How to use WeWeb to create an online marketplace for handmade crafts?

Step 1: Sign Up on WeWeb

Go to the WeWeb home page at www.weweb.io in your preferred web browser. Click on "Get Started For Free" button to register for a new account. You will need to enter your email address, set a password, and accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You will then be sent a confirmation email, so check your inbox and click on the verification link provided in the email.

Step 2: Create a New Project

Once you have successfully registered and logged in, it's time to start your new project. Click on "Create a new project" which you’ll find on the dashboard. In the popup window that appears, you need to name your project (for instance, "Handmade Craft Market") and choose the main objective of your website (in this case, "e-commerce").

Step 3: Choose a Template

Next, weweb provides you with a variety of templates to choose. They have various categories of templates, including some specifically designed for e-commerce. Pick one that suits the aesthetic and functionality you envision for your online marketplace.

Step 4: Customize Your Website Layout

Now you can customize the layout of your website. WeWeb's easy drag-and-drop interface allows you to add, remove, and rearrange elements on your web pages. Start with the homepage, then move to other pages like ‘About Us’, ‘Product Listings’, ‘Contact Us’, etc.

Step 5: Add Products To Your Online Store

Once you're happy with your basic website layout, you need to add products to your online store. Go to the e-commerce menu and select the "Products" tab. Here, you can add items for sale one at a time or you can import a spreadsheet of products if you have many items to add at once. Don't forget to add clear and descriptive images and descriptions for each product, set the price, and stock levels.

Step 6: Set Up Payment Method

Setting up the payment method for your online store is a crucial step. WeWeb supports a variety of payment gateways, including PayPal and Stripe among others. Under the e-commerce menu, click on the 'Payment methods' tab and select the payment gateway you'd like to use. Follow the instructions to integrate your chosen payment gateway with your WeWeb store.

Step 7: Integrate Shipping Options

After setting up your payment method, you need to set up your shipping options. Under the e-commerce menu, go to the 'Shipping Options' tab. Here you can add various shipping methods, set shipping costs, and define shipping rules.

Step 8: Preview and Publish Your Website

After all your products, payments, and shipment methods are set up, you can preview your website. If you’re satisfied with how it looks, you can publish your craft marketplace. Go back to your dashboard, click on preview mode to explore your website, and then click on 'Publish' to make it live.

Step 9: Check Your Website

Last but not least, go to your published website URL and check your website to make sure everything is working as expected. Sign up as a customer, try buying a product, and check out to make sure your payment and shipping options are working.

Step 10: Market Your Online Marketplace

Now that your online marketplace is live, it is time to get the word out. Use social media, email marketing, SEO, and other marketing strategies to attract vendors and customers to your website.

Now that you understand these steps, you can create a beautiful online marketplace for handmade crafts using WeWeb.