WordPress is the most frequently used CMS for building websites. In this article, we will explain the benefits of installing the most convenient plugin for e-commerce - WooCommerce - which you can integrate into your website and start selling today.
If you are still hesitating to start your own business online but don't know how to create your website, read our guide - How to Create a WordPress Website in a Few Steps
What Is Woocommerce and What Is It Used For?
Every website owner wants to make their online business as easy as possible, e.g. add new features easily, model the blocks after their design, look professional, simplify the processes for the users, and WordPress is the solution that fulfills all these needs and wishes.
The most popular CMS (Custom Management System) gained its popularity due to the possibility that any user without web design and programming knowledge can create a website that fits the business environment by adding various functionalities in the form of plugins.
Businesses that have gone online in recent years have felt the need to have an online store - whether for selling services or products, the decision to add a store to be implemented into the WordPress website is a must.
That's WooCommerce - a free plugin (extension) designed specifically for the CMS platform that allows you to turn your business website or blog into a functioning online store that sells anything you want, accepts and validates secure online payments, and keeps track of your inventory.
If you have the WooCommerce plugin installed, you don't need a separate ERP system (an integrated system with the logistical task of tracking the various entities in a business) to keep track of inventory. (The need for an ERP system depends on the number of products you offer. If you have both a large online store and a physical store, you will need this solution)
Apart from the fact that WooCommerce can be added to your website, it also works great on the mobile version, making it one of the best completely free solutions you can integrate into your business strategy and development.
What Are the Advantages of Woocommerce?
The WordPress platform was created to make it easy for non-technical users to create a functioning website. This does not preclude you from having a fully functional website with just a few mouse clicks, without learning how it works and how to take advantage of all its benefits.
The WooCommerce plugin was developed in 2011 for the same purpose: open source and you can model it as you wish. Of course, with open source, if you don't have the technical knowledge, you can turn to a developer to help you achieve your goals, but if you're a startup and just want to test if this solution works for you, then do it all on your own.
When you install the plugin on your WordPress website, it's flexible enough to retain the functionality of other installed plugins. This is because there is a built-in modular system where you can leave only the features you need at the moment without overloading it.
WooCommerce gives you the freedom to use hundreds of applications that support the operation of your online store, such as marketing tools, accounting services, ERP data systems, reports, etc. You can always rely on analytical data from the development of your business being available to you completely free of charge.
Want to maximize your ecommerce potential? Explore our article to see how WooCommerce and PrestaShop stack up against each other in key areas.
How Can I Have My Store and Install Woocommerce?
The first and most important requirement for installing the WooCommerce plugin is that you have a WordPress website. It is not possible for an extension to exist online without an existing website.
If you already have a WordPress website but are having trouble running it, we at Hosting Jump offer optimized and secure WordPress hosting designed for websites on this platform.
Steps to install the WooCommerce plugin:
- Go to your dashboard on your WordPress site
- Find the box labeled - Extensions - Add more
- Enter WooCommerce in the search engine and press - Install in the plugin preview. Wait a few seconds until the text of the Activate button changes in front of you
Your new plugin for activating your online store is ready to be modeled according to your wishes.
How to Successfully Develop an Online Store With Woocommerce?
As a universal plugin developed as an add-on for the WordPress platform, the functionality is completely equivalent to working with a website without an online store. A CMS platform is a powerful SEO tool. We advise you to try to fully optimize your content with the required number of keywords, categories, tags, and links.
We advise you to focus your efforts on simplifying the user journey, etc. Customer journey. Try not to make your potential customers take too many extra steps to find and buy the product or service you offer. This is key to your conversion rate. You can create custom buttons with a clear CTA (call-to-action) and add categories and tags to show the buyer where to look for their item.
To increase the credibility of your brand, you should publish reviews from customers who have used your services in your online store. This way, users will endorse you, see that there are other satisfied customers, and ask to become part of the community.
WooCommerce accepts bank payments via PayPal - this way you can be sure to receive funds from bank payments, credit or debit cards, as well as cash on delivery.
If you have an online store that you want to develop in the territory of Bulgaria, we recommend that you choose the cash-on-delivery option. Bank payments are still not very widespread, people's trust in them is low and the preference for cash on delivery payment is the most widespread and will remain so for at least a few more years.
You can offer your customers various vouchers or discount codes for the items in your store or offer them free home delivery. According to market research, customers are very willing to buy the item if you offer this option above a certain final amount.
When a customer opens a product on your website, always display items that are related to it. If you offer a pair of pants, you can show users various blouses or shirts underneath that would go well with them. In this way, you increase the chances that the number of purchases in the shopping cart will increase and you will make a larger turnover.
Track your sales statistics every week - what revenue you have added to the shopping cart, whether fees have been paid, and how much money you have returned to your users. Always keep an eye on the stock of your goods.
If you need help installing the WooCommerce plugin on your WordPress, you can contact our technical team who are available 24/7 to answer your questions: support@hostingjump.com.
