You may have thought more than once about starting your own business, but whenever you approach the first step, new questions arise: How much money do I need? Do I have to learn coding? And do I need to design a professional online store before knowing if my idea will succeed?

Today, creating the online store itself is no longer the massive hurdle it once was. You can set up a free store on Salla, add your first products, and test your idea without starting with a major investment in building a website. If you later require more extensive capabilities, you can select the plan that best suits your project's stage.

Most importantly, this starting point is not just for those with an established business ready to go. You might have a product you handcraft, an Instagram account you sell through, or a business concept waiting for an opportunity to be tested. An online store provides you with an independent platform to display what you sell, organise your orders, and build an experience that customers can return to.

In this guide, you will learn how to create a free online store in eight steps, from choosing your first product to setting up the store and testing the checkout experience. You do not need to wait until everything is complete; start with what you have, then refine it with every experience.

Decided what you want to sell? Start creating your store for free on Salla.

Why does your project deserve an online store?

Having an online store is not just about adding a link to your social media bios. It provides your business with a dedicated sales channel that you can organise and scale, rather than relying solely on direct messages and posts.

Reach customers outside your current circle

If you sell your products to friends or through an Instagram account, most buyers may already be people who know or follow you. Having an online store gives you a destination where you can share your products with new customers, link them to marketing campaigns and content, and make ordering accessible to anyone unable to visit or contact you directly.

Display your products in a clear, permanent place

On social media platforms, a customer might have to dig through old posts or stories just to find a product they liked. In a store, however, you can organise products into categories and dedicated pages that display images, prices, details, and available variants, allowing customers to easily return to the items they want.

Reduce manual steps when taking orders

Imagine you sell personalised gift mugs. Instead of asking each customer for the colour, quantity, name, and delivery address across separate chats, you can set up a product page that collects all the required options and details for the order, depending on the features supported by your plan.

This allows you to dedicate your time to preparing orders, assisting customers, and developing the business, rather than repeating the same questions with every sale.

Test your idea before expanding

You might have an idea to sell perfumes, accessories, or home décor, but you do not yet know which items will see the greatest demand. Instead of launching with an extensive catalogue, you can prepare a limited collection, showcase it in a store, and monitor the inquiries, orders, and products that capture customer interest.

The real opportunity is not simply launching a website, but having a channel through which you can transform an idea into an actual sales experience, learning from it before scaling up.

If you are still at the stage of selecting an idea or product, start with the Getting Started Guide: From Idea to First Order to transition from planning your venture to executing it.

Can you really set up an online store for free?

Yes, there are platforms that allow you to set up an online store without initial subscription fees, including Salla, which offers the free Basic plan. However, it is essential to distinguish between the cost of building the store and the operational costs of running a business.

This does not mean you will incur all these expenses from day one. Costs vary based on the type of products, sourcing methods, and how the business is operated.

On Salla, the free Basic plan allows you to start selling physical ready-made products, while certain capabilities—such as Salla online payments and other product types—require a plan that supports them. Therefore, it is best to review Salla’s plans before deciding how to operate your store.

Create a free online store in 8 steps

Step 1: Define what you will sell and to whom

You do not need dozens of products to get started. It is enough to define a clear product category and an audience you believe needs it, then test that assumption instead of investing in a large inventory before validating demand.

Suppose you are considering selling coffee mugs. Are you targeting people looking for everyday mugs, those searching for personalised gifts, or specialty coffee enthusiasts? The core product may be similar, but its presentation, pricing, packaging, and marketing will differ depending on the customer.

Before proceeding to create the store, try to answer three questions: Who will buy the product? Why will they choose it? And can you source it at a price that covers your costs and secures an adequate margin?

If you have not finalised your concept yet, do not let that indefinitely delay your launch. Use the Getting Started Guide: From Idea to First Order to help structure your initial decisions, then return to the store setup steps once you have a testable idea.

Step 2: Prepare your first batch of products

One of the most common reasons for launch delays is designing the store before preparing what you are actually going to sell.

Select a small collection of products and compile their details into a single file: product name, description, images, price, variants, available stock, and preparation time if the item requires assembly before dispatch.

If you are selling an item with different colours or sizes, define these options clearly from the outset. If a product requires custom details from the customer—such as a name printed on a gift—specify the information you need to collect, and ensure it is supported by the plan you intend to use.

The goal of this step: to access the control panel with products fully prepared for listing, rather than pausing at every field to search for an image, price, or missing piece of information.

Step 3: Choose a platform that helps you start and grow

When evaluating e-commerce platforms, do not focus solely on the subscription cost. Consider what you can achieve on the platform today, and what you will require down the line.

Can you add products without coding knowledge? Can you customise the storefront? Which payment and shipping methods are supported? How will you track orders? And can you scale your sales strategy without rebuilding your store from scratch?

Why start on Salla?

Salla offers a launchpad to build an online store without coding from scratch, providing a free plan along with the flexibility to upgrade to more comprehensive tiers as your business requirements evolve.

This is particularly suitable for those who wish to test their business with ready-made products before committing to advanced features. Instead of investing in custom website development right away, you can focus on preparing products, testing market demand, and establishing a seamless purchasing journey.

However, your choice of plan should align with your business model, not just the word "free". If your venture requires digital goods, specific payment integrations, or advanced functionalities, check the Salla plans comparison to ensure the features you need are included.

Step 4: Create your account and set up the storefront

Once you have selected the platform, head over to create a store on Salla, enter the required information, define your business sector, and follow the on-screen store setup prompts.

After setting up the account, focus on four fundamental components:

Store Name: Choose a clear, memorable name that aligns with the products you sell.

Logo and Colours: Use a clean, consistent brand identity. There is no need to invest in intricate designs before validating your concept.

Storefront: Organise products into clear categories, and highlight the key items you want customers to discover.

Store Information: Ensure that contact details and essential company information are clear, so customers know who they are buying from.

If you require practical guidance during registration, you can consult the New Store Setup Guide in the Salla Help Centre.

Do not hold back your launch searching for the perfect design. Start with a clean layout that performs seamlessly on mobile devices, then enhance it based on customer behaviour and feedback.

Step 5: Add your products in a way that drives sales

A product page is not merely a place to show a photo and a price; it is where the customer makes their buying decision.

Start by listing a single product, then review its page as if seeing it for the first time. Are the photos clear? Does the description highlight its key value? Are the sizes, colours, and prices intuitive? Does the customer know exactly what they will receive after ordering?

For instance, if you sell perfume in two different bottle sizes, the customer must clearly see the selected bottle size and its corresponding price. If you sell apparel, providing sizing charts, fabric details, and care instructions can minimise questions and purchase hesitation.

Start with a curated selection of complete, detailed listings rather than uploading dozens of products with missing information.

The goal of this step: to enable customers to pick the right item seamlessly without having to message you for basic details.

Step 6: Set up payments, shipping, and essential requirements

Now you have a store showcasing products, but can customers complete their orders? And are you set up to fulfil them?

Prepare verification and regulatory requirements

E-commerce regulations vary based on your operating country, entity type, and product catalogue. If your business operates in Saudi Arabia, consult the relevant requirements and procedures via the Saudi Business Centre.

If you are using Salla, make sure to also review the in-platform store verification requirements, particularly when activating integrated payment gateways.

Determine payment methods

Select payment options that your customers can use with ease and that align with your plan’s features. If you plan to enable online payment gateways on Salla, review the current requirements in the Salla Help Centre before integrating them into the checkout journey.

If you choose to accept direct bank transfers, establish how you will verify received funds and reconcile them with incoming orders, avoiding order dispatch based solely on payment receipt screenshots.

Set up shipping and delivery

Define the cities or territories you will serve, how items will be delivered to customers, and your typical fulfilment lead time before handing packages over to the courier.

Review the packaging and delivery costs carefully, as they directly influence your final pricing and the overall customer experience.

Add essential store policies

Clearly present your returns and exchange policy, processing and delivery timelines, and support channels in the event of an issue. Ensure your policies comply fully with the consumer laws applicable to your operations.

Treat this step as more than mere administrative compliance. Transparent payment terms, clear shipping details, and fair policies give customers the confidence to complete their purchase.

Step 7: Test the checkout journey before going live

Before sharing your store link publicly, complete a test purchase from a mobile device.

Navigate the store just like a customer would: select an item, add it to the cart, review the pricing, options, and shipping rates, and complete the order using the active payment method configured for testing.

Next, log in to your admin dashboard and ensure the order details appear exactly as needed by the fulfilment team.

Did the correct size register? Are the quantities and prices accurate? Is the payment status clear? And can the order be prepared without having to contact the customer for missing information?

If online payments are not yet live, test as much of the checkout flow as possible; however, do not consider the store ready for paid orders until payment setup is complete and fully verified.

It is also helpful to have an impartial person test the store without your guidance. If they encounter difficulty selecting a product or checking out, there may be friction points you overlooked due to your familiarity with the setup.

Step 8: Launch your store and reach your first customers

You now have a functioning store, listed products, and a verified checkout journey. It is time to share your venture with the world.

You do not necessarily need a large-scale advertising campaign on launch day. Begin with the channels you already have: social media accounts, contacts who expressed early interest in your products, and relevant communities where posting is permitted.

When featuring a specific product in your content, share the direct link to that product rather than directing everyone to the homepage. Keep your messaging focused on the value of the item and why the customer needs it, rather than simply announcing that the store is open.

As initial traffic arrives, keep an eye on customer questions and incoming orders. Are shoppers searching for missing size details? Are they dropping off at checkout due to shipping rates? Do your product images need refinement? Use these insights to optimise your store before scaling up marketing spend.

Over time, you can work on improving your search engine visibility (SEO), experimenting with new marketing channels, and producing content that helps customers discover your catalogue organically.

Mistakes that can delay your store's first order

A frequent misstep is waiting for every aspect to be flawless before launching: dozens of SKUs, an expensive brand identity, bespoke web design, and an extensive marketing campaign. You may eventually require some of these elements, but none are prerequisites for testing your first batch of products.

Another common error is confusing a free store setup with a zero-cost business operation. Even without platform subscription fees, you still need to account for product manufacturing or sourcing, packaging, shipping, and any third-party services you use.

Focusing heavily on driving traffic before ensuring the checkout journey is ready is another frequent pitfall. Advertising can generate visits, but it cannot make up for incomplete product descriptions or friction in payment and delivery.

Start with a streamlined, well-defined store, then refine it based on real-world customer interactions.

Frequently asked questions about creating a free online store

Can I create a free online store without coding skills?

Yes. Turnkey e-commerce platforms provide intuitive tools to list products, customise your storefront, and manage orders without writing a single line of code. Available capabilities vary depending on the chosen platform and subscription plan.

Does creating a free online store mean running the business is cost-free?

No. While setting up the store itself can be free, operating the business may still entail expenses such as product stock, packaging, courier shipping, payment gateway fees, or marketing. These costs depend on your chosen business model.

Can I set up a free online store on Salla?

Yes, Salla offers the free Basic plan to help you get started, featuring specific parameters and limits compared to the paid plans. Review Salla’s plans to select the option that best supports your product types and intended payment methods.

Do I need a commercial registration or trade licence to open an online store?

Requirements differ based on your country of operation, entity type, and the products being sold. In Saudi Arabia, ensure compliance with official procedures and governmental licensing, and distinguish between opening an account on an e-commerce platform and fulfilling all legal trading requirements.

Do I need significant capital to get started?

You do not need substantial capital simply to launch the website, but the overall budget depends on what you sell, your sourcing methods, and your operational setup. You can mitigate risk by launching with a small inventory and testing market demand before committing to larger stock orders and marketing spend.

How do I secure the first order from my store?

Start with clear product presentations, ensure a seamless checkout process, and share direct product links with relevant audiences through your existing channels. Monitor inquiries and checkout drop-offs, and refine the shopping experience before increasing spend on customer acquisition.

Your venture does not require a massive launch, just a scalable one

You can start with a single product or a curated collection, but taking this step delivers something far more valuable than a mere web presence: an opportunity to validate your idea, understand your audience, and discover what your business requires to scale.

Do not delay until every detail is immaculate. Decide what you want to sell, prepare your initial products, launch your store, and learn from every visit, inquiry, and order.

Start building your online store for free on Salla, and scale your operations as your business grows.

Create your free store on Salla

If you are still shaping your concept, refer to the Getting Started Guide: From Idea to First Order to define your next milestone before opening your store.