How to Create a N.E.Commerce Website Using WordPress
If you are looking for a way to easily earn some extra money from home, then you’ve probably considered exploring the lucrative world of online commerce. By integrating an e-commerce store with a WordPress website, you can enable users to purchase products that you’ve curated from around the globe. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to efficiently build a fully functioning e-commerce website using WordPress.
Step one: Start a blog
To get started, you first need to consider creating a blog based on the popular “N.E.C.” (short for “no empty container”) blogging model. This model, which stands for “new economy,” focuses on providing value rather than just content for readers. As a result, your blog posts will mainly consist of products that you’ve vetted to be of good quality and price. Ideally, these products will be curated from a selection of global brands that you can integrate with your site’s e-commerce functionality.
Step two: Choose the right domain name
The next step is to choose a web host that’s highly suitable for product-focused blogs. Fortunately, this shouldn’t be too hard because you’ll be able to leverage the power of the WordPress ecosystem to find the best host for your needs. One thing you should avoid is picking a free domain name that’s already been registered by some other entity. Although that can be a quick way to get up and running, it doesn’t leave much room for growth.
Step three: Install WordPress
Installing WordPress is akin to bringing a brand new computer to the desktop. After you’ve done that, you have to install all of its necessary software including a content management system (CMS), a website builder, and a security plugin.
The advantage of having a CMS is that it makes adding and editing content as easy as pie. Also, let’s you update the look and feel of your site without having to worry about web design skills. Finally, a CMS provides you with the ability to install e-commerce functionality, which we will cover in more detail in Step four.
Step four: Configure e-commerce
Once WordPress is installed, you will need to head over to the Settings menu and navigate to the Permalinks option. Here, you need to select the “Post name” option, which will be the URL that website visitors will see when they visit your site. This is also the option that you’ll use to edit your content.
To start, you should select “Permalink” and then click “Save Changes.” Now, you can add product categories and begin to build out your website’s layout.
Step five: Add product listings
Adding product listings to your blog is very similar to adding posts to a traditional blog. You will need to enter the category for each product that you’re adding and will also need to make sure that the products you’re adding fit within the blog’s theme and design. Also, make sure that all of the products you’re adding have a good description and are of a high quality. When added, these product listings will appear in your blog’s sidebar along with any other posts that you’ve authored.
Step six: Promote your site
Now, it’s time to promote your site. You have two options here. You can either choose to do so organically, which means that you will use your blog’s content to attract potential customers, or you can go the extra mile and put out some decent content for the sole purpose of attracting potential customers.
If you’ve gone the extra mile and established a brand, you may choose to take the reins in your marketing plan and choose to promote your site organically. In this case, you can use your blog to establish credibility and trustworthiness. While most people might not know much about your business, they will know exactly what your site is and what you offer. As a result, they will be more likely to purchase your products simply because they know what you’re all about. When customers see that you’ve spent the time to establish credibility with some good content, they will be more inclined to buy from you rather than someone else who is just trying to up-sale.
Step seven: Profit!
Finally, you can start seeing some money come in. Once you’ve started generating revenue, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Of course, you can always continue to refine and optimize your product listings, build out your site’s design, and continue to grow as a brand.