How To Show More Search Results Divi Woocommerce

How to Show More Search Results in Your Divi WooCommerce Store (And Boost Sales!)

Introduction:

Do your customers struggle to find what they’re looking for on your WooCommerce store, even when using the search bar? One common culprit is a limited number of search results displayed per page. By default, WooCommerce and Divi often restrict the number of products shown in search results, potentially hiding relevant items and hindering sales. This article will guide you through several methods to increase the number of search results displayed on your Divi-powered WooCommerce site, improving user experience and ultimately, your conversion rates. We’ll cover code-based solutions, plugin options, and considerations for performance, so you can choose the best approach for your needs.

Main Part:

Let’s explore how to increase the number of search results your customers see. We’ll cover manual code editing, plugin use, and some crucial factors to keep in mind.

Method 1: Code Snippet in `functions.php` (Recommended for Tech-Savvy Users)

This method involves adding a code snippet to your theme’s `functions.php` file (or preferably, a child theme’s). This is a direct and efficient way to control the number of search results.

1. Access Your Theme’s `functions.php`: Connect to your website via FTP or use the WordPress theme editor (Appearance > Theme File Editor). Navigate to your active theme’s `functions.php` file. Always use a child theme to avoid losing your customizations during theme updates.

2. Add the Code Snippet: Insert the following code snippet at the end of the `functions.php` file (but before the closing `?>` tag, if it exists):

<?php
/**
Increase WooCommerce search results per page.
* @param WP_Query $query The main WordPress query.
*/
function custom_woocommerce_search_results_per_page( $query ) {
if ( ! is_admin() && $query->is_main_query() && $query->is_search() ) {
$query->set( 'posts_per_page', 24 ); // Change 24 to your desired number
}
}
add_action( 'pre_get_posts', 'custom_woocommerce_search_results_per_page' );
?>

3. Customize the Number: In the code, replace the `24` in `$query->set( ‘posts_per_page’, 24 );` with the number of search results you want to display per page. Consider your product catalog size and page loading speed when choosing this number.

4. Save the File: Update the `functions.php` file.

Explanation of the Code:

• `custom_woocommerce_search_results_per_page()`: This is a custom function we’ve created to modify the WordPress query.
• `! is_admin()`: This ensures the code only runs on the frontend, not in the WordPress admin area.
• `$query->is_main_query()`: This checks if it’s the main WordPress query (the primary one being executed).
• `$query->is_search()`: This verifies that the query is for a search result page.
• `$query->set( ‘posts_per_page’, 24 )`: This sets the number of posts (products, in this case) to display per page to 24.
• `add_action( ‘pre_get_posts’, ‘custom_woocommerce_search_results_per_page’ )`: This hooks our custom function into the `pre_get_posts` action, which allows us to modify the query before it’s executed.

Method 2: Using a Plugin

If you’re not comfortable editing code directly, a plugin provides a user-friendly interface for changing the number of search results. Several plugins can achieve this, including:

• WooCommerce Product Table: Many product table plugins offer options to customize the number of products displayed in various contexts, including search results. While primarily designed for creating product tables, they often include broader control over product listings.

• Search & Filter Pro: This plugin allows you to create advanced search filters and also provides options to modify the number of results shown.

Advantages of Using a Plugin:

• Ease of Use: No coding knowledge required.
• Additional Features: Plugins often come with extra features like advanced filtering and product table layouts.

Disadvantages of Using a Plugin:

• Potential Bloat: Some plugins can add unnecessary code and slow down your site. Choose plugins carefully and test their impact on performance.
• Cost: Many powerful plugins are premium and require a purchase.

Method 3: Checking WooCommerce Settings (Less Effective but Worth a Look)

While not the primary method, it’s worth checking your WooCommerce settings for any potentially conflicting configurations. Navigate to WooCommerce > Settings > Products > Display. Examine the options there, especially anything related to “Products per row” and “Rows per page.” These settings typically affect shop pages, but it’s good to rule out any unintended influence on search results.

Important Considerations: Performance and User Experience

Before you significantly increase the number of search results, keep these points in mind:

• Page Load Speed: Displaying a large number of products can significantly slow down your page. Optimize your images and consider using a caching plugin to mitigate this. Run speed tests (e.g., Google PageSpeed Insights) to assess the impact of your changes.
• User Experience: While showing more results is helpful, avoid overwhelming users. Implement proper pagination (next/previous page links) and consider adding filters to allow users to narrow down their search.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure your increased number of results looks good and is easy to navigate on mobile devices.
• Server Resources: A higher `posts_per_page` value can put more strain on your server. Monitor your server’s resource usage (CPU, memory) to ensure it can handle the increased load.

Conclusion:

Increasing the number of search results displayed on your Divi WooCommerce store can dramatically improve the user experience and boost your sales. Whether you choose to implement the code snippet in your `functions.php` file or opt for a plugin, remember to prioritize page load speed and user-friendliness. By carefully considering these factors, you can create a search experience that helps your customers find exactly what they’re looking for, leading to more conversions and a thriving online store. Remember to always test your changes thoroughly before deploying them to your live website!