Editing the cart page and checkout process in WooCommerce allows you to simplify the shopping experience in your online store, reducing abandonment and increasing sales. It is ideal for WordPress users looking to customize their site without complications, using tools such as Elementor or free plugins.
Imagine a customer enters your online store, adds products to their cart, and then gets frustrated by a complicated form when they reach the checkout page. This happens more often than you think and can cost you sales. Don’t worry, editing these pages in WooCommerce is easier than it looks.
Why customize the cart page and checkout process in WooCommerce
Customizing these pages improves the user experience, making the path to purchase more straightforward. A clear cart shows products, subtotals, and shipping options, reducing confusion.
In addition, an optimized checkout process can increase your sales by up to 20-30%, according to e-commerce studies. Consider removing unnecessary fields so that customers can complete their purchase faster.
This is key for online stores on WordPress, where WooCommerce is the main tool. If you use Elementor, you can drag and drop elements for an attractive visual design.
Steps to edit the cart page in WooCommerce
Start by logging into your WordPress dashboard. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Advanced and make sure the cart page is set up correctly.
Use the default editor for simple changes, such as adding text or buttons. You don’t need code if you’re new to this.
Remember to save your changes and test the page in incognito mode to see how your users see it.
Using the Theme Editor in WordPress
In Appearance > Theme Editor, look for files related to the cart, such as cart.php. Copy the file to a child theme to avoid problems when updating.
Add custom text or change the order of elements. For example, move the “Proceed to checkout” button to make it more visible.
Test on a staging site first, so you don’t affect your live store.
Customizing with Elementor for a more attractive online store
Install Elementor if you don’t have it. Create a new page and select the WooCommerce cart template.
Drag widgets such as “Cart” or “Recommended Products” to add cross-selling. Adjust colors and fonts to match your brand.
This is great for users who prefer visual designs without touching code. Elementor makes your cart page unique and responsive.
How to modify the checkout process in WooCommerce
Thecheckout process is where sales are closed, so focus on simplifying it. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Checkout for basic options.
You can activate coupons or change the behavior when adding products. Use plugins for more flexibility if you need extra fields.
Always prioritize the security and privacy of your users’ data.
With Free Plugins like Checkout Field Manager
Install the Checkout Field Manager plugin from the WordPress repository. Go to WooCommerce > Settings > Checkout > Billing.
Here you can remove fields such as “Company” if you don’t need them, or add a new one for “Preferred delivery date.”
It’s simple: select the field, edit, and save. Ideal for online stores that sell personalized products.
Adding Custom Code for More Advanced Users
If you’re up for it, edit your child theme’s functions.php file. Use WooCommerce hooks to add fields, such as a gift selector.
For example, add this code for an extra field:
add_filter(‘woocommerce_checkout_fields’, ‘add_custom_field’); function add_custom_field($fields) { $fields[‘billing’] [‘billing_gift’] = array( ‘label’ => ‘Is this a gift?’, ‘required’ => false, ‘class’ => array(‘form-row-wide’), ‘type’ => ‘select’, ‘options’ => array(‘no’ => ‘No’, ‘yes’ => ‘Yes’) ); return $fields; }This allows options such as gift wrapping, improving sales.
Tips for optimizing your online store in WooCommerce
- Place the cart and checkout process on the same page: Use code for a “one-step checkout,” reducing steps. Copy the shortcode [woocommerce_cart] before [woocommerce_checkout] onto a new page, and configure it in Settings > Advanced.
- Hide the cart menu on specific pages: Add CSS such as .woocommerce-cart .wpmenucartli {display:none;} to avoid distractions at checkout.
- Add conditional visibility: Use plugins to display fields only if the cart has certain products, such as premium shipping options for large purchases.
- Allow file uploads at checkout: With custom hooks, add an input for customers to upload designs or documents, useful for print shops.
- Calculate dynamic rates: Hook woocommerce_cart_calculate_fees to add extra costs based on location, without expensive plugins.
These tips help differentiate your store from the competition.
Examples of customization in online stores with WooCommerce
A common example is a clothing store that uses Elementorto add cross-product suggestions to the cart, such as “Pair with these accessories.” This increased their sales by 15%.
Another gift shop customized the checkout with fields for personalized messages and gift wrapping options, using Checkout Field Manager. Customers appreciate it for its simplicity.
In an international e-commerce case, they added language and currency selection to the checkout process, improving the experience for global users.
These real-world changes show how small edits drive sales.
Conclusion
Editing the cart page and checkout process in WooCommerce is essential for a successful online store on WordPress. With tools like Elementor and free plugins, you can simplify your users’ path to purchase, reducing abandonment and increasing sales. Start with basic changes and try advanced tips for optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to know how to code to edit these pages?
No, you can use plugins like Elementor or Checkout Field Manager for visual changes without code.
How do I avoid mistakes when editing?
Work in a child theme and test on a staging site. Always make backups.
Is Elementor free for this?
The basic version is, but the Pro version offers more widgets for WooCommerce, such as the payment widget.
Can I add custom fields without plugins?
Yes, with code in functions.php, but this is best for experienced users.
Does this affect the speed of my store?
Not if you use optimized plugins. Monitor with WordPress tools.