Chapter 2•WooCommerce Store Setup Guide for Beginners

Chapter 2: Getting Started - Installation and Initial Setup

Setting up your WooCommerce store begins with a solid foundation: a WordPress installation. WooCommerce is a WordPress plugin, meaning it requires an existing WordPress website to function. This section will guide you through the necessary prerequisites and the step-by-step process of installing and configuring WooCommerce.

WordPress installation prerequisites

Before you can install WooCommerce, you need a working WordPress installation. Here are the key prerequisites:

  • Web Hosting: You need a reliable web hosting provider. Many hosting companies offer one-click WordPress installations, making the process very straightforward. Look for hosts that specifically mention WooCommerce compatibility or optimization for better performance.
  • Domain Name: A domain name (e.g., yourstore.com) is essential for your online presence. You'll typically register this through your hosting provider or a domain registrar.
  • SSL Certificate: An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is crucial for e-commerce websites. It encrypts data transferred between your website and your customers, ensuring secure transactions and protecting sensitive information like credit card details. Most reputable hosting providers offer free SSL certificates (e.g., Let's Encrypt) or paid options.
  • WordPress Installation: Ensure you have the latest version of WordPress installed. If you're starting from scratch, most hosts provide an easy way to install WordPress. If you already have a WordPress site, ensure it's up to date.

Installing WooCommerce plugin

Once your WordPress site is ready, installing WooCommerce is similar to installing any other WordPress plugin:

  1. Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard: Navigate to yourdomain.com/wp-admin and enter your credentials.
  2. Go to Plugins > Add New: In the left-hand menu, hover over 'Plugins' and click on 'Add New'.
  3. Search for "WooCommerce": In the search bar on the top right, type "WooCommerce" and press Enter.
  4. Install Now: Locate the "WooCommerce" plugin by Automattic (the official one) and click the 'Install Now' button.
  5. Activate: Once installed, the 'Install Now' button will change to 'Activate'. Click 'Activate' to enable the plugin on your site.

Running the Setup Wizard

After activating WooCommerce, you will be redirected to the WooCommerce Setup Wizard. This wizard is designed to help you quickly configure essential store settings. It's highly recommended to go through this wizard, as it sets up crucial pages and basic configurations.

The Setup Wizard typically covers the following steps:

  • Store Details: Enter your store's address, country, and state. This information is used for tax and shipping calculations.
  • Industry: Select the industry your store operates in.
  • Product Types: Choose the types of products you plan to sell (physical, digital, etc.).
  • Business Details: Provide details about your business, such as the number of products you plan to sell and if you're currently selling elsewhere.
  • Theme: You might be prompted to choose a theme. You can skip this step if you already have a theme or plan to install one later.
  • Features: The wizard may suggest installing additional features or plugins. You can select or deselect these based on your needs.

Follow the on-screen prompts, providing the requested information. You can always change these settings later in the WooCommerce settings.

Connecting to WordPress.com account

During the setup process, or at a later stage, WooCommerce might prompt you to connect your store to a WordPress.com account. This connection provides several benefits, including access to powerful services from WordPress.com and Automattic (the creators of WooCommerce), such as Jetpack features, enhanced security, and simplified updates.

To connect:

  1. Click "Connect" or "Continue with WordPress.com": Follow the prompts in the setup wizard or from the WooCommerce dashboard.
  2. Log in or Create an Account: If you have an existing WordPress.com account, log in. Otherwise, you can create a new account directly from the connection screen by entering your email address and following the registration steps.

Connecting your store to WordPress.com is optional but can streamline certain aspects of managing your WooCommerce store.