Introduction
Congratulations! You’ve just received your login details and are one step closer to launching your WooCommerce store. Now that you’re inside, it’s time to tackle the important steps that will take your store from an empty setup to a fully functioning online business. Let’s get started so you can begin selling as soon as possible!
Change Your Password
Changing your admin password is a critical step in maintaining the security of your online store. We have sent your password through email, and you should change it ASAP.
Changing your admin password in WordPress is straightforward and can be done directly through your WordPress dashboard.
- Log in to WordPress: Start by logging into your WordPress admin panel.
- Go to Users: On the left-hand menu, click on Users and select Profile (or go to the specific user account you wish to update if you're managing multiple users).
- Update the Password: Scroll down to the "Account Management" section. You'll see an option to generate a new password. Click Generate Password to create a strong, random password. Alternatively, you can input your own password, but make sure it’s complex and secure.
- Save Changes: Once you've set a new password, scroll to the bottom of the page and click Update Profile to save your changes.
- Log Out and Back In: For extra security, log out and then log back in using your new credentials.
Tips for a Strong Password
- Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Include numbers and special characters (e.g., @, #, $, &).
- Avoid common words or phrases.
- Consider using a password manager to store complex passwords securely.
Online you can find numerous password generators. Our favourite is the LastPass Password Generator.
Configure WooCommerce
WooCommerce is the plugin(piece of software) that makes your WordPress website function like an e-commerce store. To set this up properly, you must follow all the WooCommerce dashboard steps.
All the steps are pretty self-explanatory. Step 1 is Customising your website. This takes you too a page with 3 WordPress WooCommerce Themes. Although these themes are pretty good to start with, it is advised to find your own (free) themes.
WordPress has a theme directory that you can use to find other WooCommerce themes. You can get there by clicking here. There also other options to get WooCommerce themes, we will go more in-depth on that with another article.
After customising your website, you need to follow the other steps. A crucial part is adding the payment processor, because otherwise you can not sell anything.
Add Legal pages
When running an online store, having the right legal pages is crucial to protect your business and ensure you comply with regulations. These pages help build trust with your customers by clearly stating how you handle their data, your sales terms, and other important policies.
Here are the essential legal pages every WooCommerce store should have:
1. Privacy Policy
A privacy policy explains how your store collects, uses, and protects customer data, including personal information like names, emails, and payment details. This is legally required in many countries, including the EU (under GDPR) and the US (under CCPA).
- Key Elements:
- What information is collected.
- How it’s used (e.g., marketing, shipping, customer service).
- Data protection measures.
- Third-party sharing (if applicable).
- Customer rights to access and delete their data.
2. Terms and Conditions
This page outlines the rules and guidelines for customers using your website, making purchases, and interacting with your business. It protects you from potential disputes by setting clear expectations around things like pricing, product availability, and refunds.
- Key Elements:
- Product descriptions and availability.
- Pricing and payment terms.
- Shipping, delivery, and handling of damages or missing items.
- Returns, refunds, and cancellations.
- Limitation of liability for your business.
3. Refund and Returns Policy
A refund and returns policy informs customers of your store’s process for returning products and getting refunds. It sets expectations around timeframes, acceptable return reasons, and how refunds will be processed.
- Key Elements:
- Timeframe for returns (e.g., 30 days).
- Conditions for returns (e.g., unopened, unused).
- Refund methods (e.g., store credit, original payment method).
- Who pays for return shipping.
- Non-returnable items (e.g., perishable goods, digital products).
4. Shipping Policy
A shipping policy provides details about how and when customers can expect to receive their orders. It clarifies shipping times, costs, and handling of lost or damaged items.
- Key Elements:
- Shipping costs (flat rate, free shipping, or based on location).
- Shipping methods and estimated delivery times.
- Handling time before orders are dispatched.
- Tracking information and international shipping details.
- What to do if products are lost or damaged during delivery.
5. Cookie Policy
If your store uses cookies to track visitors (for analytics, ads, or personalisation), you need a cookie policy that informs users and allows them to opt-in or opt-out. This is especially important under GDPR and other privacy regulations.
- Key Elements:
- Types of cookies used (e.g., session cookies, tracking cookies).
- How cookies are used (e.g., for tracking user behaviour or improving customer experience).
- How users can manage their cookie preferences or opt-out.
By including these legal pages on your WooCommerce store, you’re not only complying with legal requirements but also showing customers that you run a trustworthy, transparent business. With a simple Google search you can find online generators for all of these pages.
Launch Your Store
Well done! You’ve taken all the necessary steps to get your store up and running. From setting up payments and shipping to adding products and optimising your store, you’re now ready to welcome customers and start selling. Your online business is officially ready to launch, and the exciting journey of growing your store begins here. Get ready to watch those first orders roll in—happy selling!