How to Make “Sort by Newness” the Default in WooCommerce: A Simple Guide
Are you tired of your customers seeing products sorted by popularity or price when they first land on your WooCommerce shop? Do you want to highlight your latest arrivals and give them the best chance to shine? Making “Sort by Newness” the default sorting option can be a fantastic way to showcase your newest inventory and encourage purchases. Think of it like a supermarket: they often put new items at the front to grab your attention!
This guide will walk you through the process, even if you’re not a coding expert. We’ll break down the steps in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
Why Defaulting to “Newness” Matters
Let’s say you just launched a brand new collection of handcrafted jewelry. You’re excited about it and want customers to see it first. If your shop defaults to “Sort by Popularity,” these new items might get buried because they haven’t had time to gain Learn more about How To Filter Sale Items In Woocommerce traction.
By setting “Sort by Newness” as the default, you achieve several key benefits:
- Highlight New Products: Instantly showcase your latest additions to your catalog.
- Improve Customer Experience: Helps customers quickly find what they’re looking for, especially if they’re regular visitors interested in new releases.
- Boost Sales of New Items: Gives new products more visibility, increasing their chances of being discovered and purchased.
- Keep Your Shop Fresh: Presents a dynamic and updated feel to returning customers.
The Code Solution: A Step-by-Step Approach
Now, let’s dive into the code. Don’t worry, it’s a relatively simple snippet that we’ll explain step by step.
1. Access Your `functions.php` File:
The `functions.php` file is where you can add custom code to your WordPress theme. Discover insights on How To Use A Xml Feed For Products In Woocommerce Always back up your theme before making any changes! You can find this file in your WordPress dashboard under:
`Appearance > Theme Editor` (or `Theme File Editor` depending on your theme).
Locate the `functions.php` file in the right-hand sidebar.
2. Add the Code Snippet:
Carefully copy and paste the following code at the very bottom of your `functions.php` file, before the closing `?>` tag (if it exists). If there is no `?>` closing tag, that’s okay; just paste it at the very end.
/**
function custom_default_catalog_orderby() {
return ‘date’;
}
3. Explanation of the Code:
- `add_filter( ‘woocommerce_default_catalog_orderby’, ‘custom_default_catalog_orderby’ );`: This line tells WordPress to use our custom function (`custom_default_catalog_orderby`) to determine the default sorting option for WooCommerce product listings. It essentially “hooks” into WooCommerce’s existing functionality.
- `function custom_default_catalog_orderby() { … }`: This defines our custom function.
- `return ‘date’;`: This is the crucial part. `’date’` tells WooCommerce to sort products by their publication date, effectively displaying the newest products first.
4. Save the File:
Click the “Update File” button to save your changes.
5. Test Your Changes:
Visit your WooCommerce shop page or a category page to see if the products are now sorted by “Newness” by default. If it’s not working, clear your browser cache and try again. Also, double-check that you pasted the code correctly without any typos.
Alternative: Using a Plugin (For the Truly Code-Averse)
While the code snippet is the recommended approach (it’s lightweight and efficient), if you’re absolutely uncomfortable editing code, you can use a plugin.
1. Search for a Plugin: In your WordPress dashboard, go to `Plugins > Add New`. Search for plugins like “WooCommerce Default Sort” or “Change WooCommerce Default Sort Order.”
2. Install and Activate: Install and activate the plugin.
3. Configure the Plugin: Follow the plugin’s instructions to set “Sort by Newness” as the default. Each plugin will have a different interface, but the goal is the same.
Important Note: Using too many plugins can slow down your website, so carefully evaluate whether a plugin is necessary compared to the code snippet.
Troubleshooting
- Code Errors: If you encounter errors after adding the code, double-check that you copied it correctly and placed it in the right location (the very bottom of `functions.php`).
- Caching Issues: Sometimes, your website might be displaying a cached version of the page. Clear your website’s cache (if you have a caching plugin) and your browser’s cache.
- Theme Conflicts: In rare cases, your theme might interfere with the code. If you suspect this, try temporarily switching to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-Three) to see if the issue persists. If it doesn’t, the problem lies with your theme.
- Plugin Conflicts: A plugin might be interfering with your sorting. Temporarily deactivate all other plugins and see if the sorting works correctly. If it does, activate your plugins one by one until you identify the conflicting plugin.
Conclusion
Setting “Sort by Newness” as the default in WooCommerce is a simple yet powerful way to improve your customer experience and boost sales of your newest products. Whether you choose the code snippet method or opt for a plugin, showcasing your latest arrivals can make a significant difference in how customers interact with your online store. Good luck!
