Do you want to start your own online store? Building an online store can be a terrifying thought especially when you have no clue on how to go about doing it. Due to the pandemic there has been a huge increase in online sales, so why should you be losing out in generating such sales. You do not need to be tech savy person to know how to create a online store, just a PC, Internet connection and some time on your side.

In this article we will guide you along with the following steps in creating your online store.

• How to register your domain.
• How to choose the best web hosting package.
• Why secure a website with a SSL certificate.
• How to install WordPress.
• How to install a theme.
• How to add Woocommerce plugin to your website.
• How to add products to your store.
• Setting up of payments for your online store.

How to register your domain.

A ideal domain should be a name that is memorable and short. You can simply find if the domain is available by entering the desirable name in the search box at AppyHost .

The client area dashboard at AppyHost  allows you to  complete the purchase of your domain by simply adding the domain to the cart. You may want to complete the process of adding web hosting to your cart which will be explained below.

How to choose the best webhosting package.

Many web hosting companies offer a variety of packages suitable to your business needs. When in search of such packages you will be sure to find payment options such as monthly or yearly payments. It is best to try the hosting company on a monthly payment terms instead of committing to a service which you will be unable to terminate without losing money at a later stage. When selecting a hosting plan it will depend on the storage space one will require, the number of email accounts required, SQL Database. At AppyHost you are able to upgrade or downgrade on any webhosting plan. A great way to start would be to select any of our hosting packages. . Lastly, you will need to add your account information and finalize the package info to complete the process. On this screen, you will see optional extras that you can purchase.

Once completed, you will receive an email with details on how to login to your web hosting control panel (cPanel). This is where you manage everything from support, emails, among other things.

Why secure a website with a SSL certificate.

When browsing thru A website you would have noticed on some urls it shows a url without the “S”  http://appyhost.com/ whilst on other urls it shows the letter “S” https://www.appyhost.co.za/ . This simply means when a website has the letter “S” included in the url, this is a safe and secure website to use. It contains a SSL Certifcate that allows information to be encrypted. Should you enter any information on a unsecure website, a hacker may be able to access that information. All webhosting packages from AppyHost comes with a  preinstalled  SSL Certificate on your domain.

How to install WordPress.

AppyHost wordpress hosting comes pre-installed wordpress however we will guide you along in installing wordpress on your domain should you purchase any other web hosting. To install wordpress follow the step by step process on our wordpress knowledgebase.

Once installed your wordpress dashboard should look like the example below.

How to install a theme.

Head over to your appearance tab on WordPress choose a theme for your online store. You can continue with your current default theme, choose storefront or any of the free options listed on the page to get started.

Recommended plugins to add on your website.

Since we are using WordPress to build a onine store we will be adding Woocommerce plugins. WooCommerce is the best online store builder on the market. It is built on top of WordPress which gives the flexibility of WordPress with freedom to sell any type of products you want.

First, you need to install and activate the WooCommerce plugin.

Simply go to Plugins » Add New page and search for WooCommerce. In the search results, click on the Install Now button next to WooCommerce listing.

Wait for it to finish downloading the plugin and then click on the ‘Activate’ button to continue.

On completion of activating the plugin, follow the steps in the setup wizard to set the plugin up. 

How to add products to your store.

Lets get started by adding your first product to your store.

You need to visit Products » Add New page to add a new product. 

Add the name of the product, product description. Give a clear description of your product.

On the right side add a product category of your product eg. T- Shirt , Jeans , Menswear , Ladieswear.

As you scroll down complete the Product Data by simply entering the price of the product, Inventory and shipping.

You may add additional product description which will be viewed when there are multiple products. 

Lastly a product image is to be added on the right column of the page.

Should the product have additional images you may upload them under product gallery.

Setting up of payments for your online store.

Finally to start accepting payments on your online store. There are many payment gateways that is compatible with Woocommerce by simply adding a plugin of your choice.

Simply go to the WooCommerce » Settings page and switch to the ‘Payments’ tab.By default, you can choose from PayPal Standard, Cash on Delivery, Checks, and Bank Transfers.

For each payment gateway, you can click on the Set up button and provide the required information.

In today’s competitive market, building a strong brand identity is crucial for any business to succeed. A brand identity is the visual representation of a company’s values, personality, and mission. It is what sets a business apart from its competitors and helps customers recognize and remember it. Here are five key elements of a strong brand identity that can help businesses build a memorable and consistent brand.

1. Logo Design

A logo is the face of a brand. It is the first thing that customers see and remember about a business. A well-designed logo should be simple, memorable, and unique. It should reflect the company’s values and personality. A good logo should be versatile and work well across different mediums, such as print, digital, and social media. A strong logo can help a business stand out from its competitors and create a lasting impression on customers.

2. Brand Colors

Colors play a significant role in brand identity. They can evoke emotions and create a sense of familiarity and recognition. Choosing the right colors for a brand is essential. Colors should reflect the company’s values and personality. They should be consistent across all marketing materials, including the website, social media, and print materials. A strong color palette can help a business create a cohesive and memorable brand identity.

3. Brand Messaging

Brand messaging is the language a business uses to communicate with its customers. It includes the company’s mission statement, tagline, and brand voice. A strong brand message should be clear, concise, and consistent. It should reflect the company’s values and personality. A good brand message can help a business connect with its customers and create a sense of trust and loyalty.

4. Brand Imagery

Brand imagery includes all visual elements of a brand, such as photography, illustrations, and graphics. It should be consistent with the company’s values and personality. A strong brand imagery can help a business create a unique and memorable brand identity. It can also help customers connect with the brand on an emotional level.

5. Brand Consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to building a strong brand identity. All elements of a brand, including the logo, colors, messaging, and imagery, should be consistent across all marketing materials. This includes the website, social media, print materials, and any other marketing channels. A consistent brand identity can help a business create a strong and recognizable brand that customers can trust and remember.

In conclusion, building a strong brand identity is essential for any business to succeed. A strong brand identity can help a business stand out from its competitors, create a lasting impression on customers, and build trust and loyalty. By focusing on these five key elements of a strong brand identity, businesses can create a memorable and consistent brand that resonates with their customers.

In today’s digital age, having a website is essential for any business, regardless of its size or industry. A website is a powerful tool that can help businesses reach a wider audience, establish credibility, and increase sales. Here are some reasons why a business should have a website.

1. Reach a Wider Audience

A website allows businesses to reach a wider audience beyond their local area. With a website, businesses can reach customers from all over the world, 24/7. This means that businesses can expand their customer base and increase their revenue potential.

2. Establish Credibility

A website is a great way for businesses to establish credibility and build trust with their customers. A professional-looking website can make a business appear more legitimate and trustworthy. It can also provide customers with important information about the business, such as its history, mission, and values.

3. Increase Sales

A website can help businesses increase their sales by providing customers with an easy and convenient way to purchase products or services. With an e-commerce website, businesses can sell their products online, which can help them reach a wider audience and increase their revenue potential.

4. Improve Customer Service

A website can also help businesses improve their customer service by providing customers with important information about the business, such as its hours of operation, contact information, and frequently asked questions. This can help customers get the information they need quickly and easily, without having to call or visit the business in person.

5. Stay Competitive

In today’s digital age, having a website is essential for businesses to stay competitive. With more and more customers turning to the internet to research products and services, businesses that do not have a website risk falling behind their competitors. A website can help businesses stay relevant and competitive in their industry.

In conclusion, having a website is essential for any business that wants to reach a wider audience, establish credibility, increase sales, improve customer service, and stay competitive. With the right website design and content, businesses can create a powerful online presence that can help them achieve their goals and grow their business.