How to Create Product Categories & Tags

How to Add Products in WooCommerce (Simple, Variable, Digital)

WooCommerce offers a variety of product types that you can add to your online store. These include simple products, variable products, and digital products. Adding products to your WooCommerce store is a straightforward process, but it’s important to understand how to set up each type of product properly.

Here’s a guide on how to add simple, variable, and digital products to your WooCommerce store:

Step 1: Access the Product Add New Page

1. Log in to your WordPress Dashboard:
   Go to yourdomain.com/wp-admin and log in.
2. Navigate to WooCommerce > Products:
   In the left sidebar of your WordPress admin area, go to Products and click Add New.

This will take you to the product creation page, where you can enter details for your new product.

Step 2: Add a Simple Product

A simple product is a straightforward, single item without any variations (like size or color). Here’s how to add one:

1. Enter the Product Title:
   At the top of the page, type in the name of your product.
2. Write the Product Description:
   Below the title, you will find the text editor where you can write the full description of the product. This will appear on the product’s individual page.
3. Product Data: Scroll down to the Product Data box. By default, the product type is set to Simple product. You can manage various product details here:
   • General:
     • Regular Price: Set the price for the product.
     • Sale Price: Optionally set a discounted price (and schedule the sale if desired).
   • Inventory:
     • SKU: Enter a unique product SKU if you use stock-keeping units.
     • Stock Status: Set whether the product is in stock or out of stock.
     • Manage Stock: Optionally enable stock management if you want to track the inventory.
   • Shipping:
     • Weight: Add the weight of the product (important for shipping calculations).
     • Dimensions: Add the length, width, and height of the product.
   • Linked Products:
     You can add upsells or cross-sells in this section.
   • Attributes: For simple products, you can skip this step unless you want to add custom attributes (like brand or material).
   • Advanced: Add custom purchase notes if needed.
4. Product Image:
   On the right side, click on the Set Product Image option to upload the main image for your product.
5. Product Gallery (optional):
   Below the main image, you can add additional images for the product (like a gallery) by clicking Add Product Gallery Images.
6. Publish Your Product:
   Once you’ve filled out the details, click Publish to make your product live on your store.

Step 3: Add a Variable Product

A variable product is a product with different options (variations), such as different sizes, colors, or styles. Here’s how to add a variable product:

1. Product Title and Description:
   Just like a simple product, enter the product title and description.
2. Product Data: Scroll down to the Product Data box. Change the Product Type to Variable product from the drop-down.
3. Attributes:
   • Click on the Attributes tab within the Product Data section.
   • Add the attributes you want to offer. For example, if you’re selling clothing, you might add Size (Small, Medium, Large) and Color (Red, Blue, Green).
   • Once you’ve added the attribute, ensure to check the Used for variations box so that each variation (e.g., size and color combinations) can be created.
4. Variations:
   • After adding attributes, go to the Variations tab within the Product Data section.
   • Click Add Variation and select the combinations you want to offer.
     • For example, a product might be available in Red – Small, Red – Medium, Blue – Small, etc.
     • For each variation, you can set individual prices, SKUs, stock status, and other details.
     • You can also upload different images for each variation to make the product display more appealing.
5. Price and Stock Management:
   • For each variation, you can set a unique price and sale price.
   • You can also set stock status and SKU individually for each variation if necessary.
6. Publish the Product:
   After you’ve added the variations and set everything up, click Publish to make the product live.

Step 4: Add a Digital Product

A digital product is any product that doesn’t require shipping, such as e-books, software, or downloadable files. To add a digital product:

1. Enter the Product Title and Description:
   Like other products, start by entering the product name and description.
2. Product Data: Scroll down to the Product Data box and select Simple product (or Variable product if you have different file versions or options for the digital product).
3. General Settings:
   • Price: Set the regular price (you can add a sale price if desired).
   • Downloadable: Check the box labeled Downloadable to mark the product as a digital item.
   • Virtual: Check the Virtual box to signify that the product doesn’t require shipping.
4. File Download:
   • After checking Downloadable, a new field called Downloadable Files will appear.
   • Click on the Add File button and upload the file(s) for the product (e.g., PDF, zip file, MP3).
   • You can also set a Download Limit (how many times a customer can download the file) and Download Expiry (how long the download link remains active).
5. Publish the Product: After configuring the digital product settings, click Publish to make it available for purchase.

Step 5: Preview, Test, and Update Products

Once you’ve added your products:

1. Preview Your Products:
   Go to your site and click on the product to view it as a customer would. This ensures everything looks right, from images to pricing and descriptions.
2. Test the Purchase Process:
   Add the product to your cart, proceed to checkout, and make sure the payment process is working correctly.
3. Edit or Update Products:
   If you need to make changes after publishing, go back to Products in your WordPress dashboard, find the product, and click Edit. Make any changes and update the product.

Conclusion

Adding products to WooCommerce is simple once you understand the different types available. Whether you’re selling simple products, variable products, or digital downloads, WooCommerce allows you to customize each product type to suit your business needs. By following the steps outlined above, you can efficiently set up a professional and fully functional online store that showcases your products and makes it easy for customers to make purchases. Happy selling!