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To create an online store, pick a store platform, add your products, connect a payment provider, set shipping and tax rules, then test a real order before launch. With a hosted builder like Shopify you can do all of this in a weekend. This guide shows how to create an online store step by step, with the exact settings to check.
Last updated: October 2026 · How we researched this: we followed the official setup docs and pricing pages of Shopify, WooCommerce and Squarespace (checked October 2026) and turned them into one platform-neutral checklist.
Key takeaways
- Budget about $40–$100 a month to start: plan, domain, a couple of apps and card fees.
- Set up payments, shipping and taxes before design; those are what break first.
- Always place a real test order and refund it before you launch.
- Write your policy pages (refund, shipping, privacy); payment providers and ad platforms check for them.
What you need before you create an online store
- Products and a way to get them: make, buy wholesale, dropship or print-on-demand.
- Photos: at least 3 per product on a plain background.
- A bank account for payouts and your business details (name, address, tax ID if you have one).
- A store name with an available domain.
How to create an online store in 9 steps
Step 1: Choose your store platform
For most beginners a hosted builder is fastest. Shopify Basic is $29/mo billed yearly; Squarespace Core is $29/mo with no extra transaction fee; WooCommerce is free but needs hosting. Compare options in our best ecommerce website builder guide.
Step 2: Get a domain
Buy a short .com (usually about $10–$20 a year) through your platform or a registrar. Connect it in the platform’s domain settings and make it the primary domain so all traffic redirects there with HTTPS.
Step 3: Pick and set up a theme
Start with a free theme. Change only the logo, colors, fonts and homepage sections. Paid themes can wait until you have sales.
Step 4: Add products the right way
- Clear title (brand + product + key attribute, e.g. “Linen Tote Bag – Natural”).
- Description that answers size, material, care and delivery time.
- Variants (size, color) with their own SKU and stock count.
- Product weight, so shipping rates calculate correctly.
- Compare-at price only if it is a real former price.
Step 5: Connect payments
Activate the platform’s built-in payments (for example Shopify Payments or WooPayments) and add PayPal as a second option. On Shopify, using a third-party gateway instead of Shopify Payments adds a 2% fee on the Basic plan, per its pricing page.
Step 6: Set shipping rules
Keep it simple at first. A common setup is one flat rate for domestic orders and free shipping above a set order value. Add international zones only when you can handle customs and returns.
Step 7: Turn on taxes
Enter your business address and enable automatic tax collection where your platform supports it. Sales tax rules depend on where you and your buyers are, so check with a local accountant if you are unsure.
Step 8: Create the must-have pages
- About, Contact (with an email address), FAQ.
- Refund policy, Shipping policy, Privacy policy, Terms of service.
Step 9: Test, then launch
Place a real order with your own card, check the confirmation email and the payout, then refund it. Remove any store password and submit your sitemap in Google Search Console.
Platform settings checklist: where to find each step
| Task | Shopify | WooCommerce | Squarespace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payments | Settings → Payments | WooCommerce → Settings → Payments | Commerce → Payments |
| Shipping | Settings → Shipping and delivery | WooCommerce → Settings → Shipping | Commerce → Shipping |
| Taxes | Settings → Taxes and duties | WooCommerce → Settings → Tax | Commerce → Taxes |
| Domain | Settings → Domains | At your host/registrar | Settings → Domains |
| Policies | Settings → Policies | Create as WordPress pages | Create as pages |
Menu names change from time to time, so use the platform’s search box if a label differs. For a deeper Shopify walk-through, see how to set up your Shopify store.
How much does it cost to create an online store?
| Item | Typical cost (checked October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Platform plan | $0–$39/month for entry plans |
| Domain | About $10–$20/year |
| Theme | $0 (free) to a few hundred dollars one-time |
| Apps / extensions | $0–$50/month to start |
| Card processing | About 2.9% + 30¢ per online sale on entry plans |
Common mistakes when you create an online store
- Installing too many apps. Each one can slow your site and add a monthly bill. Start with our list of best free Shopify apps.
- Missing product weights, which leads to wrong shipping charges.
- No email capture. Add a signup form on day one so you can market to visitors later.
- Launching without a test order. Payment or email problems are common and easy to miss.
Who should not build their own store yet
If you have only one or two products and no audience, test demand first on a marketplace like Etsy or eBay. If your product needs licenses (food, cosmetics, supplements), sort out the rules before you spend money on a store.
FAQ: creating an online store
How long does it take to create an online store?
A simple store with 10–20 products can be built in one or two days on a hosted platform. Writing good product pages and photos usually takes longer than the technical setup.
Can I create an online store for free?
You can start with Square Online’s free plan or the free WooCommerce plugin. You will still pay card fees, and WooCommerce needs hosting. A free plan is fine for testing, but most growing stores move to a paid plan.
Do I need a business license to sell online?
It depends on your country, state and city. Many places require a general business license or seller’s permit for sales tax. Check your local government website before launch.
What is the easiest way to create an online store?
Use a hosted builder like Shopify, Wix or Squarespace. They handle hosting, security and checkout, so you only add products and settings.
Conclusion
Creating an online store is mostly about getting the basics right: platform, products, payments, shipping, taxes and policies. Follow the nine steps, test one real order and launch. Then focus on traffic and email, which is where sales come from. WooCommerce users can review costs on the official WooCommerce pricing page.
