Online store development is easier than many business owners expect. With a domain name, hosting and a platform, you can have a basic store running quickly. The harder part is choosing the right platform and building a store that actually sells. This guide explains the two most popular options, Shopify and WooCommerce, and what you need to get started.
Brand Builders is a digital marketing agency in Johar Town, Lahore. We build websites and online stores for businesses across Pakistan, with SEO, speed and conversion in mind from day one.
What you need to start an online store
- A domain name: your store's address on the internet.
- Hosting: the place where your store's files are kept. Some platforms include it.
- An SSL certificate: so customers can pay securely.
- A platform: the software that runs the store.
How to choose a platform
Start by deciding what you need: how many products you sell, how customers will pay, and how much you want to manage yourself. Then compare platforms against that list and test a few. Most platforms offer a free trial, so you can try more than one before you decide.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a complete e-commerce platform for starting, growing and managing an online business. It is hosted in the cloud, so you do not need to worry about updating servers or software. You can customise your store, keep track of stock and orders, and manage payment and shipping details in one place.
What is WooCommerce?
WooCommerce is a free e-commerce plugin for WordPress. It lets you build a store from scratch or add a shopping cart to an existing WordPress website. The plugin is free, but you still pay for a domain, hosting and an SSL certificate. It creates the main cart, account and checkout pages for you.
Benefits of having your own online store
- You deal with customers directly and keep their details, such as email and purchase history.
- You build loyalty and repeat orders.
- You keep the money you earn instead of sharing it with a marketplace.
- You control how your brand and your offers are presented.
A store of your own also means you are responsible for your own sales and marketing, because there is no marketplace sending customers to you. That takes effort, but the rewards can be significant.
Need help building your store?
Book a free 30-minute strategy session. We will look at your products and goals and recommend the right platform and plan.
Brand Builders helps businesses across Pakistan with web development services. To get started, book a strategy session with our team or get in touch directly.
Book your free strategy sessionFrequently Asked Questions
01How do I start an online store?
You need a domain name, hosting, an SSL certificate and a platform such as Shopify or WooCommerce, then you add products, payments and shipping.
02What is Shopify?
A complete e-commerce platform hosted in the cloud, so you do not manage servers or updates, with tools for stock, orders, payments and shipping.
03What is WooCommerce?
A free e-commerce plugin for WordPress that lets you build a store or add a cart to an existing site. You still pay for a domain, hosting and SSL.
04Why have my own store instead of only selling on marketplaces?
You keep customer data, build loyalty and keep more of each sale, though you also have to do your own marketing.
