You’ll need to arrange your own domain name and account with a web hosting provider, but WordPress is free to install and customize as you like. Large hosted eCommerce platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce provide space and resources for setting up your online store, but customization options can be limited, and if the site runs into problems or goes down, so does your store.īuilding your store with WordPress avoids many of the problems associated with setting up a store on a third-party host. Today, just about anyone can create a virtual storefront for selling all kinds of physical products, digital downloads, subscriptions, and services. More people now use online shopping than traditional retail stores, and that number continues to grow, which is exactly why it’s a great idea to get started with WooCommerce. WooCommerce and WordPress: How Does It Work? Here’s a look at five of the best WooCommerce WordPress themes for creating an attractive and fully functional online shop on your WordPress website. WooCommerce adds basic retail functions to any compatible WordPress theme, but online entrepreneurs can also install a WooCommerce theme designed to make the most of the plugin’s many features for showcasing all kinds of products and services. This free, open source plugin comes with all the essentials for setting up an eCommerce venture, and it can be installed on any self-hosted WordPress website. WooCommerce is one of the world’s most popular online store builders.