How to Create an Online Store: A Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated on December 9, 2023 by admin

Building an online business can be daunting, particularly if you are not tech-savvy. However, there has never been a better time to sell online, and anyone with a computer can get started quickly and at a relatively low cost. Our comprehensive guide will help you make your first steps in e-commerce in Nigeria.

9 Steps to Success

The first things to take care of are the domain name and web hosting account. You do not have to reinvent the wheel and build a site from scratch. Instead, take advantage of ready-made solutions and templates, which are abundant! Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Find an Ecommerce Website Builder

This software will help you build your own e-commerce site without advanced tech know-how. You won’t need multiple computer screens or knowledge of coding — just choose your builder correctly as there are so many options.

In 2022, the most recommended platforms are Shopify and Wix. They shoot larger and smaller stores, respectively. Both are incredibly easy to use. Shopify will set you back $29 – $299 per month (+ commission), while Wix costs just $23 – $49 per month.

How to Create an Online Store: A Step-by-Step Guide
adminFinance

Building an online business can be daunting, particularly if you are not tech-savvy. However, there has never been a better time to sell online, and anyone with a computer can get started quickly and at a relatively low cost. Our comprehensive guide will help you make your first steps in e-commerce in Nigeria.

9 Steps to Success

The first things to take care of are the domain name and web hosting account. You do not have to reinvent the wheel and build a site from scratch. Instead, take advantage of ready-made solutions and templates, which are abundant! Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Find an Ecommerce Website Builder

This software will help you build your own e-commerce site without advanced tech know-how. You won’t need multiple computer screens or knowledge of coding — just choose your builder correctly as there are so many options.

In 2022, the most recommended platforms are Shopify and Wix. They shoot larger and smaller stores, respectively. Both are incredibly easy to use. Shopify will set you back $29 – $299 per month (+ commission), while Wix costs just $23 – $49 per month.

Step 2: Choose The Best Plan

The more you pay, the more features you get. Make a choice based on your needs and growth plans. Note that free builders are not suitable for serious e-commerce, as uploading and selling products require complex software. While Square Online will let you sell for free, you will have to pay to remove ads.

Step 3: Get a Domain Name

This is the part in the URL address after “www.” It must identify your store’s name. Choose it thoughtfully — the domain name can build or undermine trust. Think of it as a sign above your brick-and-mortar store. Both Wix and Shopify will let you purchase a domain name. You could also register it yourself on Domain.com and link it to your builder.

Step 4: Customize Your Template

After choosing a theme or template from your builder presets, customize it to your brand identity. You can do it using the admin tool for the store. Almost everything is adaptable, from text font to social media buttons.

Change colours, insert images, change the positioning of products, add or remove the features, and more. Depending on the platform, you may also be able to embed apps from the app market to cover features your platform lacks.

You will be amazed at how easy it is to customize the look. Financial corporations like Forextime invest in expensive unique solutions, you can visit their Forex trading site for Nigeria to learn more, but the e-store model is so much simpler.

Step 6: Add Your Products

Different website builders have different limits on how many products and variations you can upload and what options are available for each description. Generally, to add a product, you need:
● Name
● Price
● Category
● Weight (for physical products)
● File (for downloadable products)

Step 7: Set up Payment Methods

The efficiency of payment channels is crucial for turning leads into paying customers. Fortunately, popular e-commerce builders come with all the necessary tools. You can hit the ground running with the most popular and effective options easily. Connect your store to multiple systems like Visa and Master card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and other e-wallets at once.

Step 8: Sort out Your Shipping Settings

With the payment options in place, it is now time to streamline the shipping process. Different builders support different options, such as dropshipping, printable shipping labels, preset shipping providers, and shipping management tools. You need to add an origin address and specify package types

Step 9: Preview, Test, and Launch

Before publishing your store for the whole world to see, make sure everything is in order. By now, you should have added your products, customized to the design, set up payment methods and shipping options. Your website builder will now let you test and preview the store before it goes live.

Without testing, how can you be sure visitors will like their experience? The most important things to check are:

● The customer journey for different payment methods
● Accuracy and visibility of all shipping options and charges
● Accuracy of all product descriptions and prices
● Application of discounts/promotions
● Visibility and calculation of taxes (if applicable)

Testing is easy. Just place an order and refund yourself. Make sure that all clickable links and buttons are working, and navigation is smooth. Check that all email notifications work properly. Ask your friends and family to test the store, too. If everything is ready, publish your store, launch promotions, and start making money!