How to Set Up WooCommerce

Building an Online Store with WooCommerce

WooCommerce is the most popular e-commerce plugin for WordPress, powering millions of online stores worldwide. Here is how to get started on SillyHost.

Installing WooCommerce

1. Log in to your WordPress admin panel.
2. Go to Plugins > Add New Plugin and search for WooCommerce.
3. Click Install Now and then Activate.
4. WooCommerce launches a Setup Wizard that walks you through the initial configuration. Follow the steps to set your store location, currency, payment methods, and shipping options.

Essential Configuration

• Payment Gateways: Enable payment methods under WooCommerce > Settings > Payments. Popular options include Stripe, PayPal, and bank transfer. Stripe and PayPal plugins can be installed directly from the WooCommerce setup.
• Shipping: Configure shipping zones and rates under WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping. You can set flat rates, free shipping thresholds, or calculated rates.
• Tax: Enable tax calculations under WooCommerce > Settings > Tax (this tab appears only after enabling taxes in General settings). For UK businesses, set the standard rate to 20% VAT.

Adding Products

1. Go to Products > Add New.
2. Enter the product name, description, and images.
3. In the Product data section, set the price, stock status, and shipping details.
4. Choose the product type: Simple, Variable (for products with options like size or colour), or Grouped.
5. Assign categories and tags to help customers browse your store.
6. Click Publish to make the product live.

Recommended WooCommerce Plugins

• WooCommerce Stripe Gateway: Accept credit and debit card payments.
• WooCommerce PayPal Payments: Full PayPal integration.
• YITH WooCommerce Wishlist: Let customers save items for later.
• WooCommerce PDF Invoices: Automatically generate and email invoices.

Performance Tips for WooCommerce

WooCommerce sites are more resource-intensive than standard WordPress sites. Ensure you have caching properly configured (exclude cart and checkout pages from caching), use optimised images, and consider our higher-tier hosting plans for busy stores.