WooCommerce is a free customizable, open-source eCommerce plugin for WordPress. This plugin helps add e-commerce functionality to a WordPress website. The plugin was launched back in 2011 and in no time became the primary solution for users looking to set up their own online store.
WooCommerce offers basic e-store functionality and was designed to make getting started as easy as possible. It has a simple installation and Setup Wizard to get an e-commerce store up and running with the preferred WordPress theme.
WooCommerce is hands down the most popular eCommerce software in the world right now because it’s easy to use for beginners, and is packed with extremely powerful features. WooCommerce being open-source is not only 100% free but also offers complete freedom and control over your eCommerce website.
Let’s guide you through the steps to set up an online store with WooCommerce.
1. Set-up Domain name
First things first, you have to set up your domain name. Your domain name is how your potential customer base is going to find your business. Ideally, your domain name should be your domain name.
2. Web hosting
Now that you are sorted with the domain name, the next block is to finalize your website hosting service. You can opt for any web hosting service as per your requirement or flexibility.
3. Set up WooCommerce
With the domain name and web hosting finalized, the next step is to go ahead and get the ball rolling. To kick off the proceedings you are required to install WooCommerce on your website. This can be done through the WordPress dashboard.
4. Access the setup wizard
Once you have installed the WooCommerce plugin, you will be prompted to walk through the set-up wizard. You will then be asked to enter some basic information about your store and a few questions pertaining to the business. Anything that is set here can also be changed at a later point.
5. Choose the Payment Gateway
On the next page, you will be prompted to set up your preferred payment gateway for your online store. You have the option to add online payment gateways as well as cash.
6. Configure Shipping Options
This is where you have to fix the charges your customers will have to shell out for shipping. The rates can be set as per your preferred zone and location. You may also consider offering free shipping to certain areas.
7. Check out the optional add ons
The next page will allow you to add some extra add ons like adding “Storefront Theme”, “Automated Taxes”, “Mail Chimp”, “ Facebook” etc. These tools come in handy and it is highly advisable to have them as add ons.
8. Complete the setup process
There you have it. Your account is all set up and ready to roll. Now, all you got to do to keep the ball rolling is adding and managing your products.
9. Add products to WooCommerce Store
Post the installation of WooCommerce, you’ll find two new tabs on your dashboard’s side menu. The first one is WooCommerce (your general settings area) and the other one is Products (your products settings area). First, you need to add the products you would like to offer. Then, provide a product description for the same.
You can then scroll down to the Product Data box and add the price, set up inventory, shipping options, and lots more. You can also add features like “Add Comment”, or “Add Categories.”
You also have the option to add product images. We highly advise you to do that as it will not only enhance your authenticity quotient but also help the customers in deciding if it’s what the customer needs.
10. Theme Customization and plugin installation
Customization of theme will give your store individuality and go a long way. Additionally, you can also go ahead and install some additional WordPress plugins like All in One SEO, SeedProd, OptinMonster, TrustPulse, Sucuri, and to name a few.
Now, that you have your WooCommerce store up and running, it is important to keep an eye on its performance. We strongly advise you to track your most popular products, conversion rate, total sales, total revenue, etc. on a regular basis. This will not only help you to track your growth but will also help you analyze the key areas you need to focus on.
