The checkout process plays a pivotal role in driving conversions for any eCommerce store. A cumbersome or unclear checkout process can easily lead to cart abandonment, costing you valuable sales. One way to streamline the shopping experience and increase conversions is by integrating a mini cart WooCommerce feature, specifically through a WooCommerce side cart.
This guide will walk you through the benefits of adding a side cart to your WooCommerce store, how to set it up, and how it can lead to higher customer engagement and conversions.
What is a WooCommerce Side Cart?
A WooCommerce side cart is a small cart that appears as a sidebar or overlay on the screen when a customer adds an item to their shopping cart. Unlike the traditional cart page that redirects users away from their shopping, a side cart provides instant access to the cart contents without interrupting the browsing or shopping flow.
The mini cart WooCommerce feature usually sits on the corner of the page, providing a quick view of the cart contents, total cost, and options to proceed to checkout, apply coupons, or remove items—all in a non-intrusive manner.
Why Implement a Side Cart in WooCommerce?
Adding a WooCommerce side cart can significantly enhance the customer experience and directly impact conversion rates. Here’s why:
1. Improves User Experience
A side cart allows customers to easily track the items in their cart without being forced to leave the page they’re on. This reduces friction in the checkout process and keeps users focused on shopping.
2. Encourages Continued Shopping
With the side cart always visible, customers are constantly reminded of the items they’ve added. This subtle reminder can encourage them to add more products, boosting your average order value.
3. Reduces Cart Abandonment
Cart abandonment is a common issue in eCommerce, often caused by a complicated or long-winded checkout process. A WooCommerce side cart minimizes this issue by allowing customers to quickly review their cart, make adjustments, and proceed to checkout without extra steps.
4. Enables Quick Checkout
Many side carts come with a direct “checkout” button, allowing customers to skip the full cart page altogether and proceed directly to the payment page, further speeding up the checkout process.
5. Seamless Integration
A mini cart WooCommerce feature can be seamlessly integrated into your store without disrupting your current theme or design. It fits neatly into your store’s layout and can even be customized to match your branding.
Setting Up a WooCommerce Side Cart
Setting up a WooCommerce side cart doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge, especially if you’re using plugins. Here’s how you can easily add a side cart feature to your WooCommerce store:
Step 1: Choose the Right Side Cart Plugin
There are many plugins available to add a mini cart WooCommerce feature. Some of the most popular ones include:
- WooCommerce Cart All In One: This plugin offers a sliding side cart that pops up when a user adds items to their cart. It also provides cart customizations and a checkout button.
- Side Cart WooCommerce: A simple and effective plugin that allows users to view and edit cart items in a floating side cart.
- Floating Cart for WooCommerce: This plugin offers a highly customizable side cart that can be tailored to your store’s branding, with options for color, icons, and animation effects.
Step 2: Install and Activate the Plugin
Once you’ve selected a plugin that fits your needs, you’ll need to install and activate it on your WooCommerce store. Go to the Plugins section of your WordPress dashboard, click on Add New, search for the plugin, and install it.
Step 3: Customize the Side Cart
Most WooCommerce side cart plugins offer several customization options. You can adjust the following to match your store’s branding and functionality:
- Positioning: Decide whether you want the side cart to appear on the left or right side of the screen.
- Cart Icon: Choose a cart icon that fits your store’s theme.
- Colors and Fonts: Match the colors and fonts of the side cart to your store’s branding.
- Cart Summary: Decide what information will be shown in the cart, such as product images, quantity, price, and total cost.
- Checkout Options: Some plugins allow customers to apply coupons directly from the side cart and proceed to checkout with a single click.
Step 4: Test the Side Cart
Once you’ve customized the side cart to your liking, test the functionality to ensure it works as expected. Add products to the cart, remove items, and go through the checkout process to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Best Practices for WooCommerce Side Cart Optimization
To maximize the effectiveness of your mini cart WooCommerce feature, consider the following best practices:
1. Display Cart Notifications
Enable real-time cart updates and notifications when a product is added to the cart. This gives customers instant feedback and reassurance that their action was successful.
2. Include Product Thumbnails
Displaying product thumbnails in the side cart helps remind customers of their selections, making it visually appealing and easier to review.
3. Add Coupon Code Option
Allow customers to apply discount codes directly from the side cart. This saves time and increases the likelihood of completing the purchase.
4. Keep the Side Cart Non-Intrusive
Make sure the side cart does not cover the entire screen or interrupt the shopping experience. It should be easily accessible but not overwhelming.
5. Direct Checkout Option
Provide a “checkout” button that bypasses the full cart page, giving customers the option to complete their purchase quickly.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between a mini cart and a side cart in WooCommerce?
A1: A mini cart in WooCommerce is a compact version of the full shopping cart, typically found in the header or as a floating element on the page. A side cart is a more advanced version of the mini cart that slides out as a sidebar or pop-up, providing more detailed information about the cart’s contents and offering a seamless shopping experience.
Q2: Can I customize the appearance of the WooCommerce side cart?
A2: Yes, most WooCommerce side cart plugins offer a range of customization options. You can change the color scheme, icons, fonts, positioning, and the information displayed in the cart to match your store’s theme and branding.
Q3: Do side carts work with all WooCommerce themes?
A3: Most side cart plugins are designed to work with the majority of WooCommerce themes. However, it’s always recommended to test the side cart with your specific theme to ensure compatibility and smooth functionality.
Q4: Will using a WooCommerce side cart slow down my website?
A4: A well-coded side cart plugin should not significantly impact your website’s performance. However, it’s important to choose a reputable plugin that is optimized for speed and does not add excessive bloat to your site.
Q5: How can a WooCommerce side cart improve conversions?
A5: A WooCommerce side cart enhances conversions by streamlining the checkout process, reducing friction, and providing users with a clear, immediate view of their cart contents. The ease of adjusting quantities, applying coupons, and proceeding directly to checkout increases the likelihood of completing a purchase.
Conclusion
Implementing a mini cart WooCommerce feature, particularly through a WooCommerce side cart, can significantly improve the user experience and boost conversions. A side cart reduces friction in the checkout process by providing customers with easy access to their cart, allowing them to make adjustments without leaving the shopping page.
By customizing the side cart with real-time notifications, product thumbnails, and direct checkout options, you can create a streamlined, non-intrusive shopping experience that encourages users to complete their purchases. Following best practices, such as keeping the cart simple and integrating coupon code fields, can further enhance the efficiency of your store’s checkout process.
Start using a WooCommerce side cart today to optimize your store’s user journey and maximize customer engagement and sales.