Not just physical, but online auctions have become a massive thing these days as well. Basically, instead of a huge room with hundreds of people present, online auctions take place on the internet where bidders, from across the world, participate.
However, have you ever wondered why people are attracted toward auction software? Is it the chance to purchase inexpensive things? Or, is it the competition that fuels them up? Irrespective of the reason, did you know every 5 seconds a smartphone is sold on eBay? And, that’s just about smartphones. eBay has innumerable other products. You can definitely think about the possible opportunities to generate a lot of revenue, isn’t it?
Keeping this in mind, you may wish to come up with an eBay-like platform of your own, don’t you? In this post, let’s find out how a classified website platform can be created with a WordPress auction plugin.
Pre-Requisites to Build an Auction Site:
Before you think of using an online auction software, there are a few pre-requisites that you would have to fulfil, such as:
To begin with, you would have to ensure that you have selected the appropriate website platform. Out of all, approximately 38% of all the websites are using WordPress, giving you more than enough reasons to choose this platform.
With WordPress, you get two different options that may instigate your confusion further. While the WordPress.com is a hosting platform; WordPress.org is a self-hosted one. If you think you’d not be able to handle this aspect properly and would need additional service from a third-party, you can go with WordPress.com. Otherwise, WordPress.org will help you get access to all of the platform’s features.
A Domain Name:
The next step is to choose a domain name. Of course, you’d want your website to stand out from the competition and appear more professional in domain lookup platforms. Thus, ensure that the selected domain is as unique as possible. However, keep in mind that apart from being unique, the domain name is easy to remember as well. For example, couch.com is an easy and memorable name. Choosing a simple domain like this is great for branding and SEO.
Or your potential audience may drop down the idea of putting in efforts to discover your auction website time and again.
A Web Hosting Accounting:
If you are ready to go with WordPress.com, you’d have to take a third-party hosting. As far as this service is concerned, remember you cannot go with any other provider. You’d have to choose a company that specializes in WooCommerce hosting as you’ll use the same software for your auction site.
Also, ensure that the hosting provider is also giving SSL certificate as it is extremely important to transact payments.
A Secured Payment Gateway:
While creating an online auction site, you’d also have to choose a secure, safe payment gateway. Considering that there are more cases of data stolen and frauds taking place, you’d have to be extra cautious. Out there, you can easily find plenty of options. But make sure all of them offer what you need the most – security.
How to Create an Online Auction Site?
Now that you are ready with the pre-requisites, let’s begin developing a classified website to conduct online auctions. Jotted down below is a step-by-step procedure to make it easier for you to comprehend the entire process:
Step 1: Install WordPress and Turn it into eCommerce:
First, you would have to install, and set up a WordPress website with the chosen domain and transfer it to the selected hosting. Install an adequate theme that would match with the basic colour combination and the outlook of your entire site.
Once done, the next thing will be to install and activate a WooCommerce auction plugin that will help you convert the site into an auction platform.
Step 2: Install and Activate Auction Plugin:
Since you’d have specific and precise requirements, you must use such a plugin that fulfils them all. So, the next step includes finding a WordPress auction plugin. After that, install and activate the same to move further.
The new and latest menu will now help you configure settings for the plugin. Right from setting the WordPress theme appropriate to adjusting the auctions’ currency, language, the default size of uploaded files, gallery settings, fraud reporting, and much more can be altered here.
Along with the general settings, you’ll also have to set the bid increments, auction type, relisting options, auction lengths, shipping, payment gateways and more.
Step 4: Creating the Auction Pages:
Now that you are satisfied with the settings, continue with creating auction pages on the site. The process isn’t a rocket-science as all you’d have to do is create new pages where you can integrate auction settings. You can also create a homepage or a landing page for your site.
Or, if you want, you can add listings to a widget area or a sidebar. Upload clear and HD images of your products and add content that gives value to your customers.
Wrapping Up:
Auction websites, such as eBay and more, surely attract a lot of entrepreneurs who are willing to create a similar platform to cater to varying audiences and consumers. Sure, you’d want to create a successful website that pays off well to you as well as the users.
For that to happen, make sure you are familiar with the marketplace. And then, follow the above-mentioned steps and begin creating an online auction website right away.
About the Author:
Akshay is a Digital Marketer who takes care of SEO and Content Marketing at Wpeka. In his downtime, he enjoys hanging out at coffee shops and travelling to various places.
