Creating an online store is now possible even without any programming knowledge. Thanks to modern eCommerce platforms with intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, you can build an online store quickly and easily. In this article, we’ll briefly explain how to open an online store.
Why Does Your Business Need an Online Store?
In 2026, eCommerce has become one of the most important sales channels for businesses across the European Union. According to Eurostat, 23.59% of EU businesses engaged in eCommerce in 2024. Among them, 17.99% sold products through their own company websites, making this the most popular online sales channel.
Furthermore, revenue generated through company-owned digital channels is more than five times higher than revenue from online marketplaces such as Amazon, Etsy, or SS.lv. This clearly shows that businesses increasingly prefer direct relationships with their customers while reducing their dependence on third-party platforms.
Step 1 – Choose a Platform (WordPress, Shopify, and Others)
The first step is choosing the platform on which you’ll build your online store. The most popular options include Shopify, WooCommerce (running on WordPress), and other eCommerce platforms.
A website built with WordPress is one of the most popular choices for creating an online store. Combined with WooCommerce, it offers both ease of use for people without programming experience and extensive customization options. It allows you to build anything from a simple online shop to a more advanced eCommerce store using themes and plugins while giving you complete control over your website and data.
Step 2 – Register a Domain Name and Choose Hosting
Next, you’ll need to choose a domain name (your website address) and a hosting provider where your online store will be hosted. Your domain name should be easy to remember and relevant to your brand, while your hosting should be fast and reliable to ensure your store runs smoothly.
In Latvia, you can register a .lv domain through the official registry, NIC.lv. There, you can check domain availability and register your preferred domain either directly through their system or via authorized partners. For hosting, you can choose Area IT, which offers WordPress-optimized hosting with high performance, strong security, and automatic backups. It’s an excellent solution for an online store, providing a stable foundation for your website.
Step 3 – Design and User Experience
Your store’s design plays a major role in whether visitors stay and make a purchase. Choose a modern web design and provide intuitive navigation. Customers should be able to find products quickly and complete their purchases with minimal effort. It’s also essential to ensure your online store is fully optimized for mobile devices, as a significant share of online purchases are now made on smartphones.
Step 4 – Add Products and Organize Categories
At this stage, add your products and organize them into logical categories. Every product should include a clear description, high-quality images, and accurate information so customers can make informed purchasing decisions.
Step 5 – Set Up Payment and Shipping
To make your store fully functional, configure payment methods (such as credit/debit cards and online banking payments) and shipping options. The simpler and more trustworthy the checkout process, the more likely customers are to complete their purchases.
Step 6 – SEO and Your First Customers
Once your store is ready, it’s important to optimize it for search engines (SEO) so customers can find it on Google. You should also focus on attracting your first customers through social media, online advertising, and other digital marketing activities.
Build Your Online Store Faster and More Professionally
Looking to create a professional website or online store more quickly? WEBCITY can help. Working with experienced professionals saves time and helps you avoid the most common mistakes when building an online store from scratch.