Last modified August 18, 2021
PrestaShop is THE reference solution for getting started in the world of e-commerce and being successful. It is software that allows you to create your own online store, personalize it and manage it as you wish. Many professionals have already chosen PrestaShop. If you are wondering if you should do the same and how to do it, some clarification will help.
Why start with PrestaShop?
Not all e-commerce platforms are as advantageous solutions as PrestaShop. With this software available as open sourceyou can easily create your e-commerce platform at a lower cost. It is relatively popular software, which reassures you of its performance and efficiency. Whether you are specialized in the field of implementing a digital strategy or you are a novice, PrestaShop offers an interface accessible to everyone. It is very easy to use and has multiple tools to facilitate the management of your online store.
Furthermore, PrestaShop ensures quality referencing of your site and your online content. It subtly suggests elements that promote your better positioning in search engine results. The most basic tasks for quality e-commerce SEO are ensured when you opt for PrestaShop. For example, the software invites you to use keywords related to the theme your site covers, suggests the creation of a personalized URL to join the site, etc.
In addition, the community of entrepreneurs created by PrestaShop is impressive and constitutes a possible help and support network for you. It is in a way a community software which gives you the possibility ofinteract with other professionals in your field or not in order to benefit from their experience. Finally, PrestaShop makes it easier for you to carry out multiple tasks quickly when you don’t have a lot of time or enough skills to take care of them. One of the key advantages of the software is the modules it has to help you build and optimize your digital strategy.
How to launch your store with PrestaShop?
PrestaShop is software that is characterized by its versatility. It is used by thousands of online stores, which requires it to offer tailor-made solutions for each. Thus, you optimize your online store with a Prestashop module for each need from the thousands of modules available. From the start, you will need to choose the version of PrestaShop you want. There are two options: the classic self-hosted version and the cloud version.
The first option is indicated, if you have enough computer knowledge to take care of the hosting of your site as well as its customization. It is expensive and will require you to install a server. The second option is more suitable for novices and limited budgets. In the latter case, the hosting of the site is under the responsibility of PrestaShop. The creation and configuration of the site differs depending on the version you have opted for.
Next, you will need to select the theme of your site. Here, there is a wide range of possible choices.
Either way, select a responsive theme. This optimizes your natural referencing. After selecting the theme, install it on the created PrestaShop account.
The final step is to create your product catalog. This is where customers will see your products, their descriptions, features and prices.
The benefit of PrestaShop modules
Once your online store is created, you still need to personalize it and make it attractive enough for your visitors. This is what modules are for. They can also be called plug-ins or extensions. These are features offered by PrestaShop and that you can add to your website to optimize it.
Use the modules to personalize your content (home, menu bar, home page banner, etc.). Other modules exist to facilitate the execution of tasks on the website. Simply entrust them with tasks so that they are executed automatically by the site without you even having to intervene.
Finally, modules are used to connect you with other services often external to your site. They connect to a given programming interface or API to provide a given service to your customers. This is how you can grow the fastest.
They connect your site with external tools useful for the sustainability of your activity. For example, if you work with a delivery service external to your company, you can use one of these modules to allow your customers to have their orders delivered. Likewise, you can use such a module to make available payment options on your site.