Set Products Per Row for a Better Shopping Experience

The visual layout of your WooCommerce store plays a crucial role in how customers interact with your products. One key aspect is determining the number of products displayed per row, as this can impact both the aesthetics and usability of your online store. Adjusting the number of products per row not only improves user experience but also helps optimize product visibility on different devices.

In this blog, we’ll cover the advantages of customizing product display, tips for choosing the best configuration for different types of stores, and a step-by-step guide on how to set the products per row in WooCommerce.

Why Customize Products Per Row in WooCommerce?

The default WooCommerce settings might not always suit your store’s needs or aesthetic preferences. By configuring the number of products per row, you can:

1. Improve User Experience: A layout that is easy to navigate helps customers find what they need without excessive scrolling.
2. Optimize for Mobile and Desktop Views: Different layouts work better on different devices. Setting up products per row with device type in mind can improve responsiveness.
3. Showcase Products Effectively: Certain products, such as fashion items, benefit from larger images that highlight details, while smaller products may suit denser layouts.
4. Guide Customer Attention: Spacing and organization guide customers to featured products, popular categories, or special collections.
5. Enhance Store Aesthetics: A well-planned layout keeps your store looking modern and professional, encouraging customers to spend more time browsing.

Factors to Consider When Setting Products Per Row

The ideal number of products per row will vary depending on several factors. Here are some points to consider:

1. Product Type: Large or visually complex products (e.g., artwork, fashion) benefit from fewer items per row, allowing for larger images and detail.
2. Target Audience: For high-end products, a more spacious display can enhance a premium feel. For budget or everyday products, a denser grid may emphasize quantity and selection.
3. Device Optimization: Test your configuration on multiple devices to ensure that product rows adapt well across desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.
4. User Flow: Consider how customers navigate your store. If most users visit the shop via mobile, prioritize a layout that’s easier to scroll through vertically.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Products Per Row in WooCommerce

There are a few methods for adjusting the number of products per row in WooCommerce, depending on whether you prefer using custom code or a plugin.

Method 1: Change Products Per Row via WooCommerce Customizer

WooCommerce offers some layout customization options in the WordPress Customizer.

1. Go to WordPress Dashboard: Navigate to Appearance > Customize.
2. Navigate to WooCommerce Settings: In the Customizer, go to WooCommerce > Product Catalog.
3. Adjust Columns: Look for a setting labeled “Products per row” or “Columns.” You can set the number of columns to define how many products appear in each row.
4. Preview and Publish: As you adjust the number of columns, the preview window shows how the layout will look. Once satisfied, click Publish to save your changes.

Method 2: Use a WooCommerce Plugin for Enhanced Control

If the Customizer lacks flexibility or you want more control over the product layout, using a plugin can be a great alternative.

1. Install a Product Layout Plugin: There are several plugins available for adjusting product layout, such as:
   • WooCommerce Product Archive Customiser
   • ShopCustomizer for WooCommerce
   • WooCommerce Product Catalog Mode and Customizer
2. Configure the Plugin Settings: Each plugin has unique settings to define how many products display per row, often with advanced options for desktop, tablet, and mobile views.
3. Customize Responsively: Many plugins allow for different row configurations based on the device, so you can set products to appear in two columns on mobile, four on tablet, and six on desktop.
4. Save and Test: After setting up, preview your store on various devices and adjust if necessary.

Method 3: Customize Products Per Row Using CSS

For those comfortable with code, adding custom CSS provides more control over the layout.

1. Access Additional CSS in Customizer: Go to Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS.
2. Add CSS Code: Use the following CSS snippet to adjust products per row. Here’s an example for setting four products per row:cssCopy code.woocommerce ul.products li.product { width: 25%; }
   • This code divides the row into four products by setting each product’s width to 25%.
   • Adjust the width percentage to match the number of products you want per row (e.g., 33.33% for three products per row).
3. Save Changes: Once the code is added, click Publish. Visit the shop page to confirm that the new layout displays as expected.

Choosing the Right Products Per Row for Your WooCommerce Store

Different layouts will suit different types of stores. Here’s a breakdown of recommended products per row configurations based on store type and design goals:

• Fashion and Apparel: 2-3 products per row allow customers to see more details on each item, important for clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
• Electronics and Gadgets: 3-4 products per row can display enough options without crowding, ideal for products with complex specifications.
• Home and Furniture: 1-2 products per row give each product ample space for large, high-quality images to showcase furniture designs effectively.
• Digital and Downloadable Products: 4-5 products per row work well for books, courses, and software, as these items typically don’t need large images.
• Beauty and Skincare: 3 products per row balances visibility and navigation, allowing products to appear organized without overwhelming customers.

Enhancing Store Layout for Mobile Users

With mobile commerce on the rise, optimizing product layout for mobile screens is crucial. Here are some tips to make sure your layout is mobile-friendly:

1. Set Fewer Products per Row on Mobile: Generally, 1-2 products per row work best for mobile devices. This keeps images visible and easy to click without needing to zoom in.
2. Test Responsiveness: Use WordPress’s Customizer preview feature to see how your layout looks on different screen sizes.
3. Use a Mobile-Specific Plugin: Some plugins focus on mobile layout, allowing you to customize the mobile experience separately from desktop.

Benefits of Customizing WooCommerce Products Per Row

1. Increased Customer Engagement: A tailored layout can make browsing more enjoyable, keeping customers on your site longer and encouraging exploration.
2. Reduced Bounce Rates: By creating an accessible, organized layout, you reduce frustration and help visitors find products faster.
3. Boosted Conversion Rates: A user-friendly layout makes it easy for customers to add items to their cart and proceed to checkout.
4. Higher Aesthetic Appeal: A clean, visually appealing layout builds brand credibility and makes your store look professional.

Testing and Optimizing Product Layout for Conversion

After setting your preferred products per row, it’s a good idea to monitor customer behavior and make adjustments as needed:

• A/B Testing: Try different layouts to see which performs better in terms of conversion rates.
• Heatmaps and Analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics and heatmap software to track how users interact with your shop page. This helps you understand if the layout is helping or hindering navigation.
• Customer Feedback: Occasionally ask for customer feedback on your site’s layout and ease of use to make improvements.

Conclusion

Setting the right number of products per row in WooCommerce is a small yet impactful customization that can enhance the user experience, improve visual appeal, and ultimately boost sales. Whether you’re using the Customizer, plugins, or CSS, WooCommerce makes it easy to tailor your product layout to meet your brand’s unique needs.

Experiment with different layouts, keeping in mind your target audience, product type, and device responsiveness to create an optimal shopping experience. With a thoughtful approach to product display, you can ensure that customers can easily navigate, find, and buy products—resulting in a more successful WooCommerce store.