Quick answer
- WooCommerce is a free WordPress plugin that turns your site into an online store. WordPress.org lists it with 7 million+ active installations (checked November 2026).
- You need WordPress hosting with enough resources, a domain, an SSL certificate and a payment gateway.
- The setup wizard walks you through store details, payments, shipping and taxes. Then you add products.
- Extensions add features like subscriptions or bookings, but start with only what you need.
WooCommerce is the most popular way to sell on WordPress. This tutorial walks you through building a store from scratch.
What you need
See small business web hosting for store-ready plans.
- A domain name.
- WordPress hosting with enough resources for a store.
- An SSL certificate (included with most hosts).
- A payment provider such as Stripe or PayPal.
Step 1: Install WooCommerce
In WordPress, go to Plugins → Add New, search for WooCommerce, install and activate it.
Step 2: Run the setup wizard
- Enter your store address and what you sell.
- Choose your payment methods.
- Set up shipping zones and rates.
- Configure taxes for your country.
Step 3: Choose a WooCommerce-ready theme
Pick a fast theme that supports WooCommerce. See our best WordPress themes.
Step 4: Add products
- Go to Products → Add New.
- Add a title, description, price and images.
- Choose the product type: simple, variable, grouped or external.
- Set inventory and shipping details.
Step 5: Set up key pages
WooCommerce creates Shop, Cart, Checkout and My Account pages. Add a returns policy, terms and privacy policy.
Step 6: Test your checkout
Place test orders using your payment provider’s test mode before launch.
Step 7: Add helpful extensions
Add features as you need them. See best WooCommerce plugins and how to create WooCommerce coupons.
Step 8: Track sales
Set up ecommerce tracking. See GA4 ecommerce tracking for WooCommerce.
Avoid common mistakes
Read our list of top ecommerce mistakes.
FAQs
Yes, the core plugin is free. Some extensions and themes are paid.
A plan with enough resources helps, especially as sales grow.
Popular gateways include Stripe and PayPal, among many others.
Yes. Mark products as virtual and downloadable.
It depends mostly on your hosting resources.
Yes, using your payment provider’s test mode.
