I’ve been asked quite a few times about a cheap eCommerce website. Those who asked had in mind the lowest starting eCommerce cost and my answer was always it’s ridiculously cheap today. I’m not kidding, that’s right, and the only answer I can give to whoever asks me about eCommerce taking into account the lowest starting cost as the starting point of our conversation.
Have you had thoughts about starting your own eCommerce website? The answer is probably yes. Did you know that an eCommerce website can be started for a little as $3.75 per month if you commit initially to a one-year web hosting contract, no hidden costs? The answer is probably no.
Why cheap eCommerce website?
Why would you or anyone want the cheap eCommerce website to start with?
The answer is simple. For different reasons. There are still those who’d like to try eCommerce on their own. The reason is curiosity, testing, or learning purposes. Whatever the reason, the common request is an operational cheap eCommerce website. In other words, the lowest starting cost possible.
Interestingly, those who ask about the cheap eCommerce website are not only those who were thinking of starting a business and thought that the starting point should be actually selling online but also by those already doing business. However, they all get surprised by the starting price to the point they feel ashamed for having asked.
Basic cheap eCommerce website requirements
The following four points are making the basic requirements for an eCommerce website. Read the short description for each point in order to understand the reason for being on the list. Anything beyond these four points does not fit into the basics and will probably not make the cost of your eCommerce website cheap which is the ultimate requirement to be respected.
eCommerce website domain name
If you don’t have a domain name already, you can purchase one for as low as $11,99 but it’s often included for “free” within the web hosting package if you commit to a one year contract. Before you purchase your domain name search the web for how to choose a domain name for your business or a website.
eCommerce website hosting
There is a large variety of hosting companies to choose from. If you never owned a hosting package before it can be difficult to know which to choose. This is more about hosting as the quality of the service as you’ll get the same features with any of the so-called best of hosting companies available on the market. A good idea is to talk to someone you know who already owns a hosting, you may get recommendations you can trust. I’ve personally learned over the years that what we read as recommendations online do not always (if ever) guarantee a good choice.
SSL Certificate
No eCommerce owner should forget an SSL certificate which will provide a kind of safe feeling to your future online store customers. Web browsers warn users that a website without an SSL certificate is not safe despite the fact that owning an SSL certificate does not guarantee your website is 100% safe and secure. To start with you’ll be just fine with a free SSL certificate. Look for Let’s Encrypt – Free SSL/TLS Certificates within the offer for your future web hosting package.
eCommerce platform
There are literally dozens of eCommerce platforms available to choose from. My recommendation to beginners is always WordPress regardless of whether they are creating a standard website that will serve as a presentation or they have decided to create an eCommerce website. WordPress and the WooCommerce WordPress extension for WordPress will transform your website to an eCommerce website at zero cost.
WordPress is extremely easy to use CMS (content management systems) with large resources of knowledge available as well as features that will further power your eCommerce activities.
Time
I was not sure if this belongs to the list but as this blog post is about how to start an eCommerce website for the lowest cost possible you must accept that you’ll have to compensate for saving money by investing your time. Basically, you’ll have to learn and do all the work by yourself. No difficult task here, however, you’ll have to invest time. The more you know already about managing web hosting and installing WordPress you’ll need less time to learn. You should know best if this is the way to go for you.
What should be the first step?
Start by choosing your web hosting provider. A good idea is to look for all in one package that includes domain name and a free SSL certificate. This is how you’ll deal with three things at once. Don’t forget to consult whoever is at hand and ask for recommendations.
Installation and configuration
Once you gain access to your web hosting it’s time to install and configure both WordPress and the already mentioned Woocommerce extension for WordPress. If you’re unfamiliar with WordPress don’t be afraid. All actions are literally clicking, entering, or saving. The quickest way to learn how to do it is to watch YouTube videos on this subject.
eCommerce store management
If something is easy within the WordPress then that is the content management along with managing the products you’ll sell online. Here again, YouTube is your best friend and quickest way to learn how to do it.
Future of your eCommerce website
Of course, there is more about eCommerce to learn and do, but if you have succeeded in setting up your eCommerce website by yourself, I have no doubt that your next eCommerce related tasks will be successful no matter how challenging. I’d like just to mention mastering newsletter and hashtags as part of social media marketing as things that await you in the near future as an eCommerce website owner.
This was just about starting
I feel I need to make clear and point out that this blog post (article) is not about starting and growing an eCommerce business, neither just about growing, in other words, it is just a shortened explanation about how to put a few things together to have an operational eCommerce website. From that point, everyone is welcome and free to explore and learn more about eCommerce websites and businesses. Also, it implies that you have a very basic understanding of “domain names”, “web hosting”, and CRM.
Please, let me know if this blog post helped anyone. You can also post your question in reply to this post. I’ll be happy to reply or provide help if needed.
