How to Enable Search by Product SKU in WooCommerce (Simple)

The Global Presence

5 min read

·

22-10-2024

1

0

Share

When it comes to managing an e-commerce store using WooCommerce, one of the most essential features is the ability to enable users to search for products easily. Often, customers are not sure about the product names or descriptions but may have the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), a unique identifier for each product. Thus, enabling search by product SKU in WooCommerce can enhance the shopping experience, lead to higher conversions, and reduce customer frustration. In this article, we will delve deep into how to enable search by product SKU in WooCommerce in a simple and straightforward way.

Understanding the Importance of SKU Search in WooCommerce

Before we dive into the technical steps of enabling SKU search, let’s first understand why it matters. The Stock Keeping Unit is not just a random set of numbers or letters; it serves several vital functions:

1. Inventory Management: SKUs help businesses track inventory levels, manage stock, and reorder products efficiently. When customers can search by SKU, they can directly locate items they already know and are looking for.

2. Improved User Experience: Customers often remember SKUs but may not recall the product name or description. Enabling SKU search allows for a more tailored shopping experience, making it easy for shoppers to find the exact product they want quickly.

3. Increased Sales: If customers can find products more easily, they are more likely to purchase them. Thus, enabling SKU searches can potentially lead to increased sales and revenue.

Now that we understand the significance of SKU search, let’s explore how to implement it within a WooCommerce environment.

Prerequisites: Setting Up Your WooCommerce Store

Before enabling SKU search in WooCommerce, ensure that you have the following:

• WooCommerce Installed: Make sure that your WordPress website has the WooCommerce plugin installed and activated. If you are new to WooCommerce, you can download and install it from the official WordPress plugins directory.

• Products with SKUs: For SKU search to be useful, your products should have SKUs assigned to them. When you add a product in WooCommerce, you can find an option to enter the SKU. Make sure all relevant products have this field filled out.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enable SKU Search in WooCommerce

Step 1: Custom Code or Use a Plugin?

Before proceeding to implement SKU search in WooCommerce, you need to decide whether to use custom code or a plugin. Each method has its pros and cons:

• Custom Code: This method is free and allows for a tailored solution. However, it requires basic coding knowledge and may involve risks if not done correctly.

• Plugin: Using a plugin is usually the simplest and most user-friendly option. Various plugins can easily enable SKU searches without the need for coding.

For the sake of simplicity, we’ll outline how to do it using both methods, but we will focus more on the plugin method as it’s beginner-friendly.

Step 2: Enabling SKU Search Using a Plugin

Several plugins can help you enable SKU search in WooCommerce. For this tutorial, we’ll use the "Search by SKU for WooCommerce" plugin as an example.

1. Install the Plugin:

   • Go to your WordPress dashboard.
   • Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
   • Search for "Search by SKU for WooCommerce".
   • Click on Install Now, and then activate the plugin.

2. Configure the Plugin Settings:

   • Once activated, you will find a new settings page under WooCommerce > Settings.
   • Click on the SKU Search tab.
   • Here, you can customize settings like whether to search SKU in both the front-end search and the back-end admin area. Adjust these settings according to your needs.

3. Testing the SKU Search:

   • Visit the frontend of your store.
   • Use the search bar and enter a product SKU.
   • You should see the corresponding product appearing in the search results.

Step 3: Enabling SKU Search with Custom Code

For those who are more technically inclined and prefer a code-based approach, follow these steps:

1. Add Code to Functions.php:
   • Access your theme’s functions.php file by going to Appearance > Theme Editor and selecting the functions.php file.
   • Add the following code snippet to enable SKU search:

function custom_sku_search($query) {
    if ( ! is_admin() && $query->is_search() && $query->is_main_query() ) {
        $query->set('meta_query', array(
            array(
                'key'     => '_sku',
                'value'   => $query->get('s'),
                'compare' => 'LIKE',
            ),
        ));
        $query->set('s', '');
    }
}
add_action('pre_get_posts', 'custom_sku_search');

2. Save Changes: After adding the code, make sure to save the changes.

3. Testing the SKU Search: Just like with the plugin method, go to the frontend of your store, enter a SKU in the search bar, and see if the appropriate product appears.

Step 4: Enhancing the User Experience Further

Now that SKU search is enabled, there are additional ways to enhance the overall user experience on your WooCommerce store:

• Search Autocomplete: Consider implementing a search autocomplete feature to predict what users are searching for as they type. This can make the search experience faster and more engaging.

• Improving Product Listings: Ensure that your product listings are well-optimized. High-quality images, detailed descriptions, and clear pricing can make a difference.

• SEO Optimization: Regularly optimize your WooCommerce store for search engines to enhance visibility. Adding relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and alt text for images will help boost traffic.

Conclusion

Enabling search by product SKU in WooCommerce is a simple yet highly effective way to improve user experience and potentially increase sales. Whether you choose to implement this feature using a plugin or custom code, the benefits are clear. Customers will appreciate the ability to locate specific products efficiently, ultimately making your e-commerce store more user-friendly. Remember to continually analyze and optimize your store for the best performance. Happy selling!

FAQs

1. What is a SKU in WooCommerce?

   • SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is a unique identifier assigned to each product to help manage inventory and sales tracking.

2. Can I search by SKU without a plugin?

   • Yes, you can add custom code to your theme’s functions.php file to enable SKU searches in WooCommerce.

3. How do I add SKUs to my products?

   • When adding or editing a product in WooCommerce, there is a designated field to input the SKU. Fill this field with a unique identifier for each product.

4. Will enabling SKU search affect my website’s performance?

   • Using a well-coded plugin or properly implemented custom code should not significantly affect website performance. However, it's always a good idea to test any changes you make.

5. Are there other plugins for SKU search in WooCommerce?

   • Yes, there are several plugins available that provide SKU search functionality, such as "WooCommerce Product Search" and "Advanced Woo Search".

For more detailed WooCommerce insights and plugins, you can visit WooCommerce Official Documentation.