How to Remove “Built with WooCommerce” from Your WordPress Website (SEO-Friendly Guide)
Introduction:
WooCommerce is a fantastic platform for building e-commerce stores on WordPress. However, many users find the default “Built with WooCommerce” text in the footer less than ideal. It might look unprofessional, distract from your branding, or simply clutter your site. This article provides a comprehensive, SEO-friendly guide on how to remove “Built with WooCommerce” from your WordPress website using various methods, ranging from simple theme customization to more advanced code solutions. We’ll cover options suitable for all skill levels, ensuring a clean and professional look for your online store.
Main Part:
There are several ways to remove or customize the “Built with WooCommerce” text. Choose the method that best suits your technical skills and comfort level.
Method 1: Theme Customizer (Recommended for Beginners)
The easiest and safest way to remove the footer text is through your theme customizer, if your theme supports it. Many modern WordPress themes provide this functionality, making the process incredibly straightforward.
1. Access the WordPress Customizer: Go to Appearance > Customize in your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Look for Footer Options: The location of footer settings varies depending on your theme. Search for sections like “Footer,” “Footer Options,” “Theme Options,” or something similar. Common keywords to look for within the customizer include “Copyright,” “Footer Credit,” or “WooCommerce Footer.”
3. Edit or Remove the Text: In the relevant section, you might find an option to:
* Edit the Text: Change the “Built with WooCommerce” text to something else, like your store name and copyright notice.
* Disable the Footer Credit: Some themes offer a checkbox or a dropdown to completely disable the footer credit, effectively removing the text.
4. Publish Your Changes: Once you’ve made your adjustments, click the “Publish” button to save your changes and make them live on your website.
Advantages:
- Simple and user-friendly.
- No coding required.
- Theme updates won’t overwrite your changes (if the theme supports customization in this way).
- Not all themes offer this functionality.
- Limited customization options might be available.
Disadvantages:
Method 2: Editing the Theme’s `functions.php` File (Requires Coding Knowledge)
If your theme doesn’t offer customization options within the customizer, you can modify the theme’s `functions.php` file. However, be extremely cautious when editing this file, as incorrect code can break your website. Always back up your website before making any changes.
1. Access the `functions.php` File: There are two ways to access this file:
* WordPress Theme Editor: Go to Appearance > Theme Editor in your WordPress admin dashboard. Select the `functions.php` file from the list of theme files.
* FTP/SFTP: Connect to your website using an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla) and navigate to the theme directory (`/wp-content/themes/[your-theme-name]/`). Download the `functions.php` file.
2. Add Code to Remove the WooCommerce Footer: Add the following code snippet to the `functions.php` file:
remove_action( 'woocommerce_credits', 'woocommerce_credit', 10 );
This code removes the default WooCommerce credit function.
3. Save Your Changes:
* Theme Editor: Click the “Update File” button.
* FTP/SFTP: Upload the modified `functions.php` file back to the theme directory, overwriting the original.
4. Check Your Website: Visit your website to confirm that the “Built with WooCommerce” text is gone.
Important Considerations:
- Use a Child Theme: Modifying the parent theme’s `functions.php` directly is not recommended. Theme updates will overwrite your changes. Always create a child theme and make modifications there.
- Error Handling: If you encounter errors, revert your changes immediately to avoid breaking your site.
Method 3: Using a Plugin (Considered a Last Resort)
While several plugins claim to remove the WooCommerce footer, using too many plugins can negatively impact website performance. Therefore, use this method only if the previous options aren’t feasible. Search the WordPress plugin repository for terms like “WooCommerce Footer Remover” or “Customize Footer.” Read plugin reviews carefully before installing. Ensure the plugin is regularly updated and has good ratings.
Advantages:
- Potentially easier than editing code (depending on the plugin).
Disadvantages:
- Adds extra load to your website (can slow down performance).
- Security risks associated with poorly coded or outdated plugins.
- May become incompatible with future WordPress or WooCommerce updates.
Method 4: CSS (Hiding the Element – Not Recommended)
While technically possible, using CSS to hide the “Built with WooCommerce” element is not recommended.
.site-info {
display: none !important;
}
This only hides the text from view; it doesn’t actually remove it from the source code. This can have a negative impact on SEO.
Conclusion:
Removing or customizing the “Built with WooCommerce” text is a simple way to enhance your store’s branding and professionalism. The best approach depends on your technical skill level. The theme customizer is usually the easiest and safest option. Editing the `functions.php` file allows for more control, but requires coding knowledge and the use of a child theme to prevent your changes from being overwritten. Plugins should be used as a last resort due to potential performance and security concerns. Avoid using CSS to simply hide the text. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily remove the default WooCommerce footer credit and create a more polished and professional online store. Remember to always back up your website before making any significant changes.
