WooCommerce How to Add a Product (2017): A Beginner’s Guide
So, you’re diving into the world of e-commerce with WooCommerce! That’s fantastic! One of the first things you’ll need to master is adding products to your store. While the basics haven’t changed drastically since 2017, this guide will walk you through the process in a way that’s super easy to understand, even if you’re completely new to the platform. Consider this your friendly, jargon-free guide to getting your products listed and ready to sell!
Why This Guide Matters (Even Though It’s “2017”)
You might be thinking, “Why a 2017 guide?” The core principles of adding a product in WooCommerce haven’t changed dramatically. The interface might look slightly different depending on your version, but the essential steps and fields are still the same. Understanding the fundamentals from this “historical” perspective gives you a solid foundation that applies even with more recent WooCommerce versions. Plus, we’ll focus on the “why” behind each step, making you a savvy WooCommerce user, not just a button-clicker!
Logging In and Navigating to the Product Section
First, you’ll need to log into your WordPress dashboard. This is usually done by going to your website’s address followed by `/wp-admin` (e.g., `www.yourwebsite.com/wp-admin`). Enter your username and password.
Once logged in, look for the “Products” link in the left-hand menu. Click on it.
Adding Your First Product
On the “Products” page, you’ll see a button that says “Add New.” Click that button! You’re now on the “Add New Product” screen – the heart of our operation!
The “Add New Product” Screen: A Guided Tour
This screen is where you’ll enter all the information about your product. Let’s break it down:
1. Product Name: This is the most important field. Be clear and descriptive. Think about what people will *actually search for*.
* Example: Instead of just “T-shirt,” use “Red Cotton T-shirt – Men’s Size Large”.
* Reasoning: Clear names help both customers *and* search engines understand what you’re selling.
2. Product Description: Here’s where you sell the sizzle! Write a compelling description that highlights the benefits of your product. Don’t just list features; explain *why* those features matter to the customer.
* Example: Instead of “100% Cotton”, try “Made from incredibly soft 100% cotton for all-day comfort and breathability. Perfect for lounging at home or hitting the gym.”
* Reasoning: A good description entices customers and increases the chances of a sale. Think like a salesperson!
3. Product Data: This is where the magic happens! This section controls the price, inventory, shipping, and other crucial details.
* Product Type: This dropdown menu is important.
* Simple Product: The most common type. A single, standalone item. (e.g., a single book, a single t-shirt).
* Grouped Product: A collection of related simple products. (e.g., a furniture set).
* External/Affiliate Product: Links to a product sold on another website. (e.g., you’re promoting someone else’s product and earning a commission).
* Variable Product: A product with variations (e.g., a t-shirt that comes in different sizes and colors). We’ll touch on this briefly later.
* General Tab: This tab contains essential price information.
* Regular Price: The original price of the product.
* Sale Price: The discounted price (optional). If you enter a sale price, WooCommerce will display both prices, highlighting the savings.
* Inventory Tab: Track your stock levels.
* SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): A unique identifier for your product. This is essential for organization, especially if you have many products.
* Manage Stock?: Enable this if you want WooCommerce to track your inventory and prevent overselling.
* Stock Quantity: The number of units you currently have in stock.
* Allow Backorders?: Decide if you want to allow customers to purchase products even if they’re out of stock. Be careful with this setting, as it can lead to customer frustration if not managed properly.
* Shipping Tab: Define the physical characteristics of your product.
* Weight (kg): The weight of the product. Crucial for accurate shipping calculations.
* Dimensions (cm): The length, width, and height of the product. Also vital for shipping calculations.
* Shipping Class: Used to group products with similar shipping costs (e.g., “small items,” “large items”). You’ll need to configure shipping classes separately.
* Linked Products Tab: Upsell and cross-sell!
* Upsells: Suggest products that are *similar but better* than the current product. (e.g., If someone is viewing a basic coffee maker, upsell them to a premium one).
* Cross-sells: Suggest products that are *complementary* to the current product. (e.g., If someone is buying coffee, cross-sell them coffee filters).
* Attributes Tab: (For Variable Products) This allows you to define product variations like size, color, etc. We’ll cover this briefly later.
* Advanced Tab:
* Purchase Note: Text to show the customer after they purchase the product.
* Enable Reviews: If you want customers to leave reviews on this product.
4. Product Short Description: This is a *brief* summary of your product that appears near the product image. It should be concise and attention-grabbing. Think of it as a mini-advertisement.
5. Product Categories: Categorize your product to help customers find it easily. If you don’t have any categories yet, create some! Think about how people browse your store.
6. Product Tags: Like categories, but more specific. Tags help with internal search and can improve SEO.
7. Product Image: A MUST! Upload a high-quality image of your product. Good product photos are essential for sales! Use multiple images from different angles if possible.
8. Product Gallery: Add additional images of the product for different views or features.
Example: Adding a “Handmade Leather Wallet”
Let’s say you’re selling a handmade leather wallet:
* Product Name: Handmade Brown Leather Wallet with Card Slots
* Product Description: “This beautifully handcrafted leather wallet is made from genuine full-grain leather, ensuring durability and a luxurious feel. It features multiple card slots, a bill compartment, and a slim design that fits comfortably in your pocket. Perfect for everyday use or as a thoughtful gift.”
* Product Data:
* Product Type: Simple Product
* Regular Price: $75.00
* Sale Price: (Leave blank for now)
* SKU: WAL-BRN-001
* Manage Stock?: Yes
* Stock Quantity: 10
* Weight: 0.15 kg
* Dimensions: 12cm x 9cm x 1cm
* Product Short Description: “Handmade leather wallet with card slots and a slim design. Crafted from genuine full-grain leather.”
* Product Categories: Wallets, Accessories
* Product Tags: Leather wallet, handmade, brown, card holder, gift
* Product Image: A clear, well-lit photo of the wallet.
Dealing with Variable Products (Briefly)
If you’re selling a product with variations (e.g., a t-shirt in different sizes and colors), you’ll need to choose “Variable Product” from the “Product Type” dropdown.
1. Attributes Tab: Create attributes like “Size” (with values: Small, Medium, Large) and “Color” (with values: Red, Blue, Green).
2. Variations Tab: Generate variations based on the attributes you created. You’ll then need to enter individual prices, stock levels, and images for *each* variation.
Variable products are a bit more complex, but understanding attributes and variations is key.
Publish Your Product!
Once you’ve filled in all the information, click the “Publish” button! Congratulations, your product is now live on your WooCommerce store!
Previewing Your Product
Before you start selling, take a moment to preview your product page. Make sure everything looks correct – the images are clear, the description is accurate, and the price is right.
Tips for Success
* High-Quality Images are Crucial: Invest in good product photography. It can make or break a sale.
* Write Compelling Descriptions: Tell a story and highlight the benefits of your product.
* Optimize for Search Engines: Use relevant keywords in your product names and descriptions. Think about what people are searching for.
* Manage Your Inventory: Keep your stock levels accurate to avoid overselling.
* Use Categories and Tags: Make it easy for customers to find what they’re looking for.
* Monitor Your Sales: Track your sales data to see which products are performing well and which need improvement.
Advanced Techniques (Beyond 2017, but Still Relevant!)
While this guide focuses on the fundamentals, here are some advanced techniques that can help you take your WooCommerce store to the next level:
* WooCommerce SEO Plugins: Use plugins like Yoast SEO or Rank Math to optimize your product pages for search engines.
* Product Bundles: Offer discounted prices when customers purchase multiple products together.
* Customer Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews on your products. Positive reviews can significantly boost sales.
* A/B Testing: Experiment with different product descriptions, images, and pricing strategies to see what works best.
* Mobile Optimization: Ensure that your product pages look great on mobile devices.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to adding products to your WooCommerce store like a pro! Good luck and happy selling!
