Build a Free Website with Big Cartel

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Need for a Free Website Building Platform
3. Introducing Big Cartel
   • Features of Big Cartel
4. Signing up for Big Cartel
   • Creating an Account
   • Selecting a Plan
5. Setting up Your Store
   • Adding Products
   • Creating Shipping Profiles
   • Connecting a Payment Processor
6. Designing Your Shop
   • Selecting a Theme
   • Customizing Your Website
   • Creating Pages
7. Publishing Your Website
8. Conclusion

How to Create a Website Online for Free using Big Cartel

Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur looking to build a website without breaking the bank? In today's video, we're going to explore how you can create a website online for free, without the need for any design experience or pricey platforms like Shopify. We'll introduce you to Big Cartel, a completely free and user-friendly website building platform that rivals the professional features of Shopify and Wix. Whether you're into drop shipping, selling handmade products, or anything else, Big Cartel has got you covered. So, if you're ready to save some money and take control of your online presence, keep reading.

Introduction

Owning a website is essential in today's digital age, especially for businesses that want to reach a wider audience and increase their sales. However, many small business owners and entrepreneurs find themselves hesitant to invest in website building platforms like Shopify, which can be expensive, especially for those just starting out. But fear not, because there is a cost-effective solution available that provides all the necessary tools to create a professional and functional website for free – Big Cartel.

The Need for a Free Website Building Platform

Shopify is undeniably one of the most popular website building platforms available, but its monthly fee of $30 can be too steep for many entrepreneurs on a tight budget. Starting a business with no money and having to allocate a substantial portion of it to website fees can be discouraging. This is where Big Cartel comes in. It offers all the features you need to build a successful website and make sales, and the best part is that it won't cost you a dime.

Introducing Big Cartel

Big Cartel is a user-friendly website building platform that rivals the professional features of Shopify and Wix, while remaining completely free to use. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced seller, Big Cartel provides a simple and efficient solution for creating and managing your online store. With Big Cartel, you don't need any coding skills or website design experience – anyone can use it to build a professional website and start selling their products online.

Features of Big Cartel

Despite being free, Big Cartel doesn't compromise on features. Here are some of the key features it offers:

• Free customizable themes: Choose from a wide range of professionally designed themes to make your website visually appealing.
• Sell online and in person: Big Cartel allows you to sell your products both online and in person, giving you the flexibility to reach customers through different channels.
• Real-time statistics: Stay updated on your store's performance with real-time statistics and analytics.
• Use a custom domain: Big Cartel provides you with a free domain, or you can connect your own custom domain for a more personalized touch.
• Offer discounts and run promotions: Easily create and manage discounts and promotions to attract customers and boost sales.
• Shipment tracking: Keep your customers informed about the status of their orders with shipment tracking integration.
• Product option groups and sales tax autopilot: Customize your product options and let Big Cartel handle your sales tax calculations automatically.

With all these features and more, Big Cartel proves that a free website building platform can be just as professional and capable as its paid counterparts.

Signing up for Big Cartel

Now that you know the benefits and features of Big Cartel, it's time to get started. Follow these steps to sign up for Big Cartel and set up your free online store.

Creating an Account

To begin, navigate to the Big Cartel website (bigcartel.com) and click on the "Open Your Store" button on the homepage. From there, you'll see the different plans available, including the free plan. Even if you plan to have more than five products, Big Cartel offers other affordable monthly plans that are still cheaper than Shopify.

Selecting a Plan

Choose the plan that suits your needs. If you're just starting out, the free plan is a great option as it allows up to five products. As your business grows, you can always upgrade to a different plan or move to another website domain platform. After selecting the plan, proceed to sign up for the free trial.

Setting up Your Store

Now that you have signed up for Big Cartel, it's time to set up your store and start adding products.

Adding Products

Click on the "Add a Product" option to begin adding your products to your online store. Fill in the necessary details such as the product name, description, price, options (if applicable), and shipping information. Big Cartel allows you to customize your product options, making it easier for customers to choose between different variants or variations.

Creating Shipping Profiles

To ensure smooth order fulfillment, you'll need to set up shipping profiles. This allows you to define different shipping options and prices based on countries or regions. Big Cartel offers standard shipping profiles, express shipping profiles, and even customer pickup options if you have a physical storefront.

Connecting a Payment Processor

To accept payments from your customers, you'll need to connect a payment processor. Big Cartel supports both Stripe and PayPal, making it easy for you to receive payments seamlessly. Simply link your PayPal or Stripe account to your Big Cartel store, and all sales revenue will be automatically directed to your chosen payment processor.

Designing Your Shop

One of the most exciting parts of creating a website is designing its appearance. With Big Cartel, you can customize your website's theme, colors, fonts, and more to match your brand aesthetic.

Selecting a Theme

Big Cartel offers a variety of free themes to choose from, allowing you to find the perfect design that suits your brand. Select a theme that is simple, sleek, and visually appealing. Remember, simplicity not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also makes it easier for your customers to navigate your website.

Customizing Your Website

Once you have chosen a theme, you can further customize your website by changing the background image, header text, font styles, and colors. Make sure to incorporate your brand's colors and fonts to maintain a cohesive and professional look throughout your website. You can also add an announcement bar at the top of your website to immediately capture your visitors' attention.

Creating Pages

Adding relevant pages to your website is crucial for providing necessary information to your customers and building trust. Big Cartel allows you to create custom pages such as an About Us page, Shipping and Delivery page, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page, and more. Provide engaging and informative content on these pages to keep your customers informed and increase their confidence in your brand.

Publishing Your Website

Once you have finished designing and customizing your website, it's time to make it live. Big Cartel offers a convenient "Publish" feature that allows you to instantly launch your website and make it accessible to the public. Review your website's overall look and functionality, and when you're satisfied, click publish. Congratulations, your website is now live!

Conclusion

Building a website doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. With Big Cartel, you can create a professional and customized website for free, without sacrificing any essential features. From adding products to designing your shop, Big Cartel offers everything you need to showcase and sell your products online. So, why wait? Start building your website on Big Cartel today and take your business to new heights.