A Step-by-Step Guide for Students on Creating an Online Store

Selling products online used to be hectic back in the day.

However, thanks to rapid technological advancement, building an online store and expanding it isn’t difficult today.

With e-commerce builders such as WordPress and Shopify, building an online store has never been this easy.

This short guide will help you choose the best method that you’ll use to create a functional and thriving online store.

As you are going to see, building an online store is one of the easiest things that you can do in college.

Having a thriving online store will enable you to afford a lifestyle that others can only dream of. Let’s get started!

Find the Ideal E-Commerce Website Builder

An e-commerce builder is software that allows you to build your online store without having to possess advanced coding and tech skills.

All you need is a business idea, computer and internet connection.

The best way to start an online store is by choosing the appropriate online store builder.

There are hundreds of online store builders in the market. Some are expensive while others are cheap. The best e-commerce platforms for students are Shopify and Wix.

Shopify is ideal for large stores while Wix is for small ones.

These two e-commerce website builders are easy to access and use. You should check these two platforms out.

Test It

To build a thriving online store, you have to test the e-commerce website builder before launching it.

You can easily do this with a free trial.

Experiment with as many online store builders as you can to find the one that suits you best. As you test the platforms, ask yourself:

  • Can I choose a theme and make changes easily?
  • Are the templates ideal for my business?
  • Can I add and categorize products easily?
  • Can I include new pages and sub-menus on the navigation?

You not only want to find a platform that’s easy to use but also offers what you need.

Choose the Ideal Plan

After testing the builders and making a decision, you need to choose the right plan so that you can start building your business.

Different plans have different features. As the popular saying goes, you get what you pay for.

The plan that is ideal for you will depend on the size of your enterprise and how much you want to grow in the future. 

For an e-commerce store, you’ll need a paid plan. Uploading and selling products will need complicated software.

Plans start from $12 to $300 per month depending on what you want.

How much do you plan on selling?

If you won’t be selling lots of products, a simple plan with a low rate will be suitable.

On the other hand, if you’ll be selling lots of products, upgrading your plan makes sense.

Name Your Store

You need a domain name for clients to identify your business.

A domain name is a section of the URL that identifies the name of your store.

Having a good domain name is one of the easiest ways to build a thriving store and establish your brand.

Choose the Right Template For Your Store

Templates or themes can make your site look amazing without being an expert in design or tech. It’s easy to select themes in Shopify and Wix.

All you need to do is hire a college paper service writer to do your assignments as you select the template from the marketplace of your builder.

While professional writers complete your assignments, you will be able to design your site, for students this is the perfect opportunity!

Features plan an important role when building an online store. Some templates have lots of features.

Think of the features that your store will need and write down a list.

A student who uses an online service in college will always have ample time to find a theme that goes hand-in-hand with their needs.

Customize Your Template

After choosing your preferred theme, you need to start customizing it. The customization process is easy.

You can change the color scheme, features, images, text font and size, features, and the positioning of products to name a few.

Add Products

Once you’ve created a stylish online template, you need to add products.

By using an online store builder, you’ll have control over various product pages. The key ingredients of a product include:

  • Name
  • Category
  • Price
  • File
  • Weight

Since every website builder has different limits, you should always ensure that your business needs are met.  

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end.

Now you know everything about building a great e-commerce platform. Now is all you have to start your business. Don’t wait for the right time.

There’ll never be a right time to do anything. And as the popular saying goes, time waits for no man. Soon you’ll graduate and start living independently.

What will you have to show for apart from your college certificate?

Starting a business in college is essential if you want to achieve financial independence early.

What are you going to start doing today to create a successful business?