# Displaying Your WooCommerce Cart in Your WordPress Header: A Beginner’s Guide
Want to make it super easy for your customers to check their shopping carts? Displaying your WooCommerce cart directly in your WordPress header is a fantastic way to boost conversions and improve the overall user experience. This guide will walk you through the process, even if you’re a complete newbie to coding.
Why Display the Cart in the Header?
Think about your own online shopping experiences. How frustrating is it to have to navigate through multiple pages just to see what’s in your cart? A header cart provides instant access to cart contents, encouraging purchases and reducing cart abandonment. It’s a small change that can make a big difference! For example, imagine you’re browsing a clothing website. Seeing your cart total and item count right in the header allows you to quickly add or remove items without interrupting your shopping flow.
Methods for Adding a WooCommerce Cart to Your Header
There are several ways to achieve this, ranging from using plugins to adding custom code. We’ll explore the most common and user-friendly methods.
Method 1: Using a Plugin (The Easiest Way)
This is the recommended approach for beginners. Plugins handle the technical aspects, making it a simple, hassle-free solution. Several plugins offer this functionality; some popular options include:
- WooCommerce Header Cart: This plugin is specifically designed for adding a cart icon to your header. It often provides customization options for appearance and functionality.
- Header Footer & Top Bar: While not solely a cart plugin, it gives you the flexibility to add the WooCommerce cart snippet to a custom header area.
How to Use a Plugin:
1. Install the plugin: Navigate to your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New, search for your chosen plugin, and click “Install Now” followed by “Activate.”
2. Configure the plugin: Most plugins provide settings to customize the cart display (icon, text, position, etc.). Access these settings within the plugin’s configuration page.
Method 2: Using a Code Snippet (For More Control)
This method requires adding code to your theme’s `header.php` file or using a code snippet plugin (like Code Snippets). Caution: Incorrectly editing theme files can break your website. Always back up your files before making any changes.
This code snippet will display a simple cart link in your header:
<a class="cart-contents" href=""> cart->get_cart_contents_count(); ?>
Explanation:
- This code adds a link to the cart page.
- It displays the number of items in the cart.
- You’ll need to style the `.cart-contents` class in your theme’s CSS to control its appearance.
How to Add the Code Snippet:
1. Find your `header.php` file: This is usually located within your theme’s folder. If you’re using a child theme, add it there.
2. Add the code: Paste the code snippet *before* the closing “ tag in your `header.php` file.
3. Save the file: Upload the updated `header.php` to your server via FTP or your hosting control panel.
4. Clear your browser cache: Ensure you see the changes by clearing your browser’s cache and cookies.
Choosing the Right Method
For most users, using a plugin is the simplest and safest option. However, if you require very specific customization, a code snippet may be necessary. Remember to always back up your website before making any code changes.
Conclusion
Adding your WooCommerce cart to your header is a simple yet effective way to enhance the user experience and potentially boost sales. By following these steps, you can easily implement this useful feature and take your online store to the next level! Remember to test thoroughly after implementation to ensure everything works correctly.
