and in demand. Use marketing strategies such as social media advertising, email marketing, and content marketing to attract potential customers. Set up a secure payment gateway and deliver the digital product to the customer upon successful purchase.

    Featured Image by TAW4 / shutterstock.com

    The post How to Start an Online Store for Your Business (2023 Guide) appeared first on Elegant Themes Blog.