5 Simple Steps to Create a Gorgeous Multi-Vendor Website using WordPress
Nowadays, multi-vendor websites have gained immense popularity worldwide. Platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and Daraz have captured the attention of millions of people, providing a seamless shopping experience. As a result, an increasing number of individuals are aspiring to become owners of their own multi-vendor websites. The allure lies in the potential to tap into a global customer base, offer a wide range of products from various sellers, and create a lucrative online marketplace.
Creating a gorgeous multi-vendor website can be a complex process, but by following these simple steps, you can achieve a stunning result:
Step 1: Get a Domain Name and Web Hosting Provider
To start your online store or any other website, you’ll need a domain name and a web hosting service.
A domain name is the unique address of your store on the web, like prodevelopershub.com for example.
Web hosting is like a remote computer that stores your website and serves it to visitors when they access it. One recommended hosting provider is Exonhost. It offers reliable service, fast loading speeds, and includes a free domain name with its affordable subscription plans.
Here’s what you need to do:
Choose Your Subscription Plan: Visit the Exonhost website and click the “Get Started” button. You’ll be presented with three hosting plan options. As a first-time e-commerce website owner, the Standard plan is recommended.
Pick Your Domain Name after choosing a hosting plan and purchase, then you’ll get cPanel access and other information via your email, as simple as it is :).
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Step 2: Install WordPress and Setup Basic environment
Now it’s time to install WordPress on your hosting account. This installation is free of charge you’ll find it under your cPanel.
After signing up with your hosting, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your login credentials. Use this information to log in to the cPanel.
Once the installation is complete, you’ll need to enter a name for your website, as well as a username and password.
Great! You now have a blank WordPress website ready for customization.
Step 3: Choose an E-commerce theme
When it comes to building a multivendor website, finding the right WordPress theme is crucial. For seamless integration with e-commerce and multivendor plugins, WoodMart stands out as an excellent choice. This premium theme is highly regarded for its compatibility, offering full support for multivendor functionality. With its emphasis on speed and SEO optimization, WoodMart ensures a smooth and efficient user experience. Moreover, its reputation for being bug-free adds another layer of reliability. The attractive and professional design of WoodMart further enhances the overall appeal of your multivendor website, making it a top choice for anyone seeking a robust and visually appealing solution.
After purchasing the theme, you’ll need to upload the theme and run setup wizard.
Check the theme out below.
Step 4: Install an E-commerce Plugin (Woocommerce)
If you want to allow your seller to sell products directly from your website, you’ll need an e-commerce plugin to add this functionality to WordPress. One of the most popular options is WooCommerce.
Here’s how to install WooCommerce:
Navigate to your WordPress dashboard and click on “Plugins,” followed by “Add New.”
In the search field at the top right corner, type “WooCommerce” and press Enter.
Click on the “Install Now” button next to the WooCommerce plugin. After a few seconds, the button will turn blue and read “Activate.” Click on it.
WooCommerce will launch its setup wizard, which will guide you through the rest of the setup process. It’s straightforward and only takes a few minutes. Here is more detailed documentation
Step 5: Install a multivendor plugin (Dokan)
Indeed, there are several popular multivendor plugins for WooCommerce, including Dokan, WCFM, and WC Vendors. However, if you are looking for a long-term solution for your business, Dokan is often considered the best choice. Dokan offers a comprehensive multivendor solution with a wide range of features and functionalities. Additionally, they provide excellent support to their users, ensuring that any issues or concerns are addressed promptly. With Dokan’s complete multivendor solution and their commitment to customer support, it can be a reliable option for running a successful multivendor business in the long run.
To install Dokan plugin, search and install it from the “Add New” page, activate it, and run the setup wizard for configuration. Here is the documentation.
If you want some advance modern feature then I would recommend you to go with the dokan pro plan.
In conclusion, by following these steps and utilizing the recommended tools, you can create a stunning and functional multi-vendor website. This will enable you to tap into a global customer base, offer a wide range of products from various sellers, and create a lucrative online marketplace. With the right setup and customization, you can achieve a visually appealing and user-friendly website that attracts both sellers and customers, setting yourself up for success in the world of e-commerce.