Building a custom WordPress theme from scratch

In today’s world, having an online presence is vital for any business. E-commerce has become a popular way for businesses to sell their products and services online. It provides convenience for customers to shop from anywhere, at any time. If you are planning to build an e-commerce site, WordPress is a great platform to start with. In this blog, we will discuss how to build an e-commerce site with WordPress.

Why use WordPress for e-commerce?

WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) that powers 41% of websites on the internet. It is known for its flexibility, ease of use, and vast library of plugins and themes. It is an open-source platform, which means that anyone can modify and customize it according to their needs. This makes it a great platform to build an e-commerce site.

WordPress offers several advantages for e-commerce websites. Here are some of them:

1. Easy to use: WordPress is easy to use, even for non-technical people. You don’t need to know coding or programming to use it. The user interface is intuitive and user-friendly.
2. Customizable: WordPress is highly customizable. You can use themes and plugins to add new features and functionality to your site. This means that you can create a unique online store that reflects your brand and vision.
3. SEO-friendly: WordPress is SEO-friendly. It comes with built-in SEO features that help you optimize your site for search engines. This can help you rank higher in search results and drive more traffic to your site.
4. Secure: WordPress is a secure platform. It is regularly updated to fix security vulnerabilities and protect against hacks and attacks.

Now that you know why WordPress is a great platform for e-commerce, let’s discuss how to build an e-commerce site with WordPress.

Step 1: Choose a hosting provider

The first step in building an e-commerce site with WordPress is to choose a hosting provider. A hosting provider is a company that provides server space for your website. There are several hosting providers available, but not all of them are suitable for e-commerce sites.

When choosing a hosting provider, you should look for the following features:

1. Security: The hosting provider should offer secure hosting to protect your site and customer data.
2. Performance: The hosting provider should offer fast and reliable servers to ensure that your site loads quickly.
3. Support: The hosting provider should offer 24/7 customer support to help you with any issues that may arise.

Some of the popular hosting providers for WordPress e-commerce sites are:

1. Bluehost
2. SiteGround
3. WP Engine
4. HostGator
5. InMotion Hosting

Step 2: Choose a domain name

The next step is to choose a domain name for your e-commerce site. A domain name is the address of your website. It is important to choose a domain name that is easy to remember and reflects your brand.

When choosing a domain name, you should keep the following things in mind:

1. Short and memorable: Your domain name should be short and easy to remember.
2. Brandable: Your domain name should reflect your brand and be unique.
3. Easy to spell: Your domain name should be easy to spell and pronounce.

Some popular domain name registrars are:

1. GoDaddy
2. Namecheap
3. Bluehost
4. SiteGround

Step 3: Install WordPress

The next step is to install WordPress. Most hosting providers offer a one-click installation of WordPress. You can also install WordPress manually if you prefer.

To install WordPress, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your hosting account.
2. Go to the control panel or cPanel.
3. Look for the WordPress icon and click on it.
4. Follow the instructions to install

Step 4: Choose an e-commerce plugin

WordPress alone does not offer e-commerce functionality. You will need to install an e-commerce plugin to add this functionality to your site. There are several e-commerce plugins available for WordPress, but the most popular one is WooCommerce.

WooCommerce is a free and open-source e-commerce plugin that allows you to sell products and services on your WordPress site. It comes with a range of features, including:

1. Product management: You can add, edit, and delete products from your store.
2. Order management: You can manage orders, track inventory, and handle refunds.
3. Payment gateway integration: You can accept payments through popular payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe.
4. Shipping management: You can manage shipping options and calculate shipping rates.

To install WooCommerce, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Plugins section in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on Add New.
3. Search for WooCommerce.
4. Click on Install Now and then Activate.

Step 5: Set up your store

Now that you have installed WooCommerce, it’s time to set up your store. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Set up your store settings: Go to the WooCommerce section in your WordPress dashboard and click on Settings. Here, you can set up your store settings, including shipping options, tax settings, and payment gateways.
2. Add products: To add products, go to the Products section in your WordPress dashboard and click on Add New. Here, you can add product details, including the name, description, price, and images.
3. Configure payment gateways: To configure payment gateways, go to the WooCommerce section in your WordPress dashboard and click on Settings. Here, you can set up payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe.
4. Configure shipping options: To configure shipping options, go to the WooCommerce section in your WordPress dashboard and click on Settings. Here, you can set up shipping options like free shipping, flat-rate shipping, and weight-based shipping.

Step 6: Choose a theme

Now that you have set up your store, it’s time to choose a theme. A theme is the design of your website. It determines how your site looks and feels. There are several themes available for WordPress, including free and premium themes.

When choosing a theme, you should look for the following features:

1. Responsive design: The theme should be responsive, meaning it adjusts to different screen sizes.
2. Customizable: The theme should be customizable, so you can make changes to it.
3. E-commerce compatible: The theme should be compatible with e-commerce plugins like WooCommerce.

Some popular themes for WordPress e-commerce sites are:

1. Storefront
2. Astra
3. Divi
4. Flatsome
5. OceanWP

Step 7: Install essential plugins

In addition to WooCommerce, there are several other plugins that are essential for an e-commerce site. Here are some plugins you should consider installing:

1. Yoast SEO: This plugin helps you optimize your site for search engines.
2. Jetpack: This plugin offers security and performance features for your site.
3. WPForms: This plugin allows you to create contact forms and other forms for your site.
4. MonsterInsights: This plugin allows you to track your site’s traffic and performance.
5. OptinMonster: This plugin helps you grow your email list by creating popups and other lead generation forms.

Step 8: Test and launch your site

Once you have set up your store and installed all the necessary plugins, it’s time to test your site. You should test your site on different devices and browsers to ensure that it works correctly.

you have tested your site and are satisfied with the results, you can launch your site. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Choose a web hosting provider: A web hosting provider is a company that hosts your website on their servers. You should choose a reliable web hosting provider that offers fast loading times, good uptime, and excellent customer support.
2. Register a domain name: A domain name is the address of your website. You should choose a domain name that is easy to remember and represents your brand.
3. Install an SSL certificate: An SSL certificate is a security protocol that encrypts the data that is transmitted between your website and your customers. Installing an SSL certificate is essential for any e-commerce site.
4. Launch your site: Once you have chosen a web hosting provider, registered a domain name, and installed an SSL certificate, you can launch your site. Make sure to promote your site on social media and other channels to drive traffic to your site.

Tips for building a successful e-commerce site with WordPress

1. Choose a reliable hosting provider: A reliable hosting provider is essential for any e-commerce site. Make sure to choose a provider that offers fast loading times, good uptime, and excellent customer support.
2. Optimize your site for search engines: Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for any e-commerce site. Make sure to optimize your site for search engines by using relevant keywords, creating high-quality content, and building high-quality backlinks.
3. Make your site mobile-friendly: More and more people are using mobile devices to shop online. Make sure to make your site mobile-friendly by using a responsive design.
4. Offer multiple payment options: Offering multiple payment options can increase your sales. Make sure to offer payment options like PayPal and Stripe in addition to credit cards.
5. Provide excellent customer support: Providing excellent customer support is essential for any e-commerce site. Make sure to respond to customer inquiries and complaints promptly and offer refunds and returns if necessary.

Conclusion

Building an e-commerce site with WordPress is a great way to start selling products and services online. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a professional-looking e-commerce site that is easy to use and navigate. Remember to choose a reliable web hosting provider, optimize your site for search engines, make your site mobile-friendly, offer multiple payment options, and provide excellent customer support. With these tips in mind, you can build a successful e-commerce site that drives traffic and generates sales.