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How to Create an Online Store Website: 8 Easy Steps!

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Creating an online store website can be a gateway for your business to reach a wider customer base, 24/7. Imagine: your store is open every day, independent of physical operating hours, and accessible to anyone.

However, there are still things you need to prepare. From domains, hosting, platforms, attractive designs, to payment and shipping arrangements. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a coding expert to create one.

Because there are easy steps you can follow. Read more in this article.

How to Create Your Own Online Store Website

Before discussing how to create an online store website, you should first understand that creating an online store isn’t just about having a website. There are many aspects you shouldn’t overlook, such as creating a simple, safe, and convenient shopping experience for customers.

As a guide, here are ways to create an online store that you can follow to start an online business:

1. Choose Web Hosting and Domain

First, make sure you have a reliable address (domain) and server space (hosting). A domain is the name customers type to find your store (for example, www.businessname.com). Meanwhile, hosting is where all your website files are stored.

Choose a domain name that’s memorable, relevant to your brand, and choose a common extension like .com or .id. For hosting, ensure it’s fast and supports e-commerce features (e.g., free SSL, automatic backups).

2. Install CMS or Online Store Platform

Once your domain and hosting are ready, you’ll need to choose a content management system (CMS) or online store platform. Many guides recommend using WordPress and the WooCommerce plugin due to its flexibility and extensive feature support.

Upload WordPress to your hosting, then install WooCommerce. After that, you can proceed with the basic configuration to get your website ready for transactions.

3. Customize Website Configuration

The next step in creating an online store website is customizing its configuration. Your website requires several important settings to be ready for use as an online store. For example, setting permalinks (SEO-friendly URLs), timezone, site name, and other basic features.

Also make sure you enable SSL (to appear β€œsecure” to customers), select the currency you will accept (e.g. Rupiah), and customize your business details such as your store address and contact details.

4. Choose an Attractive Website Theme and Design

In online business, appearance plays a significant role in customer trust. Choose a theme that’s responsive (looks good on both desktop and mobile) and matches your business’s identity.

When choosing a theme, ensure product navigation is easy to access, the “Add to cart” button is clear, and the checkout page doesn’t confuse customers. Good visuals will increase the likelihood of a purchase.

5. Install the Online Store Plugin and Set Up Payment & Shipping Methods

With WooCommerce or another platform, you’ll install plugins that support things like product catalogs, shopping carts, payments, and shipping.

Furthermore, in this section, you’ll also need to specify your payment method (bank transfer, e-wallet, credit card, QRIS), as well as your delivery method (courier, in-store pickup, cash on delivery, and others). This ensures a smooth and convenient shopping experience for customers.

6. Add Products to Online Store

Once your online store is ready, it’s time to fill it with products. Each product needs to have a name, description, price, quality photos, category, and stock.

Ensure attractive product photos and clear descriptions, such as size, ingredients, color, and benefits. Create user-friendly categories so customers can quickly find products without having to manually search for each one.

7. Optimize the Website and Make SEO & Content Settings

Managing an online business isn’t just about creating a storefront. You also need to optimize it to make it easier for potential customers to find you. Use on-page SEO techniques like keyword-rich page titles, engaging meta descriptions, image alt text, and relevant content.

Additionally, ensure your online store is mobile-friendly, has good page speed, and a simple checkout process. This will improve the user experience and help your website’s search engine rankings.

8. Test, Launch and Promote Your Online Store

Once everything is ready, run a test transaction: add products to your cart, make payment, check shipping, and confirm the order. This is the final step in creating an online store website. Ensure everything runs smoothly.

Once you’re confident, you can launch your store and promote it through social media, email marketing, and paid advertising. Use data from your initial visitors to evaluate which products are popular and which channels generate the most buyers.

From this data, you can adjust your business strategy so that your online store continues to grow, attracting more customers, and increasing sales.

That’s how to create an online store website that you can try. For business owners just entering the online business world, having your own store is essential so customers can better understand your brand and products. Interestingly, this method doesn’t require any coding or programming skills.

The most important thing is to remain consistent in running the business and continuously optimize it over time. This way, the business will continue to grow and generate significant profits.

To further assist you in managing your online business, especially one that also has a physical channel or appointment services, use the Labamu app. The Labamu Appointment feature makes it easy for customers to schedule services online, while you can manage them efficiently through a single app.

With the Labamu app, you not only have an online store but also an integrated business management system ready to support your growth. Use the Labamu app now!