Build an online store in 10 simple steps, by Ricardo Baeza Errazuriz

After learning how to launch a business in 3 simple steps, here’s a straightforward 10-step guide to building an online store. It's simple, but you need to dedicate time, learning, and money.

1. Choose your niche and products: Decide what you’ll sell and who your target customers are. Research demand, competition, and pricing.

2. Pick an e-commerce platform: Options include Shopify, WooCommerce (WordPress), Wix, BigCommerce, or Squarespace. Choose based on budget, customization needs, and ease of use.

3. Register a domain name: Choose a short, memorable name that reflects your brand. Register it through your platform or a domain registrar like Namecheap or GoDaddy.

4. Select a hosting plan (if needed): If you’re using WooCommerce or a self-hosted platform, get reliable hosting. Shopify and Wix include hosting in their plans.

5. Design your store: Pick a template/theme that matches your brand style. Customize fonts, colors, and layouts for a professional look.

6. Add your products: Upload high-quality photos, write clear descriptions, set prices, and organize products into categories.

7. Set up payment methods: Enable options like credit/debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Stripe for easy checkout.

8. Configure shipping & taxes: Decide on shipping rates, delivery options, and set up tax rules according to your location.

9. Test your store: Place a test order to check the buying experience, payment processing, and confirmation emails.

10. Launch and promote: Announce your store via social media, email marketing, SEO, and ads. Continue optimizing based on sales data.
    

    
    

    

    "Testing is important:  Place a test order to check the buying experience, payment processing, and confirmation emails." Ricardo Baeza Erraruziz

    Do you have your store online already? If you do, maybe you don't need these 10, but you can try some of themTesting i.