How to Remove Related Products from WooCommerce: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
WooCommerce, the leading e-commerce platform for WordPress, automatically displays related products on individual product pages. This feature aims to encourage further purchases by showcasing items similar to what the customer is currently viewing. While often beneficial, there are situations where removing related products becomes necessary. Perhaps you want to declutter the product page, improve site speed, or implement a more tailored cross-selling strategy. Whatever the reason, this article will guide you through various methods to effectively remove related products from your WooCommerce store, empowering you to customize the customer experience and optimize your sales funnel.
Removing Related Products: Step-by-Step Methods
Several approaches can be used to eliminate related products from your WooCommerce website. The best method depends on your technical skills and the desired level of control. We’ll cover three main strategies: using code snippets, employing plugins, and leveraging WooCommerce settings.
Method 1: Utilizing Code Snippets (functions.php or a Plugin)
This method provides granular control but requires some familiarity with PHP. If you’re uncomfortable editing code, proceed with caution or consult a developer. We’ll add a code snippet to your theme’s `functions.php` file or a code snippets plugin (recommended for safety).
1. Access your `functions.php` file: Navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor within your WordPress dashboard. Find the `functions.php` file in your theme’s files (usually located on the right-hand side). Always back up your `functions.php` file before making any changes!
2. Alternatively, use a Code Snippets plugin: Install and activate a plugin like “Code Snippets.” This is a safer and more organized way to manage custom code without directly modifying your theme files.
3. Add the following code snippet:
4. Save the changes: Click the “Update File” button (if editing `functions.php`) or activate the snippet within your Code Snippets plugin.
5. Test your website: Visit a product page on your website and verify that the related products section is no longer displayed.
Explanation:
- `remove_action()`: This function removes an existing action from WordPress/WooCommerce.
- `woocommerce_after_single_product_summary`: This specifies the hook where related products are displayed.
- `woocommerce_output_related_products`: This is the function that displays related products.
- `20`: This is the priority of the `woocommerce_output_related_products` function. It’s crucial to include it to ensure the function is correctly removed.
- Caching: After implementing any of these methods, clear your website’s cache and browser cache to ensure the changes are reflected correctly.
- Plugin Conflicts: Deactivate other WooCommerce plugins temporarily to troubleshoot any potential conflicts causing related products to reappear.
- Theme Updates: If you’ve directly edited your theme’s `functions.php` file, be aware that theme updates might overwrite your changes. Consider using a child theme or a Code Snippets plugin to preserve your customizations.
Method 2: Leveraging Plugins for Easy Removal
Several plugins offer a user-friendly interface for removing related products without requiring any coding. This is the easiest and recommended method for non-technical users.
1. Install and activate a suitable plugin: Search for plugins like “WooCommerce Related Products Manager,” “YITH WooCommerce Related Products,” or “Remove WooCommerce Related Products” in the WordPress plugin directory. Choose a plugin with good reviews and active support.
2. Configure the plugin settings: Once activated, the plugin will typically add a new settings page within your WooCommerce or WordPress dashboard. Locate the plugin’s settings and look for options related to disabling or customizing related products.
3. Disable related products: Most plugins will have a simple checkbox or toggle to completely remove related products from all product pages.
4. Save the changes: Save the plugin settings, and visit a product page to confirm that related products are no longer visible.
Method 3: Using WooCommerce Settings (Theme Dependent)
Some WooCommerce themes offer built-in options to control or disable related products directly within the theme’s customization settings. This method is theme-specific and might not be available for all themes.
1. Access your theme’s customization options: Go to Appearance > Customize in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Look for WooCommerce settings: Within the customizer, look for a section specifically for WooCommerce settings. This might be labelled “WooCommerce,” “Shop Settings,” or something similar.
3. Check for related product options: Within the WooCommerce settings, browse through the different options to see if there’s a setting to disable or hide related products. This might be under “Product Page” or a related section.
4. Disable related products (if available): If you find a setting, disable the option to display related products.
5. Publish the changes: Click the “Publish” button to save your changes and make them live on your website.
Important Considerations:
Conclusion
Removing related products from WooCommerce can be achieved through various methods, each with its pros and cons. Using code snippets offers fine-grained control, plugins provide a user-friendly approach, and theme settings (when available) offer a straightforward solution. Carefully consider your technical skills and the desired level of customization when selecting the appropriate method. By implementing these steps, you can customize your product pages, enhance the user experience, and potentially optimize your conversion rates. Remember to always back up your website before making any significant changes and test thoroughly to ensure the desired outcome.
