Kickstarting an e-commerce store is one of the most exciting ways to launch or expand your small business, especially when you consider the global e-commerce market is expected to total a staggering $4.8 trillion in 2025. If that isn’t tempting enough, setting up an online store is more accessible than ever, thanks to advancements in technology and the availability of user-friendly tools.
Low startup costs allow you to avoid expenses like rent or utilities for a physical location. You’ll also have the opportunity to reach customers globally, manage your business from anywhere, and scale as you grow. But first, you need to pick a platform that aligns with your e-shop goals.
Choosing the right platform
If you’re considering platforms for building an e-commerce store, options like Shopify, BigCommerce, and PrestaShop each have distinct advantages.
- Shopify simplifies the process with a fully hosted solution, customizable templates, and integrated payment options.
- BigCommerce offers advanced tools for scaling, including multi-channel selling and strong SEO capabilities.
- PrestaShop provides complete control through its open-source framework.
However, some platforms may present challenges, such as higher costs for premium features, limited customization options, or a steeper learning curve compared to more flexible platforms like WordPress.
Let’s explore why the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world is so appealing to launch your e-shop:
- Customizability – WordPress offers over 30,000 themes and 60,000 plugins, allowing you to design a store that aligns perfectly with your brand. Choose between minimalist layouts or feature-rich designs to suit your needs.
- E-commerce power through WooCommerce – The WooCommerce plugin turns your site into a fully functional store. It supports unlimited products, customizable checkout pages, multiple payment gateways, and seamless shipping integrations.
- Cost-effective – WordPress is free, and a variety of affordable themes and plugins help you create a professional-quality store without overspending.
- SEO-friendly – WordPress makes it simple to optimize your site for search engines. Tools like RelateSEO help refine meta descriptions, keywords, and URLs, improving your chances of ranking higher on Google.
- Scalability – Start small and grow as your small business expands. WordPress can handle everything from a few products to large catalogs without sacrificing performance.
- Community support – As the world’s most popular CMS, WordPress has a large community of developers and users. Access tutorials, forums, and professional support to troubleshoot or improve your virtual shop.
- Integration options – Easily connect your web-based store to third-party tools like email marketing platforms, CRM systems, and analytics solutions, helping you gain a competitive advantage.
The next part in our guide is understanding how to build your store step by step. WordPress makes the process straightforward, whether you’re starting small or aiming big. Here’s how to create a professional, scalable online store.
How to set up your online store in 7 easy steps
1. Register a domain name and choose hosting
Your domain name is your online store’s address, and hosting ensures your site is available to customers 24/7. Together, they form the foundation of your website, and choosing the right domain name is the critical first step.
A strong domain name helps establish your brand identity, build credibility, and make your store easy to find online. It’s often the first thing potential customers notice, so selecting the right one can significantly impact how they perceive your business.
When choosing a domain name, aim for something short, memorable, and reflective of your brand. For example, if you sell handmade pottery, a name like artisanpots.com could work well. Use a .com extension if you’re appealing to a global audience.
Hosting is where your website files are stored. Not all hosting services are created equal, so it’s important to select one tailored for WordPress and to understand the questions to ask before buying hosting.
Shared hosting can be a cost-effective solution for small e-commerce sites starting out. You should consider a provider that’s WordPress friendly, affordable and easy to set up, and includes security benefits like free SSL certificates.
If you’re looking for a fully managed platform built from the ground up for WordPress, cloud hosting for WordPress simplifies management even further. EasyWP, for example, ensures your site is blazingly fast, protected from cybercriminals, and automatically updated, saving you time and technical headaches.
2. Install an e-commerce plugin
To turn your WordPress website into an online store, you’ll need an e-commerce plugin. These plugins add essential features like product listings, checkout pages, and payment gateways.
One of the most popular plugins is WooCommerce, known for its flexibility and wide range of features. Other options include Easy Digital Downloads (great for selling digital products) and Shopify Buy Button, which integrates Shopify tools into your WordPress site.
When choosing a plugin, consider the following:
- Does it support the payment gateways you need?
- Can it handle shipping and tax calculations?
- Is it beginner-friendly and scalable as your business grows?
After installing your plugin, you’ll be ready to start configuring your store settings.
3. Choose a theme for your store
The WordPress theme you choose determines the design and layout of your store. It’s important to select a theme that’s optimized for e-commerce so your site is user-friendly and visually appealing.
Look for themes that are responsive (so your site looks great on any device), customizable (to match your branding), and designed specifically for e-commerce. For example, Astra and Flatsome are lightweight, fast, and built for online stores.
When setting up a WooCommerce store, choosing the best WooCommerce theme can help propel your online store’s aesthetic, create a speedier site, and engage potential customers or clients.
While WordPress offers thousands of themes, it’s worth spending time to find one that aligns with your brand’s aesthetic. A good theme not only attracts customers but also boosts the overall shopping experience.
4. Design your e-commerce store
A well-designed e-commerce store doesn’t just look good — it drives sales. When creating your store’s layout, prioritize simplicity and usability.
For navigation, create clear categories so customers can find products easily. For example, if you sell apparel, group items into sections like "Men," "Women," and "Accessories." Use high-quality images to showcase your products and include detailed descriptions to answer common customer questions.
Trust is crucial in e-commerce, so consider adding customer reviews, security badges, and return policy information. Optimizing your site for speed is also essential — slow-loading pages can lead to cart abandonment.
Finally, don’t forget to test your design on mobile devices. With a majority of online shopping happening on phones, responsive design is a must.
5. Set up your store settings
With your design in place, it’s time to configure the core settings of your store. This includes:
- Payment options – Activate payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, or direct bank transfers to offer customers flexibility.
- Shipping settings – Set up shipping zones, rates, and delivery options based on customer locations.
- Tax configurations – Use tools to automate tax calculations for different regions.
Adding your products is one of the most important steps. For each product, upload clear, high-resolution images and write detailed descriptions that include key features, materials, or benefits. Group your products into categories and add tags to make them easier for customers to find.
Pro tip: Consistency is key. Use the same style and tone across all your product descriptions to create a professional and cohesive brand image.
6. Install essential plugins
Beyond your e-commerce plugin, additional plugins can improve your store’s functionality. For instance:
- SEO plugins – Tools like Yoast SEO or RelateSEO help optimize your site for search engines.
- Security plugins – Wordfence and Sucuri can protect your site from threats. If you’re an EasyWP customer, activate HackGuardian and MalwareGuardian.
- Contact forms – WPForms makes it easy for customers to reach out with inquiries.
These plugins boost your website’s performance and security, as well as create the best shopping experience for your customers.
7. Test and launch your website
Before going live, it’s important to test your website to make sure it runs smoothly.
Do your product pages have accurate descriptions, images, and pricing? Are your payment gateways working properly?
View your site on different devices to test responsiveness and check it’s user-friendly. Lastly, use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to optimize your site’s loading speed.
Once you’re confident everything is functioning correctly, announce your store’s launch! Use email marketing, social media, and online ads to spread the word and attract your first customers.
Kickstart your online store
Starting an e-commerce business has never been more exciting or accessible. With low startup costs, the ability to manage your store from anywhere, and the potential to reach customers around the globe, launching an online store is a smart move for any aspiring entrepreneur.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, from choosing a domain and hosting to designing, configuring, and testing your store, you’re well on your way to building a successful online business.
Frequently asked questions
Starting an e-commerce store has lower startup costs compared to a physical store, allowing you to manage your business from anywhere and reach customers globally. Plus, e-commerce platforms like WordPress provide scalable tools, so your store can grow alongside your business.
When selecting an e-commerce plugin, consider your store's needs. Look for features like payment gateway support, shipping options, and ease of use. WooCommerce is a popular choice for WordPress users due to its flexibility and extensive features.
A successful e-commerce website prioritizes simplicity, usability, and creating the best shopping experience. Focus on:
Navigation – Use clear categories and menus to help customers find products easily.
Visuals – Include high-quality product images and detailed descriptions.
Trust signals – Add customer reviews, return policies, and security badges to build credibility.
Mobile optimization – Ensure your site is responsive for smooth browsing on any device.
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