How to Create an Online Store for Free in Telegram — Bot, Mini-App and Web Version

Testing and expanding channels for online sales is an important process for sellers. Creating an online store for free is possible both in website builders such as Wix, and directly in the Telegram messenger (through special platforms). Below is a practical comparison of approaches.

Who Is It For

Telegram as a Sales Channel

Yes, it's really possible to create an online store in a messenger and make sales. In addition to a bot, you can also have a web version with a full catalog. Ideal for impulse sales; when the target audience is active in messengers and a quick communication channel is needed.

Website

A website (builder/CMS) — for branding, SEO, scaling and complex catalogs, when ownership of content is important.

Teleshop - Free Store Creation

Teleshop has free plans without time limits to test the platform. Whether selling through a bot or through the built-in web version, it includes: basic catalog, cart, order placement, payment links or integrations with payment providers. The advantage is a quick start: from 20 minutes to 1 day on ready-made solutions.

How the Web Version of the Online Store Works

What the web version of the store looks like:

Purchase completion happens in the bot at checkout. This way you retain the user for future work with them - repeat purchases, promotional mailings, notifications, etc.

Ready Advantages

• Mini-App — looks like a full-fledged app in Telegram
• Built-in web version that syncs with Mini-App in Telegram
• Built-in AI consultant for consultations
• Catalog import
• API access for advanced automation, etc.

Comparison: Telegram vs Website — Key Criteria

Launch Time

• Telegram: from 20 minutes to 1 day on a ready-made platform.
• Website: from 1 to 7 days (simple landing) for a simple catalog.

Startup Cost

• Both can be started for free. A website will more often require investments later (domain, plugins, SEO).

UX and Conversion

• Telegram: fast conversion, high message open-rate, convenience for mobile impulse purchases.
• Website: better tool for content, SEO, large-scale catalogs.

Control and Ownership

• Website gives more control over data and brand.
• Telegram store — platform and messenger dependency, but speed and simplicity outweigh this at the testing stage.

Scalability and Integrations

• Website/CMS (WooCommerce) is more flexible for complex integrations.
• Telegram easily integrates with CRM/API, n8n modules — effective for automation and sales funnels.

Practical Cases

Product Sales

Situation before bot & web version in Telegram - orders were processed through Instagram, which took 8-10 minutes, and there was no loyalty program.

Results After Telegram Funnel Implementation

• 25% of bot users made repeat purchases — this was achieved thanks to the accumulative bonus system: in fact, every fourth customer regularly returns and buys through the bot.
• In the first 3 months, sales grew by 60.28%.
• Up to 82% of customers paid for orders directly in the bot thanks to integration with Way4Pay provider.

Note: the presented case illustrates the effect of sales automation — actual indicators depend on the niche, initial business state, integration settings, etc.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create a Web Store in Telegram for Free

1. Go to https://t.me/teleshop_pro_bot and register
2. Connect the bot by inserting its token. A Mini-App and web version of the store will be created for you
3. Import the catalog (XML/CSV) or add products manually
4. Set up payment and delivery
5. Make a test purchase
6. Launch and track the result

FAQ

Is it really possible to create an online store completely for free?

Yes, but with limitations: subdomain, product limits, payment service commissions.

Is business registration required to start?

Officially, to accept payments through Telegram - registration is required. Other payment methods (card payment, prepayment, etc.) do not require this, but this does not exempt you from possible legal risks.

Can customers be transferred from Telegram to the website?

Yes, make a mailing to the bot's base and send links to the website. Stimulate the transition with promo/bonuses.

Summary

Creating an online store for free is real. A Telegram store provides a quick start and high conversions for a mobile audience; a website is a more stable asset for branding and SEO.