WOOCOMMERCE :
- WooCommerce is an open-source eCommerce platform specifically designed for WordPress. It empowers more than four million online stores worldwide.
- WooCommerce is a free plugin that can transform any WordPress website into a fully functioning online store. It adds essential eCommerce features such as product pages, payment gateways, a checkout page, and an entire dashboard for managing your store.
- You can either run it alongside your existing WordPress website or turn your entire site into an online store. The flexibility allows you to create anything you like.
STEPS TO INSTALL WOOCOMMERCE PLUGIN :
- Login to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Plugins > Add New.
3. Search for “WooCommerce” and click Install Now.
4. Activate the plugin.
Initial Setup:
- After activation, WooCommerce will guide you through the initial setup wizard.
- Set your store location, currency, and other basic settings.
- Choose payment gateways (e.g., PayPal, Stripe, etc.).
Add Products:
The side bar of your dashboard will allow you to manage your products, categories, tags and more. By simply clicking on “Add New”, you will be able to add as many products as you like.
- Go to Products > Add New.
- Enter product details (title, description, price, etc.).
- Upload product images.
- Set product categories and tags.
Configure Shipping:
- Navigate to WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping.
- Set up shipping zones, methods, and rates.
Set Up Taxes:
- Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Tax.
- Configure tax settings based on your location and business requirements.
Customize Your Store:
- Choose a WooCommerce-compatible theme or customize your existing theme.
- Add widgets, menus, and other elements to enhance your store’s appearance.
WHY IS WOOCOMMERCE SO POPULAR:
Woocommerce is popular for the folloeing reasons :
- Free and Open Source: WooCommerce and WordPress are both free. You retain full ownership of your store’s content and data forever.
- Beginner-Friendly: You don’t need to be an expert or developer to create a store with WooCommerce.
- Flexibility: You can extend functionality using extensions (plugins) without requiring coding skills.
- Responsive: WooCommerce works well on all devices and screen sizes.
- Secure: You can make your store very secure with simple tools.
- Themes and Plugins: There are thousands of free and premium themes and plugins available, allowing you to customize your store as you like.
- Cost of WooCommerce:
- The core WooCommerce plugin is free. The only expenses you’ll incur are for a domain name and hosting.
