6 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
6 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Wordpress for selling e-goods or try something else?

by mounds
5 replies
I'm working towards a goal of offering digital goods (hypnosis MP3s) on a website. I don't have any experience selling products from my own website and originally thought that Wordpress was the answer. Then I started hanging out here

My plan was this: register a domain, get hosting, install Wordpress and Thesis, buy a Thesis theme (ThesisFolio), and then install the WP eStore plug in. An elaborate (and rather expensive) scheme to make up for my lack of knowledge on how to build websites.

After checking out the classifieds on this website, I get the feeling that I can get something nicer for and have less grief for about double the cost.

So now I'm wondering... outsource the whole thing and not worry about it or try to plow through it myself?

Also, if you have a designer name who can produce an eStore for a good price, feel free to mention it!

-Tim
#egoods #selling #wordpress
  • Profile picture of the author Kecia
    I personally use WordPress for all of my sites. It's just easier and the plugins provide extra features that I want my site to do. Installing WP takes about 30 seconds with Fantastico (which most web hosts offer within your admin panel) and then about minute to install the theme and plugins. Most plugins come with (or you can find online) user manuals and tutorials.

    It shouldn't be too hard to get everything set up, even if you've never used WP before.
    Signature
    KeciaHambrick.com - Blogger. Content Creator. Social Media Enthusiast.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4004080].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LooseChange
    Wordpress is excellent if you're planning on building your site article style, using RSS for syndication, etc.

    However, if you're looking to build a professional store solution, Wordpress is definitely not the answer and in many cases can cause you much unnecessary frusration. Most often, plug-ins are the point of attack for hackers exploiting a Wordpress blog. Personally, I never use plug-ins anymore after having several blogs hacked. These days, I code everythig myself but then again, my background is as a programmer and the same soultion might not be suitable for someone else without those skills.

    When selling .mp3's there are a lot of concerns that need to be addressed, such as secure downloads to authorized users, etc. Wordpress simply doesn't offer that functionality.

    Yes, wordpress can be rolled into your site to help promote individual .mp3's but you're going to need a more robust solution.

    If you're looking for a professional programmer to create you a reasonably priced solution, send me a PM and let's talk.
    Signature
    I'm not promoting anything
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4004082].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Tonybuk
    Just a thought, but could you initially sell through Ebay/Amazon etc., to fund the website build?

    TonyB
    Signature
    Increase conversions from sales pages - heres how...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4004086].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author mounds
      Originally Posted by Tonybuk View Post

      Just a thought, but could you initially sell through Ebay/Amazon etc., to fund the website build?

      TonyB
      Precisely what I plan to do

      I'm still a little ways away from a full-blown website but the plan is to do this in stages. My investment so far is $200 for a program that I can use in my hypnotherapy practice and to create the MP3's.

      If my MP3's are a complete and utter fail, then I won't create/pay for a website but I'll still have the program for offline use If things end up looking good, I'll use the MP3 revenues to fund a professionally done website or buy all the pieces I need.

      I've used Wordpress in the past and it's handy enough. I do believe it's more for blogs though, which isn't what I'm doing. I thought maybe with enough plug-ins and professional themes, I could pass it off as an e-store. However, professional design is definitely looking like the better option.

      @Loose - when I hit 50 posts, I'll drop you a line!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4004132].message }}

Trending Topics