How to Set Up WooCommerce in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

WooCommerce is a free plugin that turns a WordPress site into an online store. Here is how to set it up in 2026, from installation to your first order.

1. Prepare WordPress

• Use a host that supports current PHP and WordPress versions and provides SSL (HTTPS).
• Install WordPress and a WooCommerce-compatible theme — most modern block themes work well.
• Back up the site before making big changes.

2. Install WooCommerce

Go to Plugins → Add New, search for WooCommerce, click Install and Activate. WooCommerce opens its setup wizard.

3. Complete the setup wizard

Enter your store address, industry, product types and business details. You can skip optional extensions and add them later. The wizard creates your Shop, Cart, Checkout and My Account pages; new stores use the block-based Cart and Checkout by default.

4. Configure general settings

Under WooCommerce → Settings → General, set selling and shipping locations, store currency and number formatting. Choose your currency carefully — some payment gateways only support certain currencies.

5. Add products

Go to Products → Add New. Add a title, description, price, images, category and inventory. Use variable products for size or colour options. If you sell personalised items, Custom Product Builder for WooCommerce lets customers add text, fonts, clipart and uploads with a live preview (free version on WordPress.org; Pro $59.99/year).

6. Set up payments

• Cards and wallets: enable WooCommerce Payments, Stripe, PayPal or another provider available in your country.
• Crypto (recommended): NOWPayments for WooCommerce accepts many cryptocurrencies in most countries — create a NOWPayments account to get your API key.
• USDC for US/Singapore businesses: Coinbase Business for WooCommerce (Coinbase Commerce shut down on 31 March 2026).
• Offline: bank transfer or cash on delivery if relevant.

Make sure every gateway you add supports the block checkout.

7. Shipping and tax

Create shipping zones (e.g. domestic and international) with flat rate, free shipping or local pickup. Under Tax, enable taxes if required and add rates or use an automated tax service. Ask an accountant if unsure.

8. Emails, policies and legal pages

Customise WooCommerce emails under Settings → Emails, and publish refund, privacy, terms and shipping pages.

9. Test and launch

• Place test orders with each payment method.
• Check order emails, stock levels and mobile checkout.
• Install an SEO plugin, submit your sitemap to Google Search Console and add analytics.
• Launch, then review abandoned carts and checkout drop-off regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WooCommerce free to set up?

Yes, WooCommerce is free. You pay for hosting, a domain, and any premium extensions such as Custom Product Builder for WooCommerce Pro or payment processing fees.

How long does it take to set up WooCommerce?

A basic WooCommerce store with a few products and one payment method can be set up in a few hours; payments, shipping, tax and design take longer to perfect.

How do I accept crypto on a new WooCommerce store?

Install NOWPayments for WooCommerce, connect your NOWPayments API key, and enable it under WooCommerce payment settings. US and Singapore businesses can also use Coinbase Business for WooCommerce for USDC.