How do I create an online store for my small store?
Why have an online store for your small store at all?
Maybe you already have a physical store, a creative workshop, or you sell handmade products from home. Regardless, the thought of expanding with an online store has probably appeared. And for good reason! An online store is no longer only for large companies. It can be a huge advantage for you who have a small store.
- Open 24/7: Your customers can shop when it suits them – also outside normal opening hours.
- Larger customer base: You can sell to customers throughout your country, not just those who live close to your physical store.
- Increased visibility: More people find your products when you're online.
- Easier sales: Automation of payment and orders frees up time for what you're best at.
Three ways to create an online store for your small store
When you need to get started with an online store, there are basically three paths to take. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, especially for you who are a beginner and don't have a technical background.
1. Have a web agency make it
What it is: You hire a professional agency to design, code, and set up your online store from scratch.
Advantages:
- Professional and custom design.
- You don't need to think about the technical yourself.
Disadvantages:
- Very expensive – prices often start from $3,000 and up.
- Long startup time.
- You're dependent on the agency for changes and updates, which can cost extra.
2. Build it yourself with an "Open Source" system (e.g., WordPress with WooCommerce)
What it is: "Open Source" means the software itself is "open" and free to download. However, you need to handle all the technical behind it yourself – like finding web hosting (storage space on the internet), installing the software, setting up security, keeping the system updated, and integrating payment solutions. WordPress is a popular system for websites, and with a plugin like WooCommerce, it can be used for online stores.
Advantages:
- Potentially "free" software.
- Great flexibility and many extension possibilities (plugins).
Disadvantages:
- Requires technical knowledge: You need to set up, maintain, and solve problems yourself.
- Hidden costs: Expenses for web hosting, payment solutions, security certificates, premium plugins, and themes can add up.
- No integrated support: You need to find help for each individual element yourself (web hosting, WordPress, WooCommerce, plugins).
- Complex payment setup that often requires agreements with multiple providers.
3. Use a user-friendly online store system (SaaS solution)
What it is: SaaS stands for "Software as a Service". It's a ready-made solution where you pay a fixed price to use the system, which includes everything: Web hosting, security, updates, design templates, and often also an integrated payment solution. You log in via your browser and can easily build your online store without coding. A good example of such a user-friendly system is GoShup.com, which is built to make it as easy as possible for even the most inexperienced user to get started, often with an integrated payment solution like GoShupPay that removes further complexity.
Advantages:
- Incredibly easy to use – requires no technical knowledge.
- Everything is in one place (hosting, security, updates, support).
- Transparent and all-inclusive pricing.
- Often quick startup – you can have your store ready in a few hours.
- Free and easy support included.
- Integrated payment solution, so you don't need separate agreements.
Disadvantages:
- Less flexibility compared to extremely custom designs than a web agency or Open Source, but more than enough for most small stores.
Comparison: Find the right online store solution for your small store
| Feature | Web agency | "Open Source" system | User-friendly online store system (SaaS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical level necessary | None | High | None |
| Startup costs | Very high ($3,000+) | Medium (web hosting, plugins, time) | Low (typically a monthly price) |
| Ongoing costs | Varies (maintenance, changes) | Varies (web hosting, licenses, updates) | Fixed and transparent monthly price |
| Time consumption for startup | Long (weeks/months) | Long (weeks/months if you do it yourself) | Short (hours/days) |
| Support | From agency (may cost extra) | Self-service / forums (no integrated support) | Included (easy and dedicated) |
| Payment solution | Agency sets up (often requires own agreements) | Must be set up yourself (requires own agreements) | Often integrated and ready to use |
Get started well with your online store (if you choose an easy solution)
Have you decided that a user-friendly online store system is the right path for you? Then the path to your own online store is fortunately very short. Here are the simple steps:
- Create an account: Sign up for the chosen platform.
- Choose a design: Most systems offer beautiful, ready-made templates that you can easily customize with your colors and logo.
- Add your products: Upload images, write descriptions, and set prices.
- Set up shipping and payment: Choose your shipping methods. With an integrated payment solution like GoShupPay, payment is typically set up with a few clicks.
- Publish your online store: Test everything through, and press the "Publish" button. And voilà ! You're online!
Ready, set, sell!
Starting an online store for your small store doesn't have to be an insurmountable task. With the right tools, you can quickly and easily reach a larger audience and expand your business. Choose the solution that best fits your technical level and your budget, and look forward to seeing your small store flourish online!