If you’re setting up your first store, WooCommerce is a great option. Running an eCommerce store with WooCommerce offers numerous benefits. Since it runs on WordPress CMS, you can customize your storefront.
While the free version of WooCommerce includes the essentials, like Mobile Payments and Amazon Pay extensions, you might need to pay for the more popular extensions to get started.
What is WooCommerce?
WooCommerce is an open-source WordPress plugin for selling products—physical goods, digital downloads, services—on websites.
It’s easy to use and customizable, letting you set up your store exactly how you want. It’s free to install, though some features may cost you.
Why Use WooCommerce?
If you want to create an online store without coding, WooCommerce is a great solution. Since it runs on WordPress, it’s flexible and compatible with almost any WordPress theme, with security ensuring your customers’ data stays safe.
WooCommerce is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms because it’s easy to use and packed with features. It allows you to add various product types, manage payments, and handle shipping all in one place.
How to Set Up WooCommerce
1. Install WordPress
First, you need a WordPress website. If you already have one, install the WooCommerce plugin.
WordPress is free and easy to install through your hosting provider. Once your WordPress site is ready, log in to your dashboard.
Explore niche-based themes on marketplaces like ThemeForest and TemplateMonster.
2. Install the WooCommerce Plugin
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Click on ‘Plugins’ in the left menu.
- Click on ‘Add New.’
- In the search bar, type ‘WooCommerce.’
- Click ‘Install Now’ next to WooCommerce.
- After installation, click ‘Activate.’
3. Set Up WooCommerce with the Setup Wizard
When you activate WooCommerce, the setup wizard guides you through the basic steps. It’s easy to follow. Here’s what you’ll do:
- Store Details: Enter your store’s address for shipping and taxes.
- Industry: Choose your product category.
- Product Types: Select the products you’ll sell (physical, online, subscriptions).
- Business Details: Provide information about your business.
- Theme: Choose a WooCommerce-compatible WordPress theme or keep your current theme.
Your basic WooCommerce setup is complete. You can always change these details later if needed.
4. Add Your First Product
Now, add your first product to WooCommerce:
- Go to ‘Products’ on your WordPress dashboard.
- Click ‘Add New.’
- Enter the product name and description.
- In the ‘Product Data’ box, set the price, inventory, shipping options, and other details.
- Add a product image by clicking on ‘Set product image’ on the right.
- Once done, click ‘Publish.’
You’ve added your first product! Repeat this process to add more products. For different price ranges, add multiple variations.
5. Customize Your Store
WooCommerce is customizable and flexible, and you can get help from an agency that provides WordPress customization solutions.
- Change Your Theme: Choose a WooCommerce theme that fits your brand.
- Customize Product Pages: Go to Appearance > Customize to adjust how your products look.
- Set Up Payment Methods: Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments to choose payment methods like PayPal or credit cards.
- Set Up Shipping Options: In WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping, define shipping zones, rates, and methods.
- Add a Shopping Cart: WooCommerce automatically adds a shopping cart, but you can customize it.
You can also use other payment aggregators based on your preference and country availability.
6. Manage Orders
Now that your store is running, you can easily manage orders. When someone buys something, you’ll receive an email notification. You can also integrate with WhatsApp Business.
- Go to ‘WooCommerce’ > ‘Orders’ to see all orders.
- Click on an order to view details.
- Update the order status as you process it (e.g., from ‘Pending’ to ‘Processing’).
- Once shipped, mark it as ‘Completed.’
Managing orders is easy with WooCommerce. You can also send automatic emails to customers to keep them informed.
7. Setting Up Tax and Shipping
WooCommerce handles taxes and shipping. Here’s how:
- Taxes: Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Tax. You can include tax in product prices or add it at checkout. WooCommerce calculates taxes based on your store’s location.
- Shipping: Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping. Create shipping zones, add rates, and offer methods like free or flat rates.
You can restrict shipping to specific regions or adjust rates based on weight and size.
8. Set Up Email Notifications
WooCommerce emails you and your customers to confirm orders and notify you of shipping. You can customize these emails by going to WooCommerce > Settings > Emails.
You can also automate emails using tools like HubSpot or Zoho, though WooCommerce’s basic settings are sufficient initially.
9. Add Extra Features
WooCommerce is flexible. If you need more features, add plugins. Many plugins are available to boost performance, from exit intent pop-ups to quiz coupons. Some valuable plugins include:
- WooCommerce Shipping: Adds more shipping options.
- WooCommerce PDF Invoices & Packing Slips: Useful for invoices and packaging slips.
- WooCommerce Discount Manager: Helps manage discounts.
Install these plugins via WordPress > Plugins > Add New, then search, install, and activate them like you did with WooCommerce.
10. Testing Your Store
Before going live, test your store to ensure everything works. Place a dummy order to experience the site flow and checkout process. Check your email notifications and ensure the shopping cart functions appropriately.
Testing helps you catch any issues before your customers do.
Conclusion
Great job setting up your WooCommerce store! Once your store is up, promote it and inform your customers. You can customize your store, add products, and manage orders efficiently. Based on customer experience, there’s always room for improvement.
Watch your business grow and thrive!
