For any e-commerce business, streamlining the checkout process is vital to improving sales and enhancing customer experience. One effective way to achieve this is by utilizing a Side Cart for WooCommerce. This innovative feature allows customers to view and manage their cart seamlessly without leaving the current page, reducing friction and improving conversion rates.

In this blog, we’ll explore how the Side Cart WooCommerce Plugin can transform your store’s shopping experience, offer practical tips to maximize its potential, and highlight tricks to boost your sales.

What is a Side Cart for WooCommerce?

A Side Cart for WooCommerce is a slide-in cart that appears when a customer adds items to their cart. Unlike the traditional cart, which redirects users to a separate page, the side cart keeps customers on the current page while providing cart functionality.

This feature often includes:

• A dynamic view of added products.
• Options to change quantities or remove items.
• A clear call-to-action (CTA) for checkout.

Benefits of Using a WooCommerce Side Cart Plugin

1. Enhanced User Experience

The WooCommerce popup cart ensures that customers don’t have to navigate away from their shopping or product exploration. This streamlined process keeps them engaged.

2. Reduced Cart Abandonment

With a cart popup WooCommerce, customers are less likely to abandon their carts due to unnecessary navigation or lengthy checkout processes.

3. Increased Conversion Rates

By making the cart accessible at any time, the side cart encourages customers to complete their purchases.

4. Customization Opportunities

A WooCommerce side cart plugin often allows you to customize the cart’s appearance, features, and behavior, helping it align with your brand’s identity.

How to Set Up the Side Cart WooCommerce Plugin

Step 1: Choose the Right Plugin

Several plugins offer side cart functionality for WooCommerce. Some popular options include:

• XT Floating Cart for WooCommerce: Offers real-time cart updates and a sleek design.
• WooCommerce Side Cart: Simple to set up with essential features.
• Flying Cart for WooCommerce: Highly customizable and user-friendly.

Choose a plugin that fits your store’s requirements and provides essential features like AJAX cart updates, design flexibility, and easy integration.

Step 2: Install and Activate the Plugin

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
3. Search for your preferred side cart plugin (e.g., “Side Cart WooCommerce Plugin”).
4. Click Install Now and then Activate.

Step 3: Configure Plugin Settings

Most WooCommerce side cart plugins come with a settings page where you can customize:

• Cart Trigger: Choose whether the side cart appears on click, hover, or after adding a product to the cart.
• Appearance: Adjust colors, fonts, and layout to match your brand.
• Cart Behavior: Enable AJAX updates, display product images, or show related products.
• CTA Buttons: Add “Proceed to Checkout” or “Continue Shopping” buttons.

Tips for Boosting Sales with a Side Cart for WooCommerce

1. Add Upselling and Cross-Selling Options

Use the side cart to display related or frequently bought together products. For instance:

• Suggest a matching scarf for a jacket.
• Offer a phone case with a smartphone.

This encourages customers to add more items to their cart, increasing the average order value.

2. Enable Dynamic Pricing Updates

Ensure your side cart updates dynamically when customers add or remove items. Real-time price updates provide transparency and build trust.

3. Incorporate a Progress Bar

Show a progress bar in the side cart to motivate customers to spend more to unlock free shipping or discounts. For example:

• “Add $20 more to get free shipping!”
• This creates a sense of urgency and encourages larger purchases.

4. Customize the Design

Make the side cart visually appealing and aligned with your brand. Use your brand colors, fonts, and logo to maintain consistency across the shopping experience.

5. Add Exit-Intent Popups

If a customer attempts to leave the site with items in their side cart, display an exit-intent popup offering a discount or free shipping. For example:

• “Don’t leave yet! Get 10% off your cart now!”

6. Optimize for Mobile Users

Ensure that your cart popup WooCommerce is mobile-friendly. A responsive design is crucial as a significant portion of e-commerce sales come from mobile devices.

7. Highlight Limited-Time Offers

Use the side cart to promote limited-time discounts or exclusive deals on the products in the cart. For example:

• “Buy within the next 10 minutes to get 5% off!”

Tricks to Maximize the Potential of a WooCommerce Side Cart Plugin

1. Integrate with Analytics Tools

Track how customers interact with your side cart. Use tools like Google Analytics or Hotjar to monitor:

• Cart engagement rates.
• Conversion rates from the side cart.
• Abandonment trends.

Use these insights to optimize your side cart.

2. Enable Coupon Code Functionality

Allow customers to apply coupon codes directly from the side cart. This saves time and encourages the use of promotional discounts.

3. Test Different Cart Triggers

Experiment with triggers to find what works best for your audience. Options include:

• Automatic opening after adding an item.
• Manual opening via a cart icon.

4. Incorporate Social Proof

Display real-time updates like:

• “5 people are viewing this product right now.”
• “Only 3 items left in stock!”

Social proof can encourage quicker decisions and reduce hesitation.

Best Side Cart Plugins for WooCommerce

1. XT Floating Cart for WooCommerce

Features:

• AJAX updates.
• Upselling options.
• Fully customizable design.
• Best For: Stores seeking a premium side cart solution.

2. WooCommerce Side Cart

Features:

• Simple setup.
• Essential cart features.
• Lightweight design.
• Best For: Beginners or small stores.

3. Flying Cart for WooCommerce

Features:

• Customizable layout and colors.
• Mobile-friendly design.
• Advanced settings for upselling and cross-selling.
• Best For: Stores focusing on mobile users.

Conclusion

A Side Cart for WooCommerce is more than just a convenient shopping feature—it’s a strategic tool for boosting sales, improving customer satisfaction, and reducing cart abandonment. By choosing the right WooCommerce side cart plugin and implementing the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can create a seamless shopping experience that encourages customers to complete their purchases.