Woocommerce Genesis How To Remove The Default Sorting Drop Down

WooCommerce Genesis: How to Remove the Default Sorting Dropdown (SEO-Friendly Guide)

Introduction:

WooCommerce, coupled with the Genesis Framework, provides a powerful and flexible platform for building online stores. However, sometimes the default settings don’t quite align with your desired user experience. One common customization is removing the default “Sort by” dropdown menu on your shop and category pages. This dropdown, while functional, might not be necessary if you prefer a specific product arrangement or have implemented alternative sorting methods. This article will guide you through the process of removing this dropdown in your WooCommerce Genesis-based store, ensuring an efficient and SEO-friendly approach. Removing unnecessary elements can lead to a cleaner interface and potentially improve page load speed, both vital for SEO.

Why Remove the Default Sorting Dropdown?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s consider the reasons for removing the default sorting dropdown:

• Simplified User Interface: A cleaner design can reduce distractions and improve the overall user experience.
• Predefined Product Arrangement: You might have a specific order for your products (e.g., based on bestsellers, new arrivals, or specific pricing tiers) and want to enforce it.
• Alternative Sorting Methods: You might have implemented custom sorting solutions using plugins or custom code.
• Branding Consistency: The default dropdown might not align with your store’s branding and aesthetic.

Main Part: Removing the Sorting Dropdown

There are a few ways to remove the default sorting dropdown in your WooCommerce Genesis-based store. The best approach depends on your comfort level with coding and your willingness to modify theme files. We’ll explore two popular methods: using `remove_action` in your theme’s `functions.php` file and using a custom Genesis child theme function.

Method 1: Using `remove_action` in `functions.php`

This is the recommended method for its simplicity and effectiveness. You’ll need to access your child theme’s `functions.php` file. Always use a child theme to make modifications; avoid editing the parent Genesis theme directly to prevent your changes from being overwritten during updates.

1. Access Your Child Theme’s `functions.php` File: Log into your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance -> Theme Editor, and select your child theme’s `functions.php` file.

2. Add the following code snippet:

<?php
/**
Remove the default WooCommerce sorting dropdown.
*/
function remove_woocommerce_sorting() {
remove_action( 'woocommerce_before_shop_loop', 'woocommerce_catalog_ordering', 30 );
}
add_action('after_setup_theme', 'remove_woocommerce_sorting');
?>

3. Explanation:

• `remove_action( ‘woocommerce_before_shop_loop’, ‘woocommerce_catalog_ordering’, 30 );` : This line is the heart of the operation. It removes the `woocommerce_catalog_ordering` function (which is responsible for displaying the dropdown) from the `woocommerce_before_shop_loop` action hook. The `30` is the priority of the action, ensuring we remove the correct instance.
• `add_action(‘after_setup_theme’, ‘remove_woocommerce_sorting’);`: This hooks our `remove_woocommerce_sorting` function to the `after_setup_theme` action. This ensures our function runs after the theme has been fully loaded, giving us the opportunity to remove the WooCommerce action.

4. Save Changes: Click the “Update File” button to save your changes.

5. Test: Visit your shop or category pages to confirm that the sorting dropdown has been removed.

Method 2: Creating a Custom Genesis Child Theme Function (Alternative)

This method offers a more structured approach if you’re already building a custom function library in your child theme.

1. Create a Custom Function: Within your child theme’s `functions.php` file, define a custom function.

<?php
/**
Custom WooCommerce Functions for [Your Child Theme Name]
*/

function your_theme_woocommerce_setup() {

remove_action( ‘woocommerce_before_shop_loop’, ‘woocommerce_catalog_ordering’, 30 );

}

add_action( ‘after_setup_theme’, ‘your_theme_woocommerce_setup’ );

?>

2. Explanation:

• This method is essentially the same as Method 1 but encapsulates the `remove_action` call within a named function `your_theme_woocommerce_setup` (replace `your_theme` with your child theme’s name or a suitable prefix). This improves code organization and readability.
• The `add_action(‘after_setup_theme’, ‘your_theme_woocommerce_setup’);` ensures that your custom function is executed after the theme has been set up, allowing you to modify WooCommerce’s behavior.

3. Save and Test: Save the changes to your `functions.php` file and test the result on your shop page.

Troubleshooting

• Dropdown Still Visible: If the dropdown remains visible, double-check that you’ve correctly added the code to your child theme’s `functions.php` file. Ensure there are no syntax errors in your code.
• Unexpected Theme Behavior: If you encounter any unexpected behavior, carefully review the code you’ve added and ensure it’s correctly placed within the `functions.php` file.

Conclusion:

Removing the default WooCommerce sorting dropdown on your Genesis-powered store can streamline your user interface and enforce your desired product arrangement. By using the `remove_action` function within your child theme’s `functions.php` file, you can easily achieve this customization. Remember to always use a child theme and test your changes thoroughly to ensure a smooth and error-free experience. By optimizing your WooCommerce store for user experience and branding consistency, you can significantly improve your SEO and ultimately drive more sales. Consider carefully whether removing the dropdown enhances the user experience for *your* customers, as sorting options can be valuable for some shoppers.