How to Create an Online Store with WordPress and WooCommerce

To build an online store with WordPress, you get web hosting and a domain, install WordPress, add the free WooCommerce plugin, run its setup wizard, then add products, connect a payment provider, set shipping and taxes, and place a test order before launch. The software is free, but expect to pay for hosting, a domain and card processing fees, plus optional paid themes and extensions. If you would rather not manage hosting, updates and security yourself, a hosted platform like Shopify is simpler, at the cost of monthly fees and less control.

What you need before you start

• A domain name, such as yourstore.com.
• Web hosting that supports WordPress, with SSL (HTTPS) included. Managed WordPress or WooCommerce hosting handles updates, backups and caching for you.
• A business payment account with a provider such as Stripe, PayPal or WooPayments.
• Product details: names, descriptions, prices, photos you own or have rights to use, weights and stock levels.
• Basic policies: shipping, returns and a privacy policy.

Check current requirements on the WordPress requirements page. Hosts should offer a recent PHP version (8.x) and MySQL or MariaDB; WooCommerce has announced it will require PHP 8.1 or newer starting with version 11.6, planned for early 2027.

Step-by-step: build the store

1. Install WordPress

1. Sign up for hosting and connect your domain.
2. Use the host’s one-click WordPress installer (most hosts offer this in their control panel).
3. Make sure HTTPS is active: your site address should start with https://.
4. Sign in at yourstore.com/wp-admin.

2. Install WooCommerce

1. In the WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New Plugin.
2. Search for WooCommerce, click Install Now, then Activate.
3. Follow the setup wizard: store address, industry, product types and currency.

3. Choose a theme

Pick a theme that explicitly supports WooCommerce. Go to Appearance > Themes > Add New Theme and filter or search for WooCommerce-ready themes. Block themes let you edit shop, product and cart pages visually in the Site Editor. Only download themes from WordPress.org or reputable vendors; never use “nulled” (pirated) premium themes, which often contain malware.

4. Add products

1. Go to Products > Add New Product.
2. Enter a title and description.
3. In the Product data box, choose the type (simple, variable for sizes/colors, grouped, or external) and set the price.
4. Under Inventory, add a SKU and stock quantity; under Shipping, add weight and dimensions.
5. Add a product image and gallery, assign categories, and click Publish.

5. Set up payments

1. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments.
2. Enable a provider such as WooPayments, Stripe or PayPal and connect your account.
3. Turn on test mode first, then switch to live mode before launch.

Card payments typically cost around 3% plus a small fixed fee per transaction in the US, depending on provider and card type. Check each provider’s current pricing page.

6. Configure shipping and taxes

1. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping and create shipping zones (for example, “United States”) with methods like flat rate, free shipping or local pickup.
2. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Tax to set tax rates, or use an automated tax extension. Sales tax rules vary by state; talk to an accountant if unsure.

7. Add essential pages and test

1. Confirm that Shop, Cart, Checkout and My Account pages exist (WooCommerce creates them).
2. Publish shipping, returns, terms and privacy policy pages, and link them in the footer.
3. Place a test order in test mode and check the confirmation emails under WooCommerce > Settings > Emails.
4. Install a backup plugin or confirm your host takes daily backups.

What it costs

WooCommerce vs Shopify: an honest comparison

Choose WooCommerce if you already use WordPress, want content-heavy SEO, or need flexibility. Choose Shopify if you want to start selling quickly and would rather pay a monthly fee than handle technical upkeep. Other alternatives include Squarespace, Wix and BigCommerce.

Security and maintenance basics

• Update WordPress, WooCommerce, themes and plugins regularly, ideally after a backup.
• Use strong, unique admin passwords and two-factor authentication.
• Install only well-maintained plugins and remove unused ones.
• Never store card numbers yourself; let your payment provider handle them.

Bottom line

WordPress with WooCommerce lets you build a full online store with free software and complete control. Budget for hosting, a domain and payment fees, follow the setup wizard, and test checkout before launch. If you want minimal maintenance, Shopify is the more hands-off option.

FAQ

Is WooCommerce really free?

The core plugin is free. You pay for hosting and a domain, and optionally for premium themes and extensions. Payment providers charge per-transaction fees.

Can I use WordPress.com instead of self-hosted WordPress?

Yes, but installing WooCommerce on WordPress.com requires a plan that allows plugins or a commerce plan. Check its current plans.

How long does it take to set up a store?

A simple store with a few products can be ready in a day. Larger catalogs, custom design and tax setup take longer.

Do I need coding skills?

No. Setup, products and payments are all handled in the dashboard. Coding helps only for advanced customization.