Bubble.io is revolutionizing how entrepreneurs build online stores in 2025 – no coding skills required. This beginner’s guide will walk you step-by-step through creating a custom eCommerce store using Bubble.io’s visual editor, covering everything from layout design and database setup to payment integration and SEO.
Unlike restrictive template-based platforms, Bubble.io gives you full control over how your store looks, functions, and scales.
You can build dynamic product pages, manage inventory with custom logic, and create seamless checkout experiences tailored to your business model.
This guide is perfect for first-time builders aiming to launch a store that stands out. You’ll learn how to implement key features like user accounts, secure payments, and mobile-friendly design.
As you follow along, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to build, publish, and grow your store using Bubble.io, all without writing a single line of code.
Table of Contents
- What is Bubble.io?
- Why choose Bubble.io?
- Key Features of Bubble.io
- Follow these 12 Steps to Create an Online Store on Bubble.io
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. What is Bubble.io?
Launched in 2012, Bubble.io is a powerful no-code platform that lets users build fully functional web apps and eCommerce stores without writing a single line of code.
Designed for entrepreneurs, startups, and creators, Bubble offers a drag-and-drop editor, dynamic databases, and complete design freedom to bring custom ideas to life.
It stands out from traditional website builders by allowing users to build complex logic, interactive workflows, and real-time user experiences visually. In 2025, Bubble.io will be widely used to launch custom online stores, SaaS apps, marketplaces, and client portals due to its scalability, affordability, and developer-level flexibility.
If you need full control over your store’s layout, product structure, and checkout process, Bubble.io gives you the tools to build exactly what you envision, without needing a developer.
Pros:
✔ No-Code Flexibility: Build and launch custom online stores without writing code, using Bubble’s visual editor.
✔ Full Customization: Enjoy total control over design, user flows, and database architecture, far beyond template-based platforms.
✔ Powerful Workflows: Create advanced logic for checkout, user accounts, dynamic pricing, and order handling.
✔ Scalability: Bubble apps can grow alongside your business, handling thousands of users and complex operations.
✔ Built-in Responsiveness: The editor includes mobile customization tools to ensure a great experience across devices.
Cons:
❌ Learning Curve: Bubble requires time to understand workflows, data structure, and responsive design properly.
❌ Performance Tuning Needed: Apps can load more slowly if not optimized – efficient design and database use are critical.
❌ No Native eCommerce Tools: Unlike Shopify or Wix, Bubble doesn’t come with built-in product/catalog systems – you’ll need to build them.
❌ Third-Party Reliance for Payments: Integration with Stripe or PayPal is possible but must be manually configured.
❌ Limited SEO Tools by Default: SEO setup is manual, so you’ll need to understand metadata, alt text, and dynamic URLs for good visibility.
2. Why choose Bubble.io?
Bubble.io is a top choice for building custom eCommerce stores in 2025, especially for users seeking creative control without writing code. It allows you to visually design and manage every part of your store, including product pages, checkout flows, and user dashboards.
Many platforms limit design flexibility, but Bubble offers complete freedom over functionality, style, and site structure. You can fully customize your layout to reflect your brand, from homepage visuals to order confirmation screens.
You’ll also benefit from real-time database management, workflow automation, and secure payment integration. For businesses focused on growth and adaptability, Bubble provides the flexibility and scalability needed to launch and maintain a high-performing store efficiently.
3. Key Features of Bubble.io
Bubble.io offers a powerful combination of design freedom, database logic, and workflow automation, making it an ideal platform for building custom online stores in 2025. It removes coding barriers while still giving you full control over every element of your site.
Below are some of the standout features that make Bubble.io a top no-code tool for eCommerce:
1. Visual Drag-and-Drop Builder
Create your store’s layout, design, and user interface visually using Bubble.io’s intuitive editor. You don’t need coding knowledge to build advanced, interactive pages.
2. Dynamic Database Management
Store and manage product information, user data, and order details with a flexible database that supports real-time updates and custom queries.
3. Workflow Automation
Set up automated workflows for tasks like order confirmation emails, inventory updates, and customer account management, all without writing code.
4. Full Design Customization
Modify every aspect of your store, from colors and fonts to animations and transitions, to ensure complete brand consistency.
5. Plugin and API Integration
Expand your store’s functionality by connecting to third-party services, payment gateways, and marketing tools using Bubble’s plugin marketplace or API connector.
6. Responsive Design Controls
Design mobile-friendly layouts with built-in responsive editing tools that adapt your site to different devices and screen sizes.
7. SEO Settings and Control
Optimize your store for search engines using custom meta tags, alt text, clean URLs, and structured data settings.
4. Follow these 12 Steps to Create an Online Store on Bubble.io
1. Creating Your Bubble.io Account and Dashboard Access
Step 1: Visit the Bubble.io Website
Go to Bubble.io using your preferred web browser on desktop or mobile.
Step 2: Click “Get Started” or “Sign Up.”
Locate the “Get Started” button on the homepage and click it to begin the registration process.
Step 3: Enter Your Email and Create a Password
Provide a valid email address, set a strong password, and optionally sign up using Google or GitHub.
Step 4: Confirm Your Email Address
Check your inbox for a confirmation email from Bubble. Click the link to verify your account and continue the setup.
Step 5: Fill in Your Profile Details
Add basic information like your full name, business type, and project goal to personalize your dashboard.
Step 6: Choose “New App” to Start Your Store
From the dashboard, click “New App” and name your project. Select an app type like storefront or marketplace if prompted.
Step 7: Access the Visual Editor Dashboard
After creating your app, you’ll be directed to the Bubble editor, where you can begin building your store using drag-and-drop tools, database tabs, and workflow settings.
2. Picking the Right Bubble Plan for Your Online Store
Step 1: Visit the Bubble Pricing Page
Go to Bubble Pricing to view the latest plan options available for your online store.
Step 2: Understand the Free Plan
Start with the Free Plan to explore the builder, database tools, and workflows. This plan is ideal for testing but includes Bubble branding and lacks a custom domain.
Step 3: Evaluate the Starter Plan
Upgrade to the Starter Plan if you’re launching your first live store. This removes branding, allows you to connect a custom domain, and improves site capacity and speed.
Step 4: Compare Growth and Team Plans
For higher performance and team collaboration, consider the Growth or Team Plan. These plans offer increased storage, faster load times, and support for larger traffic volumes.
Step 5: Match Features to Your Store Goals
Determine what your store needs in terms of performance, scalability, and integrations. Choose a plan that supports your product catalog size, expected traffic, and payment features.
Step 6: Subscribe and Connect Your Store
Once you’ve selected the right plan, click “Subscribe” to activate it. Your project will now support eCommerce essentials like fast performance and custom branding.
3. Understanding Bubble’s Visual Editor and Design Tools
Step 1: Open Your App in the Bubble Editor
After creating your app, click on your project from the Bubble dashboard to open the visual editor.
Step 2: Explore the Design Tab
Navigate to the Design tab on the left panel. This section allows you to drag and drop elements like text, images, buttons, icons, and containers onto the canvas.
Step 3: Customize Layouts with Containers
Use Groups, Repeating Groups, and Floating Groups to structure your store layout. These tools help organize product grids, navigation bars, and sidebars.
Step 4: Adjust Styling in the Property Editor
Click on any element to open its Property Editor, where you can modify font styles, colors, spacing, shadows, borders, and more. You can also apply conditional formatting for interactive behavior.
Step 5: Use the Responsive Tab for Mobile Layouts
Switch to the Responsive tab to adjust how your design behaves on tablets and mobile devices. Tweak margins, alignment, and scaling for a seamless mobile shopping experience.
Step 6: Add Navigation and Links
Create buttons, menus, and icons to link between pages using workflows or page navigation actions. This ensures a fluid shopping journey for users.
4. Building Your Homepage and Storefront Layout
Step 1: Create a New Page or Edit the Index Page
Start by opening the Bubble Editor and selecting the index page, or create a new one for your homepage under the Pages section.
Step 2: Structure the Layout Using Groups
Use Group and Container elements to divide your page into clear sections- like headers, banners, product highlights, and footers.
Step 3: Add a Hero Section at the Top
Drag in a Text element for your headline, a Button for your main CTA, and optionally a Background Image or Slideshow to showcase your brand or best products.
Step 4: Display Featured Products with Repeating Groups
Insert a Repeating Group to showcase your featured or best-selling products. Connect it to your product database and design individual cells for consistency.
Step 5: Build Trust Sections and Value Propositions
Add areas for customer testimonials, shipping guarantees, or unique selling points using Text and Icon elements.
Step 6: Create Your Navigation Menu
Place a navigation bar at the top using Group elements, then include Text or Button links to pages like Shop, About, Contact, and Cart.
Step 7: Design a Clean Footer with Key Links
At the bottom of the page, add a Footer with quick links, social icons, a newsletter signup, and your store’s contact information.
Step 8: Test Responsiveness Across Devices
Switch to the Responsive tab and fine-tune your layout for desktop, tablet, and mobile views. Adjust alignment, padding, and element scaling as needed.
5. Setting Up Product Pages and Dynamic Content
Step 1: Create a New Product Page
From your Bubble dashboard, click on Pages and add a new page- name it something like product-page.
Step 2: Set the Page Type to Product
Assign a Content Type to the page by setting it to your Product data type. This enables dynamic content to load based on each product’s unique data.
Step 3: Design the Layout with Dynamic Elements
Drag in Text, Image, and Group elements. Then connect each one to dynamic fields like Current Page Product’s Name, Price, Image, and Description.
Step 4: Add an Add-to-Cart Button
Insert a Button labeled “Add to Cart.” Create a workflow that adds the Current Page Product to the user’s shopping cart using custom states or a cart data type.
Step 5: Include Breadcrumbs and Related Items
Use a Text link or breadcrumb navigation to help users move back to category or homepage. Add a Repeating Group at the bottom for related products, filtered by category or tags.
Step 6: Link Repeating Groups to Product Pages
In your homepage or category pages, update product listings (Repeating Groups) so each item links to the product page using a “Go to page” action and sending the product as data.
Step 7: Test Dynamic Functionality
Click Preview and open multiple product pages to ensure each displays its unique dynamic content correctly. Check image loading, pricing, and descriptions.
6. Configuring a Database for Products, Users, and Orders
Step 1: Access the Data Tab
From your Bubble Editor, navigate to the Data tab. This is where you’ll create and manage all your app’s database structures.
Step 2: Create the Product Data Type
Click “+ New Type” and name it Product. Add essential fields such as:
- Name (text)
- Price (number)
- Image (image)
- Description (text)
- Category (text or linked to another type)
- Stock Quantity (number)
- SKU (text)
Step 3: Customize the User Data Type
Bubble includes a built-in User type. Enhance it by adding fields like:
- Cart (list of Products)
- Order History (list of Orders)
- Shipping Address (text)
- Phone Number (text)
Step 4: Set Up the Order Data Type
Create a new type called Order. Add these key fields:
- Products (list of Products)
- User (linked to User type)
- Order Total (number)
- Status (text – e.g., pending, paid, shipped)
- Shipping Address (text)
- Payment Method (text)
- Order Date (date)
Step 5: Establish Relationships Between Data Types
Use linked fields to create relationships. For example, User > Order History can store a list of their past purchases, and Order > Products holds the list of items in each order.
Step 6: Test with Sample Data
Under the App Data tab, add a few dummy products, test users, and sample orders to preview how data relationships behave across your workflows and product pages.
7. Integrating Secure Payment Gateways (Stripe, PayPal)
Step 1: Choose Your Payment Gateway Plugin
In your Bubble Editor, go to the Plugins tab. Search for and install either the Stripe plugin or PayPal Checkout plugin, depending on your store’s needs.
Step 2: Connect Your API Keys
After installing, open the plugin settings. Enter your Stripe Secret and Publishable keys or PayPal Client ID and Secret, which you’ll find in your payment gateway dashboard.
Step 3: Create a Payment Workflow
On your Checkout page, add a Button labeled “Pay Now.” Go to the Workflow tab and choose the Stripe/PayPal action, such as “Charge the current user.”
Step 4: Pass Order Details into the Transaction
Make sure your workflow sends the correct order total, product list, and user email into the payment request. This helps with tracking and confirmation.
Step 5: Handle Payment Confirmation
Set up an action to create a new Order in the database when payment succeeds. Include data such as:
- Products purchased
- The user who paid
- Amount charged
- Transaction ID
Step 6: Display Confirmation Message or Redirect
After a successful payment, redirect users to a thank-you page or display a success message confirming their secure transaction.
Step 7: Test in Sandbox Mode
Both Stripe and PayPal offer sandbox modes. Use these environments to test payments with fake cards or test credentials before going live.
8. Creating a Smooth Checkout and Order Flow
Step 1: Design the Checkout Page
Start by creating a new page called checkout. Add input fields for user details like name, email, shipping address, and phone number. Include a Repeating Group to show the items in the user’s cart.
Step 2: Display Order Summary
Use dynamic text elements to display product names, quantities, prices, and the order total. Link them to the Current User’s Cart data or a temporary state holding cart items.
Step 3: Enable Quantity Adjustments and Removal
Add plus/minus icons or dropdowns for quantity updates. Use workflows to update the cart’s quantity field. Also, include a remove button with a workflow that deletes the item from the cart.
Step 4: Add Secure Payment Integration
Place a “Pay Now” button and link it to your Stripe or PayPal plugin workflow. Make sure the payment request includes:
- Order Total
- User Email
- Cart Items
Step 5: Create the Order Record
After a successful transaction, trigger a workflow to:
- Create a new Order
- Store the products, user, total, shipping address, and transaction ID
- Clear the cart
Step 6: Redirect to Confirmation Page
Send the user to an Order Confirmation page with details like Order ID, Estimated Delivery, and a summary of what was purchased.
Step 7: Set Up Email Notifications (Optional)
Use plugins like SendGrid or Postmark to send order confirmation emails to customers and notify your team of new orders.
9. Connecting a Custom Domain to Your Bubble Store
Step 1: Upgrade to a Paid Plan
To use a custom domain on Bubble, you need to subscribe to a paid plan. Navigate to the Settings > Billing tab and select a plan that supports custom domains.
Step 2: Access the Domain Settings
Go to the Settings tab in your Bubble Editor. Under the Domain/Email section, you’ll find a field to enter your custom domain name (e.g., www.yourstore.com).
Step 3: Enter Your Custom Domain
Type your full domain name into the domain field. Bubble will provide two DNS CNAME or A record values that you need to configure in your domain registrar.
Step 4: Log in to Your Domain Registrar
Access your account where you purchased your domain (such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Google Domains). Go to the DNS Settings or DNS Management area.
Step 5: Update DNS Records
Replace any existing A records or CNAMEs with the ones Bubble provides. Typically, you’ll:
- Point the A Record to Bubble’s IP address
- Set the CNAME for www to Bubble’s DNS target
Step 6: Wait for Propagation
DNS updates can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate. However, many changes happen within a few hours. Use tools like DNS Checker to monitor the status.
Step 7: Enable SSL (Optional but Recommended)
Bubble offers free SSL certificates. In the same Domain tab, toggle “Enable SSL” to secure your site with HTTPS.
Step 8: Test Your Domain Connection
Once propagation is complete, visit your custom domain in a browser to ensure everything loads correctly and your store is live under your new address.
10. Optimizing for SEO, Mobile Devices, and Load Speed
1. SEO Optimization in Bubble
Step 1.1: Customize Page Titles and Meta Descriptions
Go to Page Settings > SEO / metatags and enter unique titles, descriptions, and keywords for each page.
Step 1.2: Set Up Clean URLs
Use readable URLs /product/t-shirt instead of default slugs to improve search engine visibility.
Step 1.3: Add Alt Text to Images
Describe images using alt attributes for better Google image indexing and accessibility.
Step 1.4: Enable Site Maps and Robots.txt
Bubble auto-generates these files. Submit the sitemap to Google Search Console for faster indexing.
2. Mobile Responsiveness
Step 2.1: Use Responsive Layout Settings
In the Responsive tab, adjust how your design scales on different screen sizes, like tablets and phones.
Step 2.2: Preview on Multiple Devices
Always test your site in Bubble’s responsive viewer and on real mobile devices for accuracy.
Step 2.3: Optimize Button Sizes and Text
Use large, tappable buttons and legible fonts to enhance the mobile user experience.
3. Speed Optimization
Step 3.1: Minimize Use of Heavy Plugins
Keep your plugin list lean- each extra plugin can slow down your app.
Step 3.2: Compress Images
Use tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim before uploading to reduce file size without sacrificing quality.
Step 3.3: Leverage Lazy Loading
Display media content only when it enters the viewport to reduce initial load time.
Step 3.4: Avoid Unnecessary Workflows
Clean up on-page workflows that run on page load- remove any that aren’t essential.
11. Using Plugins and Workflows to Enhance Store Features
Step 1: Access the Plugin Marketplace
From your Bubble editor, click on the “Plugins” tab in the left panel. Select “Add Plugins” to browse available tools.
Step 2: Install Key E-commerce Plugins
Search for essential plugins like Stripe, PayPal, SendGrid, or SEO Tools. Click “Install” on the ones you need for payments, emails, or marketing.
Step 3: Configure Plugin Settings
After installation, go to Settings > API Keys or Plugins and enter required credentials (e.g., Stripe keys, SendGrid API). This activates plugin functionality in your workflows.
Step 4: Build Core Workflows
Navigate to the Workflow tab and create key automations like:
- “Add to Cart” (on button click > update cart database)
- “Checkout” (initiate payment > store order > clear cart)
- “Send Order Confirmation” (trigger email via SendGrid)
Step 5: Set Up Dynamic Conditions
Use Bubble’s “Only When” condition to tailor workflows. For example:
- Only allow checkout when the cart is not empty
- Trigger email only if payment is successful
Step 6: Add User Engagement Features
Enhance functionality by creating workflows for:
- Abandoned cart emails (schedule after 30 minutes of inactivity)
- Welcome pop-ups or discount codes on the first visit
Step 7: Use Mobile-Friendly Adjustments
In the Responsive tab, combine workflows with screen width logic. Hide or modify elements when viewed on small screens for better mobile UX.
Step 8: Test All Workflows Thoroughly
Preview your site and simulate user actions. Ensure workflows run smoothly, from product selection to order confirmation and email delivery.
12. Testing, Publishing, and Launching Your Bubble.io Store
Step 1: Review Your Store Design in Preview Mode
Click the “Preview” button in the top-right of the Bubble editor to view your site live. Check your layout, colors, buttons, and responsive behavior across devices.
Step 2: Test Core Workflows Thoroughly
Simulate key actions like adding products to the cart, processing payments, and completing checkout. Ensure that all workflows trigger correctly and redirect as expected.
Step 3: Check User Account Functionality
Create test user accounts. Confirm that signups, logins, password resets, and email notifications are all functioning properly using real test data.
Step 4: Validate Payment Gateways
Use sandbox/test modes in Stripe or PayPal to simulate transactions. Confirm that orders are stored in your Bubble database and that confirmation messages/emails are sent correctly.
Step 5: Review Mobile Responsiveness
Open your store on different devices (mobile, tablet, desktop) to check for responsive layout issues. Adjust settings in the Responsive tab as needed.
Step 6: Set Your App to Live Mode
From the Bubble editor, click the dropdown next to Development and select “Live” to view the live version of your app. You’ll need to deploy your development version first.
Step 7: Deploy to Live Version
Go to the top-right corner and click “Deploy Development to Live”. Add a short description of your update and confirm deployment.
Step 8: Do a Final Live Test
Visit your live site, make a real test purchase if needed, and verify email delivery, order logs, and user flows. Double-check all SEO settings and page titles.
Step 9: Announce Your Launch
Use email, social media, or tools like Product Hunt to promote your new Bubble.io store. Add tracking tools like Google Analytics to monitor performance post-launch.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring Mobile Responsiveness
Damage: Many new users forget to test how their store looks and functions on mobile devices.
Fix: Use Bubble’s Responsive Editor to preview and adjust layouts for different screen sizes.
2. Skipping Workflow Testing
Damage: Unverified workflows can lead to broken checkout processes, incomplete orders, or missing emails.
Fix: Thoroughly test all user journeys, including signups, cart actions, payments, and order confirmations.
3. Misconfiguring Payment Gateways
Damage: Improper setup of Stripe or PayPal can block transactions or cause security risks.
Fix: Use test mode first, and only switch to live keys after confirming everything works smoothly.
4. Forgetting SEO Essentials
Damage: Bubble sites may miss out on visibility if you neglect meta tags, alt text, or page titles.
Fix: Set up SEO-friendly URLs, meta descriptions, and use plugins like “SEO Tools” to boost search visibility.
5. Not Securing a Custom Domain
Damage: Using a default Bubble URL appears unprofessional and reduces brand trust.
Fix: Connect your custom domain early and verify it’s working across all pages.
6. Overloading Plugins Without Optimization
Damage: Too many plugins can slow down your site or cause conflicts.
Fix: Only install essential Bubble plugins that directly enhance store functionality and user experience.
Conclusion
Building your Bubble.io store is a game-changing step toward launching a custom online business in 2025. From drag-and-drop design tools to powerful workflows, Bubble gives you the flexibility to create exactly what your brand needs.
Success comes from planning carefully and testing each step, from product setup to secure payment integrations. Each part of this journey ensures your store delivers a seamless experience across devices and platforms.
Make sure your store is fully responsive, fast-loading, and optimized for search engines. Use plugins wisely and keep refining your site using real user feedback and performance data.
This tutorial gives you everything you need to confidently launch and manage your Bubble.io eCommerce store. Now it’s time to go live and start growing your business.
“From idea to launch – get expert help setting up your store.
Schedule a free strategy call and simplify your next big move.“
FAQ
1. Is Bubble.io good for eCommerce in 2025?
Yes, Bubble.io is a great no-code option for building custom eCommerce stores in 2025. It supports payment integrations, product databases, and responsive design.
2. Do I need coding skills to use Bubble.io?
No coding is required. Bubble’s visual editor allows you to build workflows, pages, and databases without writing code- perfect for beginners.
3. Can I connect Stripe or PayPal to my Bubble store?
Absolutely. You can integrate Stripe, PayPal, and other payment gateways using built-in plugins or API workflows for secure checkout experiences.
4. Does Bubble offer mobile responsiveness out of the box?
Yes, but you’ll need to design for mobile using Responsive tab. This ensures your store looks great on smartphones and tablets.
5. Is SEO possible on a Bubble website?
Yes. Bubble supports custom meta titles, descriptions, SEO-friendly URLs, and alt text. For advanced optimization, use SEO plugins or manual configurations.
6. How much does it cost to launch a Bubble.io store?
Bubble offers several plans. You’ll need a paid plan to connect a custom domain and unlock performance features, starting around $29/month.
