How do I create an online store with Prestashop?

Many entrepreneurs want to sell their products and services on the web. To create their e-commerce site, they then turn to content management systems like Prestashop. Easy to learn, Prestashop, an open source solution, offers users numerous features and Prestashop modules that don’t require technical coding skills. It also boasts a rich catalog of plugins for creating and customizing an online store. However, to have a high-performance turnkey Prestashop e-commerce store, you must first succeed in creating it. How do you create an online store with Prestashop? To answer this question, discover the essential steps to follow.

What do you need to know before creating a Prestashop e-commerce website?

How do I create an online store with Prestashop ? Before answering this question, we need to clarify a few points. Indeed, before using Prestashop, you first need to know that this Open Source CMS exists in two versions. Both versions have the same goal: the creation of Prestashop stores. However, they differ in the level of creation of the latter.

Self-hosted version of Prestashop

This version of Prestashop is a classic version. It requires you to download the Prestashop cms onto your computer, then install it on your server via FTP. As a result, you’ll need some technical knowledge to use it, as you’ll need to purchase a separate web host and look for a domain name. The advantage of this version is that you can customize your online store as you wish. If you’re having trouble setting up your Prestashop online store, you can call a Prestashop expert on BeFreelancr or ComeUp.

Cloud version of Prestashop

Functioning in wysiwyg, this Version of Prestashop is ideal for beginners or for those who want to create e-commerce sites without breaking the bank. With this version of the Prestashop e-commerce cms, hosting is free (collaboration with OVH) and included with its purchase. Installing this cloud version and designing a merchant web site using it is easy. All you need to do is click a few times to put your store online. The same applies to its configuration and the creation of your catalogs.

What are the different stages involved in creating an online store with Prestashop?

How to create a merchant site or online store with Prestashop. To answer this question more concretely, we’ll need to look at all the stages involved in its creation.

Installing Pestashop on the server

Hosting and domain name :

This first step is reserved for the self-hosted version of Prestashop. First, you need to purchase hosting and a domain name that corresponds to your site. It should be noted that this version has sub-domains, but to personalize your domain name more to your image, it’s best to have a name appropriate to your business.

Installing Prestashop on your PC :

Once you’ve obtained your domain name and web hosting, you need to download the Zip file, unzip it and extract the files to be uploaded. Once this is done, you can upload them to your server.

Configuring Prestashop to create your online store

Once you’ve built your Ecommerce store creation tool, you’ll need to choose your theme. Prestashop themes are not free. In this case, we advise you to opt for Prestashop resonsive themes. If you’d like to create a custom template, use the Cloud version of Prestashop. If not, you can also go to a MarketPlace to buy one. Then install your theme from your dashboard or control panel. Go to ” Preferences “, then to ” themes “. Then click on ” Add theme “. You will then be redirected to a page with installation options. Choose the option that suits you best and save it. Then click on ” Import from computer ” and ” Add file “. Then select your theme by clicking on ” Open ” then on ” Install ” before activating it on the preferences page and tab ” Themes “. Activate it by clicking on ” Use this theme “.

Create an online catalog on your Prestashop e-commerce site

At this stage, your site is almost complete. To set up your e-commerce store properly, you need to :

Categorize the products in your online store : go to Catalog, then Categories. Then click on ” Add a category ” and save. You’ll then need to fill in a form containing your products.
Then create the attributes of your items if any (color variation, weight, size, etc.)
Add your products by clicking on ” Add a new product “
Parameterize all your products by creating product sheets for each of them. Make sure each sheet is easy to read and SEO optimized.