Creating an Add to Cart Button in WordPress

Why the Add to Cart Button is Important

As an eCommerce website owner, you understand how crucial it is to have a straightforward and user-friendly shopping cart system for your customers. Your “Add to Cart” button is a vital feature of your website, serving as one of the steps in the buying process. Without a functional and intuitive “Add to Cart” button, you risk losing potential customers and sales.

Methods for Creating an Add to Cart Button in WordPress

Method 1: Using WooCommerce

WooCommerce is a popular plugin for WordPress websites that can help you manage and develop your online store. One of its core features is the “Add to Cart” button, which can easily be added to your product pages.

Step 1: Install and Activate WooCommerce Plugin

To get started, install and activate the WooCommerce plugin. If you’re unsure how to do this, check out our step-by-step guide for installing a WordPress plugin.

Step 2: Configure WooCommerce Settings

After activation, configure the basic settings. Head to WooCommerce > Settings and carefully adjust your store’s settings as needed.

Step 3: Add Products

After configuring the settings, start adding your products to your online store. Navigate to Products > Add New and enter the product information. In the Product Data section, select the product type and configure its settings accordingly.

Step 4: Add Add to Cart Button

After adding the products, you will need to add the “Add to Cart” button to the product page. Navigate to Appearance > Customize, then click WooCommerce > Product Catalog. Scroll down to Add to Cart Behavior and ensure that “Enable AJAX add to cart button on archives” is checked. When selected, the “Add to Cart” button will display on the product page.

Method 2: Using Shortcodes

Shortcodes are a code type that allows you to add dynamic features to your WordPress website without custom coding. Shortcodes are simple to use, and minimal technical knowledge is required.

Step 1: Install and Activate a Shortcode Plugin

Begin by installing and activating a shortcode plugin such as WP EasyCart or Shortcodes Ultimate. These plugins offer a range of shortcode options, including the “Add to Cart” button.

Step 2: Create a Product Page

Create a product page by navigating to Pages > Add New. Give the page a title such as “Shop” and enter details like the product description, image, and price.

Step 3: Add Add to Cart Button Shortcode

Using the shortcode plugin you installed, add the “Add to Cart” button shortcode to the product page. Each shortcode plugin has its syntax, but most provide a straightforward visual interface.

In WP EasyCart, use the shortcode [ezcc_cart_btn] to add the “Add to Cart” button. The button will facilitate the addition of products to the customer’s cart.

In Shortcodes Ultimate, use the shortcode [su_button url=”LINK_TO_ADD_TO_CART”]Add to Cart[/su_button]. Replace LINK_TO_ADD_TO_CART with the actual link to the shopping cart.

Method 3: Adding Add to Cart Button Manually

Manually adding the “Add to Cart” button is an option if you have the required technical knowledge. Editing your site’s HTML code will be required, and this method is not suitable for beginners.

Step 1: Create a Child Theme

Before beginning, create a child theme to avoid losing your changes on theme updates. If you’re unsure how to do this, check out the step-by-step guide to creating a child theme in WordPress.

Step 2: Edit the Product Page Template

Navigate to your child theme folder and open the product page template file. Add the following code where you want the “Add to Cart” button to appear. Replace PRODUCT_ID with the ID of the product you want to add to the cart.

<form class=”cart” method=”post” enctype=”multipart/form-data”>
<div class=”quantity”>
<input type=”number” step=”1″ min=”1″ max=”” name=”quantity” value=”1″ title=”Qty” class=”input-text qty text” size=”4″ pattern=”[0-9]*” inputmode=”numeric” aria-labelledby=”product-quantity”>
</div>
<button type=”submit” name=”add-to-cart” value=”PRODUCT_ID” class=”single_add_to_cart_button button alt”>Add to cart</button>
</form>

Step 3: Save and Preview

Save your changes to the product page template and preview your product page to confirm the “Add to Cart” button’s functionality.

Conclusion

Your “Add to Cart” button is crucial to your online store’s success, and it must be simple to use and intuitive for customers. In WordPress, several methods can be used to create an “Add to Cart” button. Choose the one that best suits your technical skill level and online store requirements.