How to Increase Products Per Page in WooCommerce: A Comprehensive Guide
Showing more products per page in your WooCommerce store can significantly improve the user experience and potentially boost sales. A cluttered page is bad, but showing too few products per page forces users to click through multiple pages, increasing bounce rate and decreasing conversion. Finding the optimal number of products per page is crucial for your WooCommerce store’s success. This article will guide you through various methods to achieve this, explaining the pros and cons of each approach.
Understanding the Importance of Products Per Page
The number of products displayed per page directly impacts your store’s usability and SEO. Too few products make browsing tedious, while too many can lead to a slow-loading, visually overwhelming experience. The goal is to find a balance that maximizes visibility while maintaining a clean and user-friendly interface. A well-optimized page allows customers to quickly scan and find what they are looking for, leading to increased engagement and sales. Consider these factors:
- User Experience (UX): A cluttered page is frustrating for users. Aim for a balance between information density and ease of navigation.
- Page Load Speed: More products generally mean a larger page size, potentially impacting load times. This is crucial for SEO and user experience. A slow loading page will lead to a high bounce rate.
- Mobile Optimization: Ensure your chosen configuration works well on mobile devices, where screen real estate is limited.
- SEO: While not directly impacting rankings, a better user experience indirectly benefits SEO through improved metrics like bounce rate and time on site.
Methods to Increase Products Per Page in WooCommerce
There are several ways to increase the number of products displayed on a WooCommerce shop page. Here are the most common methods:
#### 1. Modifying the `products_per_page` Query Variable
This is the most straightforward method. WooCommerce uses the `products_per_page` query variable to determine how many products to display per page. You can modify this via your theme’s functions.php file or by using a plugin.
Using your theme’s `functions.php` file (Advanced Users):
add_filter( 'loop_shop_per_page', 'new_loop_shop_per_page', 20 );
function new_loop_shop_per_page( $cols ) {
// Change this value to your desired number of products
$cols = 48;
return $cols;
}
Remember to: Always back up your files before making any code changes. This code should be added to your theme’s `functions.php` file. Incorrect code can break your website.
#### 2. Using WooCommerce Plugins
Several plugins offer more advanced control over product display settings, including the number of products per page. These plugins often provide user-friendly interfaces to adjust settings without touching code. Some popular options include:
- WooCommerce Product Table: This plugin allows you to display products in a table format, enabling you to show a significantly larger number of products on a single page.
- Advanced WooCommerce Product Search: This plugin enhances your product search functionality and, amongst other features, allows modification of the `products_per_page` variable.
#### 3. Customizing your WooCommerce Theme
Some WooCommerce themes allow you to adjust the number of products per page directly through their theme options panel. Check your theme’s documentation to see if this is possible.
Potential Downsides and Considerations
While increasing the number of products per page can be beneficial, it’s crucial to consider the following:
- Page Load Time: Increasing the number of products drastically can significantly slow down your page load speed, negatively impacting user experience and SEO. Test thoroughly after making changes.
- Visual Clutter: Too many products can make your page look overwhelming and difficult to navigate. Experiment to find the optimal balance.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure your increased product display adapts well to different screen sizes. Mobile users are particularly sensitive to slow loading pages and cluttered layouts.
Conclusion
Optimizing the number of products displayed per page in your WooCommerce store is a critical aspect of enhancing the user experience and driving sales. By carefully considering the methods outlined above and weighing the potential downsides, you can find the perfect balance between showcasing your products effectively and maintaining a fast, user-friendly website. Remember to test different configurations and monitor your analytics to determine the optimal number for your specific store and target audience. Continuously analyzing your website’s performance will help you refine your approach and maximize your sales.
