# How to Display Product Names in WooCommerce: A Beginner’s Guide
WooCommerce is a powerful platform, but sometimes even the simplest tasks can seem daunting. One common question newcomers ask is: “How do I display my product names correctly?” This guide will walk you through the various ways to display product names on your WooCommerce store, from simple adjustments to more advanced techniques. We’ll explain the why behind each method, ensuring you understand not just *how* to do it, but *why* it’s important.
Why Proper Product Name Display is Crucial
Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand the *why*. A clearly displayed product name is essential for:
- User Experience (UX): A confusing or unclear product name frustrates customers and leads to lost sales. Imagine an online store selling “Blue Widget” – what *is* a blue widget? A more descriptive name like “Premium Blue Silicone Baking Widget” immediately clarifies the product.
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Search engines rely on product names to understand your inventory. Clear, keyword-rich names improve your chances of ranking higher in search results.
- Conversion Rates: A well-written product name can entice customers to click and learn more. Think “Cozy Fleece Blanket” versus “Blanket.” The first one evokes a feeling and is more likely to attract attention.
- Product Name Field: When adding a new product in your WooCommerce dashboard, you’ll see a field labeled “Product Name.” This is where you enter the crucial information. Make sure to use descriptive, keyword-rich names here. For example, instead of “Shirt,” use “Men’s Premium Cotton T-Shirt – Navy Blue.”
- Theme-Specific Locations: Your WooCommerce theme determines *where* the product name appears on the page. Most themes display it prominently, but the exact placement might vary slightly.
Method 1: Using the Default WooCommerce Display
WooCommerce, by default, displays the product name prominently on your shop pages, product archives, and individual product pages. This is usually handled automatically, and you typically don’t need to change anything. However, let’s look at where this information is coming from:
Method 2: Customizing Product Name Display with WooCommerce Hooks
For more advanced control, you can use WooCommerce hooks and filters. This lets you modify how the product name is displayed using PHP code. This requires some basic coding knowledge. If you’re not comfortable with coding, skip this section and contact a developer.
Let’s say you want to add a prefix or suffix to your product names. Here’s how you could do that using the `woocommerce_product_title` filter:
add_filter( 'woocommerce_product_title', 'add_prefix_to_product_title', 10, 2 );
function add_prefix_to_product_title( $title, $product ) {
return ‘New! ‘ . $title; //Adds “New!” prefix
}
This code adds “New!” to the beginning of every product title. Remember to add this code to your `functions.php` file (or a custom plugin) – always back up your files before making any code changes.
Method 3: Using Shortcodes in Pages and Posts
You can also display product names using shortcodes within your pages and posts. This method is useful for showcasing specific products or categories. While this doesn’t change how the name displays *on* the product page, it allows you to selectively display them elsewhere on your site.
For example, you can use the `[product_title]` shortcode to display a product’s title. Be aware that this needs to be done within the context of a product, often using the `
` shortcode which displays product 123.Method 4: Utilizing WooCommerce Plugins
Several plugins enhance the way product names are displayed. Some plugins allow you to:
- Add custom fields to products for more detailed information displayed alongside the name.
- Change the formatting of product names (e.g., making them bold or italic).
- Create variations in product name display based on categories or tags.
Research WooCommerce plugins in the WordPress plugin directory to find one that suits your needs. Always read reviews and check compatibility before installing.
Conclusion
Displaying product names correctly in WooCommerce is crucial for a positive customer experience and successful online sales. While the default functionality often suffices, understanding the available customization options empowers you to optimize your store’s presentation and search engine visibility. Remember to prioritize clear, concise, and keyword-rich product names to maximize your impact.
