How to Set Up a WooCommerce Store on WordPress

Thinking about launching your own online store? You’re in the right place.

WooCommerce is the most popular eCommerce plugin for WordPress, powering over 5 million online stores worldwide. It’s flexible, scalable, and—best of all—free to start.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up a WooCommerce store on WordPress from scratch — even if you’re not a tech expert.

Step 1: Choose a Domain and Hosting Plan

Before anything else, you need:

A domain name (yourstorename.com)
A WordPress-compatible hosting provider

Recommended Hosting Providers:

Bluehost (WooCommerce-ready plans)
SiteGround
Hostinger
Kinsta (premium performance)

Look for plans that offer 1-click WordPress installation and free SSL.

Step 2: Install WordPress

Once you’ve signed up for hosting:

Use the 1-click install tool from your host’s dashboard
Log in to your new WordPress dashboard (yourdomain.com/wp-admin)

WordPress will be the backbone of your WooCommerce store.

Step 3: Install the WooCommerce Plugin

From your WordPress dashboard:

Go to Plugins → Add New
Search for WooCommerce
Click Install Now, then Activate

This launches the WooCommerce Setup Wizard to guide you through basic configurations.

Step 4: Configure WooCommerce Settings

Follow the WooCommerce setup wizard to configure:

Store location, currency, and units
Shipping methods and zones
Tax setup (automatic or manual)
Preferred payment methods (PayPal, Stripe, COD, UPI, etc.)

Don’t forget to install SSL (HTTPS) to secure payments and customer data.

Step 5: Choose and Customize a WooCommerce Theme

Choose a theme built for eCommerce. Great free/premium options include:

Storefront (official WooCommerce theme)
Astra
OceanWP
Flatsome (premium)

Customize your theme under Appearance → Customize to match your branding, colors, fonts, and layout.

Step 6: Add Your Products

From your dashboard:

Go to Products → Add New
Enter:
- Product name and description
- Price and sale price
- Product images and gallery
- Inventory details (stock quantity, SKU)
- Shipping dimensions

Organize products using categories and tags to make them easier to find.

Step 7: Set Up Essential Pages

WooCommerce automatically creates:

Shop (all products)
Cart
Checkout
My Account

Make sure these pages are linked in your main menu under Appearance → Menus.

Step 8: Add Key Plugins for Extra Functionality

Here are some essential plugins to enhance your WooCommerce store:

Yoast SEO – Optimize your products and pages for search engines
WPForms – Add contact or inquiry forms
WooCommerce PDF Invoices & Packing Slips
Mailchimp for WooCommerce – For email marketing
LiteSpeed Cache or W3 Total Cache – For site speed

Step 9: Set Up Shipping & Taxes Properly

Go to WooCommerce → Settings → Shipping
- Set up zones (like domestic or international)
- Assign shipping methods: Flat rate, Free shipping, Local pickup, etc.
For taxes, enable automated tax calculation (via Jetpack or a plugin), or set them manually if needed.

Step 10: Test Everything Before Launch

Before going live:

Place a test order (use sandbox mode for payment gateways)
Ensure cart and checkout pages function correctly
Test email notifications
Check mobile responsiveness and loading speed

Step 11: Launch Your Store!

Once everything looks and works great:

Announce your launch via social media and email
Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console
Monitor sales, visitor behavior, and feedback to improve the store

Final Thoughts

Setting up a WooCommerce store on WordPress is a smart move for anyone looking to sell products online — whether it’s physical goods, digital downloads, or even services. With the right tools and setup, you can launch a powerful, professional online store that scales as your business grows.

???? Need help building or customizing your WooCommerce store?
At eWebWorld, we specialize in eCommerce development and can build you a fast, secure, and high-converting store that’s tailored to your brand.