How to Create a Store in Telegram: Step-by-Step Guide with Ready Solution
📋 Table of Contents
- 1. What is a Telegram Store?
- • Key Features
- • What Are the Savings?
- 2. Types of Telegram Stores
- • Managing a Telegram Channel
- • Chatbot + MiniApp
- 3. Checklist for Creating a Store in Telegram
- • Preparation
- • Store Creation
- • Examples of Telegram Stores and Real Cases
- • Common Mistakes
- 4. Conclusions
The Telegram market in Ukraine is rapidly developing and has grown significantly in recent years. This means that the goods and services market is interested in testing and attracting additional traffic from the messenger. One of the development strategy options is implementing a store in Telegram as an opportunity to "activate" an additional sales channel.
In this guide, we'll examine the possibility of using a ready-made solution to test the novelty as quickly as possible and without special knowledge.
What is a Telegram Store?
A store in Telegram is a special application created on the basis of the Telegram messenger, which allows the buyer to familiarize themselves with products, place orders and even pay directly in the application. Unlike traditional online stores, it is in the Telegram messenger that everyday user communication takes place, making the buying process as natural and convenient as possible.
Key Features
Quick Step to Purchase in 3 Steps
Transition to catalog or directly to product card (by link) -> order placement -> payment / application submission.
AI Implementation
Besides the fact that globally the bot takes away routine, the integration of artificial intelligence as an online consultant makes it even more valuable. Customers can ask questions about products, receive recommendations and individual offers. This significantly increases trust and loyalty.
Integration
Synchronization of order statuses, stock updates with a single CRM system where the store operates, etc.
Telegram Channel & Group + Bot-Store
Besides store development, the messenger also offers creating Telegram channels and filling them, attracting audiences for interaction with potential buyers. Telegram channel development provides an opportunity to place direct links to products from the store in Telegram, which lead directly to the store. With channel and bot interaction, the sales funnel improves. Channels and groups create a sense of community belonging. Customers share experiences, recommend products to friends.
What Are the Savings?
Low Launch Costs
When we consider a ready-made solution focused on E-Commerce, it provides an opportunity to start sales with basic functionality within 1 week. For example, Teleshop offers a free plan specifically for testing.
No Developers Needed
Creating your own online store can cost from $1,000. Launching a tg shop is significantly cheaper or completely free when using basic functions.
No Additional Costs
There's no need to pay for hosting, domains, SSL certificates and other technical services. Services with ready-made solutions cover all necessary infrastructure.
Types of Telegram Stores
Managing a Telegram Channel
The simplest model of a store in Telegram is a thematic channel with regular posts about products.
Advantages:
- Quick launch
- Easy management
Disadvantages:
- Limitations on auto-funnel implementation
- Time wasted on content plan
We believe that a brand's own Telegram channel can serve as a complement to auto-funnel implementation, but not the main way to sell goods or services.
Chatbot + MiniApp
A Telegram store in bot format together with Mini-App application provides more structured e-commerce functionality and automated shopping experience. Let's consider, for example, the ready-made solution from Teleshop.
Functionality:
- Full-fledged online store interface
- Filters and product search
- Detailed product cards with reviews
- Product comparison and wish lists
- Integration with existing e-commerce platforms
- AI consultant
Advantages:
- Retain all Telegram advantages (speed, convenience)
- Offer familiar online store UX
- Professional appearance
Features for store owner:
- Product catalog import
- Own mini-CRM
- Additional modules
- Ready AI consultant
Checklist for Creating a Store in Telegram
Preparation
First, you need to create a bot:
- Go to Telegram and navigate to @BotFather
- Choose a bot name and enter a unique username for your future store
- After successful creation, you'll receive a unique bot token
Store Creation
Choose a service with a ready-made solution, in this case it's Teleshop:
- Go to Teleshop Bot
- Register on the platform through a special bot
- Enter necessary information and finally paste the unique bot token. The token is pasted so that the store interface is assigned to the bot.
- Get access to the control panel
More information can be found in the knowledge base, or after contacting the bot.
Examples of Telegram Stores and Real Cases
Examples of demo store versions:
- Cosmetics — https://t.me/TeleShop_Cosmetics_Bot
- Sports nutrition — https://t.me/TeleShop_badu_bot
- Clothing — https://t.me/TeleShop_Clothes_Bot
You can familiarize yourself with real cases in our analytical material.
Common Mistakes
Using the Same Bot Token for Different Tasks
Cases occur when a store looks for a solution and uses the same bot token on different services. In this case, no one guarantees that the bot will work correctly.
Incorrect XML File Structure
In Ukraine, a popular standard for XML file markup is PROM. But there are cases when a file has an incorrect structure, accordingly its import into any system will be problematic.
Insufficient or Lack of Promotion
A created store needs the same promotion as other sales channels (landing page, full-fledged website, etc.). Audience engagement to the bot can happen in various ways, but the most motivating step is to give bonuses or discounts on products specifically in the bot. This will allow placing first orders and have a great chance for repeat purchases specifically in Telegram.
Conclusions
We were glad to share information with you and show all the advantages of a store in Telegram. Low entry cost, implemented E-commerce functionality provides an opportunity to implement an auto-funnel, making a Telegram store attractive for businesses of any scale.