Workshop Outline:

Welcome & Introduction (10 mins)
Quick overview of the workshop objectives
Icebreaker: “Who’s selling online already, and where?”

What is eCommerce? (15 mins)

• Definition of eCommerce
• Why it matters for creative businesses
• Differences between marketplace selling (e.g., Etsy) vs. owning your own site
• Real-life examples: Showcase local creative eCommerce websites (good and bad)

CMS Overview: Shopify, WordPress, Squarespace (15 mins)

• What is a CMS?
• Pros/cons of each platform: Shopify, WordPress + WooCommerce, Squarespace.
• Which CMS is best depending on business size, budget, and tech skills

Payment Gateways Explained (10 mins)

• What is a payment gateway?
• Stripe vs. PayPal vs. others
• Fees: per-transaction vs. monthly
• Local considerations (.ie bank compatibility, fees)

Choosing a Domain Name (10 mins)

• How to pick a domain: short, brandable, memorable
• .com vs .ie — what’s better for you?
• Tools for checking availability
• Where to register

Self-Build vs. Hiring a Developer (15 mins)

• When to switch from DIY to pro help

Website Design & User Flow (15 mins)

• Why good design matters: trust, brand, professionalism
• What is a user flow?
• Map your customer’s journey from homepage to purchase
• Simple exercise: Draw your ideal user flow

Stock, Orders, and Product Management (15 mins)

• How product listings, inventory, and orders are handled
• Tips for batch uploading and updating easily
• How to avoid common mistakes (e.g., overselling)