PrestaShop Online Store Launch Checklist: From Installation to First Sales
After installing PrestaShop and our flagship theme, it’s important to properly prepare your store for launch. The default demo content helps you visually understand the storefront, UX interfaces, and the full purchase flow — but real sales require proper setup.
It’s essential to understand that PrestaShop is not a site builder. It’s a full-featured CMS designed specifically for online stores, offering everything from product management to payment and delivery.
🔧 Core Areas to Launch Your Store
To simplify the process, launching an online store can be broken down into three key components:
Content — categories, products, attributes, banners, sliders, and all visuals related to your catalog.
Shipping — how the product reaches your customer.
Payments — how you accept money from your customers.
Together, these components make up the entire sales cycle. Let’s explore what you need to set up to get your online store ready for real sales.
✅ Full Launch Checklist for Your Online Store
1. Add Your Product Assortment: Categories, Attributes, Products
Your store revolves around products. Make sure to carefully add:
- a logical category structure;
- product attributes (color, size, etc.);
- high-quality photos and detailed descriptions;
- accurate prices and stock levels.
Tip: The more complete and attractive your product listings are, the higher your conversion rate. Poorly filled product pages simply won’t sell.
2. Add Banners and Sliders
Banners and sliders on the homepage help create atmosphere and direct attention. They can:
- highlight discounts or featured products;
- drive users to specific categories;
- improve the visual identity of your store.
Make sure they are consistent with your brand and product assortment.
3. Configure Shipping
You can start with two main approaches:
- Basic setup: define a flat shipping rate, offer “Pickup in store” or “Courier delivery”.
- Integrated shipping: install modules for services like CDEK, Boxberry, Russian Post, Yandex Delivery, Delovye Linii, etc.
To simplify the launch, many merchants start with a flat rate (e.g., 300 ₽) instead of dynamic calculation based on product dimensions. You can always upgrade later.
4. Connect a Payment Provider (Acquiring)
Accepting payments is essential.
We’ve published a detailed guide on popular payment modules, covering YooKassa, Robokassa, Tinkoff, and more. Most services offer free modules for PrestaShop.
Steps:
- sign a contract with a provider;
- install the official module;
- enter your API credentials.
5. Create Legal and Info Pages: Shipping, Payment, Privacy
You are required to include:
- delivery and return policy;
- payment terms;
- legal documents and privacy policy.
If you're operating in Russia, don’t forget to register as a personal data operator with Roskomnadzor.
6. Basic SEO Optimization
PrestaShop lets you manage:
- meta titles and descriptions;
- human-readable URLs;
- product and category content.
With the help of AI tools (like ChatGPT), you can perform basic SEO optimization yourself and start gaining free organic traffic without hiring an expert.
7. Set Up Analytics and Live Chat
To improve performance and conversions, add:
- Google Analytics or Yandex Metrica — track traffic, purchases, bounce rates;
- Live chat (e.g., Tawk.to, JivoSite) — answer customer questions in real time and increase trust.
Launching an online store isn’t just about installing PrestaShop and adding products. It’s a process of thoughtful preparation — content, delivery, and payment working together. With the help of our theme, this checklist, and your dedication, you'll be well on your way to running a successful online business.