Bluehost AI Store: Getting Started with AI Store

Bluehost AI Store is an AI-powered ecommerce solution that lets you create, launch, and manage an online store through simple conversations. Instead of manually configuring store settings, you can use natural language prompts to build and manage your online store.

This article will help you get started with Bluehost AI Store by completing the following steps:

• Step 1: Start Your AI Store Free Trial
• Step 2: Request an Online Store in Your First AI Prompt
• Step 3: Create or Sign In to Your Bluehost Account

For additional assistance, watch our video tutorial that walks you through each step.

What Does the AI Store Do?

AI Store simplifies the management of an online business by utilizing AI to perform essential tasks, such as:

• Creating and managing products
• Tracking and fulfilling orders
• Handling payments (currently through Stripe)
• Providing insights and performance data for the store
• Assisting with store updates using AI chat

Before You Start

Before you get started, make sure you have the following:

• A valid email address
• A Bluehost account (optional)
• A business idea or product you want to sell
• A Stripe account for payment processing (optional, can be connected later)

Complete the setup process below to access the AI Store's full feature set.

Step 1: Start Your AI Store Free Trial

Your journey begins with a free trial, allowing you to build, design, and preview your website.

Think of this as your planning and setup phase!

To get started:

1. Visit the Bluehost.com website.
2. Click the AI & Developers tab in the top menu, then select AI Store.

   

   You can also access this link directly: https://www.bluehost.com/ai-store.

3. On the AI Store page, you should see the prompt box.

   

Continue to the set up steps below. Do not skip Step 2.

Step 2: Request an Online Store in Your First AI Prompt

Your initial prompt determines whether AI Store features are enabled. To create an online store, clearly indicate that you plan to sell products online.

✅ What You Should Do

Ensure that your prompt includes:

• A clear intention to sell
• A brief mention of the products you offer

❌ What You Should Not Do

Avoid prompts that only describe your business without mentioning sales.

How to Fix It

If your original prompt did not include selling products:

• WooCommerce will not be installed.
• The Sell Online upgrade option will not be available.
• AI Store features cannot be accessed.

To fix this issue, start a new free trial with a different email address and make sure your initial prompt clearly states that you want to sell products online.

For examples of prompts and best practices, you can visit the Bluehost AI Store: How to Build an AI Storefront Website Using Effective Prompts article.

Continue Setup

1. Enter a description of your business or store in the prompt box.
2. If you need inspiration, scroll down to the pre-built prompts and click Use this prompt.

   
    

3. To customize a pre-built prompt, click Edit Prompt.

   
    

4. Make your changes, and select Use edited prompt.

   
    

5. Scroll back up and you'll see that your AI Store prompt box is filled out with your selected or edited prompt.

   

6. Click Get Started to continue.

Your AI-generated online store will begin building.

Step 3: Create or Sign In to Your Bluehost Account

After submitting your initial prompt:

1. You will be redirected to the editor, where you'll be asked to provide more details about your website or set up its branding. Use the text box as if you're having a conversation with the AI.

   

   You can also click the suggested prompts.

   

   Please don't close this tab, as this is where your website is being created.
2. During this process, create a Bluehost account.

   

   Alternatively, sign in to your existing account.

   
    

3. After signing in, the system will continue building your website. This process may take a few moments.

   
    

4. Once your website is ready, you can explore it and make additional customizations as needed.

   

Upgrading to the Sell Online Plan

After creating your website, you can upgrade from the free trial to the Sell Online plan to unlock the full AI Store experience and begin accepting orders and payments. 

For the step-by-step upgrade instructions, please visit the Bluehost AI Store: Upgrade to Sell Online Plan to Publish Website article.

After You Upgrade

Once you upgrade, you'll gain access to the AI Store Dashboard, where you can manage your online store.

AI Store Setup Checklist:

• Add store details
• Configure taxes
• Add products
• Connect Stripe
• Set up shipping

To learn more about how to set up your AI Store dashboard, see the Bluehost AI Store: Setting Up the AI Store Dashboard article.

Publishing Your Website

Go back to your AI Store builder, make further changes (if needed), then click Publish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

To get started with Bluehost AI Store, begin a free trial, request an online store in your first prompt, and sign in to or create a Bluehost account. After upgrading to the Sell Online plan, you can manage products, payments, and orders through the AI Store Dashboard.