Things I Wish I Knew When Creating My Website & Online Store

So, you’ve decided to create a website for your online store. Bravo! You're about to embark on a journey that will include a fair amount of caffeine, many, many Google searches, and possibly one or two mental breakdowns. But don't worry — I’ve got you covered with this beginner-friendly guide that’s (mostly) guaranteed to leave you with a functional website and only a slight case of carpal tunnel.

1. Choose Your Platform: Because Not All Websites Are Created Equal

Think of website platforms like dating apps. They’re all about matching you with your true love (in this case, a website builder) but some have way more baggage than others. Here’s a quick rundown of the big players:

• Shopify: Great for people who want a plug-and-play online store. It’s the cozy, no-frills option. Think of it like dating the reliable accountant with a nice car.

• Wix: Perfect if you want a little design freedom without losing your mind. Wix is your artsy friend who also remembers to pay their bills on time.

• Squarespace: For people who want a beautiful, clean site. It’s like the partner who always has an impeccably organized closet — and maybe that’s a little intimidating. This is what I ended up choosing! I felt like it gave me the most bang for my buck.

• WooCommerce: Built for those brave souls who love WordPress and want complete control. It’s a little high maintenance but very rewarding if you have the patience.

Tip for Beginners: Start simple. You don’t need all the bells and whistles right away. Too many options = endless scrolling and zero progress. Figure out your must haves (i.e. e-commerce, email marketing/campaigns, website design freedom, blog, etc.) and figure out what platform offers those things at the price you’re comfortable with. Don’t go down the website developer rabbit hole… like I did.

If sales tax is a necessity for you, make sure to thoroughly check each platforms options and capabilities. Some of the more advanced plans will include programs like TaxJar. For example, Squarespace’s Commerce plans- Basic and Advanced include TaxJar’s auto calculator for sales tax. If you need the auto calculator, reporting features AND advanced filing options, you’ll have to pay for TaxJar’s premium subscription separately regardless of what Squarespace plan you pick. Also, if you’re a newbie like I was, and are just learning about sales tax collection/ remittance…. First off, god speed. Second, just know that every state is different and depending on your state’s requirements, you may not have to worry about sales tax if you’re not meeting the specified threshold (some states require you to reach $100k in sales and/or 200 transactions before you start collecting/remitting sales taxes).

2. Pick a Domain Name That’s Memorable (or at Least Spelled Correctly)

This is the name people will type in to find your site, so choose wisely. Here are a few guidelines to keep you out of trouble:

• Keep It Short: If your domain name is longer than a line in "Bohemian Rhapsody," cut it down.

• Avoid Weird Spellings: Kreative spellingz may seem cool, but trust me, people won't find you if they can't spell it.

• Check for Social Handles: Make sure the name isn’t taken on social media so you can keep your brand consistent. Or you’ll be @CupcakeDelightOfficial22 instead of just @CupcakeDelight. Tragic. Don’t be like me and start with Kiss My Moon on Etsy and then months later find out that name is taken on Instagram and Pinterest🙃 (I had to buy both KissMyMoon.com AND KissMyMoonArt.com just in case lol).

Example: Selling candles? Try something snappy like “LitWick.com” (if that’s even available… because the internet is ruthless).

Tip for beginners: Some website platforms will offer a free domain name for your first year of your subscription. That is perfect for those that are just testing the waters on running a website, but be weary of this. The renewal price of your domain is going to be a lot more expensive in the following years (~ $20/year). Some people opt to buy their domain with another company, usually one that specializes in domain registration (i.e. GoDaddy, Porkbun, etc.) because it’s cheaper in the long run (~ $11/year).

Let’s say for example, you decide to accept the offer for your free domain for the first year. After 5 years, you’ll pay around $80 ($20/year, first year free, $20 * 4).

If you went with Porkbun (or another company), you would pay around $55 ($11/year, $11 * 5).

You always have the option to transfer your domain, but just know this is an absolute pain in the a**. It can take a couple days for the transfer to be complete, which means downtime on your website & the potential of someone stealing your domain name.

For me, I went with Porkbun (after hours upon hours of research) to buy my domain and I use Squarespace to host my domain. Getting my domain routed to Squarespace from Porkbun was an absolute breeze. Porkbun has an easy, automated way to do this.

3. Design Your Store Layout: Less is More… and More is a Hot Mess

Here’s where things can get overwhelming fast. But remember, the goal isn’t to make your website look like the Las Vegas Strip. Keep it clean, simple, and easy to navigate. Here’s how:

• Homepage: Keep it neat. Your homepage should tell people in about 3 seconds what you’re selling. (Spoiler: If it takes longer, they’ll leave.)

• Product Pages: Show off your products with clear photos, catchy descriptions, and prices that hopefully don’t make people faint.

• About Page: People love a good backstory! Add a section that tells them why you started this store. ("Because student loans" or “to fund my cat’s catnip addiction” are both fair answers.)

• Contact Page: Don’t make people hunt for your contact info. A simple form and email address will save you many angry DMs.

Pro Tip: Avoid autoplay music or videos unless you enjoy watching visitors close your site immediately.

4. Add Amazing Product Photos (Because Blurry Pics Are So 2005)

Listen up — blurry, dark, or poorly cropped product photos are the quickest way to drive people away. You don’t need a fancy DSLR or to rent a llama for extra visual appeal; just follow these tips:

• Good Lighting is Everything: Natural light works wonders, so take your products outside or near a window.

• Clean Backgrounds: Keep it simple. Let your products shine without visual clutter in the background.

• Multiple Angles: Show your products from different angles. Your customers want to see every stitch, fold, and button like they’re examining it with a magnifying glass.

Note: Don’t Photoshop too much. No one wants to buy a miracle cream that looks like it was blessed by the ghost of Photoshop filters past.

5. Set Up Payment and Shipping Options: The Part No One Likes, But We All Need

Congratulations, you’re almost ready to take people’s money! This is where you get down to business. Make it easy for people to pay you, or they’ll bounce faster than you can say “abandoned cart.”

• Payment Gateways: Use trusted options like PayPal, Stripe, Apple Pay, or Square. People don’t want to enter their card info on something called “SketchyPay”. And offer multiple options. Not everyone has PayPal… and they probably won’t download the app just for you🤷‍♀️ unless you’re Beyoncé or Taylor Swift.. then carry on queens.

• Shipping Options: Be upfront about shipping costs and delivery times. You don’t want people freaking out at checkout over a surprise $20 shipping fee.

Tip: Offer free shipping if you can. People are suckers for it, even if you just built it into the price.

6. Write Killer Product Descriptions That Make People Laugh (or at Least Smile)

The magic of an online store is that you can show off a little personality. Forget the stiff corporate lingo and make people feel something. Here’s how:

• Be Playful: “This candle smells like success… and vanilla.” Boom.

• Solve a Problem: Describe how your product will make life better, easier, or at least smell nicer.

• Keep It Short: People scroll. They don’t read essays. A punchy sentence or two will do the trick.

Pro Tip: If you’re not funny, hire a friend who is. Or bribe them with coffee. Or pizza.

7. Optimize for Mobile: Because Most People Will Shop While Watching TV

Did you know that most people will look at your website on their phone? If your site only looks good on a desktop, you’re leaving money on the table. Make sure your website builder offers a mobile-friendly option, and check that everything looks just as snazzy on a smaller screen.

Remember: The thumb scroll is powerful. Make sure buttons are big enough, and products are easy to find.

8. Launch, Promote, and Don’t Forget to Breathe

Finally, hit that launch button, do a happy dance, and start spreading the word. Here are some quick promo tips:

• Social Media: Share behind-the-scenes moments, customer reviews, and product close-ups. Instagram is your new best friend. And don’t forget about Pinterest, Facebook & TikTok (if you don’t mind accepting their terms & conditions).

• Email List: Collect emails from day one. Even if it's just your mom, your cousin, and your neighbor. Also, make your emails personable. You’re a human being, your customers are more inclined to sign up for newsletters and marketing emails if they LIKE you. P.S. it’s never a bad idea to sprinkle in some pictures of your pets! Keep them hooked on you & your adorable little monsters.

• Word of Mouth: Tell your friends. Tell their friends. Tell their friend’s friends. Tell that random person in line at the coffee shop.

Pro Tip: Don’t obsess over analytics right away. Focus on getting the word out, making sales, and learning as you go. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your multi million-dollar online empire.

In Conclusion: You Got This, Techie!

Creating an online store website can be intimidating, but it’s a skill that pays off — literally. Just take it one step at a time, don’t panic, and remember that “Oops” is a part of the process. And who knows, with a little persistence, you’ll be shipping orders to fans all over the world in no time.

Now, go forth and conquer the e-commerce world! Your future customers (and your bank account) are cheering you on. 🎉