How to start an online store with WordPress and WooCommerce
Set up products, payments and shipping, and avoid the mistakes that cost first-time store owners sales.
WooCommerce is a free plugin that turns a WordPress website into an online store. It powers a huge share of small online shops because you own everything and can grow without changing platforms.
What you need
- A domain and hosting (see our checklist)
- WordPress with a store-ready theme such as Astra or Kadence
- Good product photos and clear descriptions
- A way to take payments in your country
Step 1: Install WooCommerce
In WordPress, go to Plugins → Add New, search for WooCommerce, install and activate it. The setup wizard asks for your store address, currency and the type of products you sell.
Step 2: Add products
For each product add a clear name, price, 3–5 photos, a short description of the benefits, and stock levels. Group products into a few simple categories.
Step 3: Payments
Choose payment methods your customers already use. Stripe and PayPal work in many countries. In Pakistan, look at local gateways and bank transfer, and consider cash on delivery.
Step 4: Shipping
Set shipping zones (for example: your city, your country, international) and a simple rate for each. Free shipping above a set order value often increases sales.
Step 5: Policies and trust
- Returns and refunds policy
- Privacy policy and terms
- Contact details and WhatsApp on every page
- Reviews from real customers
Launch checklist
- Place a test order with each payment method
- Check order emails arrive (and not in spam)
- Check the store on your phone
- Set up backups
