1Set foundations
Choose managed hosting with PHP 8.2+, HTTP/2/3, Redis cache, free SSL, and staging. Force HTTPS and set permalinks to /%postname%. Install a lightweight block or Storefront theme.
2Install WooCommerce and core pages
Install WooCommerce, run the wizard for currency, taxes, and payments in test mode. Auto-create Shop, Cart, Checkout, and My Account pages. Remove bundled bloat you do not need.
3Design fast, conversion-first layouts
Use native blocks for hero, social proof, and featured collections. Keep headers slim, add sticky cart/CTA on mobile, and limit popups. Use clean product images, variant swatches, and concise bullets.
4Configure payments, shipping, and tax
Enable Stripe/WooPayments and PayPal with test keys. Set zones, rates, and free thresholds. Turn on automated taxes where available; otherwise configure standard/reduced rates and validate on staging.
5Performance and security
Add CDN, page cache (exclude cart/checkout/account), WebP/AVIF, and lazy-load. Enable reCAPTCHA/hCaptcha on checkout, backups, and limit-login. Keep only essential plugins to avoid bloat.
6Launch QA and analytics
Run full test orders: coupons, taxes, shipping, emails, refunds. Wire GA4 + server-side events, and ensure consent banner works. Ship a simple post-purchase thank-you flow and abandonment email.
Launch checklist
- Checkout tested with taxes, shipping, coupons, refunds, and emails.
- Performance verified (cart/checkout excluded from cache, WebP enabled).
- Security set: backups, reCAPTCHA/hCaptcha, limited admin accounts.
- Analytics wired (GA4, server-side events, consent banner).
- Basic CRO: clear hero offer, trust icons, reviews, and sticky mobile CTA.
FAQ
Do I need a page builder to launch?
No. Native blocks with a lightweight theme are enough. Page builders add weight; use only if you need complex layouts.
How many plugins are safe at launch?
Keep it lean: security, caching, backups, payments, and essentials. Add others gradually and retest performance each time.
When do I switch from test to live payments?
After full test orders for taxes, shipping, coupons, emails, and refunds pass on staging and production with test keys.
Final thoughts
Building a WordPress + WooCommerce store in 2026 is about balancing speed, security, and clarity. Keep plugins lean, verify performance on mobile, and ensure checkout is frictionless before turning on paid traffic. Layer in trust signals and post-purchase flows early so retention starts day one. Pair this build plan with AI plugin selection and safe template edits to scale without breaking your stack.