Display a Custom Message for Empty WooCommerce Shortcodes

Описание: Learn how to display a custom message when products are unavailable in WooCommerce shortcodes, enhancing user experience and engagement.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/65841136/ asked by the user 'Lyall' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/4952851/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/65843272/ provided by the user '7uc1f3r' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/11987538/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Display a Custom Message When No Products Are Available in WooCommerce

If you're running an online store using WooCommerce, you might encounter a situation where a specific product category doesn't have any items to display. Using the shortcode [products columns="4" category="free-prize-draws"], your page may appear blank, leaving your customers with a confusing experience. Wouldn't it be more user-friendly to show a message when no products are returned? This guide will guide you on how to implement this feature seamlessly.

The Problem with Blank Pages

When customers search for products in a specific category and find none, they are greeted with an empty page. This can lead to frustration and an overall poor user experience. Instead of losing potential customers due to confusion, you can provide an informative message that guides them through their shopping journey or encourages them to explore other categories.

The Solution: Custom Action Hook

To tackle this issue, WooCommerce provides a solution through the use of action hooks. Specifically, we can use the woocommerce_shortcode_{$this->type}_loop_no_results action hook to display a custom message for cases where the shortcode returns no products.

Step-by-Step Implementation

Here’s how to set up a custom message for empty product categories using a few lines of code:

Hook into the Action: You will create a custom function that executes when the condition of no products is met.

Add Your Function: Use the following code snippet in your theme's functions.php file or in a site-specific plugin:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Customize the Message: Replace 'My custom message' with whatever message you want to display. It could be something like "Sorry, there are no products available in this category." or "Check back later for exciting new products!".

Key Points to Remember

Function Naming: Ensure the function you create has a unique name to avoid conflicts with other functions in your theme or plugins.

Translation Ready: The __() function makes your message translation-ready by wrapping it with a text domain. Don't forget to replace 'woocommerce' with your theme's text domain if needed.

Check Your Theme: Make sure you are editing the correct theme's functions.php file, especially if you are using a child theme.

Conclusion

Customizing the user experience on your WooCommerce site can significantly improve customer satisfaction. By displaying a friendly message when no products are available, you help guide your customers rather than leaving them in confusion. Incorporating simple action hooks not only enhances the functionality of your site but also shows your customers you care about their shopping experience.

Implement these steps today, and transform a blank page into a helpful and engaging message!