One of the key factors in running a successful eCommerce store is providing customers with a seamless and intuitive shopping experience. A crucial aspect of this experience is the shopping cart. Traditionally, customers would add products to their cart, get redirected to a new page to view their items, and then proceed to checkout. However, modern eCommerce practices have evolved, leading to the rise of features like the Side Cart in WooCommerce.
In this blog, we will explore what a side cart is, its benefits for your WooCommerce store, and how you can set it up to improve customer experience, increase conversions, and reduce cart abandonment.
What is a Side Cart?
A side cart is a small, collapsible cart that slides in from the side of the screen when a customer adds an item to their cart. It allows users to view their cart’s contents without navigating away from the product page. This floating or slide-in cart often updates in real-time, showing customers a live summary of the products they’ve added without disrupting their shopping experience.
Instead of being redirected to a separate cart page, the side cart keeps users engaged with the main store by staying visible on the current page. Customers can view, modify, or proceed to checkout directly from the side cart, making the buying process quicker and more intuitive.
Why Use a Side Cart in WooCommerce?
1. Improved User Experience
In today’s fast-paced digital world, customers want quick and easy shopping experiences. Traditional cart systems that require multiple clicks to navigate through product, cart, and checkout pages can create friction and frustration. A side cart eliminates this hassle by keeping the customer on the product page while offering a clear view of their cart contents.
A side cart creates a smoother shopping experience by offering easy access to the cart without page reloads or unnecessary steps. Users can modify quantities, remove items, or proceed to checkout without leaving the product page. This streamlined process can enhance user satisfaction and encourage customers to spend more time on your site.
2. Increased Conversion Rates
The more seamless the shopping process, the higher the likelihood of conversion. One of the primary goals of eCommerce businesses is to reduce cart abandonment, which occurs when users add products to their cart but leave the site without completing the purchase. Cart abandonment often happens when the shopping process becomes too cumbersome.
A side cart reduces friction in the buying journey. By keeping customers on the product page and allowing them to review their cart without interruption, you are creating a more intuitive flow. Customers can easily see what they’ve added and are less likely to abandon their cart, ultimately leading to higher conversion rates.
3. Reduce Cart Abandonment
One of the biggest reasons for cart abandonment is a poor user experience. Redirecting customers to a separate cart page can interrupt their shopping flow, causing them to abandon the process. Side carts keep the momentum going by providing real-time updates without navigating away from the shopping experience.
With a side cart, customers can quickly review, adjust, and finalize their purchase decisions. This reduces the chances of distractions and abandonment, as customers are not taken out of the shopping funnel. Having a side cart ensures the checkout process feels natural and continuous.
4. Faster Checkout Process
A side cart in WooCommerce allows users to proceed directly to the checkout page with a single click. This is particularly helpful for returning customers who are familiar with your store and know exactly what they want to buy. Instead of going through multiple pages, they can quickly add items to their cart and go straight to checkout.
By simplifying the process, a side cart can help reduce friction points in the shopping journey, ensuring that users reach the final purchase stage with fewer clicks and less effort.
5. Customizable and User-Friendly
Many WooCommerce side cart plugins allow store owners to customize the appearance and functionality of the side cart. You can tailor it to match your store’s design, choose where it appears on the screen, and decide what information is displayed. Some plugins offer advanced features such as coupon code fields, cross-selling opportunities, and promotional banners inside the side cart.
This flexibility ensures that the side cart aligns with your brand’s look and feel while improving the shopping experience for your customers.
6. Real-Time Cart Updates
A notable feature of side carts is their ability to display real-time updates. Every time a customer adds or removes an item, the cart instantly updates to reflect those changes without requiring a page reload. This provides customers with a clear view of their cart, ensuring they always know the total price and quantity of the items they are about to purchase.
This transparency encourages trust and reduces confusion, as customers can monitor their cart in real-time.
Features of a Good WooCommerce Side Cart Plugin
To create the best possible user experience, it’s essential to choose a WooCommerce side cart plugin that offers the right features. Here are some critical features to look for in a side cart plugin:
1. Responsive Design
Ensure the side cart is mobile-friendly and adapts to different screen sizes. A significant portion of online shopping happens on mobile devices, so having a responsive design is crucial.
2. Customizable Cart Display
Look for a plugin that allows you to customize the cart’s appearance, including the colors, button styles, font, and overall design. You want the side cart to match your website’s aesthetics while ensuring it remains highly functional.
3. AJAX Functionality
AJAX-powered side carts enable real-time updates without reloading the page. This smooth and instant feedback is a critical aspect of enhancing user experience.
4. Product Recommendations and Cross-Selling
Many side cart plugins offer features that allow you to recommend related products, suggest upsells, or offer discounts. This can increase average order value by encouraging customers to add more products to their cart.
5. Coupon Code Field
Some plugins allow customers to enter discount codes directly from the side cart, streamlining the checkout process. This feature makes it easier for customers to apply discounts without having to search for the coupon field at checkout.
6. Sticky or Floating Cart Icon
A sticky or floating cart icon that stays visible as customers scroll through your store ensures that the side cart is always easily accessible. This feature can reduce friction by allowing users to view and manage their cart from any page.
7. One-Click Checkout
Enable one-click checkout directly from the side cart, allowing customers to bypass the traditional checkout page and proceed directly to the final step in the buying process.
Setting Up a Side Cart in WooCommerce
Setting up a side cart in WooCommerce is straightforward, thanks to the many plugins available. Below are the general steps to integrate a side cart into your store:
- Choose a Side Cart Plugin: Research and select a side cart plugin that fits your needs. Popular choices include WooCommerce Side Cart and Side Cart for WooCommerce.
- Install and Activate the Plugin: Once you’ve chosen your plugin, download it from the WordPress Plugin Directory or purchase it from a third-party provider. Then, install and activate it through your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Customize the Side Cart: Most plugins will allow you to customize the design, behavior, and functionality of the side cart. Tailor it to match your store’s brand, adjust the placement on the screen, and choose what information to display.
- Test the Cart: Before going live, test the side cart on your store to ensure it works correctly across various devices (desktop, tablet, and mobile) and that the checkout process is smooth.
- Monitor Performance: Once live, monitor your store’s performance to see if the side cart is reducing cart abandonment and increasing conversions. Many plugins provide built-in analytics or integrate with tools like Google Analytics.
Conclusion
WooCommerce Popup Cart is a powerful tool for enhancing the user experience, reducing friction in the shopping process, and increasing conversion rates. By providing customers with a convenient, real-time view of their cart, you create a more intuitive shopping journey that keeps them engaged and encourages them to complete their purchase.