Free Ecommerce Website Checklist

Build your online store with confidence using this free ecommerce website checklist.

This checklist is designed to guide you through every stage of building a successful ecommerce site, from foundational setup to understanding conversion rates.

Perfect for new and existing online store owners alike.
Free Ecommerce Website Checklist Preview

What’s inside the ecommerce launch checklist

Each section of the ecommerce website checklist walks you through an essential part of setting up your online store. It contains clear explanations, examples, and tips to help you launch or improve your online store.

  • Set up the essentials
    Get the basics right from the start with guidance on choosing a domain name, selecting a reliable hosting provider, and setting up website security before launch.
  • Plan your core pages
    Map out the key pages every ecommerce store needs. From product listings to shipping policies, learn what to include on each.
  • Design and build with the right tools
    Discover trusted tools we recommend to help your ecommerce business get off to the best start.
  • Create product pages and category pages that convert
    Follow best practices for product descriptions, product images, and customer reviews/testimonials.
  • Set your checkout process up for success
    Make your checkout page simple, fast, and frustration-free with layout tips and WooCommerce plugin recommendations.
  • Set up payment methods and fulfillment
    Explore payment options, understand PCI compliance, and choose the right shipping costs or fulfillment setup for your business.
  • Boost performance and visibility
    Learn how to optimize your store for conversions and ecommerce SEO (search engine optimization), from faster load times to keyword research and on-page improvements.
  • Put together your marketing strategy
    Connect your social media channels, email marketing, and analytics tools to attract customers and track what’s working.
  • Test before launch
    Use the included testing checklist to review responsiveness, browser compatibility, and user experience so you can launch with confidence.
woocommerce checklist

Get your free ecommerce website checklist

Launch or improve your ecommerce store using our free ecommerce website checklist. We’ve done the work, so all you need to do is follow the steps and get your store running.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ecommerce website checklist?

It’s a step-by-step guide that covers everything you need to set up an online store, including your site structure, checkout, payments, marketing, and optimization. You can check off tasks as you complete them and use them as a reference for future updates.

Who is this checklist for?

It’s designed for business owners, marketers, and store managers who want a clear, easy-to-follow guide to setting up or improving an ecommerce website.

Do I need to be a website developer to use it?

No. Each section explains what to do and why it matters, with tool suggestions and optional pro tips if you’re working with a developer.

Can I type directly into the checklist?

Yes. It’s an editable PDF, so you can type directly into it or print it if you prefer to work by hand.

Does it work for WooCommerce stores?

Yes. The checklist is built around WordPress and WooCommerce best practices, with examples and plugin suggestions. However, if you don’t use WooCommerce, the guide is still an excellent way to start your Shopify, Squarespace, or Wix ecommerce platform.

Will it help if I already have an ecommerce store?

Definitely. You can use it to audit your existing site, spot areas for improvement, and plan future updates.

More resources to help you build your ecommerce store

Once your store is live, keep improving with these helpful guides we’ve put together: