How to Build a Website With a Shopping Cart

Website shopping cart

A website shopping cart system allows you to sell items to your site visitors with ease. Most internet users are now quite familiar with the online shopping cart, in which they can store all their items for purchase and edit as needed before going through check out, when they pay and have their order confirmed. Building a website with a shopping cart can be done even by inexperienced webmasters.

Instructions

1. Secure web hosting and choose a domain name for your website. Be sure that the hosting package you choose supports e-Commerce. Some, such as HostGator, include shopping cart options like Zen Cart and osCommerce with their web hosting package.

2. 

   Pick a website template that fits the theme of your website. If you are using a host provider that offers a package deal (hosting, template, site builder, shopping cart) you can check with user support to ensure that your chosen template will incorporate a shopping cart without to much extra html coding.

3. Build the home page and second-tier web pages for your site. List items for sale clearly, by category and with photos. Also note the price for each item.

4. 

   Add the website shopping cart of your choice following the shopping cart program directions. For PayPal shopping carts, for example, you will add the Buy Now button and codes by each purchasable item on your site.

5. 

   Test the website shopping cart on your site by completing a purchase to make sure all elements work together correctly. Try deleting items, adding multiple quantities and adjusting shipping options during your test run.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a web host provider with good customer service and tech support options, such as FAQ, live chat and user forums.

Resources

• HostGator web hosting, free site builder and free shopping cart: $7.95/ month
• Site Build It ecommerce web hosting and site builder: $300/ year