The Pros and Cons of Starting an Online Store
Hello WA Family,
If you ever have had the urge to open a store online, this is going to be very helpful. We are going to be using WooCommerce a plugin from WordPress, now let us learn the pros and cons of starting an online store.
Pros of WooCommerce
Being a free plugin, WooCommerce keeps long-term costs significantly lower compared to other platforms. Furthermore, it integrates with existing WordPress websites, allowing for a completely customizable storefront that matches your existing branding and creates a user experience for your audience.
- WooCommerce itself is a free plugin for WordPress, making it a budget-friendly option compared to some subscription-based platforms.
- While there are paid extensions for added functionality, the core platform itself is free, reducing long-term costs compared to some hosted solutions.
- WooCommerce integrates smoothly, leveraging your existing audience and website traffic.
- You can design your storefront to perfectly match your brand with a wide range of themes and extensive customization options.
- WooCommerce allows you to offer a specific product selection directly related to your area of expertise.
- WooCommerce offers a powerful and cost-effective solution for building an online store.
Wealthy Affiliate members often focus on specific niches. WooCommerce allows for a product selection, directly related to your niche expertise.
Cons of WooCommerce
- While the core plugin is free, many advanced functionalities require paid extensions. These can add up quickly, especially for features like marketing automation, advanced shipping options, or subscriptions.
- WooCommerce requires ongoing maintenance, including updates, security measures, and potential backups.
- While user-friendly, WooCommerce requires some technical knowledge to set up and manage.
- WooCommerce itself offers limited customer support due to its open-source nature.
Even though WooCommerce takes a little time to get the hang of using, I have been using this for years without any super problems.
WordPress Themes for WooCommerce
To receive the most efficient operation, you will need to consider which WordPress themes are your best options. That is what this section is going to help you with, so let us move on to learn about themes.
Astra
- A popular free theme known for its lightweight design and extensive customization options
- Perfect if you want a fast-loading store with a unique look. Paid add-ons unlock additional WooCommerce-specific features.
SeedProd
- A user-friendly theme with a drag-and-drop page builder specifically designed for WooCommerce.
- Ideal for beginners who want a visual interface for creating custom layouts and product pages.
OceanWP
- A free theme popular for its speed and focus on e-commerce functionality.
- Offers a good balance of customization options and built-in features for product displays and checkout processes.
Divi
- A powerful multipurpose theme with a built-in visual page builder. Ideal for experienced users who want maximum design control and advanced features, but come at a premium cost.
WoodMart
- A premium theme specifically designed for WooCommerce stores.
- Offers a wide range of pre-built templates, advanced product features, and excellent integration with popular page builders.
WordPress Theme Tips
- Ensure your chosen theme is fully responsive and optimized for mobile devices, as a significant portion of e-commerce traffic comes from smartphones
- Look for user reviews and explore theme demos to get a feel for the theme's customization options.
- Choose a theme that can grow with your store, offering scalability and the ability to add functionalities as your product range expands.
I have been using Buddy X for all of my stores, you will find it is a community theme that can handle WooCommerce without any problems.
WooCommerce Step-by-Step Guide
To give you the best information on creating an online store with this plugin, I have included a step-by-step guide.
Install and Activate WooCommerce
- Login to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for "WooCommerce".
- Click Install Now and then Activate.
Run the Setup Wizard (Optional)
- WooCommerce will prompt you to run a setup wizard. This is optional but walks you through key configurations.
- In the wizard, enter your store details like location, currency, and product types.
- Choose your preferred payment gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal).
- You can skip adding recommended features for now and continue.
- For an affiliate store you will not need any payment gateway, so you can skip that step if you plan on promoting affiliate products and services.
Add Your First Product
- Navigate to Products > Add New.
- Enter your product details like title, description, images, price, and inventory.
- Categorize your product and set shipping options.
- Publish your product to make it live on your store.
Design Your Storefront (Optional):
- WooCommerce works with most WordPress themes, but some offer better integration.
- You can change your theme from Appearance > Themes. (Consider mobile-friendly themes!)
- Customize your storefront using theme options or additional plugins for layout and design.
Set Up Menus and Shipping:
- Create menus in Appearance > Menus to navigate your store (e.g., Shop, About Us).
- Configure shipping options from WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping.
- For affiliate stores skip this step as well.
Explore Extensions (Optional)
- WooCommerce offers a vast library of extensions (paid and free) in the WordPress plugin store.
- You can add functionalities like marketing automation, subscriptions, advanced analytics, etc.
- Affiliate stores can skip extensions unless they are interested in advanced options
An affiliate store is extremely easy to create with this plugin, so don't allow your anxiety to prevent you from giving this a try if an online store is what you desire.
Final Thoughts
With this plugin, you can start your online store within minutes. This also allows you to explore other money-making possibilities with dropshipping and print-on-demand for example. I suggest members begin with an affiliate store, and then later on if you desire try more advanced store options.
I hope this has been helpful,
Jeff
Recent Comments
43
Oh, I forgot to mention...
Re the cons, yes, there are tons of Woo Commerce extensions, but you don't need to use ANY of them.
WooCommerce has everything you need, from shipping to checkout payment options.
Do not be swayed by thinking you need an extension to make things work.
Like I said, I've used the same WooCommerce since 2011, and have not needed to use any extension.
WooCommerce, just like any other product will need to be updated, just like any other plugin, I don't see this as a con.
And yes, there is a learning curve, however their documentation provides documentation: https://woo.com/documentation/woocommerce/
The most extensive work is when you add physical products that are variables, ie, size, colors, shapes...
I've spent hours through the years, configuring as the products I sell are varied. One item has a color, shape and size option.
Rudy
Thank you Rudy
I have had the same experience with WooCommerce, you don't need those extensions.
Take care
Jeff
Thank you Tim
I provided the step-by-step-guide to help you get started whenever you are ready.
Need any help let me know
Jeff
Hello Tim
When possible I like to include step-by-step guides for you to be able to follow.
Jeff
Great post, Jeff!
I have had a woo Commerce online store since 2011, and through the years i have changed the theme a couple of times. Astra is one that i used for a little while, but I have found that the lighter the theme, the easier to manage the store.
I currently use GeneratePress premium for my online store.
Oh yes, and as Jeff mentioned, you can sell physical or digital products as well!
Rudy
You must know everything about it after so many years. It looks like a heavy tool for a site. Is it possible to use it to "sell" access to a post without any extra plugin? In other words, publish a post but keep it behind a paywall.
Well, I won't say I know 'everything', grin, but I have certainly became more knowledgeable and more experienced over the years.
No, you don't nee to use the WooCommerce plugin unless you have a hugh inventory.
Instead, you can use PayPal or Stripe, both of which will provide you with the necessary tools to get you started!
That's how I got started- I first sold my items using on my Weebly website using PayPal.
This was in use for a few months prior to staring the WordPress website I currently use.
Rudy
Thank you Rudy
I appreciate you sharing your experience to help other members. Great to know Generate Press also works well with WooCommerce.
Jeff
Can it be used for post paywall, how is url delivered? My guess is this cannot be automatized by PayPal.
Im not familiar with post paywall.
There can be some automization, depending on the type needed.
Rudy
I agree, Jeff. Woo Commerce is not what it used to be. I have a site set up for that, but I will not pull the trigger on that, at this time!
Jeff
Hello Jeff
I have two other websites with domain names but I have not started to work on them yet.
I am in no hurry to build them at this time
Jeff
See more comments
Awesome Jeff, great run through of building an online store. I am working with woo commerce and love it.
By the way I checked out your affiliate site, excellent work Jeff, you are building something so special and I love your choice of website names.
Keep up the great work,
Kind regards
Erica
Hello Erica
I am happy to hear from you. Great to hear that you are using WooCommerce and love how it is working for you.
Thank you for visiting my affiliate site,
Jeff
Yes I love Woo Commerce, it is awesome!
You are welcome your site is great :)
Erica
Thank you Erica
I want to thank you for visiting my website and leaving such a nice comment.
I am glad WooCommerce is working well for your website
Jeff
You are totally welcome Jeff, you have great goals and I wish you the best outcomes.
Erica
Hello Erica
I receive many rewards helping people solve their problems with solutions. Whatever you promote, I wish you much success.
Follow your heart works for me
Jeff
Yes I totally agree with you there Jeff, that there is a reward of immense gratitude to be in a persons life when they need.
Sometimes it is just a listener they never had.
Thanks Jeff, I find following my heart is the best guide too.
Erica
Hello Erica
It is very nice to be talking to you. We do seem to be on the same page with helping people.
I am always here to be of help to any members when I can, so feel free to reach out if you ever need a listening hear.
You can private message me if you desire to
Jeff
Thanks so much Jeff, and you too whether you need me to listen, please pm me.
Wishing you a wonderful end of the week.
Erica