How to Turn Off the “Return to Shopping” Button in WooCommerce: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction:
WooCommerce, the leading e-commerce platform for WordPress, offers a flexible and customizable shopping experience. However, sometimes the default features don’t quite align with your desired user flow. One such feature is the “Return to Shopping” button, which appears on the cart and checkout pages. While seemingly helpful, it can sometimes distract users, especially if you’re guiding them through a carefully crafted sales funnel or want them to proceed directly to checkout. If you’re looking to streamline the user experience on your WooCommerce store, this article will guide you through various methods to disable the “Return to Shopping” button effectively. We’ll explore different approaches, from code snippets to plugin options, allowing you to choose the method that best suits your technical expertise and website setup.
Why Disable the “Return to Shopping” Button?
The “Return to Shopping” button is generally meant to help customers easily navigate back to your product catalog from the cart or checkout page. However, there are situations where it might be counterproductive:
- Streamlined Sales Funnel: If you’ve designed a specific sequence of steps for customers to follow towards a purchase, the button can disrupt this flow.
- Reduced Cart Abandonment: In some cases, offering too many options on the checkout page can lead to indecision and cart abandonment. Removing the button can encourage users to complete their purchase.
- Direct Checkout Focus: If you want your customers to focus solely on completing their order once they reach the cart or checkout page, eliminating the button can improve conversion rates.
- Mobile Optimization: On smaller screens, fewer elements on the page can lead to a cleaner and more intuitive user experience.
Methods to Turn Off the “Return to Shopping” Button
There are several methods you can use to disable the “Return to Shopping” button in WooCommerce. We’ll cover the most common and effective options, catering to different skill levels:
#### 1. Using a Code Snippet (Recommended for Developers)
This method involves adding a small piece of code to your theme’s `functions.php` file or using a code snippets plugin. This is often the cleanest and most efficient approach. Always back up your site before making any code changes.
function remove_return_to_shop_button() { remove_action( 'woocommerce_cart_is_empty', 'woocommerce_cart_empty_heading', 5 ); remove_action( 'woocommerce_cart_is_empty', 'woocommerce_cart_empty_link', 10 );
function my_woocommerce_cart_is_empty() {
echo ‘
‘ . esc_html__( ‘Your cart is currently empty.’, ‘woocommerce’ ) . ‘
‘;
}
add_action( ‘woocommerce_cart_is_empty’, ‘my_woocommerce_cart_is_empty’, 5 );
}
add_action( ‘after_setup_theme’, ‘remove_return_to_shop_button’ );
add_filter( ‘woocommerce_return_to_shop_redirect’, ‘custom_return_to_shop_redirect’ );
function custom_return_to_shop_redirect() {
return get_permalink( wc_get_page_id( ‘shop’ ) );
}
Explanation:
- The first part of the code removes the default actions `woocommerce_cart_empty_heading` and `woocommerce_cart_empty_link` associated with the “Return to Shopping” button.
- It then redefines the message to show a simple “Your cart is currently empty.” message. This is optional, you can comment out the redefined function if you want to remove the message entirely.
- The second part of the code uses `woocommerce_return_to_shop_redirect` filter to ensure the shop page is called correctly
How to Implement:
1. Access your `functions.php` file: You can find this file in your WordPress theme directory (e.g., `/wp-content/themes/your-theme-name/functions.php`). Carefully edit the file or install a Code Snippets plugin for safety.
2. Add the code: Paste the code snippet at the end of the `functions.php` file.
3. Save the file: Save the changes to the `functions.php` file.
4. Clear your cache: Clear any website cache or browser cache to ensure the changes are reflected.
Important Considerations:
- Child Theme: Always make changes to your theme using a child theme. This prevents your modifications from being overwritten during theme updates.
- Code Snippets Plugin: Using a Code Snippets plugin is a safer alternative to directly editing the `functions.php` file. It allows you to easily add and manage code snippets without directly altering your theme’s core files.
#### 2. Using a Plugin (Recommended for Non-Developers)
If you’re not comfortable editing code, using a plugin is a simpler alternative. Several plugins can help you customize WooCommerce elements, including the “Return to Shopping” button.
Example Plugin:
While a specific plugin solely dedicated to this one button might be overkill, you could use a general WooCommerce customization plugin, or one specifically designed for checkout customization. Look for plugins that allow you to customize the cart and checkout pages’ display elements. Search the WordPress plugin repository for keywords like “WooCommerce Checkout Customization” or “WooCommerce Cart Customization.”
General Steps (Plugin Dependent):
1. Install and activate the plugin: Install and activate the chosen plugin from the WordPress plugin repository.
2. Navigate to the plugin settings: Find the plugin’s settings page, usually located under the “WooCommerce” or “Settings” menu in your WordPress dashboard.
3. Locate the Check out this post: How To Sell Tours On Woocommerce customization options: Look for options related to cart or checkout page customization.
4. Disable the “Return to Shopping” button: The plugin should provide a setting to remove or hide the button. Look for an option with a similar description.
5. Save your changes: Save the plugin settings to apply the changes.
6. Clear your cache: Clear any website or browser cache.
Plugin Advantages:
- No Coding Required: Plugins offer a user-friendly interface for customization.
- Easy to Manage: Plugins are easy to install, activate, and deactivate.
Plugin Disadvantages:
- Plugin Bloat: Using too many plugins can slow down your website.
- Compatibility Issues: Plugins can sometimes conflict with each other or with your theme.
- Cost: Some plugins are premium (paid) and require a subscription.
#### 3. Using CSS (Less Reliable, Not Recommended)
While possible in theory, relying solely on CSS to hide the “Return to Shopping” button isn’t recommended as it can be unreliable and might break with theme updates. The code would look something like this:
.woocommerce-cart .return-to-shop {
display: none !important;
}
.woocommerce-cart .cart-empty .button {
display: none !important;
}
.woocommerce-checkout .return-to-shop {
display: none !important;
}
Why this method is discouraged:
- Fragile: CSS relies on specific HTML structure, which can change with theme updates.
- Hides, Doesn’t Remove: CSS only hides the element visually, the HTML is still present, which can affect page load times, even negligibly.
- Specific: You have to find the correct CSS selectors, which varies from theme to theme.
Conclusion
Disabling the “Return to Shopping” button in WooCommerce can be a valuable step in optimizing your customer’s shopping experience and streamlining your sales funnel. While the best method depends on your technical skills and website setup, using a code snippet or a dedicated plugin is generally recommended. Always back up your website before making any changes and test your modifications thoroughly to ensure they work as expected and don’t negatively impact other aspects of your site. By carefully considering your needs and Read more about How To Add Variation Product In Woocommerce choosing the appropriate method, you can create a smoother and more effective shopping experience for your customers, ultimately leading to increased conversions and revenue. Remember that regularly reviewing your site’s design and user flow is crucial for continuous improvement and maximizing your e-commerce success.
