How to Create a WordPress Dropshipping Website
Quick answer: To create a WordPress dropshipping website, register a domain and buy hosting, install WordPress, then install the free WooCommerce plugin and a store theme. Next, add a dropshipping plugin or connect a fulfillment agent so orders go to your supplier automatically, set up payments and shipping, import products and place a test order. WordPress costs less to run than Shopify and gives you full control, but it takes more setup.
WordPress is a content management system (CMS), which provides support for the back end of the website (that is, the interface where users can make changes or add new content by themselves after logging in) and the front end of the website (which refers to the part visible to visitors). The convenience of WordPress and its modular design based on plug-ins make its functions infinitely expanded to meet the needs of users. Its open source and community management nature also ensure that WordPress can constantly update security patches and new functions in time.
Next, let’s study WordPress in detail.
What is WordPress?
WordPress is a free and open-source blog software and content management system based on PHP and MySQL. It has such functions as plug-in architecture and template system. More than 16.7% of Alexa’s top 1 million websites are using WordPress. It can be seen that its popularity is very high. WordPress is a Blog engine developed using PHP language. Users can open their own blogs on servers that support PHP and MySQL databases. At the same time, WordPress can be understood as a platform for publishing information.
WordPress is a very powerful blog system, with many plug-ins, which are convenient to expand, and its installation and use are also very convenient. At present, WordPress has become a mainstream Blog building platform. It can be said to be the most advanced weblog program in the world. It can grasp the search engine more effectively. After you use WordPress and master the functions of several plug-ins, it will continue to be updated in the future, so as to be more and more in line with users’ habits.
Dropshipping WordPress vs Shopify
Speaking of the independent station of cross-border e-commerce, we have to say Shopify, which has become a star company in the cross-border e-commerce industry in recent years and is very popular among the global e-commerce SaaS companies. It can be said that it is already the most successful e-commerce SaaS company in the world.
So what is the difference between WordPress and Shopify? Let’s take a look at it together.
1
Different In Concept And Nature
Shopify is a one-stop SaaS mode e-commerce service platform, which means that users can easily use Shopify to establish a cross-border e-commerce independent station without knowing any technology. However, it is not an “independent station” in the true sense, because the seller still needs to abide by various rules of Shopify, and can’t control all the data of his own store. Moreover, once the seller operates improperly for personal reasons, it is likely to close the store, and the time of complaint is unknown.
WordPress, however, is not limited by the platform, and it will not cause store closure. It is a truly independent cross-border e-commerce station that can be built according to its own needs.
2
Different Expenses
Shopify charges a monthly subscription for its plans. If you add the theme template fee, plug-in fee, handling fee, and other fees, the total price is still relatively high.
WordPress doesn’t need a monthly rent, but only needs a server and a domain name, so users can have a lot of templates and plug-ins. All practical functions (such as setting product variables, comments, etc.) can be realized through plug-ins, which are very valuable for sellers doing cross-border e-commerce.
3
Difficulty Of Use
Shopify is suitable for new sellers. They don’t need to know any computer technology to set up their own cross-border e-commerce website. Sellers only need to upload their own products and bind the domain name.
Comparatively speaking, using WordPress will be more complicated. Sellers have to buy their own servers, install WordPress, and then install the WooCommerce plug-in, which is not friendly to newcomers.
4
Different Degrees Of Friendliness To Google SEO
Compared with Shopify, WordPress Independent Station is more friendly to Google’s SEO. After so many years of development, WordPress has done a pretty good job in search engine optimization, which means that users have greater opportunities to get rankings and traffic.
To sum up, users can choose to use Shopify or WordPress according to their actual needs. In addition, WordPress can build any type of website, such as a B2C cross-border e-commerce website, B2B website, blog website, vertical niche website, etc. It can be customized according to users’ needs. WordPress can help sellers to build their own independent cross-border e-commerce station with relatively little money.
How to Install WordPress on Your Own Server
Make sure you can connect to your server before installing. You should prepare:
Client SSH
FTP client
Text editor
WordPress files that have been downloaded
In addition, the server needs to prepare:
A server control panel (such as aaPanel, also known as Pagoda/BT Panel)
PHP environment
Nginx or Apache web server
MySQL
Login panel
Log in to the panel in the browser.
Create a website
Remember to select Create FTP and Create MySQL.
Login FTP
Use FlashFXP to log in to the FTP just added, and upload the decompressed WordPress to the root directory of the FTP.
At this point, we have completed the installation of WordPress, just open the browser and enter your website to configure the database. In addition, there may also be some problems in the installation process, mainly the following two points:
Unable to log in to FTP
Maybe it’s because you didn’t open the required ports in the control panel and your cloud provider’s console.
A domain name is inaccessible
Check that your domain’s DNS points to the server. If your server is in mainland China, the domain must complete ICP filing before it can be accessed; until then you can access the site by IP.
How to Set Up a Dropshipping Website with WordPress?
Generally, it’s fine to register a .com domain name, and the price is not expensive.
There are many virtual host operators. If you only use blogs to write articles, it is recommended to use a host with a smaller space. If you want to build forums or resource sites and often need to upload attachments, it is best to use a host with unlimited space.
We can use the control panel of the virtual host to bind the applied domain name. The operation of binding the domain name of most virtual hosts is very simple. If you can’t operate it, you can consult the customer service of the virtual host.
Download the latest WordPress program on the official website of WordPress.
Enter your domain name in the browser, and your home page will be displayed. This result can be achieved by DNS resolution. Registered users will have a domain name management system, in which they can modify the DNS resolution of their domain names. Then resolve the DNS to the virtual host you purchased.
You can create a database in the control panel. Note that you need to record the host address, database name, user name, and password of the database.
That is to say, modify the wp-config-sample.php file in the WordPress package, fill in the host address, database name, user name, and password of the database you created, and rename it wp-config.php.
This step is very simple, just use FTP (File Transfer Protocol) to upload.
This step is the easiest operation. When the installer asks for an email address, it’s better to use an email on your own domain. Of course, you can also fill in your usual email address. Then you can edit your own website.
Turn Your WordPress Site Into a Dropshipping Store
WordPress on its own is a website and blog builder. To sell products, install the free WooCommerce plugin, choose a store theme, and set up your payment methods, shipping zones and tax settings. Then connect your supplier. You can use a dropshipping plugin that imports products from marketplaces such as AliExpress, or connect a fulfillment agent that stores, packs and ships your orders. Honest FulPhilment, for example, connects to WooCommerce with a REST API key, so orders sync automatically and tracking numbers flow back to your store without an extra plugin. Learn more on our WooCommerce fulfillment page. Finally, import your products, set your prices and place a test order before launch.
Five Best Plugins for a WordPress Dropshipping Store
Prices below were listed at the time of writing and may have changed, so check each plugin’s website for current plans.
Do you want to make your WordPress website perfect? There are many plugins in the WordPress plugin library that you can choose to use. Next, we have carefully selected 5 WordPress plug-ins for you, and you can choose the plug-ins that are suitable for your business development to install and use.
Member Plugin: Restrict Content Pro
Restrict Content Pro allows you to gain benefits through content access and easily improve the membership content. It is definitely the best choice for those big companies that want to create unlimited subscription levels and monitor programs.
Advantages:
Excellent customer support
Many integrations, including WooCommerce and other plugins
Very detailed analysis and report
Price:
Free plan. For basic restrictions, functions, and membership levels.
One site ($99/year). All free functions plus 34 add-ons, plug-in updates, private ticketing support, and a license for one site.
Five sites ($149/year). All the above plus licenses for 5 sites.
Unlimited ($249/year). All the above and the license of unlimited site.
Security Plugin: iThemes Security
iThemes Security focuses on the two functions of detecting and preventing threats and is one of the most commonly used security plug-ins in the WordPress market. Therefore, it will also have many checks to protect your website and WP login.
Advantages:
Modern authentication measures
Protect your website
Customize permissions for customers
Prevent and prohibit network security violators
Continuously scan and monitor suspicious activities
Price:
One site ($80/year)
Ten sites ($127/year)
Unlimited sites ($199/year)
Electronic Business Add-on Components: SaleSmartly
SaleSmartly is an independent station tool, which includes four modules: online chat, customer service center, marketing automation, and marketing data insight. It combines new customer subscriptions, online sales, and secondary marketing to improve the conversion rate of independent station customers in an all-around way.
Advantages:
A chatbot can be created without coding
Explore potential customers and collect their contact information through marketing emails and recall abandoned shopping carts
Support FaceBook、Messenger、Line、WhatsApp、Email、Telegram、Instagram multi-channel integrations
Price:
Offer a free plan
Professional plan: $10 per month
Business Plan: $99 per month
Test Plugin: Quiz Cat
Quiz Cat uses a quick and easy way to construct the test. The plug-in focuses on generating potential customers.
Advantages:
Focus on customer participation
An easy-to-use HTML editor
Will not affect the speed of your website
Access can be restricted
Price:
Individual plan ($49). Contains all basic test functions.
Business plan ($79). Up to three websites and analysis functions can be unlocked.
Elite Program ($149). Support unlimited websites.
Search Engine Optimization Plugin: Yoast SEO
Yoast SEO is one of the simplest and most popular SEO plugins on WordPress. Through a quick download, you can get optimization tips and suggestions immediately.
Advantages:
Easy to use
Include all pages
Basic knowledge of SEO
Add site maintenance
There are many tutorials for reference
Price:
Yoast SEO Premium($9/year). For better continuous SEO monitoring, you can visit the help center.
Subscription ($229/year). All five Yoast plugins, including SEO premium.
Conclusion
Setting up a website used to be very difficult and took a lot of time or thousands of dollars. Nowadays, anyone can set up their own professional website at a low cost. As WordPress website creation is a simple process, you don’t need to be a programmer or hire professional technicians. You just need to add your ideas to WordPress, and your personal website is thus produced.
Once your WordPress store is live, Honest FulPhilment can handle the rest from China: product sourcing, quality inspection, warehousing, custom packaging and order fulfillment for your WooCommerce orders. No matter where you are, please make your request and we will be very happy to serve you.
FAQ
Can you dropship with WordPress?
Yes. WordPress itself is a website builder, and the free WooCommerce plugin turns it into an online store. Add a dropshipping plugin or connect a fulfillment agent, and your supplier ships orders directly to your customers.
How do I create a dropshipping website on WordPress?
Register a domain, buy hosting, install WordPress, then install WooCommerce and a theme. Set up payments and shipping, add a dropshipping plugin or connect your supplier, import products and test an order before launch.
Is WordPress or Shopify better for dropshipping?
Shopify is easier for beginners because hosting, security and checkout are included for a monthly fee. WordPress with WooCommerce costs less to run, gives you full control over your site and data, and is very flexible for SEO, but you manage hosting and updates yourself.
Do I need coding skills to build a WordPress dropshipping site?
No. Most hosts offer one-click WordPress installs, and themes and plugins handle the store features. Basic technical knowledge helps when you configure hosting, DNS and plugins.
Which plugins does a WordPress dropshipping store need?
At minimum you need WooCommerce and a dropshipping plugin or supplier integration. Most stores also add an SEO plugin such as Yoast SEO, a security plugin and a live chat or marketing tool.