Until a few years ago, building an online store required developers, complicated tools, and large budgets. Today, that has completely changed. In 2026, any small shop can build a professional online store without a single line of code.
Whether you run a kirana store, chicken shop, dairy parlour, tiffin service, astrologer practice, fruits and vegetables stall, pharmacy, salon, or boutique, going online is now easier than ever.
And the best part?
You do not need developers, designers, or expensive software. You can launch your online store in seconds using chotu.
This guide explains the fastest and simplest way to build your own online store, the benefits of having one, and why no code e-commerce is becoming the heart of local business growth in India.
Why Local Shops Need an Online Store in 2026
Customer behaviour has transformed rapidly. People now:
- Search online before buying
- Prefer WhatsApp ordering
- Check catalogs before messaging
- Expect fast responses
- Repeat order from shops they trust
- Choose shops that are visible online
An online store helps you meet all these expectations effortlessly.
Why Coding Is No Longer Required to Build a Store
In the past, online stores required:
- Website building
- Custom coding
- Hosting setups
- Design work
- Complex integrations
This created a barrier for small businesses.
But no code platforms like chotu changed everything. They automate the entire setup so merchants only need to add basic details. The system handles the rest.
This gives every local shop the power of e-commerce without technical knowledge.
Benefits of Building Your Own Online Store
1. You control your digital identity
Your store represents your brand, not a marketplace.
2. You keep all your profit
No commissions, no loss of earnings.
3. Customers find you easily
A sharable store link improves discoverability instantly.
4. WhatsApp makes ordering simple
Your store becomes a direct ordering channel customers love.
5. Repeat orders grow naturally
Customers save your link and order again without effort.
6. Your shop looks modern and trustworthy
A clean digital presence builds confidence.
How to Build Your Online Store Without Coding Using chotu
Here is the simplest step by step process for every merchant.
Step 1: Create Your Local Shop’s Online Store on chotu for FREE
Visit owner.chotu.com/sell-online
In a few simple steps, you will have your digital profile ready:
- Add your store name and mobile number
- Use pre-built menu or add your products or services with short descriptions
Your online store goes live instantly.
Step 2: Share Your Store Link with Customers
Share your link through:
- WhatsApp status
- Personal chats
- Apartment groups
- RWA groups
- Office communities
- Social media
- QR codes at your shop counter
This immediately increases your visibility and orders.
Step 3: Manage Orders Easily
With your chotu store active, you can:
- Track all incoming orders
- Respond faster
- Update availability anytime
- Build long term relationships
- Increase repeat sales
- Stay organized even during busy hours
No coding. No complexity. No developers.
What Your Store Can Include
Depending on your business, your store can display:
- Grocery and kirana items
- Chicken, meat, fish categories
- Bakery items
- Fruits and vegetables
- Tiffin plans
- Dairy products
- Astrologer consultations
- Salon or beauty services
- Home services
- Pharmacy essentials
Everything looks structured, clean, and professional.
Why No Code Online Stores Are Growing in India
Several trends are making no code stores the future of local commerce:
- Mobile first shopping
- Hyperlocal searches
- WhatsApp ordering culture
- Trust in local shops
- Need for fast setup
- Demand for digital catalogs
- Preference for commission free models
A no code solution like chotu fits perfectly into this ecosystem.
How Local Shops Are Using chotu to Grow
Examples include:
- A kirana shop doubling daily orders through WhatsApp status
- A chicken center getting clear structured orders every day
- A tiffin service organizing weekly menus
- A fruit seller sharing the catalog each morning
- A salon showcasing services that help customers choose faster
- An astrologer handling more consultations because of digital discovery
The pattern is the same. When a local shop builds its own online store, customers engage more and order more.
Final Action Plan
To build your online store without coding:
- Create your chotu online store
- Share your link actively
- Respond quickly to customers
- Keep your catalog updated
- Build long term relationships through WhatsApp
This simple system gives local businesses the same power that big brands enjoy.
Final Word
Coding used to be a barrier. Not anymore.
In 2026, every local shop can become a modern digital business in a few seconds with chotu.
Your customers are already online.
Your store should be too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is chotu?
What does chotu do?
Is chotu like Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto or Blinkit?
Is chotu same as WhatsApp Business Catalog?
Do customers order with me directly or with chotu?
Do customers need to download chotu?
- Scanning your QR code
- Clicking your shop link
So, there are two apps?
How will my shop look?
Do I need a laptop, Excel, or English?
How much does chotu cost?
How do I get paid?
Will chotu deliver orders?
- Ask customer to pick up
- Send through your boy/helper
- Use Rapido, Dunzo, etc.
Can customers pay cash?
How will I know if I got an order?
Can customers order at night?
My customers have cousins in the USA, can they also order?
How do I promote my shop?
- Share shop link on WhatsApp Status, Groups, Instagram, YouTube, etc.
- Print QR on your shopboard, visiting cards, no-parking boards.
Will I get new customers?
What is VIP Pass?
- Higher ranking in customer searches
- Ability to edit your shop details
- Priority customer support