WooCommerce is the most popular way to build an online store on WordPress. It installs as a plugin and walks you through products, payments, and shipping with a setup wizard.
Install WooCommerce
- Go to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for WooCommerce, install, and activate it.
- The setup wizard opens automatically. Enter your store address, currency, and the type of products you sell.
For a Kenyan store, set the currency to Kenyan Shilling (KES) during setup.
Configure Payments and Shipping
- Choose your payment methods. WooCommerce supports direct bank transfer and cash on delivery out of the box, with gateways like card and mobile money added through extensions.
- Set up shipping zones and rates for the regions you deliver to.
- Configure tax settings if they apply to your business.
Add Products and Go Live
- Go to Products > Add New.
- Enter the name, description, price, and product image.
- Set the product type, such as simple or variable, and manage stock if needed.
- Publish each product.
| Setting | Where | |---|---| | Currency | WooCommerce > Settings > General | | Payment methods | WooCommerce > Settings > Payments | | Shipping zones | WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping |
Before launch, place a test order to confirm the checkout, payment, and email receipts all work. Make sure AutoSSL is active so checkout runs over HTTPS, which is essential for a store handling customer details.