How to Remove Default Sorting in WooCommerce: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction:
WooCommerce, the leading e-commerce platform for WordPress, offers a plethora of features to enhance your online store. However, the default product sorting might not always align with your desired customer experience. For example, you might prefer to showcase your newest arrivals first or highlight products with the best ratings. In this article, we’ll explore how to remove the default sorting option in WooCommerce and customize your product display to better meet your business needs. This will allow you to create a shopping experience that guides your customers towards the products you want them to see first.
Main Part:
By removing the default sorting, you gain control over how your products are initially presented to your customers. This can significantly impact sales and customer satisfaction. There are several methods to achieve this, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Method 1: Using Code Snippets (functions.php)
This is the most common and flexible method, allowing you to directly modify your theme’s functions.
1. Access your Theme’s functions.php file: Navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor in your WordPress dashboard. Select your active theme and locate the `functions.php` file. Important: Always back up your `functions.php` file before making any changes!
2. Add the Code Snippet: Insert the following code snippet at the end of the `functions.php` file:
add_filter( 'woocommerce_catalog_orderby', 'remove_default_woocommerce_sorting' );
function remove_default_woocommerce_sorting( $sortby ) {
unset( $sortby[‘menu_order’] ); //Removes “Default sorting” option
return $sortby;
}
3. Save the Changes: Click the “Update File” button to save your changes.
This snippet effectively removes the “Default sorting” option from the dropdown menu on your product pages. You can further customize the sorting options by removing other options like popularity, rating, or price if desired.
Method 2: Using a Plugin
For those less comfortable with coding, a plugin offers a user-friendly alternative. Several plugins are available that allow you to manage WooCommerce sorting options without directly editing code.
1. Install a Plugin: Search for plugins like “WooCommerce Custom Sort” or “Custom Product Sorting WooCommerce” in the WordPress plugin repository (Plugins > Add New). Choose a plugin with good ratings and recent updates.
2. Activate the Plugin: Once installed, activate the plugin.
3. Configure the Plugin: Navigate to the plugin’s settings page (usually found under WooCommerce or Settings) and configure it to remove the default sorting option. The plugin will likely offer other customization features as well, such as setting a default sort order (e.g., by date or price).
Method 3: Setting a Default Sort Order
Instead of removing the “Default sorting” option, you can define a specific default sort order that WooCommerce uses. This provides a more controlled experience.
1. Navigate to WooCommerce Settings: Go to WooCommerce > Settings in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Select the “Products” Tab: Click on the “Products” tab.
3. Go to the “Display” Section: Find the “Display” section.
4. “Default Product Sorting”: Change the “Default product sorting” dropdown to your desired option (e.g., “Sort by newness”, “Sort by popularity”, “Sort by rating”).
5. Save Changes: Click “Save changes” at the bottom of the page.
This will ensure that products are always displayed according to your chosen criteria unless the customer explicitly changes the sorting option. This method *doesn’t* remove the “Default sorting” option itself, but it overrides its behavior.
Choosing the Right Method
- Code Snippets: Offers the most flexibility and control but requires some coding knowledge.
- Plugins: User-friendly and convenient but may introduce plugin bloat and potential compatibility issues.
- Default Sort Order: Simple and effective for setting a specific default but doesn’t remove the “Default sorting” option.
- Caching: After implementing any changes, clear your website’s cache to ensure the updates are reflected correctly.
- Testing: Thoroughly test your changes to ensure they work as expected and don’t negatively impact other aspects of your website.
- Theme Compatibility: Ensure that your chosen method is compatible with your theme. Some themes may have built-in sorting options that override your changes.
Additional Tips and Considerations:
Conclusion:
Removing or customizing the default sorting in WooCommerce allows you to optimize your product display and guide your customers towards the products you want them to see. By implementing one of the methods described above, you can create a more engaging and effective shopping experience for your customers, ultimately leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction. Remember to choose the method that best suits your technical skills and business needs.
