How to Remove the “Continue Shopping” Button in WooCommerce
The “Continue Shopping” button in WooCommerce, usually located on the cart page, aims to guide customers back to your product catalog after they’ve added items to their cart. While well-intentioned, it can sometimes distract users and potentially decrease conversion rates. This article will guide you through various methods to remove the “Continue Shopping” button from your WooCommerce store, empowering you to optimize your customer’s shopping experience.
Understanding the “Continue Shopping” Button
The “Continue Shopping” button serves as a navigational aid, providing a direct route back to your shop page. While it can be useful for some customers, it can also lead to them browsing unnecessarily when they’re already close to completing their purchase. By removing it, you can encourage customers to proceed directly to checkout and finalize their order. Before we dive into the how-to, consider if removing this button aligns with your overall sales strategy.
Methods to Remove the “Continue Shopping” Button
Here are several methods to remove the “Continue Shopping” button, ranging from simple code snippets to more comprehensive plugin-based approaches. Choose the method that best suits your technical expertise and desired level of control.
1. Using a Code Snippet (Recommended for Most Users)
This is the most straightforward and generally recommended method for removing the button. It involves adding a small code snippet to your theme’s `functions.php` file or using a code snippet plugin.
- Method 1: Using `functions.php`
1. Access your WordPress dashboard: Navigate to Appearance -> Theme Editor. Always back up your theme’s `functions.php` file before making any changes!
2. Locate the `functions.php` file: This file is typically located in your theme’s directory.
3. Add the code snippet: Paste the following code snippet at the end of the `functions.php` file:
function remove_continue_shopping_button() {
remove_action( 'woocommerce_cart_actions', 'woocommerce_continue_shopping', 10 );
}
add_action('init', 'remove_continue_shopping_button');
4. Save the changes: Click the “Update File” button.
5. Test your store: Visit your cart page to confirm that the button has been removed.
- Method 2: Using a Code Snippet Plugin
Using a code snippet plugin is generally considered a safer approach than directly editing the `functions.php` file, as it isolates the code and reduces the risk of theme errors.
1. Install a code snippet plugin: Popular choices include “Code Snippets” and “WPCode”.
2. Activate the plugin.
3. Add a new snippet: In your plugin’s dashboard, create a new snippet.
4. Paste the code snippet: Use the same code as above:
function remove_continue_shopping_button() {
remove_action( 'woocommerce_cart_actions', 'woocommerce_continue_shopping', 10 );
}
add_action('init', 'remove_continue_shopping_button');
5. Activate the snippet: Save and activate the snippet.
6. Test your store: Visit your cart page to confirm that the button has been removed.
2. Using CSS (Hiding the Button)
This method hides the button using CSS. While simpler to implement, it doesn’t actually remove the button from the HTML source code. It just makes it invisible. This might not be ideal for SEO or page load speed, but can be a quick fix.
- Access your WordPress dashboard: Navigate to Appearance -> Customize -> Additional CSS.
- Add the CSS code: Paste the following CSS code into the text area:
.woocommerce-cart .wc-backward {
display: none !important;
}
- Publish the changes: Click the “Publish” button.
- Test your store: Visit your cart page to confirm that the button is hidden.
3. Using a Plugin
Several WooCommerce plugins allow you to customize the cart page and remove the “Continue Shopping” button. Examples include:
- WooCommerce Cart Customizer: This plugin provides a user-friendly interface for modifying various aspects of the cart page, including removing the “Continue Shopping” button.
- YITH WooCommerce Cart Messages: This plugin focuses on cart messages, but often includes options to customize other cart elements.
Note: The specific steps for using a plugin will vary depending on the plugin you choose. Refer to the plugin’s documentation for detailed instructions. This often involves going to the plugin settings and looking for a cart customization option.
4. Modifying the WooCommerce Template (Advanced)
This method involves directly modifying the WooCommerce template file responsible for displaying the cart. This is the most complex approach and should only be attempted by experienced developers. Incorrect modifications can break your WooCommerce store.
1. Ensure you’re using a child theme: Never modify the core WooCommerce plugin files directly. Create a child theme to avoid losing your changes when the plugin is updated.
2. Locate the `cart.php` template file: This file is typically located in `woocommerce/templates/cart/cart.php` within the WooCommerce plugin directory.
3. Copy the `cart.php` file to your child theme: Create the same directory structure (`woocommerce/templates/cart/`) in your child theme’s directory and copy the `cart.php` file there.
4. Edit the `cart.php` file: In your child theme’s version of the `cart.php` file, find the line of code that outputs the “Continue Shopping” button (it usually contains a call to `woocommerce_continue_shopping()`). Remove or comment out that line.
5. Save the changes: Save the modified `cart.php` file.
6. Test your store: Visit your cart page to confirm that the button has been removed.
Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
- User Experience: While removing the “Continue Shopping” button can streamline the checkout process, consider the potential impact on users who might prefer to browse further. Make sure your site navigation is clear and easy to use.
- A/B Testing: The best way to determine whether removing the button improves conversion rates is to conduct A/B testing. Compare the conversion rates with and without the button to see what works best for your audience.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure that your site’s navigation remains intuitive on mobile devices after removing the button.
Conclusion
Removing the “Continue Shopping” button in WooCommerce can be a valuable optimization strategy, but it’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the possible drawbacks. By implementing one of the methods outlined above, you can customize your cart page and tailor the shopping experience to your specific business goals. Remember to always back up your website before making any code changes and to test thoroughly after implementing any modifications. Choose the method that best suits your comfort level and technical expertise, and continuously monitor your site’s performance to ensure optimal results.
