Many people still think WordPress is just for blogs and standard websites, but it’s for so much more.
With all of the customisation features, many are now using WordPress for ecommerce. With the right plugins and setup, it’s easy to build your business using the WordPress platform.
From selling ebooks to running a membership site, WordPress has the tools you need to get setup so you can focus on running your business.
Ecommerce Features
WordPress is more powerful than many realise. It can handle both small and large ecommerce sites. Plus, it’s compatible with all major browsers. What really makes WordPress stand out is how customisable it is. You’re not forced to choose a single layout or one or two payment methods. You choose the layout, payment options, site access and much more.
Depending on the plugins and themes you choose, you get the benefits of numerous payment options such as PayPal, Stripe and manual payments. You also have integrated tax calculators to make selling digital goods as easy as possible.
One final feature that makes WordPress for ecommerce a good choice is how the platform works with databases. Simply create a new database for user account and transaction data along with the graphical interface and you’re done. WordPress is well known for it’s powerful database functionality and it’s yet another benefit when it comes to ecommerce.
Types Of Sites
WordPress is often used to power digital ecommerce and membership sites. For digital sites, files are stored and accessed as soon as payment is processed. Since you’re able to accept multiple payment options, it’s easy to sell products to nearly any customer.
Membership based sites are just as easy to work with. Once the customer pays for access, they’re able to view specific areas of a site, such as a course or premium posts. All relevant data for what they’re able to access and when they must renew their membership is all stored in a WordPress database.
Recommended Plugins
While the platform on it’s own is powerful, the true ecommerce features come from plugins. These plugins provide features such as payment processing, shopping carts, analytics, secure data entry and more.
The most popular WordPress ecommerce plugin is WooCommerce. It’s currently used on over 78% of all WordPress ecommerce sites. According to the developer’s site, the WooCommerce toolkit powers 29% of all online stores. It’s designed to allow you to sell anything while keeping customer data secure. There are also extensions and even themes created specifically for this plugin.
Gravity Forms helps you create simple and complex contact forms so it’s easy for customers to contact you. Every reputable ecommerce site needs contact forms. Once the plugin is installed, forms are created through a drag and drop approach, so it’s easy to create forms without being a programmer. Plus, it integrates well with major services such as PayPal, AWeber and MailChimp along with many major theme providers such as WooThemes and Organic Themes.
One final plugin you’ll likely want is Easy Digital Downloads. It’s perfect for managing any digital products such as music, videos, ebooks and more. Easily track earnings with graphical statistics and even add in discounted pricing whenever you want. It also supports multiple payment gateways such as PayPal, Stripe and WorldPay.
While other plugins are available, these three have made their way to the top due their ease of use and powerful ecommerce features. It’s ideal to hire a developer to set them up for you and ensure they’re properly integrated on your site. Once everything’s set up, all you have to do is add in your products, choose your payment options and start marketing your site.
Conclusion
If you want a platform that scales with your ecommerce business, look no further than WordPress. Get a unique storefront with all the features you need by working with an experienced WordPress developer. The end result is a store you’re proud of and one your customers will love.
Ready to experience how well WordPress works with ecommerce? Contact StuartMedia today to get started on your own site.
Image: Serge Kij
