How to Send Email with a Link After WooCommerce Checkout (Beginner’s Guide)
So, you’re running a WooCommerce store and want to automatically send customers an email containing a special link after they complete their purchase? Maybe it’s a link to download a digital product, access a membership area, or even a link to a customer satisfaction survey. That’s a smart move! Automating this process not only improves the customer experience but also saves you valuable time.
This guide will walk you through the process of setting up WooCommerce to send an email with a link after checkout. We’ll focus on easy-to-understand methods that don’t require you to be a coding wizard.
Why Send Emails with Links After Checkout?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly cover the “why.” Think about these scenarios:
* Digital Products: Imagine selling an eBook or a software package. The post-checkout email is the perfect way to deliver the download link instantly.
* Membership Sites: Customers who purchase a membership can receive a link to the registration page or the members-only content immediately.
* Order Tracking Pages: Provide a direct link to the order tracking page so customers can easily monitor their shipment.
* Customer Satisfaction Surveys: A few days after the purchase, send an email with a link to a survey to gather feedback and improve your store.
* Exclusive Content: Offer a free bonus or resource related to the purchased product through a unique link.
In short: Sending emails with links after checkout is a powerful way to enhance customer engagement, deliver value, and automate essential processes.
Method 1: Using a WooCommerce Plugin (The Easiest Way)
The easiest and most beginner-friendly way to accomplish this is by using a WooCommerce plugin. There are several excellent options available, both free and paid. Here’s a general overview of how it works, using an example plugin called “WooCommerce Follow Up Emails” (though the exact steps will vary slightly depending on the plugin you choose):
1. Install and Activate the Plugin: Search for “WooCommerce Follow Up Emails” (or similar, like “AutomateWoo” if you need more advanced features) in the WordPress plugin directory and install/activate it. Make sure the plugin is compatible with your version of WooCommerce.
2. Create a New Follow-Up Email: The plugin will usually add a new section to your WooCommerce settings or its own dedicated menu. Look for an option to create a new follow-up email.
3. Configure the Trigger: This is the most crucial part. You need to tell the plugin *when* to send the email. Typically, you’ll select “Order Completed” or “Order Processing” as the trigger. “Order Completed” usually signifies that payment has been received. “Order Processing” triggers earlier.
4. Compose Your Email: Now, you get to write the email your customers will receive! This includes:
* Subject Line: Make it clear and enticing (e.g., “Your [Product Name] is Ready!”)
* Explore this article on How To Connect Woocommerce To Quickbooks Email Body: This is where you’ll include the link.
* Example 1: Direct Download Link for Digital Product
Hi [Customer Name],
Thank you for your purchase!
You can download your [Product Name] here: [Link to Download]
Enjoy!
* Example 2: Link to Order Tracking Page:
Hi [Customer Name],
Your order is on its way!
Track your shipment here: [Link to Order Tracking Page]
We appreciate your business!
* Example 3: Link to Membership Registration:
Hi [Customer Name],
Welcome to our membership community!
Click here to complete your registration and access exclusive content: [Link to Registration Page]
We’re excited to have you!
* Important: Most plugins offer shortcodes (like `[customer_name]` or `[order_id]`) that automatically insert dynamic data from the order into the email. Check the plugin documentation to see which shortcodes are available.
5. Test Your Email: Before you set everything live, send a test email to yourself to ensure the links work and the formatting is correct. Most plugins provide a test email option.
6. Activate the Email: Once you’re happy with everything, activate the email to start sending it to customers after they complete their orders.
Why use a Plugin?
* Ease of Use: Plugins abstract away the complexities of coding.
* Customization: Most plugins offer plenty of options to tailor the email to your needs.
* Reliability: Well-maintained plugins are typically reliable and well-tested.
Method Learn more about How To Add Free Shipping On Woocommerce 2: Using Custom Code (For the More Technically Inclined)
If you’re comfortable with PHP and WordPress development, you can use custom code to achieve the same result. This method provides greater flexibility but requires more technical knowledge.
Here’s a basic outline of the steps involved:
1. Access Your Theme’s `functions.php` File (or Create a Custom Plugin): Important: Directly editing your theme’s `functions.php` file is risky because changes can be lost during theme updates. The best practice is to create a custom plugin. If you are editing `functions.php` always back it up first.
2. Add Code to Hook into the `woocommerce_order_status_completed` Action: This action fires when an order’s status changes to “completed.”
<?php
add_action( ‘woocommerce_order_status_completed’, ‘send_custom_email_after_checkout’ );
function send_custom_email_after_checkout( $order_id ) {
$order = wc_get_order( $order_id );
if ( ! $order ) {
return; // Order not found
}
$billing_email = $order->get_billing_email();
$customer_name = $order->get_billing_first_name();
$order_id_to_link = $order->get_id();
// CHANGE THIS TO YOUR DESIRED LINK!
$custom_link = site_url() . ‘/order-tracking/?order_id=’ . $order_id_to_link;
$subject = ‘Thank you for your order!’;
$message = “Hi ” . $customer_name . “,nn”;
$message .= “Thank you for your recent purchase! Here is the link to track your order: ” . $custom_link . “nn”;
$message .= “We appreciate your business!”;
// Use WordPress’s wp_mail function to send the email.
wp_mail( $billing_email, $subject, $message );
}
?>
3. Customize the Code:
* `$custom_link`: Replace Read more about How To Change Currency Woocommerce `site_url() . ‘/order-tracking/?order_id=’ . $order_id_to_link;` with your desired link. Remember to dynamically generate the link based on the order if needed.
* `$subject` and `$message`: Customize the email subject and body to your liking. You can use variables like `$customer_name` and `$order_id` to personalize the message.
4. Test Thoroughly: Place a test order to ensure the email is sent correctly and the link works as expected.
Why use Custom Code?
* Flexibility: You have complete control over the email sending process.
* No Plugin Dependencies: You avoid relying on third-party plugins.
* Learning Opportunity: It’s a great way to improve your PHP and WordPress development skills.
Important Considerations When Using Custom Code:
* Error Handling: Add error handling to your code to gracefully handle potential issues (e.g., if the order is not found).
* Security: Sanitize and validate any data used in the email to prevent security vulnerabilities.
* Maintainability: Write clean, well-commented code that is easy to understand and maintain.
* Updates: Ensure that your custom code continues to work properly after WooCommerce updates.
* Avoid modifying core WooCommerce files. Instead, use hooks and filters provided by WooCommerce.
Conclusion
Sending emails with links after WooCommerce checkout is a valuable way to improve customer experience and automate essential processes. Whether you choose to use a plugin or write custom code, make sure to test thoroughly and prioritize the security and maintainability of your solution. Happy selling!
