1How do you configure taxes step by step?
Enable Automated Taxes (WooCommerce Tax) if you sell in supported regions, or manually add tax rates under WooCommerce → Settings → Tax. Create tax classes for reduced rates (food, digital). Set display options (prices inclusive or exclusive). Test cart totals with different addresses.
Sync with Avalara or TaxJar if you operate in multiple states/countries.
2How do you set up reporting and analytics?
Use WooCommerce Analytics (Reports → Analytics). Enable High-Performance Order Storage for faster insights. Customize dashboards for revenue, orders, products, and customers. Export CSVs for bookkeeping. Connect to Google Analytics 4 and enable enhanced eCommerce for deeper funnel data.
Schedule weekly report emails using plugins like Metorik or Putler if you need dashboards outside WP.
3What scaling tactics suit small businesses?
Upgrade hosting to autoscaling plans, enable object caching (Redis), and migrate media to a CDN. Implement queue managers for order processing, and use automation tools (Zapier, Make) for fulfillment and CRM updates. Introduce staging workflows for theme/plugin updates.
Create SOPs for order handling and returns so scaling does not break operations.
4How do you streamline operations?
Use WooCommerce’s built-in inventory management, add barcode scanning plugins, and integrate shipping software (ShipStation, EasyPost). Automate email sequences for confirmations, feedback, and reorders. Use user roles and permissions so staff only see relevant data.
Enable activity logs (WP Activity Log) to track changes made by team members.
5What maintenance routine should you follow?
Update plugins weekly, back up daily, run malware scans, and review error logs. Perform quarterly UX audits, check Core Web Vitals, and test checkout flows after major updates. Keep a changelog of theme/plugin edits for future troubleshooting.
Use a maintenance mode plugin when running major updates to avoid shopper disruptions.
Small business checklist
- • Enable automated or manual tax rules
- • Configure WooCommerce Analytics + GA4
- • Connect shipping + fulfillment apps
- • Create SOPs for orders, returns, and coupons
- • Set backup, monitoring, and audit schedule