WooCommerce is a versatile and user-friendly plugin that powers millions of online stores. One of the built-in features of WooCommerce is the “Return to Shop” button, which typically appears on the cart or checkout pages when the shopping cart is empty. This button redirects users to the shop page by default. However, there may be situations where you want this link to point to a custom page or a different part of your website. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps to change the “Return to Shop” link in WooCommerce, with a focus on providing clear instructions and helpful tips along the way.
Why Change the Return to Shop Link?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore why you might want to change the “Return to Shop” link:
- Custom User Experience: Redirecting users to a different landing page, category, or collection can provide a more personalized shopping experience.
- Highlight Special Promotions: You may want to direct users to a promotional page, a seasonal sale, or a featured product collection.
- Enhance Store Navigation: If your shop structure is complex, redirecting to a more relevant section (like product categories) could improve navigation.
- Direct Traffic to Key Pages: For branding or conversion strategies, sending users to high-priority pages (like new arrivals or trending products) can improve engagement.
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Methods to Change the Return to Shop Link in WooCommerce
There are several ways to change the “Return to Shop” link in WooCommerce. We’ll cover the two primary methods: manually editing the theme files with custom code and using a plugin for a more straightforward solution.
Method 1: Changing the Return to Shop Link via Custom Code
If you’re comfortable with coding or have access to a developer, you can easily modify the “Return to Shop” link using a code snippet. This approach gives you full control over where you want to redirect users.
Step 1: Backup Your Website
Before making any changes to your theme’s files, it’s important to create a backup of your website. This ensures you can restore your website in case anything goes wrong. Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus to create a backup quickly.
Step 2: Access the Theme’s functions.php File
To edit the “Return to Shop” link, you’ll need to modify the functions.php file of your active theme. Here’s how you can access it:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Appearance > Theme Editor.
- In the right-hand sidebar, click on
functions.php.
Alternatively, you can access this file via FTP or cPanel if you prefer not to work directly within WordPress.
Step 3: Add a Custom Code Snippet
Once you’ve accessed the functions.php file, add the following code snippet to change the “Return to Shop” link:
function custom_return_to_shop_url() {
return home_url(‘/custom-page’); // Replace ‘/custom-page’ with your desired URL
}
add_filter( ‘woocommerce_return_to_shop_redirect’, ‘custom_return_to_shop_url’ );
In this code:
- The custom_return_to_shop_url() function is used to define the new link.
- Replace
/custom-pagewith the URL path to the page where you want users to be redirected.
For example, if you want users to go to the homepage, you can simply use /. Or, if you want them to visit a specific category page, replace /custom-page with /product-category/category-name.
Step 4: Save and Test the Changes
Once you’ve added the code, click Update File to save your changes. Then, visit your website’s empty cart page to test the new “Return to Shop” link. If everything is working properly, users will now be redirected to your specified page.
Method 2: Using a Plugin to Change the Return to Shop Link
If you’re not comfortable with coding or want a simpler approach, you can use a plugin. WooCommerce’s extensive plugin ecosystem offers many tools for customizing your store without editing code.
Step 1: Install the Plugin
One of the plugins you can use to modify the “Return to Shop” link is WooCommerce Customizer. This plugin allows you to make various changes to WooCommerce without writing any code. Here’s how to install it:
- From your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
- In the search bar, type WooCommerce Customizer.
- Click Install Now, then activate the plugin.
Step 2: Access the Customizer Settings
Once the plugin is activated, you can access its settings to change the “Return to Shop” link:
- Go to WooCommerce > Customizer in your WordPress dashboard.
- Look for the section related to cart and checkout settings.
- You should find an option to modify the “Return to Shop” URL.
Step 3: Set the New URL
In the settings, you’ll see a field where you can enter the new URL for the “Return to Shop” link. Simply input the page you want users to be directed to, such as your homepage, product category, or a custom sales page.
Step 4: Save the Settings
After entering the new URL, click Save Changes. Now, your WooCommerce store will use this new link whenever a user clicks “Return to Shop” from the cart page.
Also Read: Is MailPoet by WooCommerce Free?
Pros and Cons of Each Method
Let’s quickly compare the two approaches to see which one might be better for your store.
Custom Code Method
- Pros:
- Full control over the redirection.
- No need to install additional plugins.
- Keeps your website lightweight.
- Cons:
- Requires some coding knowledge.
- Any errors in the code can potentially break the site.
- Needs to be re-done if you switch themes (unless you use a child theme).
Plugin Method
- Pros:
- No coding required.
- User-friendly and quick to set up.
- Less risk of breaking the website.
- Cons:
- Adds an extra plugin, which may slightly impact site performance.
- Limited customization compared to coding.
Best Practices When Changing the Return to Shop Link
Regardless of the method you choose, here are some best practices to ensure a smooth experience for both you and your customers:
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes, test the new link on both desktop and mobile devices to ensure it works seamlessly.
- Keep User Experience in Mind: Make sure the new link enhances the shopping experience. Don’t redirect users to irrelevant or confusing pages.
- Use a Child Theme: If you’re editing the
functions.phpfile, consider using a child theme to preserve your changes after theme updates. - Monitor Performance: If you use a plugin, keep an eye on site performance. Ensure that the additional plugin doesn’t slow down your store.
Final Thought On How to Change Return to Shop Link
Changing the “Return to Shop” link in WooCommerce is a simple yet effective way to improve the user experience and guide customers to the most relevant parts of your store. Whether you prefer using custom code or a plugin, both methods allow for flexibility in customizing this essential feature. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily make this change and provide a more tailored shopping experience for your customers. Always remember to test your modifications and keep the overall site performance in check when adding new functionality to your WooCommerce store.
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