The eCommerce realm keeps on evolving. However, there are a few trends that remain like a fine breeze and still strong. Yes, it’s none other than WordPress development. Launching an eCommerce website using WordPress is though not a new concept but even today, it seems to remain so relevant and of course, a sure-shot way to succeed. The seismic shift definitely requires your attention. Now tell me what makes a successful eCommerce store?
● Choosing the right eCommerce platform
● Using the top-notch strategies
● Conducting best development practices
● Offering unrendered customer experiences
The following post as the name implies focuses on why consider WordPress for your upcoming eCommerce web development project and what are the best eCommerce development practices that need to be taken care of here. eCommerce sellers are earning like crazy these days, no two ways about it! However, not all of them tend to succeed. Sometimes your store might also backfire. The only reason this happens is because they fail to do the right thing. For starters, choosing the right eCommerce development platform or hiring the most trustworthy eCommerce development company.
Developing an e-commerce site is not an easy feat. After all, slowly and steadily you will be facing a large customer base and high traffic. So in such cases, you need a trustworthy eCommerce development platform and nothing beats WordPress here. Simply launched as a blogging platform, WordPress seems to have evolved quite a lot lately.
The open-source content management system comes with a wide range of uses and functionalities. For example, it offers seamless integration, customization, high-end scalability, and security and above all it has the potential to fit any and every eCommerce web development needs. So yes a full-functioning store can be expected here. Why is WordPress good for eCommerce development projects or why several reputable eCommerce development service providers are vouching for WordPress these days?
● It is free and easy to use
● Seamless Woocommerce Plugins
● Customization and Flexibility
● A wide range of plugins and themes
● SEO-friendly
● Security
So why the heck not choose WordPress? Now creating a strong e-commerce presence surely takes time but fret not, further, you will go through some eye-catching e-commerce development tips that can definitely raise your store above the competitors.
How to Create an E-commerce Website Using WordPress?
#1 Pick the correct domain name
Domain name is very important. After all, it’s the unique address of your website. For example, www.Amazon.com. Now there is no rocket science in buying a domain name. There are several reliable sites available for that such as NameCheap. For the initial stage, you can definitely choose a domain name for free or you can even consider buying a cost-effective one ranging from $10 to $20.
The key here is to keep your domain similar to that of your brand name. Moreover, try to keep it simple and crisp. Well, .com is one of the most popular and renowned domain extensions. And smart online retailers often grab such opportunities so that they can sell their products worldwide. On the contrary, when you choose a domain extension such as .in or .us, it means you are restricting your business as well as not willing to expand it across the globe. So a domain name has to be:
● Easy to memorize and relevant to the brand
● It would be great if you buy it or anyone else would
● Choose.Com
In addition to getting a domain name, you should pick a reputable web hosting service provider. Web hosting is like having your own remote computer that stores the entire website and its data and serves whenever in need. Bluehost is a leading web hosting service provider that offers scalable, flexible and cost-effective subscription plans. For the first-timers, I would recommend choosing the very basic plan and then upgrading as the time passes by. Also, at Bluehost, they offer 30-day money returns. So you will get your money back if you are not satisfied.
#2 Install WordPress
The next step to consider is to install WordPress. Now you can do this by either clicking for once on the hosting dashboard or downloading WordPress manually and uploading it to the respective hosting account. The first option definitely turns out to be the easiest one. However, you need to check whether the chosen hosting provider offers one-click installs. If so, you need to simply check out the hosting dashboard and hit a button that says “install WordPress”.
And if your hosting provider doesn’t offer one-click installation then we need to install WordPress manually. Download WordPress to the computing device manually and upload it to the hosting dashboard.
● Download and unzip the WordPress package
● Create a database on the web server
● Find and rename wp-config-sample.php to wp-config.php
● Upload WordPress files to the desired location
● Run the WordPress installation script
#3 Choosing an eCommerce plugin
The next step is to choose an eCommerce plugin. Now there is a difference between choosing a standard WordPress website and a WordPress eCommerce website. The latter enables you to sell all your products directly. Now WordPress doesn’t originally comprise such features and functionalities, so no matter what, you have to install an eCommerce plugin, which one? WooCommerce. To do so, conduct the following drill:
● Go to your WordPress dashboard and click on plugins
● Type Woocommerce
● Click on the plugin button and install
● After a while, the button will read activate
● Launch WooCommerce and set it up
Now you are ready to incorporate product pages, cart and checkout, secured payments, and shipping options, automate tax calculations, and seamlessly integrate with Google Analytics, Facebook and Mailchimp. Other extensions worth considering include:
● Payment gateways
● Shipping extensions
● Tax
● Accounting extensions
● Subscriptions and bookings
Also, do not forget to add all the required business details (this is pretty self-explanatory).
#4 Adding Products
Now in order to launch your store officially, you need to add different products and services. While adding different products don’t forget to add descriptions, product data sections, categorize them, product images, tags and so more. And click the publish button.
#5 Choose an aesthetically pleasing theme
The next step to take while developing your e-commerce store is to choose an aesthetically pleasing theme. And do you know what the best part here is, you can change and customize whenever you feel like it. So do not hesitate to give a complete makeover to your store and set it apart.
WordPress customization should be considered only if you are a coding pro or you can hire a reliable team of eCommerce developers who have experience in offering the best possible outcomes.
And now you have successfully created a fully functional eCommerce store using WordPress.
Best Practices for eCommerce Websites
1. Keep your eCommerce store clean
The first and foremost practice that I always ask my readers to follow is keeping your store clean and decluttered. A beautifully designed eCommerce store can be a turn-off if it’s not clean and clumsy. So what you can do is:
● Use high-quality images
● Choose dynamic-looking colours
● Content has to be seamlessly scannable
● Experiment with designs
● Listen to your customers
2. Make the most of the available plugins
When someone lands in your store do you want to leave them wandering or do you want to give them ample opportunities to purchase as many products as they can and that too seamlessly?
Well, Wordpress’s WooCommerce plugin should be used thoroughly. Here you can designate featured products, customize colours, incorporate testimonials, and display ratings. By doing so, visitors won’t just find the product easily but also will buy it in no time. Also, do not forget to click the calls-to-action button.
3. Provide Clear Shipping and Return policies
The next best practice to take into account is to provide clear shipping and return policies. This means the eCommerce store is pretty confident and transparent with his deeds. Most customers tend to abandon an eCommerce site because of high taxes, shipping costs and other unexpected fees. Try to offer them free shipping. Make your customers understand what it takes to qualify them for free shipping. Also be specific with your return and exchange policies.
Key Takeaways ● Choose a domain name
● Choose a reliable web hosting provider
● Install WordPress
● Then install an eCommerce plugin named WooCommerce
● Choose an awesome theme
● Create different pages, incorporate different payment methods, and start incorporating different products
● Do not forget to install SEO extensions such as Yoast SEO, Jetpack, etc.
And you are all done! If you still find it difficult, then try looking out for a reputable eCommerce development company that carries a proven track record of working wonders with different kinds of eCommerce platforms such as WordPress, Magento, Shopify, BigCommerce, etc.
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