How to Display Product Category In WooCommerce

Welcome to our guide on how to effectively display product categories in WooCommerce, the popular e-commerce platform. As an online store owner, organizing your products is essential for a seamless shopping experience. With clear and intuitive product categories, you can help customers navigate your website and find what they’re looking for with ease.

In this article, we will walk you through the process of creating and assigning product categories in WooCommerce. We’ll also provide tips on designing visually appealing category pages and optimizing your product category URLs for improved search engine visibility. Additionally, we’ll explore different strategies and tools for displaying your categories on your storefront.

If you want to enhance your customers’ shopping experience and drive more sales, keep reading to discover the best practices for displaying product categories in WooCommerce.

Key Takeaways:

Product categories play a crucial role in organizing your online store and making it easier for customers to navigate.
Creating product categories in WooCommerce is an essential step before you can display them on your website.
Assigning products to the appropriate categories ensures your store is properly organized and helps customers find what they need.
Designing visually appealing and user-friendly category pages can enhance the shopping experience for your customers.
Optimizing your product category URLs can improve your website’s SEO and increase organic traffic.

Table of Content

Why are Product Categories Important?

Product categories play a crucial role in organizing your online store. They provide a logical structure for your products, making it easier for customers to navigate and find what they’re looking for.

Creating Product Categories in WooCommerce

Creating product categories is a crucial step in organizing your online store and providing a seamless shopping experience for your customers. In this section, we will walk you through the process of creating product categories within the WooCommerce settings, allowing you to efficiently categorize your products and improve navigation on your website.

Step 1: Accessing WooCommerce Settings

To begin creating product categories, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the WooCommerce tab on the left-hand side. Click on “Settings” and then select the “Products” tab from the top menu.

Step 2: Adding Product Categories

Within the “Products” settings, you will find the option to manage your product categories. Click on the “Categories” tab to access the category management page.

On the category management page, you can view and edit existing product categories or create new ones. To create a new category, click on the “Add Category” button.

Step 3: Setting Category Details

When adding a new category, you will need to provide certain details to define its properties and appearance. Fill in the category name, slug (URL-friendly version of the name), and optionally add a description for better clarification.

Step 4: Parent Categories and Hierarchies

If you want to create subcategories within an existing category, you can assign a parent category to the new one. This allows for a hierarchical structure, making it easier for customers to navigate through the product categories.

Step 5: Saving and Managing Categories

Once you have filled in the necessary details, click the “Add New Category” button to create the category. You can repeat the process to add more categories, and existing categories can be edited or deleted from the category management page.

With your product categories successfully created, you are now ready to assign your products to the relevant categories and display them on your website’s storefront. In the following section, we will guide you through the process of assigning products to categories in WooCommerce.

Assigning Products to Categories

Once you’ve created product categories in WooCommerce, the next step is to assign your products to these categories. This ensures that your products are properly organized and makes it easier for customers to find what they’re looking for.

To assign products to categories, follow these simple steps:

Log in to your WooCommerce dashboard.
Navigate to the “Products” tab and select “Categories.”
Choose the category you want to assign products to. If you haven’t created any categories yet, refer back to our previous section on “Creating Product Categories in WooCommerce.”
Click on the category name to edit it.
In the “Products” section, start typing the name of the product you want to assign. WooCommerce will suggest matching products as you type.
Select the appropriate product from the suggestions.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 for each additional product you want to assign to the category.
Click “Update” to save your changes.

By assigning products to categories, you create a logical structure within your online store, enabling customers to easily navigate your products and make informed purchase decisions. This organization also enhances the overall user experience and contributes to a more professional and polished storefront.

Pro Tip: When assigning products to categories, consider adding featured images to your products. These images will be displayed on the category page, giving customers a visual representation of the products they can expect to find within that category.

Related: How to Create a WordPress Website?

Designing Category Pages

When it comes to creating a successful online store, designing visually appealing and user-friendly category pages is essential. These pages are where your customers will browse and explore the different product categories you offer, so it’s important to make a strong impression.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you design your category pages effectively:

Keep it simple: A clean and uncluttered design will make it easier for customers to navigate and find what they’re looking for. Avoid overwhelming your category pages with too many elements or distractions.
Use high-quality visuals: Include attractive product images that accurately represent the category. High-resolution and professionally-shot images can significantly enhance the overall look and feel of your category pages.
Organize categories logically: Arrange your categories in a logical hierarchy that makes sense to your target audience. Consider their browsing habits and preferences to determine the most intuitive structure for your category pages.
Implement clear navigation: Make it easy for customers to navigate between different categories and subcategories. Use clear and intuitive navigation menus or breadcrumb trails to provide a seamless browsing experience.
Add helpful search filters: Incorporate search filters that allow customers to refine their product searches based on specific attributes like price range, size, color, and more. This can help them find their desired products quickly and easily.

Designing visually appealing and user-friendly category pages is essential for enhancing the shopping experience. By following these tips, you can create category pages that leave a lasting impression on your customers.

Remember, the design of your category pages should align with your brand identity, product offerings, and target audience. Take the time to refine and optimize your category pages to maximize their impact on your customers’ shopping journey.

Optimizing Product Category URLs

When it comes to improving your website’s SEO and driving organic traffic, optimizing your product category URLs in WooCommerce plays a vital role. By following best practices in URL optimization, you can enhance the visibility of your product categories and improve search engine rankings. Let’s explore some key strategies to optimize your product category URLs.

1. Use Descriptive Keywords

Include relevant keywords: Incorporate targeted keywords related to your product categories in the URL. This helps search engines understand the content and purpose of the page.
Avoid lengthy URLs: Keep your URLs concise and focused. Long, convoluted URLs can be confusing for both search engines and users.
Separate words with hyphens: Use hyphens to separate words in your URLs, as search engines interpret hyphens as word separators. Avoid using underscores or other characters.

2. Create a Logical Hierarchy

Organize your product category URLs in a hierarchical structure to create a logical flow. Start with the main category and use subfolders to represent subcategories. This helps search engines understand the relationship between different product categories and improves navigation for users.

3. Implement Canonical URLs

Canonical URLs are important for preventing duplicate content issues. Ensure that each product category page has a unique canonical URL. This consolidates the SEO value of similar pages and avoids dilution of ranking signals.

4. Set Up 301 Redirects

If you decide to change a product category URL or remove a category, set up 301 redirects to redirect users and search engines to the new URL. This preserves the SEO value of the old URL and ensures a smooth user experience.

5. Test and Monitor

Regularly test and monitor your product category URLs to ensure they are functioning correctly and delivering the desired SEO results. Use tools like Google Search Console to identify any issues and make necessary improvements.

Remember, optimizing your product category URLs is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and improvement. By implementing these best practices, you can enhance your website’s SEO performance, increase organic traffic, and provide a better user experience.

Related: How to Create a WordPress Website?

Displaying Categories on Your Storefront

When it comes to showcasing your product categories on your storefront, visibility and accessibility are key. By prominently displaying your categories, you make it easier for your customers to find the products they are looking for. In this section, we will explore different display options and recommend strategies to grab customers’ attention.

1. Menu Navigation

One of the most common and effective ways to display product categories on your storefront is through the menu navigation. By including a dedicated category menu, you can provide a clear and organized structure for customers to explore your products. Consider using dropdown menus to further simplify the browsing experience.

2. Homepage Highlights

Your homepage is the first impression customers have of your online store. Take advantage of this prime real estate by featuring your product categories in a visually appealing and attention-grabbing way. Showcase popular or seasonal categories with compelling images and enticing descriptions to entice customers to explore further.

3. Category Banners

Add visual interest to your storefront by incorporating category banners. These large banners can be placed strategically on your homepage or throughout your site to highlight specific categories or promotions. Use eye-catching images and persuasive copy to draw customers’ attention and encourage them to click through to the category page.

“Properly displaying your product categories on your storefront can significantly improve the shopping experience for your customers and increase your sales.”

4. Featured Products

Another effective way to display your categories is by featuring specific products within each category. Create a section on your homepage or category pages to showcase a selection of hand-picked or best-selling items. This not only highlights your product categories but also allows customers to discover new and popular products within those categories.

5. Dynamic Content Sections

Consider implementing dynamic content sections on your storefront that automatically update based on customer behavior or trends. For example, you can create a “Recently Viewed” or “Recommended for You” section that features products from various categories based on the customer’s browsing history or purchase behavior.

6. Customer Testimonials

Showcasing customer testimonials related to specific categories can build trust and credibility. Include testimonials from satisfied customers who have purchased products from different categories. By highlighting positive experiences, you can encourage visitors to explore the relevant category and make a purchase.

7. Category-specific Offers or Discounts

Another effective strategy is to create category-specific offers or discounts. Promote these offers prominently on your storefront to catch customers’ attention and incentivize them to explore the relevant category. Ensure the offers are visually appealing and clearly communicated to entice customers to make a purchase.

Remember, the key to effectively displaying categories on your storefront is to make them easily accessible and visually engaging. Experiment with different display options and strategies to find what works best for your online store. Continually monitor and analyze the performance of your display methods to optimize and improve the shopping experience for your customers.

Using Widgets and Shortcodes for Category Display

WooCommerce offers a range of tools that make it easy to showcase your product categories throughout your website. By utilizing widgets and shortcodes, you can display your categories in various areas, allowing customers to navigate your store effortlessly.

Widgets act as building blocks for your website’s sidebar, footer, or any widgetized area. These versatile elements can be customized to display your product categories, ensuring optimal visibility and accessibility for customers.

Shortcodes, on the other hand, allow you to embed dynamic content directly into your pages or posts. WooCommerce provides shortcodes that specifically cater to displaying product categories. By inserting these shortcodes in the appropriate locations, you can create visually appealing category displays.

“Widgets and shortcodes are powerful tools that enable you to showcase your product categories effectively. By utilizing these features, you can create seamless navigation for your customers and enhance their shopping experience.” – WooCommerce User

Let’s take a closer look at how you can use widgets and shortcodes to display your product categories:

Widgets

To add a widget that displays your product categories, follow these steps:

Navigate to the WordPress dashboard and click on “Appearance” in the sidebar menu.
From the “Appearance” menu, select “Widgets.”
Locate the widget area where you want to display your product categories (e.g., sidebar, footer, etc.).
Drag the “Product Categories” widget from the “Available Widgets” section to the desired widget area.
Customize the widget settings, such as the title, display style, and number of categories to show.
Click “Save” to apply the changes.

By using widgets, you can easily incorporate your product categories into your website’s design, making them readily accessible to your customers.

Shortcodes

Shortcodes offer a more flexible approach to displaying product categories within your pages or posts. To utilize shortcodes for category display, follow these steps:

Open the page or post editor where you want to display your product categories.
Click on the “Add Block” button to add a new block.
In the search bar, type “WooCommerce” to filter blocks related to WooCommerce integration.
Select the “Product Categories” block from the options.
Customize the block settings, such as the layout style, number of categories to display, and whether to show subcategories.
Preview the changes and publish the page or post.

Shortcodes provide a more dynamic way to present your product categories, allowing you to create visually appealing displays within your content.

By leveraging widgets and shortcodes, you can effectively display your product categories throughout your website and streamline the shopping experience for your customers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, displaying product categories in WooCommerce is a vital step towards creating a seamless and user-friendly online store. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively organize your store with clear and intuitive categories, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Properly categorizing your products allows customers to easily navigate through your website, find relevant items, and make quicker purchasing decisions. This streamlined browsing experience can significantly contribute to driving sales and increasing customer satisfaction.

To implement these strategies, make sure you create product categories within the WooCommerce settings, assign products to the appropriate categories, and design visually appealing category pages that align with your store’s branding. Additionally, optimize your product category URLs to improve your website’s search engine visibility and utilize widgets and shortcodes to display categories in various areas of your website.

By taking advantage of these WooCommerce features and best practices, you can take your online store to new heights and establish a strong foundation for growth and success in the e-commerce industry.

FAQ

How can I display product categories in WooCommerce?

To display product categories in WooCommerce, you can follow these steps: 1. Go to the WooCommerce settings. 2. Click on the “Products” tab. 3. Select the “Display” option. 4. Enable the “Show categories” checkbox. 5. Save the changes.

Why are product categories important?

Product categories are important because they aid in organizing your online store. They provide a logical structure, making it easier for customers to navigate and find the products they’re looking for.

How do I create product categories in WooCommerce?

Creating product categories in WooCommerce is simple. Just follow these steps: 1. Go to the WooCommerce settings. 2. Click on the “Products” tab. 3. Select the “Categories” option. 4. Click on the “Add New Category” button. 5. Enter the name and description for your category. 6. Save the category.

How do I assign products to categories?

Assigning products to categories in WooCommerce can be done by following these steps: 1. Go to the WooCommerce product edit page for the product you want to assign. 2. Scroll down to the “Product Categories” section. 3. Check the box next to the desired category. 4. Save the changes.

How can I design my category pages?

Designing category pages in WooCommerce can be done by following these tips: 1. Use visually appealing images for each category. 2. Implement clear and concise category names. 3. Use a grid layout to showcase products within each category. 4. Provide filters or search options to enhance user experience. 5. Use prominent call-to-action buttons to encourage browsing and purchasing.

How can I optimize my product category URLs?

To optimize your product category URLs in WooCommerce, you can follow these best practices: 1. Include relevant keywords in the URL. 2. Keep the URL short and descriptive. 3. Use hyphens to separate words in the URL. 4. Ensure the URL structure reflects the hierarchy of your categories. 5. Avoid using numbers or symbols in the URL.

How can I display categories on my storefront?

To display product categories prominently on your storefront in WooCommerce, you can use the following strategies: 1. Add a “Shop by Category” section on your homepage. 2. Include a navigation menu with drop-down options for categories. 3. Place category banners or images on the homepage. 4. Use featured categories on the sidebar or footer of your storefront. 5. Implement a search bar with category suggestions.

Can I use widgets and shortcodes for category display in WooCommerce?

Yes, WooCommerce provides widgets and shortcodes that allow you to display product categories in different areas of your website. To use them effectively, follow these steps: 1. Go to the WordPress widget area. 2. Add the WooCommerce Product Categories widget to the desired section. 3. Configure the widget settings, such as the number of categories and display style. 4. Save the widget. Alternatively, you can also use shortcodes to display categories on specific pages or posts. Simply add the shortcode for product categories in the desired location.