free E-Commerce

How to Build a Business with Dropshipping for Almost Free

February 2025

Starting an e-commerce business with dropshipping is one of the most cost-effective ways to enter the online retail space. The only necessary expenses are the domain name and web hosting, while the rest can be done using free tools and resources. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to build your dropshipping store on WordPress without breaking the bank.

Step 1: Purchase a Domain Name and Hosting

The only unavoidable cost when starting your e-commerce store is buying a domain name and hosting. Here’s what you need:

Domain Name: You can purchase a domain from providers like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Google Domains for as low as $10 per year.
Web Hosting: Choose an affordable web hosting service like Bluehost, SiteGround, or Hostinger. Some providers offer discounts and even free domain registration for the first year.

Step 2: Install WordPress

WordPress is a free, open-source platform that makes building an e-commerce store simple and customizable. Most hosting providers offer a one-click installation process for WordPress. If you need guidance, there are plenty of step-by-step tutorials available on YouTube.

Step 3: Install Astra Theme and Elementor

To make designing your website easier:

Download and install the Astra theme, which is lightweight and highly customizable.
Install Elementor, a free page builder that allows you to design your website visually without coding.

These tools make it simple to create a professional-looking store without hiring a developer.

Step 4: Set Up Your Store’s Design and Information

Once you have Elementor installed, start customizing your store by:

Adding a homepage, product pages, and contact pages.
Choosing a color scheme and fonts that match your brand.
Writing clear product descriptions and setting up policies (shipping, returns, and FAQs).

Step 5: Install Dropshipping Plugins

To automate the process of adding and managing products, install one of the following free dropshipping plugins:

CJ Dropshipping – A great alternative to AliExpress with fast shipping options.
AliExpress Dropshipping (via DSers or AliDropship) – Connects your store to AliExpress suppliers.
DropshipMe – Provides curated AliExpress products with high ratings and good suppliers.
Modalyst – Offers a mix of US, EU, and AliExpress dropshipping products.
Printful – Perfect for print-on-demand products.

These plugins help you import products, manage inventory, and fulfill orders with minimal effort. There are so many more.

Step 6: Add Payment Gateways

To accept payments from customers, integrate payment options like:

PayPal
Stripe
WooCommerce Payments (if available in your region)

Most of these services are free to set up and charge a small fee per transaction. Also to receive my payment I use Wise, a free online bank with multiple currencies.

Step 7: Launch and Market Your Store

Once your store is set up, start marketing it with free strategies:

Utilize social media (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) to promote your products.
Create SEO-optimized blog posts to attract organic traffic.
Leverage email marketing with free tools like MailChimp or Brevo (formerly Sendinblue).

Conclusion

Building a dropshipping store for almost free is entirely possible with the right tools and approach. By investing only in a domain name and hosting, you can launch a fully functional e-commerce business using WordPress, free themes, and dropshipping plugins. Follow these steps, stay consistent with your marketing efforts, and watch your store grow!