# How to Add a WooCommerce Cart Icon to Your Header: A Beginner’s Guide
Adding a WooCommerce cart icon to your header is a simple yet powerful way to improve your online store’s user experience. It provides customers with instant access to their shopping cart, encouraging them to complete purchases. Think of it like having a shopping bag always visible – it’s a subtle reminder of what they’re about to own! This guide will walk you through the process, even if you’re new to WordPress and coding.
Why Add a Cart Icon to Your Header?
Before diving into the technicalities, let’s understand *why* this is a valuable addition to your WooCommerce site:
- Improved User Experience: Easy access to the cart reduces friction in the checkout process. Customers won’t have to hunt for it, making their shopping journey smoother.
- Increased Sales: A prominently displayed cart encourages impulsive purchases and reminds visitors of items they’ve added.
- Professional Look: A well-placed cart icon gives your store a polished and professional feel.
Imagine you’re shopping on Amazon. That little cart icon in the top right corner is always there, reminding you of your selections. That’s the power of this simple addition.
Methods for Adding the WooCommerce Cart Icon
There are several ways to add a cart icon to your header. We’ll explore two common approaches: using a plugin and using code.
Method 1: Using a Plugin (The Easiest Way)
Plugins are pre-built tools that add functionality to WordPress. They’re often the easiest and quickest way to achieve your goal, especially if you’re not comfortable with coding.
Several plugins offer this functionality. Search for “WooCommerce header cart” in your WordPress plugin directory. Popular options often include features beyond just the cart icon, such as displaying cart totals and item counts.
Steps:
1. Install and Activate: Find a plugin that suits your needs, install it from your WordPress dashboard, and activate it.
2. Configure Settings: Most plugins will have settings allowing you to customize the cart icon’s appearance and location. Adjust these settings to match your theme.
3. Check the Frontend: Visit your website’s frontend to confirm the cart icon is correctly displayed in your header.
Method 2: Adding the Cart Icon Using Code (For More Control)
This method requires some basic understanding of HTML and PHP. It offers more control over the icon’s appearance and placement but requires more technical skill.
Note: Always backup your website before making any code changes. Incorrect code can break your site.
Here’s a basic example of adding the cart icon using a snippet of code. You’ll need to add this code to your theme’s `header.php` file. The exact location within `header.php` will depend on your theme. Consult your theme’s documentation before making changes.
<a class="cart-link" href="cart->get_cart_url(); ?>">
cart->get_cart_contents_count(); ?>
This code snippet:
- Checks if WooCommerce is installed (`if ( function_exists( ‘WC’ ) )`).
- Creates a link to the cart page (`WC()->cart->get_cart_url();`).
- Includes a Font Awesome shopping cart icon (``). You need to have Font Awesome installed on your site for this to work.
- Displays the number of items in the cart (`WC()->cart->get_cart_contents_count();`).
- Styles the icon and cart count using CSS (you’ll need to add your own CSS to style `.cart-link`, `.cart-contents`).
Remember to replace `fas fa-shopping-cart` with the appropriate class name if you are using a different icon library. You’ll also need to add CSS to style the icon and its container appropriately.
Conclusion
Adding a WooCommerce cart icon to your header is a straightforward way to improve your online store’s user experience and potentially boost sales. Choose the method that best suits your technical skills and comfort level. Remember to always back up your website before making code changes. Happy selling!
