If you already have a website that operates on WordPress, you can appreciate how easy the CMS is to use. It's understandable then, if you are looking for an opportunity to grow your business online that you'd want to continue to use WordPress to do so.
You're not alone, in fact, a large number of online stores operate on WordPress using a specific plugin called WooCommerce. This WordPress online store plugin has surpassed all other eCommerce platforms in the number of downloads, and it's likely because it holds the same user-centric values as WordPress.
How to create an online store with WordPress
As it is with any other circumstance in adding functionality to your WordPress site, you download a plugin to build your online store. The WooCommerce plugin can be found in the directory, and we're happy to say is free. Once you have downloaded and installed WooCommerce, you're well on your way to a functional eCommerce site.
Things to consider for your online store
Before you start the process of building out your store, we recommend that you compile some information first.
Know the answer to the following questions:
- How will you accept and process payments ( Stripe or PayPal others are available too)
- How will you handle shipping? Do you have weights for your products
- Have you fleshed out your product features? Know what's important to include in each product listing.
- How will you handle inventory?
- Do you need customization? (Yes, likely!)
Continuing to set up your store
WooCommerce walks you through your store's set-up; run the set-up wizard. It will walk you through some of the points above, like store location and currency.
Once you make it through the Wizard, you can start adding products. Then, it's on to customization. This is where you get to take your products and amp them up with your brand's styling via a WordPress theme. You will have a default product theme installed, which you can customize or choose a separate article for your store.
Customizing your store with the help of a WordPress developer
You can further customize or build the store with the help of a developer. Building on WordPress can easily be "over your head," especially if you are unfamiliar with HTML. The fine details and functionalities make a design crisp and the user experience flawless; this is where a developer or designer can help.
If you want to add eCommerce to a WordPress site, you have more options than just WooCommerce. You can also create a store on a third-party site; we've covered that in detail here.
If you need help customizing or building your store, connect with our WordPress development team here. 
