WooCommerce is the most popular eCommerce plugin for WordPress, allowing you to sell physical products, digital downloads, subscriptions, and more — all directly from your website.
This guide walks you through installing WooCommerce and completing the essential first-time setup so you can start selling confidently.
Requirements Before You BeginBefore installing WooCommerce, make sure you have:
- A working WordPress installation
- Administrator access to the WordPress dashboard
- PHP 8.1+ recommended (7.4 minimum, though newer is better)
- HTTPS enabled (SSL certificate required for payments)
- A theme compatible with WooCommerce (most modern themes are)
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Good news: All current HostNed hosting plans meet WooCommerce's requirements and include free SSL.
Step 1: Install the WooCommerce Plugin- Log in to your WordPress admin area
https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin - Navigate to:
Plugins → Add New - In the search box, type:
WooCommerce - Click Install Now next to "WooCommerce" (by Automattic)
- After installation completes, click Activate
WooCommerce will automatically launch its setup wizard.
Step 2: Complete the WooCommerce Setup WizardThe setup wizard helps configure your store's basics. You can skip steps and return later if needed.
Store Details
- Store address
- Country and state
- Currency
- Product type (physical, digital, both)
Industry & Products
- Choose your store category
- Select what you plan to sell (physical products, downloads, subscriptions, etc.)
Business Details
- Approximate number of products
- Whether you're already selling elsewhere
Theme Selection
- WooCommerce may suggest a theme
- You can keep your current theme if it's already compatible
Step 3: Configure PaymentsWooCommerce supports many payment gateways. Common options include:
- PayPal
- Stripe (credit/debit cards)
- Offline payments (cash on delivery, checks, bank transfer)
To manage payment methods:
- Go to WooCommerce → Settings → Payments
- Enable the gateways you want
- Click Manage to configure API keys and options
⚠️ Most payment processors require your site to use
HTTPS.
Step 4: Configure ShippingIf you're selling physical products:
- Go to WooCommerce → Settings → Shipping
- Add Shipping Zones (e.g., United States, Canada, International)
- Assign shipping methods:
- Flat rate
- Free shipping
- Local pickup
- Set shipping costs per zone
Digital-only stores can disable shipping entirely.
Step 5: Configure Taxes (Optional)WooCommerce can automatically calculate taxes:
- Go to WooCommerce → Settings → General
- Enable Tax calculations
- Save changes
- Configure tax rules under WooCommerce → Settings → Tax
You may also connect WooCommerce to automated tax services depending on your region.
Step 6: Add Your First Product- Go to Products → Add New
- Enter a product name and description
- Set the price
- Choose:
- Simple product
- Variable product (sizes, colors, options)
- Upload product images
- Click Publish
🎉 Your first product is live.
Step 7: Test Your StoreBefore launching publicly, test everything:
- Add a product to cart
- Go through checkout
- Test payment methods (use sandbox/test mode)
- Confirm order emails are delivered
- Verify shipping and taxes
Helpful WooCommerce Settings to Review- Accounts & Privacy: customer accounts, checkout options
- Emails: order confirmations, admin notifications
- Permalinks: ensure "pretty URLs" are enabled
- Backups: always recommended for eCommerce sites
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid- Skipping SSL (payments will fail or be blocked)
- Using outdated themes or plugins
- Installing too many WooCommerce extensions at once
- Forgetting to test checkout before launch
When to Consider Professional HelpYou may want expert assistance if:
- You need custom product logic or pricing
- You're integrating third-party systems
- You expect high traffic or large catalogs
- You're migrating from another eCommerce platform
Need Help?If you're hosting with HostNed and need assistance:
- Installing WordPress
- Verifying SSL
- Optimizing performance
- Troubleshooting WooCommerce issues
Just open a support ticket and we'll be happy to help.