How to create a Joomla eCommerce website

Next, you’ll want to convert Joomla to a web store CMS. Use a Joomla extension to extend the system with eCommerce features and functionalities. The most popular extensions include:

• VirtueMart: VirtueMart has been running since 2005. The open source eCommerce solution offers over 500 features to start your international Joomla eCommerce shop. Additional VirtueMart plugins can be used to add yet more functions.
   
• J2Store: J2Store has already been downloaded over 350,000 times. The extension is available in a slim, free, basic version or in a paid pro edition (monthly subscription) with additional features such as coupons, vouchers or invoice templates.
   
• HikaShop: HikaSHop is available in three different editions. The free Starter package is best suited for those setting up their first Joomla eCommerce shop. To operate a shop long-term, however, you need one of the paid (one-off payment) versions 'Essential' (small shops) or 'Business' (large shops).

For the purposes of this tutorial, we will use the VirtueMart extension. Regardless of your selection, installation of the shop extension works as follows:

1. Launch the Joomla backend.
2. On the left click on 'System'.
3. From 'Install' select 'Extensions'.
4. Specify the location of the Joomla web shop plugin package files, if you’ve already downloaded them.
5. Alternatively, you can navigate to the 'Install from Web' tab and search for the desired extension.
6. Click the appropriate search result and press 'Install'.

By default, VirtueMart is installed in English. However, there are numerous language packs for the extension, which can be used to change the menu language in the Joomla backend at any time.

To organize your products optimally, set up the store by creating suitable product categories. It’s a good idea to consider which categories are best suited for your project. Once you’ve worked out a concept for classifying your products, proceed as follows:

1. Click “Components” on the left in the Joomla backend.
2. You should be able to see the VirtueMart menu after installing the extension. Open it and select “Product category”.
3. Click “New” to create a new category.

Now, adjust the settings for each category. Enter important information such as the category name and a search engine-friendly alias and metadata in the first tab. You can then add a description to your category.

In the 'VirtueMart Category View Settings' tab, you can now configure the category structurally and visually. For example, you can specify whether the search function and subcategories are viewable and which templates and layouts should apply to the respective pages.

Finally, add one or more images to the product category in the 'Images' tab. If you haven’t uploaded any images yet, you can do so at this point. Scroll down and select the desired photo via 'Upload file'. To upload, hit 'Save' in the top menu bar. The image is automatically selected and you can define all important image information such as the file name, alt text or description:

Once you’ve created categories for your Joomla eCommerce shop, you can fill them by adding products. To add a new product, follow these steps:

1. Call 'Components' from the left-side menu.
2. Click on 'VirtueMart'.
3. Select 'Products'.
4. Click 'New'.

Setting options for individual products are extensive. Enter all relevant product information in the first tab — product name, manufacturer and ISBN, for example. You can also set the price. Assign a category you created in 'Categories' and check 'Published' for the product to be displayed.

Other options for product maintenance are as follows:

• 'Product description': Add a short and detailed description and meta information for the respective product.
   
• 'Product status': Define information as to the status of a product. How many items do you have in stock? How many items can individual users purchase? Additionally, you can prepare and send emails to buyers.
   
• 'Product dimensions and weight': Add information on length, width, height and weight (with and without packaging).
   
• 'Product image': As with categories, you can upload product images.
   
• 'Custom field': If you want to tease products or categories, you can set it up in this tab. If necessary, you can also define your own fields.

Once you’ve saved the finished product entry, it’ll be listed in the overview.

After you’ve created and linked category pages and products, it’s time to display them on your Joomla site. The VirtueMart store can be integrated as a single page in any menu since all shop-internal pages are linked to each other. For example, you can integrate the store into the main menu as follows:

1. Call up 'Menus' from the left side.
2. Select 'Main Menu'.
3. Click 'New'.
4. Enter a title such as 'Shop'.
5. 'Select' the category layout in 'Menu Item Type'.
6. Click 'VirtueMart' and 'Category Layout'.
7. Hit 'Save'.

You should carefully consider the payment and shipping options you’d like to offer in your Joomla web store. In principle, the more options you offer, the better. VirtueMart supports various payment options such as PayPal, Amazon Pay and 2Checkout.

The shipping or payment options you add are up to you to decide, but you must create individual entries for each option. Proceed as follows:

1. Select the category “Components” on the left.
2. Launch the “VirtueMart” menu.
3. Click “Shipping Method” or “Payment Method”.
4. Add a new entry with “New”.