How to Add a “On Sale” Label in WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you’re running a WooCommerce store and want to highlight those tempting discounted items? Excellent! Adding an “On Sale” label is a fantastic way to grab your customer’s attention and boost sales. Think of it like a bright, flashing sign screaming, “Bargain alert!” This guide will walk you through exactly how to do it, even if you’re a complete WooCommerce newbie.
Why Use an “On Sale” Label?
Before we dive in, let’s understand why these labels are so effective. They’re not just a pretty decoration; they’re a powerful marketing tool.
- Visual Cue: Our brains are wired to notice things that stand out. An “On Sale” label instantly draws the eye, especially on a page crowded with products.
- Creates Urgency: Discounted prices often create a sense of urgency (“This deal won’t last forever!”). The label reinforces this feeling.
- Increases Click-Through Rates: Customers browsing your store are more likely to click on products with an “On Sale” label. They want to see what the deal is!
- Improved Conversions: More clicks often translate to more sales. People love a good bargain, and a clear “On Sale” label makes it easy for them to find it.
Think about walking into a physical store. Wouldn’t you be drawn to the clearance rack or the brightly colored sale signs? It’s the same principle online!
Method 1: WooCommerce’s Built-in Functionality (The Easiest Way)
The easiest way to add an “On Sale” label is to use WooCommerce’s built-in functionality. It’s simple and requires no coding knowledge.
1. Set a Sale Price: This is the key! To trigger the “On Sale” label, you need to set a sale price for your product.
2. Edit the Product: Go to Products > All Products in your WordPress dashboard and click “Edit” on the product you want to put on sale.
3. Product Data Section: Scroll down to the “Product Data” section. Make sure the “General” tab is selected.
4. Regular Price and Sale Price: You’ll see two fields: “Regular Price” and “Sale Price.” Enter the original price in the “Regular Price” field and the discounted price in the “Sale Price” field.
5. Schedule the Sale (Optional): You can click the “Schedule” link next to the “Sale Price” field to set a start and end date for the sale. This is perfect for limited-time promotions.
6. Update the Product: Click the blue “Update” button to save your changes.
That’s it! WooCommerce will automatically display the “On Sale” label on the product’s image and on the product page. Usually the theme will automatically style this label.
Method 2: Customizing the “On Sale” Label (For More Control)
While WooCommerce’s default “On Sale” label is functional, you might want to customize its appearance to better match your brand. This requires a little more technical know-how, but it’s still manageable.
1. Understand Theme Customization: You’ll need to access your theme’s files or use a child theme to avoid losing your changes when the theme updates. Always create a child theme for any customisation.
2. Find the WooCommerce Template Files: The template file responsible for displaying the “On Sale” label is usually located in `wp-content/plugins/woocommerce/templates/loop/sale-flash.php`. Do not edit this file directly! Copy it to your child theme.
3. Copy to Your Child Theme: Create the same folder structure in your child theme: `your-child-theme/woocommerce/loop/`. Then, copy the `sale-flash.php` file into that folder.
4. Edit the `sale-flash.php` File: Now, you can safely edit the `sale-flash.php` file in your child theme. You can change the text, add styling (CSS), or even add images.
Here’s a simple example of changing the text:
<?php /**
if ( ! defined( ‘ABSPATH’ ) ) {
exit; // Exit if accessed directly
}
global $post, $product;
?>
is_on_sale() ) : ?>
In this example, the text “Sale!” has been changed to “Hot Deal!”.
5. Add Custom CSS: To change the appearance (color, font, size, etc.), you’ll need to add custom CSS to your theme’s stylesheet or using the WordPress customizer. For example:
.onsale {
background-color: red;
color: white;
padding: 5px 10px;
font-size: 16px;
font-weight: bold;
}
This CSS will make the “On Sale” label red with white text, larger font size, and bold.
Method 3: Using a WooCommerce Plugin
For those who prefer a more visual approach, there are numerous WooCommerce plugins that allow you to customize the “On Sale” label without touching any code.
- WooCommerce Sale Badges: These plugins often offer a range of pre-designed badges and customization options.
- Product Badges: Look for plugins that let you create custom badges based on various criteria, including sale status.
Simply install and activate the plugin, then configure the settings to your liking. These plugins often provide a user-friendly interface to change the label text, color, shape, and position.
Best Practices for “On Sale” Labels
- Keep it Clear and Concise: Use simple, easily understandable language like “Sale,” “Discount,” or “Limited Time Offer.”
- Make it Visually Appealing: Use colors and fonts that stand out but still complement your brand.
- Consider Placement: Experiment with different positions (top-left, top-right, etc.) to see what works best for your theme.
- Don’t Overuse It: Too many “On Sale” labels can diminish their impact. Use them strategically on your most attractive deals.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Make sure the label looks good on all devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Conclusion
Adding an “On Sale” label in WooCommerce is a simple but effective way to boost your sales and attract more customers. Whether you choose the built-in functionality, customize the template, or use a plugin, the key is to make your discounted products stand out and create a sense of urgency. Experiment, track your results, and see what works best for your store! Good luck and happy selling!
