How To.Change After Payment Message On Woocommerce

How to Change the “Thank You” Message After Payment on WooCommerce (And Why You Should)

Introduction:

The default “Thank You” message that appears after a customer completes a purchase in WooCommerce is functional, but let’s be honest, it’s not exactly inspiring. It often just confirms the order has been received. But what if you could use this prime real estate to further engage your customers, offer promotions, provide specific instructions, or simply reinforce your brand identity?

Customizing this message is a powerful, often overlooked, way to improve the post-purchase experience. This article will guide you through several methods to change the thank you message on WooCommerce, allowing you to transform a generic notification into a valuable touchpoint. We’ll explore code-based solutions as well as plugin-based options, catering to various skill levels.

Main Part: Changing the Thank You Message

There are several approaches you can take to modify the after-payment message in WooCommerce. Let’s explore some popular options:

1. Using the `woocommerce_thankyou` Action Hook (Code-Based Approach)

This method involves adding a custom function to your theme’s `functions.php` file (or ideally, a child theme’s `functions.php` file to avoid losing changes during theme updates). Always back up your website before making any changes to the `functions.php` file.

This is a flexible and powerful way to completely customize the thank you page content.

Here’s how:

1. Access Your `functions.php` File: Navigate to your WordPress dashboard, then go to Appearance > Theme Editor. Locate and open the `functions.php` file. If you’re using a custom theme, consider using a child theme instead.

2. Add the Following Code: Paste the following code snippet into your `functions.php` file:

<?php
/**
Customizes the WooCommerce Thank You Page
* @param int $order_id The ID of the order.
*/
function my_custom_thankyou_message( $order_id ) {

$order = wc_get_order( $order_id );

// Example 1: Simple Text Message

echo ‘

Thank you for your order! We’ve received it and are processing it now.

‘;

// Example 2: Displaying Order Information

echo ‘

Your order number is: ‘ . $order->get_order_number() . ‘

‘;

echo ‘

You will receive an email confirmation shortly.

‘;

// Example 3: Offer a Discount Code for Next Purchase

echo ‘

‘;

// Example 4: Include Social Sharing Links (you’ll need to implement the social sharing logic)

// echo ‘

Share your excitement:

‘;

// Add your social sharing button code here

}

add_action( ‘woocommerce_thankyou’, ‘my_custom_thankyou_message’, 10, 1 );

?>

3. Customize the Message: Modify the content within the `my_custom_thankyou_message` function to suit your needs. You can access order details using the `$order` object (e.g., `$order->get_billing_first_name()`, `$order->get_total()`, etc.).

4. Save Changes: Click “Update File” to save your changes.

Explanation:

• `woocommerce_thankyou` is an action hook that WooCommerce provides on the thank you page. We’re “hooking” our custom function (`my_custom_thankyou_message`) into this action.
• `wc_get_order( $order_id )` retrieves the order object based on the order ID, allowing you to access order information.
• The code provides several examples you can adapt, including displaying the order number, a simple text message, and a discount code offer.

2. Using a Plugin (No-Code Approach)

If you’re not comfortable editing code, several plugins can help you customize the thank you message without touching a single line of code. Here are a couple of options:

• WooCommerce Thank You Page Customizer: (Search in the WordPress plugin repository). These plugins typically provide a visual editor where you can easily add and arrange elements on the thank you page, including text, images, and custom HTML.

• Specific Plugin Instructions: The exact steps for using a plugin will vary depending on the plugin you choose. However, generally, you’ll need to:

1. Install and activate the plugin.

2. Navigate to the plugin’s settings page (usually found under WooCommerce or a dedicated section in your WordPress dashboard).

3. Use the plugin’s visual editor or options panel to customize the thank you page content.

4. Save your changes.

Benefits of Using a Plugin:

• Ease of Use: Requires no coding knowledge.
• Visual Editor: Many plugins offer a drag-and-drop visual editor for easy customization.
• Advanced Features: Some plugins provide advanced features like dynamic content, conditional logic, and integration with other marketing tools.

3. Direct Template Overriding (Advanced – Use with Caution)

This involves copying the WooCommerce template file responsible for the Thank You page to your theme and making direct edits. This method is more complex and can lead to compatibility issues if WooCommerce is updated. Avoid this if possible, use the hook-based approach first.

1. Locate the Template File: The relevant template file is usually located at `wp-content/plugins/woocommerce/templates/checkout/thankyou.php`.

2. Copy to Your Theme: Create a directory named `woocommerce` in your theme (or child theme). Then, create another directory named `checkout` inside that directory. Copy the `thankyou.php` file into this newly created `woocommerce/checkout/` directory in your theme.

3. Edit the Template File: Now, you can edit the `thankyou.php` file in your theme (not the one in the WooCommerce plugin directory). Make the desired changes to the HTML and PHP code.

Important Considerations:

• When overriding templates, you take responsibility for maintaining them. If WooCommerce updates the original template file, you’ll need to manually update your overridden version to incorporate the changes.
• This method is more complex and not recommended for beginners.

Which Method Should You Choose?

• For simple text changes or adding basic HTML: Use the `woocommerce_thankyou` action hook.
• For more complex layouts and visual editing: Use a plugin.
• Avoid template overriding unless you have a very specific need that cannot be accomplished with the other methods and you understand the risks involved.

Conclusion:

Customizing the WooCommerce thank you message is a simple yet effective way to enhance the customer experience. By replacing the generic default message with something more engaging and informative, you can improve brand loyalty, encourage repeat purchases, and provide valuable information to your customers. Whether you choose to use the `woocommerce_thankyou` hook, a dedicated plugin, or (as a last resort) template overriding, taking the time to personalize this important touchpoint can significantly benefit your WooCommerce store. Remember to back up your website before making any code changes, and choose the method that best suits your comfort level and technical expertise. Good luck!