Udemy How To Create An Ecommerce Website Woocommerce 2018

How to Create an E-Commerce Website with WooCommerce in 2018 (Udemy Inspired Guide)

Introduction:

In 2018, creating an e-commerce website was becoming increasingly accessible, thanks to user-friendly platforms like WordPress and powerful plugins like WooCommerce. Many aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners turned to online courses, particularly those offered on platforms like Udemy, to learn the ropes. This article provides a comprehensive guide, inspired by the structure and content often found in Udemy courses, on how to create an e-commerce website using WooCommerce in 2018. While some details might be outdated considering the evolution of the platform, the fundamental principles remain largely the same and will equip you with a solid understanding of the process. We will cover everything from initial setup to basic customization, focusing on key features and best practices relevant to the time period. Let’s dive in and see how you could have launched your online store in 2018!

Setting Up Your Foundation: WordPress and WooCommerce Installation

Step 1: Hosting and Domain

Choosing a Hosting Provider: A reliable hosting provider is crucial for your website’s performance and security. Consider shared hosting initially for affordability, but factor in scalability as your business grows. Look for providers optimized for WordPress and WooCommerce.
Selecting a Domain Name: Your domain name is your online identity. Choose a name that’s memorable, relevant to your brand, and ideally ends with a .com extension. Check its availability before purchasing.

Step 2: Installing WordPress

Most hosting providers offer a one-click WordPress installation. Alternatively, you can manually download WordPress from WordPress.org and follow the installation instructions. Here’s a simplified overview of the manual installation process:

1. Download the latest WordPress package from WordPress.org.

2. Extract the downloaded files to a directory on your computer.

3. Using an FTP client (like FileZilla), upload the extracted files to your web server’s `public_html` directory (or a subdirectory if you want WordPress installed in a specific folder).

4. Create a MySQL database using your hosting control panel. Note down the database name, username, and password.

5. Access your website’s URL in a web browser. You’ll be guided through the WordPress setup process, where you’ll enter your database credentials and configure your site’s title and admin details.

Step 3: Installing and Activating WooCommerce

Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard (usually found at `yourdomain.com/wp-admin`).
Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
Search for “WooCommerce”.
Click Install Now on the WooCommerce plugin.
Once installed, click Activate. WooCommerce will then launch a setup wizard.

Step 4: WooCommerce Setup Wizard

The setup wizard guides you through the initial configuration of your store:

Store Details: Provide your store’s address, industry, and product types.
Payment Gateways: Choose your preferred payment gateways, like PayPal and Stripe. You might need to create accounts with these providers.
Shipping Options: Configure your shipping zones and methods. Consider flat rate shipping, free shipping, or real-time carrier rates.
Recommended Plugins: WooCommerce will suggest plugins to enhance your store’s functionality. Carefully review and install the plugins that align with your needs.

Customizing Your WooCommerce Store

Step 5: Choosing a Theme

Theme Selection: Choose a WooCommerce-compatible theme that suits your brand and product aesthetics. Many free and premium themes are available. Consider themes specifically designed for e-commerce for optimal performance and features.
Theme Installation: Navigate to Appearance > Themes > Add New. Search for your chosen theme, install it, and activate it.
Theme Customization: Use the WordPress Customizer (Appearance > Customize) to modify your theme’s colors, fonts, logo, and other visual elements.

Step 6: Adding Products

Product Creation: Navigate to Products > Add New.
Product Details: Fill in the following information for each product:
Title: The name of the product.
Description: A detailed description of the product’s features and benefits.
Short Description: Explore this article on How To Set Up A Woocommerce Store With No Money A brief summary displayed on product listing pages.
Price: The product’s price.
Product Image: High-quality images showcasing the product from different angles.
Product Categories: Assign the product to relevant categories for easier browsing.
Product Tags: Add tags for improved searchability.
Inventory: Manage stock levels.
Shipping: Define weight and dimensions for accurate shipping calculations.
Attributes: (For variable products) Define attributes like size, color, and material.
Product Types: WooCommerce supports different product types:
Simple Product: A basic product with a single price and options.
Variable Product: A product with variations based on attributes (e.g., a shirt available in different sizes and colors).
Grouped Product: A collection of related products sold together.
External/Affiliate Product: A product that links to an external website.
Virtual Product: A product that doesn’t require shipping (e.g., a digital download).
Downloadable Product: A product that can be downloaded after purchase (e.g., an ebook).

Step 7: Setting Up Payment Gateways

Payment Gateway Configuration: Navigate to WooCommerce > Settings > Payments.
Enable and Configure Payment Gateways: Enable your chosen payment gateways (e.g., PayPal, Stripe) and follow the configuration instructions provided by each gateway. This typically involves entering API keys or other credentials.
Testing Payments: Always test your payment gateways with test transactions before launching your store to ensure everything is working correctly.

Step 8: Configuring Shipping

Shipping Zones: Define shipping zones based on geographical regions (e.g., United States, Europe).
Shipping Methods: Set up different shipping methods for each zone, such as:
Flat Rate: A fixed shipping cost.
Free Shipping: Free shipping for orders above a certain amount or to specific zones.
Local Pickup: Allow customers to pick up their orders from your physical location.
Real-Time Carrier Rates: Integrate with carriers like UPS or FedEx to retrieve real-time shipping rates.

Step 9: Basic SEO Optimization

While a deep dive into SEO is beyond the scope, remember these key principles:

Keyword Research: Identify relevant keywords that customers use to search for your products.
On-Page Optimization: Use keywords in your product titles, descriptions, and meta descriptions. Optimize your product images with descriptive alt text.
Permalink Structure: Use a clean and SEO-friendly permalink structure (e.g., `yourdomain.com/product-name`).
Mobile Optimization: Ensure your website is responsive and mobile-friendly.
Schema Markup: Implement schema markup to provide search engines with structured data about your products.

Addressing Potential Challenges in 2018

Here’s a look back at some common challenges and considerations during that time:

Mobile-First Design: While mobile optimization was already important, it was still a growing trend. Ensuring responsiveness was crucial, as more shoppers were using mobile devices.
GDPR Compliance: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect in 2018, requiring websites to obtain explicit consent for data collection and processing. Implementing GDPR-compliant features was essential.
Evolving Payment Landscape: Mobile payment options and alternative payment methods were gaining traction. Supporting these options could provide a competitive advantage.
Security: Website security was always paramount. Regular updates, strong passwords, and SSL certificates were essential to protect customer data and prevent cyberattacks.

Conclusion:

Creating an e-commerce website with WooCommerce in 2018 involved a series of well-defined steps, as often taught in Udemy courses and other online resources. From setting up your hosting and installing WordPress and WooCommerce to customizing your store and configuring payment and shipping options, the process was relatively straightforward. While the specific versions of the software and available extensions might have changed, the core principles remain valid. By understanding the fundamentals outlined in this guide, you gain a valuable foundation for building and managing your online store with WooCommerce today. Remember to always prioritize user experience, mobile optimization, and security for a successful e-commerce venture.