It’s no secret that WordPress is much more than a basic blog platform these days. It can serve as an all-out content management system (CMS), allowing you to run many different types of websites — blogs, static-looking corporate sites, forums, directories, and more.
WordPress can even be used to run your very own e-commerce website with the help of the right plugins or WordPress themes. Let’s take a look at five good e-commerce tools for WordPress that you can put to use to launch your next online store.
This free plugin is probably the most well-known e-commerce WordPress plugin around. The basic version is free and it enables you to accept payments through Paypal, Google Checkout and other payment processors right on your WordPress site. There are also premium tools available to help you do anything from managing an affiliate program to running a paid subscription website.
The eStore WordPress theme is an e-commerce theme available to members of ElegantThemes.com. This is a personal favorite of mine, as it has a fresh modern feel while still looking incredibly professional. At only $39 per year for access to all of the site’s premium WordPress themes, the eStore theme is practically a steal!
Here is another e-commerce theme for WordPress sites. This premium theme shines due to its out-of-the-box versatility. It features 20 different style options to get you moving in the right direction for your own niche e-commerce site without heavy design customization needed.
If you’re looking to add shopping cart functionality to your WordPress site, the eShop plugin can help you out. It’s a free WordPress plugin that lets you calculate sales tax, feature specific items you might put on sale, accept payments through several payment gateways depending on which you prefer, and more. Want to see the plugin in action? Check out these sites using eShop.
This hot e-commerce WordPress theme is one of the latest from Templatic. What I love about StoreBox is the simplicity of the design (putting the emphasis on your products where it deserves). At the same time it still offers a good mix of functionality like the ability to highlight featured items, sales, and collect email subscribers front-and-center on the homepage. Really, what more could you want from a WordPress e-commerce solution?
Do you know of other great e-commerce plugins or themes for WordPress that our readers should check out? Do you currently run an e-commerce site using WordPress as your platform? How is it working out for you? Leave your stories, tips, and recommendations in the comments below.