EDITS.WS

Author: Will Morris

  • WooCommerce SEO: A Complete Guide to Ranking #1

    When running a WooCommerce store, it’s crucial to prioritize Search Engine Optimization (SEO). A solid WooCommerce SEO strategy can boost your search visibility and make it easier for consumers to find and purchase from your store. In many ways, an SEO-optimized online store is your greatest marketing tool.

    In this post, we’ll start by explaining what WooCommerce SEO is and why it’s important. Then we’ll provide you with a list of 11 tips and techniques you can use to optimize your online store. Let’s jump in!

    What is WooCommerce?

    WooCommerce is an open-source eCommerce plugin for WordPress that allows users to create and manage their online store in WordPress. WooCommerce is highly customizable and works well with popular plugins, themes, and page builders (like Divi) to make it easy to build an eCommerce site from the ground up.

    For more info on WooCommerce, check out our helpful guides on how to install and setup WooCommerce and our ultimate guide to using WooCommerce Blocks

    An Overview of WooCommerce SEO

    WooCommerce SEO is the process of optimizing your online WooCommerce store to get a higher ranking in Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). A higher ranking means more organic traffic and more sales. Overall, WooCommerce SEO aims to improve your site’s visibility in the organic search results through various optimization techniques.

    The easier it is for consumers to find your site, the more opportunities you’ll have to convert them into paying customers. The better you can enhance your SEO, the less you’ll likely have to spend on other marketing strategies such as paid advertising on social media.

    WooCommerce is already a very SEO-friendly plugin. It comes with built-in features and options to optimize your online store for better search engine visibility:

    WooCommerce plugin

    For example, you can easily add title tags and meta descriptions to your products and create sitemaps and robots.txt files. In addition, WooCommerce is compatible with many popular SEO plugins and tools, such as Yoast SEO, that can further simplify optimization:

    The Yoast SEO WordPress plugin.

    Furthermore, if you use our Divi Builder, you’ll get access to 25 additional WooCommerce modules:

    The Divi WooCommerce modules.

    These modules let you power your online store with WooCommerce elements anywhere within your Divi layouts and edit them as necessary to boost SEO. For instance, you might customize your WooCommerce Product Title to include keywords and match your overall branding.

    We recommend running an SEO audit if you’re unsure where your WooCommerce SEO currently stands. The results will give you a solid baseline to start with.

    A Simple Guide to SEO for WooCommerce (11 Practical SEO Tips)

    Now that we understand more about the importance of SEO, let’s discuss how you can use it in your e-commerce shop. Here are ten techniques and tips you can use for WooCommerce SEO!

    1. Optimize Your Product and Category Page Titles

    Product and category titles are essential for WooCommerce SEO because they help shoppers understand your store better. Additionally, optimizing your SEO titles makes it more likely for your products and categories to appear in relevant search results, leading to more traffic and sales.

    Including relevant keywords in your titles will help search engines match your products and categories with the right searches. You’ll also want to keep your titles short and sweet. Otherwise, they may get cut off in search results if they’re too long.

    To optimize your titles for SEO, you can navigate to the product page in WooCommerce. For this step, you can use the standard editor. However, with Divi, you can utilize the WooCommerce Product Title module to insert and customize the title:

    The WooCommerce product title module from Divi.

    Moreover, if you have the Yoast SEO plugin installed, there is a panel below the editor where you can enter a keyword phrase as well as the page title:

    The SEO title section of the Yoast plugin.

    Expanding the SEO analysis section will show red, yellow, and green lights indicating SEO scores for different features. You can look through them for any advice on optimizing your title, then make the suggested changes.

    For example, our Yoast SEO ratings tell us our product title doesn’t contain our keyword, “hat”:

    A Yoast analysis indicating product title missing keyword.

    Once we tweak our product title to incorporate the keyword, the Yoast rating changes to a green light. Now the title is better optimized!

    2. Utilize Meta Descriptions

    Meta descriptions are also crucial for WooCommerce SEO. These brief snippets appear below page titles in the SERPs. The concise descriptions let users understand pages before clicking on them.

    Meta descriptions are essential for SEO because they can influence how many people click on a result. If you have a well-written meta description, it can increase the Click-Through Rate (CTR) on your website, which can improve your rankings in the SERPs.

    In Yoast SEO, beneath the editor, you’ll find a Google preview section. You can enter your text into the Meta description box:

    A meta description in the Yoast panel.

    Ideally, it’s best if your meta description is below 155 characters so that it displays fully. It’s also wise to incorporate your keyword within the snippet.

    3. Optimize Your Product Slugs

    Your product slugs, also known as permalinks, are other places where you can provide search engines with contextual information and boost WooCommerce SEO. The product slugs are the URLs assigned to each item in your store.

    It’s best to incorporate keywords into your slugs whenever possible. These are the terms you want your products to rank for with search engines (or the phrase you believe customers use to look for and find your product).

    You can enter and modify a product slug by navigating to the product page, then selecting Edit under the title:

    The option to edit a product slug in WooCommerce.

    When you’ve made your changes, you can select Ok. You can also view and change the slug in the Yoast panel below the editor.

    4. Use Categories and Tags

    WordPress categories and tags can help organize your store and improve your WooCommerce SEO. Sorting products by categories and tags can prevent your items from competing with each other and enhance your site’s usability.

    For instance, let’s say a customer wants to view your t-shirt offerings. When they search for “t-shirt”, you can configure your site to present a single page with all your shirts.

    Tags serve a similar function. They can be used as cross-references for customers while browsing and searching your inventory. By clicking on a tag, consumers can see similar products with the same tag, such as a color or size.

    You can access, create, and edit your product categories under WooCommerce > Categories:

    The Product categories page in WooCommerce.

    Here you can fill in the relevant information, such as the slug and description. You can also nest subcategories under parent categories to further distinguish your items. Under WooCommerce > Tags, you’ll find the same options.

    5. Create Unique Product Descriptions

    Product descriptions play a crucial role in WooCommerce stores. They provide potential customers with information about the products you offer:

    An example of a WooCommerce product description.

    Optimizing your product descriptions can improve your WooCommerce SEO, making your items more likely to appear in search results and drive traffic to your site. In addition, well-written product descriptions can convert visitors into customers by persuading them to purchase your goods.

    Similar to the product titles and meta descriptions, it’s important that these descriptions are concise, descriptive, and contain relevant keywords. You’ll also want to include any essential information, such as materials, washing instructions, or safety guidelines.

    To add or edit a product description in WooCommerce, just navigate to the product page and enter the description within the editor:

    The product description in WooCommerce.

    Our WooCommerce Product Description module also lets you add the description to any page in Divi:

    The Divi Product Description module.

    The module comes included with Divi for free. You can add it to your page by selecting WooCommerce Product Description from the Divi module list (1). Then you can fully customize it using various design settings (2).

    6. Enable Breadcrumbs for Easy Navigation

    Breadcrumbs are navigational tools that show a user’s path to a particular page. They can be beneficial for WooCommerce SEO because they help users and search engines understand the structure of your website.

    They usually appear at the top of a page, and you can use breadcrumbs to lead customers back to a parent category. For instance, in the following example, the parent category is Clothing, and the subcategory is Accessories:

    Breadcrumbs shown on a WooCommerce product page.

    It’s possible that your theme automatically adds breadcrumbs to your product pages. If not, you’ll have to implement WordPress SEO breadcrumbs before activating this feature with Yoast SEO.

    Alternatively, if you’re a Divi user, you can utilize the WooCommerce Breadcrumbs module:

    The WooCommerce Breadcrumbs module in Divi.

    You can insert the Breadcrumbs module from the Divi list. Then you can customize the links and text, as well as their appearance.

    7. Add Alt Text to Images

    Adding alternative(“alt”) text for images is another great opportunity to boost your online store search rankings. Alt text is important for image SEO because it is displayed on your site when your product images aren’t visible, providing another place to include keywords. For example, if the graphic cannot properly load, the browser will show the text instead as a placeholder.

    Alt text is important because it makes your site more accessible. Screen readers and assistive technology often use it to help vision-impaired users understand your content. Alt text can also help search engines understand and index your images. Therefore, including keywords in alt text can boost your WooCommerce SEO efforts.

    You can add alt text to your images when you upload them to WordPress:

    The place to add alternative text to a WordPress image.

    You can also modify the alt text at any point by navigating to your Media Library. If you have the Yoast plugin installed, under the SEO analysis, it will let you know if your images are missing alt text or whether you should include more or fewer keywords to optimize them.

    Image alt text isn’t the only way to make images SEO-friendly. But for best results, check out these best practices for image SEO.

    8. Add Structured Data for Rich Snippets

    Structured data, also known as schema markup, is code that can help search engines understand your content better. It’s vital for WooCommerce SEO because it can make your store content show up in rich results, attracting more clicks and traffic to your site:

    Google results showing rich snippets.

    Rich snippets are special search results that can include product reviews, pricing, and other information. They can help potential customers make informed decisions about whether or not to buy from your store.

    There are a handful of schema markup tools that you can use to add structured data to your site. For example, the Google Structured Data Markup Helper will generate code in various categories, including products and local businesses:

    The Google Structured Data Markup Helper tool.

    Once you select a data type and generate the code, you can add the schema markup to your pages and posts. For more detailed guidance, you can check out our guide on How to Use Schema Markup to Optimize Your Site’s SEO.

    9. Use a WooCommerce SEO Plugin

    WooCommerce already has so many add-ons and third party extensions, finding the best one for WooCommerce SEO can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the best SEO plugins for WordPress are often the best SEO plugins for WooCommerce as well.

    Here are a few of the best SEO Plugins for WooCommerce we would recommend:

    1. Rank Math SEO

    Rank Math WooCommerce SEO plugin

    Rank Math is a powerful SEO plugin for WordPress that offers amazing real-time insights about your site’s SEO. With Rank Math, you can optimize all of your WooCommerce SEO for product pages, category pages, and on-page SEO on the fly as needed. It works seamlessly with the Divi Builder which makes it a perfect choice for those who want complete control over WooCommerce and SEO using custom modules in a visual builder.

    2. Yoast WooCommerce SEO

    Yoast WooCommerce SEO plugin

    Yoast continues to be one of the most popular SEO plugins for WordPress. In addition to SEO features of the free plugin, their WooCommerce SEO Plugin allows you to unlock a suite of tools and features for your WooCommerce store.

    3. All in One SEO

    All in One WooCommerce SEO plugin

    All in One SEO is a great SEO plugin for WordPress that also includes premium SEO features for WooCommerce, including the ability to optimize product and category pages with ease. You can definitely use this plugin to improve your store’s SEO ranking.

    10. Optimize Your Site’s Speed and Performance

    Page speed can have a significant effect on WooCommerce SEO. Here’s what you need to know about Page Speed SEO. Slow loading times can hurt your store’s User Experience (UX) and lead to higher bounce rates. Google also considers page speed in its ranking factors.

    This is why we recommend testing the performance of your WooCommerce site regularly. There are a handful of tools that you can use for this process, including Google PageSpeed Insights:

    The Google PageSpeed Insights website.

    The tool will assess your site and provide a performance report when you enter your URL. It includes an overall grade as well as key metrics, such as Core Web Vitals and your speed index:

    A Google PageSpeed report.

    You can also find a list of suggestions for improving your online store. The specific recommendations will depend on your site. However, there are a handful of common solutions you can utilize for performance optimization.

    Some WordPress themes like Divi have built-in speed optimization already. But even Divi sites will need good hosting since much of site speed is dependant on your server.

    For more, check out our WooCommerce Performance Optimization Guide for all the tips and best practices you need to speed up your store.

    11. Maximize Your Site’s Security

    SEO spam and hacks can lead to Google flagging your site, hurting your WooCommerce SEO. Therefore, ensuring that you adequately protect your website data is essential.

    There is a plethora of security best practices you can follow to safeguard your online store. Firstly, to determine the current status of your site, we recommend conducting a security audit.

    It’s also essential to use quality, actively maintained WordPress themes and plugins and update them whenever possible. This diligence can prevent bugs and other vulnerabilities within your store.

    We also suggest installing a WordPress security plugin. There are a handful of options available, such as Sucuri:

    The Sucuri Scanner plugin.

    This scanner can monitor your site for malware and other threats. It helps you actively and consistently audit the activity on your website and fix any vulnerabilities.

    Conclusion

    If you want consumers to find your online store, focusing on WooCommerce SEO is vital. While the plugin is already SEO-friendly, optimizing your site correctly requires following various best practices.

    As we discussed in this post, you can use several tactics to optimize your WooCommerce store. Some of the most important include incorporating keywords into your descriptions, titles, and metadata. It’s also essential to leverage categories, tags, and breadcrumbs to create an organized navigational setup. Plus, tools such as Rank Math and our Divi Builder can help you perfect WooCommerce SEO.

    Do you have any questions about WooCommerce SEO? Let us know in the comments section below!

    Featured Image via stokk / shutterstock.com

    The post WooCommerce SEO: A Complete Guide to Ranking #1 appeared first on Elegant Themes Blog.

  • What Is Qwant? How to SEO for the Privacy-Minded Search Engine

    Google is the most popular search engine worldwide, but it isn’t the only potential source of traffic. If you want to bring more people to your website, it’s worth focusing on alternative search engines such as Qwant. Just what is Qwant, and how can you create a SEO strategy for it?

    In today’s guide, we’ll explore the characteristics of Qwant. Then we’ll outline some tips to help you optimize your content for this search engine. Let’s get started!

    What Is Qwant?

    Qwant is a French search engine first launched in 2013. It’s now the default search engine for the French government, and it processed roughly 18 billion search requests in 2018:

    The Qwant search engine

    Qwant’s interface looks pretty similar to Google’s. When searching for a term, you can filter according to categories such as News, Images, Videos, and Music. Moreover, you can choose the country and language for your results and select the freshness of the content:

    Qwant search results

    Like DuckDuckGo, Qwant is a privacy-focused search engine. It doesn’t use any cookies to track your actions and searches, either for advertising purposes or to provide curated content. Additionally, it bills itself as an ethical search engine because it doesn’t sell your data to third-party companies.

    Qwant uses unique algorithms and indexing methods that don’t rely on private data. Furthermore, it has a commitment to supplying impartial and balanced information.

    Alongside its search engine, Qwant includes a Maps application similar to Google Maps:

    Qwant Maps

    Additionally, there is a Qwant Junior version available. This is a child-friendly search engine designed for educational and safe search results:

    Qwant Junior

    Additionally, although Qwant is designed primarily for the French market, it offers results tailored for various countries in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. These include Great Britain, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

    Who Should Use Qwant?

    Qwant is ideal for users worried about internet privacy and their personal data. These are valid concerns when you consider that many search engines (including Google) sell user data to third-party advertising companies and deliver targeted results.

    Moreover, Qwant doesn’t save your search history. Although this can be frustrating if you need to find something you looked for before, you might prefer to know that the search engine isn’t recording your online activity.

    Additionally, this search engine is perfect for finding French-based content. Whether you’re learning the language, are a native speaker, or looking for businesses in France, Qwant has it covered.

    Qwant is also an excellent search engine for parents with younger children. Similar to Google’s Safe Search, Qwant Junior filters pages to present age-appropriate results. It also has educational resources built-in, such as kid-friendly news, games, and leisure activities.

    5 Tips for Optimizing Your Content for Qwant

    There is very little information available about Qwant’s algorithms and ranking criteria. However, you can follow some general guidelines if you want your content to rank well in this search engine. Let’s take a look at five best practices.

    1. Ask Qwant to List Your Content

    Many search engines enable you to submit XML sitemaps to list your website’s content quickly. Unfortunately, Qwant doesn’t come with a Search Console like Google or similar feature.

    This search engine automatically scans the internet for new content, and typically lists new websites within a few weeks. However, if your site isn’t showing up, you can contact Qwant directly and report the issue:

    How to contact Qwant

    Then it’s just a matter of waiting for a response from the search engine. In the meantime, you might also want to focus your efforts on Yahoo, Yandex, and Ecosia.

    2. Translate Your Content into French

    As we discussed earlier, Qwant is a French search engine. Although it has translations and content in English-speaking, Asian, and European countries, it still focuses on the French market.

    Therefore, it could be worth translating your content into French to attract more visitors to your website. Fortunately, you don’t have to do this manually. Plugins such as WordPress Multilingual (WPML) can help you translate your posts and pages into more than 40 languages, including French:

    WPML

    WPML can translate all of the elements on your website, including posts, pages, taxonomies, and menus. Additionally, it’s compatible with most leading WordPress themes, including Divi.

    3. Optimize Your Content for Bing

    Although Qwant is a relatively new and smaller search engine, it claims to have more than 20 billion web pages indexed on its servers. However, in some cases, it uses Microsoft Bing to retrieve search results when Qwant doesn’t have enough relevance or capacity for heavy images:

    Microsoft Bing

    Therefore, it could be worth optimizing your content for Bing as well. You can do this by submitting your sitemap to Bing Webmaster Tools and using that interface to analyze your rankings.

    It’s also worth registering your brick-and-mortar business on Bing Places, and growing your social media presence. Unlike many other search engines, Bing considers your search engine followers and engagement when ranking your content.

    4. Focus on High-Quality Content

    Most search engines value high-quality content. They use complex algorithms that can identify if posts are informative, well-written, and valuable to readers.

    As such, it’s worth following some best practices when creating new content for your website, such as:

    Remember that content isn’t just about words. Including high-quality images and videos in your posts can engage your readers, convey additional information, and break up walls of text.

    5. Follow SEO Best Practices

    Finally, we recommend following SEO best practices (also known as white hat SEO) to optimize your content for both search engines and readers. Although these tips aren’t Qwant-specific, they are generally applicable to most search engines:

    It might also be worth running an SEO audit on your website. This process can identify areas for improvement and provide actionable advice for enhancing your content.

    Here are some SEO techniques you can start using right now.

    Conclusion

    Qwant is a French search engine that focuses on privacy. It doesn’t collect or store user data, making it a great Google alternative for anyone worried about online privacy.

    To recap, you can optimize your content for Qwant by following these tips:

    1. Ask the search engine to list your content.
    2. Translate your content into French.
    3. Optimize your content for Bing.
    4. Create high-quality content.
    5. Follow SEO best practices.

    Do you have any questions about Qwant? Let us know in the comments section below!

    Featured image via eamesBot / shutterstock.com

    The post What Is Qwant? How to SEO for the Privacy-Minded Search Engine appeared first on Elegant Themes Blog.

  • How to Use myCred to Add a Rewards System to WordPress

    Points systems can reward loyal customers who frequently interact with your content or purchase items from your online store. They’re great for gamification and loyalty programs. However, WordPress doesn’t support this feature natively. Therefore, you might be wondering if the myCred WordPress plugin is a viable solution for implementing a rewards program.

    In today’s post, we’ll review the myCred plugin and explain how you can use it to create a rewards system in WordPress. Let’s get started!

    An Introduction to myCred Rewards Systems

    myCred is a freemium plugin that enables you to add points and rewards to your WordPress website. With this plugin, you can gamify your content, maximize brand loyalty, and monetize your site:

    myCred plugin.

    For instance, you might offer points to customers whenever they make purchases in your store. Once they reach a particular balance, you can reward them with a discount on their next purchase or even a free item.

    Alternatively, you could add a points program to your online courses. You might design a system in which students can accrue more points when they complete assignments or perform well on quizzes. Then, you can create a leader board and encourage friendly competition among eager learners.

    Apart from points, myCred also enables you to allocate rankings and badges to your users. Plus, you can allow visitors to buy more points and use them to purchase other items in your store or even redeem them for cash.

    An Overview of myCred Premium

    myCred’s free plugin has all the basic features you’ll need to add a rewards system to WordPress. Furthermore, its premium plans include various add-ons, including:

    • Treasure icons (gems, fitness badges, currency, and more) to award to your users
    • Basic add-ons, such as notification email integrations, birthday and anniversary points, coupon customization, and more
    • Gamification and payment gateway integrations

    Premium plans start at $149 per year for two sites. More expensive plans include additional integrations and support for a higher number of websites.

    How to Use myCred to Add a Rewards System to WordPress (In 5 Easy Steps)

    Now that you understand more about myCred and why you might want to use it, let’s look at how you can use the plugin can add a rewards system to your website!

    Step 1: Install and Activate myCred

    Firstly, you’ll need to install and activate the plugin. You can do this in your WordPress dashboard by navigating to Plugins > Add New and searching for “mycred”:

    Searching for the plugin.

    After you locate the plugin, click on Install Now followed by Activate. If you purchased a Premium license, you can now add it under myCred > License:

    Adding a myCred license key.

    Finally, click on Save. The plugin is now ready to go!

    Step 2: Configure myCred Settings

    myCred can feel a little overwhelming when you first install it. You’ll see a long list of plugin settings across multiple menus in your WordPress dashboard, both under myCred and Points:

    plugin settings

    Under General Settings, you can configure display options for your badges and social sharing buttons. You can also configure settings for buying and selling points to your users, email notifications, coupons, and point transfers:

    myCred plugin general settings.

    Since there are so many settings, we recommend clicking on the Documentation button at the top of the page. Then, you can refer to extensive myCred tutorials for setting up your rewards system.

    At this point, you should also consider setting up your payment gateways for buying and cashing in points. You can do this under buyCred Gateways and cashCred Gateways. However, these settings are optional and not essential to your rewards program.

    Now, jump across to Points > Settings. Here you can choose labels, icons, and security settings for your points. You can also configure some caching options and rankings for users on your site:

    Points settings.

    It’s best to take your time configuring your settings to meet the needs of your rewards system. Also, make sure to save your changes as you go.

    Step 3: Enable/Disable Hooks

    Now it’s time to determine which user actions will earn points on your website or online store. You can do this by navigating to Points > Hooks. Here you’ll see a series of hooks on the left-hand side that award or deduct points based on:

    • Registrations
    • Anniversaries
    • Daily visits
    • Viewing content
    • Logins
    • Publishing content
    • Deleting content
    • Clicking on links
    • Viewing videos
    • Referrals
    • Buying points

    To activate a hook, simply click on it and then select Add Hook:

    Activating hooks in a rewards system.

    You’ll then be prompted to allocate a specific number of points to the action and save your settings:

    Hook settings

    You can remove a hook by simply clicking on Delete. Furthermore, when you select Hook Documentation, you can access detailed tutorials for using the hook in question.

    Step 4: Activate Add-Ons

    Now it’s time to configure add-ons for your rewards program. Note that the available extensions will depend on which myCred plan (free or premium) you have installed on your website.

    Head to myCred > Add-ons. Here you’ll see built-in, free, and premium extensions for your WordPress rewards program:

    myCred add-ons

    To start using an add-on, hover your mouse over it and then click on Install. If it’s a premium extension, you’ll be directed to the myCred store to purchase it. For free add-ons, you’ll be sent to the core WordPress plugin to install it on your site.

    Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most useful myCred add-ons:

    • Badges: Display achievement badges for your users.
    • buyCRED: Enable users to buy more points.
    • Coupons: Create coupons that can be redeemed for points.
    • Notifications: Inform users when they win or lose points.
    • Statistics: Create visual charts of user progress and behaviors.
    • WooCommerce Plus: Let users make coupons, complete partial payments, and use loyalty points within your WooCommerce store.
    • Arcade Game: Award users points in exchange for playing games on your site.

    Let’s look at an example. You might install myCred LearnDash to integrate the Learning Management System (LMS) with points and rewards for completing lessons, quizzes, or entire courses:

    myCred LearnDash

    Then, it’s simply a matter of installing and activating the add-on as you would with any other WordPress plugin. However, note that new add-ons will come with more specific configurable settings.

    Step 5: Track Points

    Now that your rewards system is set up on your WordPress site, you can track user points and achievements from Points > Log. This is where you can monitor progress from Today, Yesterday, This Week, and This Month:

    myCred points log

    Note that you can also limit the number of total points by heading to Points > General Deposit. Here, you can choose to allocate points from a central fund with a limited number of rewards:

    limit points and rewards

    Furthermore, under Ranks, you can set rankings for your users. You can specify the number of points needed to progress to a particular rank, add a logo to distinguish it, and name it:

    set user ranks

    Now your rewards system is completely ready to go! You might consider advertising it to customers through promotional banners, email marketing messages, or popup forms.

    myCred Pros vs. Cons

    myCred is an extensive plugin with many customization options. Here are some of the advantages of using the tool:

    • Build a rewards system for free.
    • Add points, badges, and rankings to your rewards system.
    • Increase sales by enabling users to buy points or redeem them for coupons in your online store.
    • Integrate the plugin with page builders, LMS plugins, and payment gateways.
    • Access detailed plugin documentation to learn more about the system.
    • Customize logos and icons to make your rewards system match your branding.

    However, myCred also has some disadvantages. Here’s a quick overview of the plugin’s cons:

    • There are so many settings that it can feel confusing without a setup wizard guiding you through the process.
    • The learning curve for the plugin can be steep at first.
    • The plugin can get expensive if you invest in premium add-ons, which range from $29 to $69.

    Overall, you might consider using the free version of myCred and seeing if it fits your needs. Then, you can purchase add-ons or upgrade your membership if you want to take your rewards system to the next level.

    Conclusion

    A rewards system can incentivize users to interact with your content and earn points. Furthermore, it can recognize customer loyalty and encourage consumers to purchase more frequently from your online store.

    With the myCred WordPress plugin, you can quickly set up a rewards system for your WordPress website. It comes with multiple customizable settings and integrations to reward or penalize different actions. Although the learning curve can be a little steep, the payoffs can be significant.

    For more great tools for your business, check out our best free WordPress plugins for business websites.

    Do you have any questions about creating a rewards system with myCred? Let us know in the comments section below!

    The post How to Use myCred to Add a Rewards System to WordPress appeared first on Elegant Themes Blog.

  • 6 Best Interactive Map Plugins for WordPress in 2023

    Whether you run a travel blog, a business directory site, or want to build an online store, interactive maps can make it easier for users to find particular locations. These visual tools can also make your contact page and other content more engaging and interesting. Therefore, you may be looking for the best interactive map plugin for WordPress.

    In this post, we’ll take a closer look at interactive map plugins and how they work. Then, we’ll review some of the best options on the market. Let’s get started!

    What Are Interactive Map Plugins?

    An interactive map is a visual element on your site that can highlight particular locations. For example, if you write a hiking guide on your blog, you can include a map of the trail.

    Likewise, if you publish city itineraries, you can use maps to mark must-see attractions, restaurants, and more:

    An example of an interactive map

    If you have a WordPress site or WooCommerce store, you can use a plugin to display interactive maps on your pages. Depending on the tool you choose, you should be able to integrate your site with Google Maps. (If not, you can check out these top Google Maps Plugins.) Also, most will allow you to create custom maps with your own markers and offer different views of your locations.

    Using an interactive map plugin can provide more value to your visitors. It enables readers to locate places and plan their trips more efficiently. Additionally, if your online business has multiple physical store locations, a user-friendly map will make it easier for customers to find and visit your outlets.

    6 Best Interactive Map Plugins for WordPress

    Now, let’s look at some of the best interactive map plugins for WordPress. We based our selections on several criteria, including features, ease of use, and customization options.

    1. Interactive Geo Maps

    Interactive Geo Maps plugin

    As the name suggests, Interactive Geo Maps enables you to create interactive maps of continents and the world. You can also display country maps and highlight different regions.

    Key Features for Interactive Geo Maps:

    • Add colored markers to your maps.
    • Choose from different map projections, including Mercator and Miller.
    • Exclude specific regions from the map.
    • Set click actions and hover color change settings.

    The interface for Interactive Geo Maps

    This plugin comes with a user-friendly interface. You can start by selecting the region you wish to display, then customize the appearance of your map from the visual settings. You can also add round colored markers to pinpoint specific locations.

    Interactive Geo Maps is for you if…

    • You have a travel website and want to display interactive maps of different countries.
    • You run an international business and want to show the countries you operate in.

    Interactive Geo Maps Pricing: Free, with a premium version that starts at $2.49 per month.

    Get Interactive Geo Maps

    2. Maps Marker Pro

    Maps Marker Pro plugin

    Moving on to the next plugin, Maps Marker Pro is a premium option that offers a wide range of features. It allows you to create multilingual maps easily by integrating with translation plugins like Polylang and WPML. Moreover, the plugin enables you to enhance the interactivity of your maps with polyline shapes such as polygons, circles, and rectangles.

    Maps Marker Pro demo

    Furthermore, Maps Marker Pro includes GPX tracks functionality, which allows you to showcase routes complete with optional metadata like distance, duration, pace, or elevation. Additionally, you can create customized filters to let visitors view precisely what they want on the map, and use the cluster marker feature to save valuable space. To top it off, the plugin supports geolocation, letting you display a user’s current location and movements on the map in real time.

    Key Features for Maps Marker Pro

      • Ability to create multiple custom maps
      • GPX tracks with optional metadata
      • Polyline support
      • User-filtered search capability
      • Marker clustering
      • Multilingual support
      • Geolocation

    Maps Marker Pro is for you if…
    …you need an interactive map solution with multilingual support, filtering, and geolocation capabilities.

    Maps Marker Pro Pricing: €49 one-time fee.

    Get Maps Marker Pro

    3. Mapify Pro

    Mapify plugin

    Next on the list is Mapify Pro, which comes in both lite and pro versions. The lite version allows you to add up to 10 locations and use it freely across unlimited websites. It also enables you to customize your maps with your preferred image, and users can easily pan and zoom the maps. Additionally, the lite version offers click tooltips that show embedded videos, images, and text, among other interactive features.

    If you opt for the pro version, you’ll be blown away with all the features at your disposal. One of the standout features of Mapify Pro is the ability to add an unlimited number of locations to your maps. It also includes customizable markers, allowing you to create markers that are unique and match your brand or website design. You can choose from over 50 marker icons or upload your own custom marker icon, making it easy for users to differentiate between different types of locations on the map.

    Additionally, it integrates with popular services like WooCommerce and Advanced Custom Fields, giving you more options for displaying data on your maps. Plus, Mapify Pro allows you to create advanced tooltip content, including images, videos, and HTML, to provide users with more detailed information about a particular location.

    The interactive map legend is another standout feature of Mapify Pro that enhances the user experience. The map legend provides a key to the different markers and locations on the map, allowing users to easily identify and differentiate between them. With Mapify Pro, you can create an interactive map legend that is fully customizable and responsive, making it easy for users to access from any device.

    Mapify Pro interactive legend

    Key Features for Mapify Pro:

        • Customizable markers
        • Advanced filtering
        • Highly customizable map styles
        • Integrations with WooCommerce, ACF, and more
        • Interactive map legend

    Mapify Pro is for you if…
    …you want the ability to feature any type of content in your interactive maps, as well as animated icons, tooltips, and WooCommerce integration.

    Mapify Pro Pricing: Free, with a pro version for $19 per month.

    Get Mapify Pro

    4. WP Store Locator

    WP Store Locator plugin

    WP Store Locator is an easy-to-use interactive map plugin that enables you to display an unlimited number of stores. Your visitors can filter the results by radius and view directions to your outlets.

    Key Features for WP Store Locator:

        • Provide additional information about each store, including email addresses and opening hours.
        • Show driving directions and distances to each store.
        • Display your maps in different languages.
        • Keep track of the most popular locations that users search for.

    Adding a new store in WP Store Locator

    Once you install the plugin on your site, you can start adding stores to your map. For each shop, you can specify its exact location and opening hours. Furthermore, you can provide additional information like contact details and the website.

    WP Store Locator is for you if…

        • You want to make it easier for customers to find and travel to your physical stores.

    WP Store Locator Pricing: Free, with add-ons starting at $19 per year.

    Get WP Store Locator

    5. RVM – Responsive Vector Maps

    RVM WordPress plugin

    RVM – Responsive Vector Maps lets you create responsive vector maps for your WordPress site. It has several interactive features, including linkable markers and a mouseover tooltip effect.

    Key Features for RVM:

        • Use images as icons for marker pinpoints.
        • Show and hide elements on the page.
        • Display label content when users click on countries and regions.
        • Export your map’s settings, including the markers.

    The RVM interface

    RVM lets you make a simple world map. Then, you can add a link, create a label popup, and change the background color for each country.

    RVM is for you if…

        • You want to create a simple map for your site.
        • You have pages on different countries and want to be able to link to them from your map.

    RVM Marker Pricing: Free

    Get RVM

    6. The Divi Map Module

    If you’re a Divi user, you can add a custom interactive map to your site without the need for an extra plugin. Thanks to our Divi Map Module, you can easily embed an interactive map anywhere on your page with clickable pins, popups, and multiple locations.

    Key Features for the Divi Map Module:

        • Add customizable pins with tooltips to the map.
        • Built-in design settings for customizing elements of the map.
        • Supports draggable zoom, additional animation effects, and more.

    The Divi Map module

    With our Divi Map Module, you can customize the design of your map elements with built-in options including color, map hue and saturation, and more.

    The Divi Map Module is for you if…

        • You’re a Divi user and want a built-in solution for designing interactive maps.
        • You don’t want a bloated plugin.

    Divi Pricing: $89 per year.

    Get Divi

    Final Thoughts on Interactive Map Plugins

    Adding interactive maps to your site can make your content more engaging and interesting. These maps can highlight landmarks, stores, hiking trails, and more.

    Plugin Price Free Option
    🥇 Interactive Geo Maps Free, $2.49 per month ✔️ Visit
    🥈 Maps Marker Pro €49 one-time fee ❌ Visit
    🥉 Mapify Pro Free, $19 per month ✔️ Visit
    4 WP Store Locator Free, $19 per year ✔️ Visit
    5 RVM – Responsive Vector Maps Free ✔️ Visit
    6 Divi Maps Module $89 per year ❌ Visit

    As for our top choices, each has interactive functionality. It all depends on what you want your maps to do. If you operate a multi-national business and want to showcase where your business operates, then Interactive Geo Maps is a solid choice. That being said, if you need a more robust solution with user-filtered searching capabilities, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than Maps Marker Pro.

    Do you have any questions about choosing the best interactive map plugin for WordPress? Let us know in the comments section below!

    The post 6 Best Interactive Map Plugins for WordPress in 2023 appeared first on Elegant Themes Blog.

  • 5 Best IDX Plugins for WordPress in 2023

    If you’re in the real estate business, you’re probably familiar with Multiple Listing Service (MLS) portals and Internet Data Exchange (IDX) software. Furthermore, if you have a real estate website built on WordPress, being able to pull listings using IDX software will make your work a lot easier.

    In this article, we will talk about what IDX software is. Then we’ll introduce you to the best IDX plugins for WordPress and discuss their key features, pricing, and who should consider using them. Let’s get to it!

    What Are IDX Plugins?

    To understand what IDX plugins are, we need to talk about the software itself. IDX is software that enables users to look through real estate listings in a specific area. The software pulls those listings from MLS platforms.

    IDX homepage

    In turn, MLS platforms are local portals where realtors can share information about their listings. Realtors must keep that information up to date, making MLS listings much more comprehensive than what you might find on platforms such as Zillow or Redfin.

    However, MLS portals are for realtors only. IDX software enables you to pull information about listings from those portals and display it on your website. In other words, you can use IDX to start your own listing site.

    IDX plugins for WordPress allow you to display listings from MLS portals and manage them directly within WordPress. IDX plugins are similar to other popular real estate plugins for WordPress. However, this family of plugins focuses solely on IDX integration.

    5 Best IDX Plugins for WordPress

    In this section, we’re going to look at some of the best IDX plugins for WordPress that will allow IDX integration for your real estate website.

    1. Realtyna WPL

    Realtyna Organic IDX

    Realtyna WPL is developed by Realtyna and is one of the most popular and powerful real estate plugins for WordPress. With this tool, you get to use a listings system on your website and the ability to upload new properties manually. And the free version comes with many powerful features to add and customize listings to build a real estate website.

    Realtyna WPL can pull information that includes listing features, appliances, address maps, neighborhood details, images, videos, and more.

    If you pay for their pro version and their Organic MLS Integration add-on, you’ll be able to host all the MLS/IDX data on your own server. This is great for real estate agents or agencies that want an independent solution with complete ownership of MLS data on their websites. This type of control is also great for Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

    Divi Integration

    The plugin integrates with the Divi Builder making it easy to add listings using custom Divi Modules.

    realtyna wpl divi integration

    For more, check out how to add real estate listings with Divi.

    Key Features for WPL Real Estate:

    • Supports organic MLS/IDX integration for WordPress
    • Pull data from the MLS provider of your choice
    • Tons of add-ons for more flexibility
    • Publish imported listings or pull them organically
    • A property/listing management system within WordPress

    Adding IDX properties using Realtyna

    After importing properties using IDX, you can edit their information with the WPL property manager. This manager enables you to add any missing information and edit property descriptions using a simple interface.

    Realtyna WPL is for you if…

    • You want more control and ownership of property listings on your site.
    • You want Divi integration and custom modules to add and customize listings on your site.
    • You want to be able to customize the listings that you import using IDX
    • You want options for organic MLS/IDX integration
    • You are a real estate agent or agency that wants an independent listing website.

    Pricing: IDX integration is available with WPL Pro, starting at $199 | Learn More About WPL Real Estate

    2. Showcase IDX

    Showcase IDX

    Showcase IDX is a comprehensive solution for publishing listings, importing MLS data, and developing client relationships. On top of enabling you to use IDX, the plugin also doubles as a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution.

    With Showcase IDX, you can enable user registration (that supports social login) and encourage it using pop-ups. The plugin lets you keep track of what properties each user is looking at, and configure follow-up messages to encourage them to keep searching.

    Although Showcase IDX integrates with most real estate themes, the plugin enables you to configure the style of your listings and search using internal settings. Plus, its listings are responsive right out of the box.

    Key Features for Showcase IDX:

    • Set up a listings solution for your website
    • Import MLS listings
    • Enable and encourage user registration
    • Monitor user searches and configure follow-up messages
    • Configure the style of your listings

    Importing MLS properties using Showcase IDX

    When you import a batch of MLS properties, Showcase IDX enables you to create custom shortcodes to display them on your website. You get to configure unique styles for each batch of properties.

    Showcase IDX is for you if…

    • You want an all-in-one real estate and IDX solution
    • You want to get access to built-in CRM tools

    Pricing: There’s a free version of this plugin, while Showcase IDX plans start at $59.95 per month | Learn More About Showcase IDX

    3. Estatik Real Estate

    Estatik Real Estate

    Estatik Real Estate is a plugin that adds a listing system to WordPress. With this plugin, you can create listings manually, including a broad range of information about each property.

    Listings that you create can use over 50 unique shortcodes, and they can include image slideshows. That’s all available with the free version of the plugin. However, if you want IDX integration for Estatik, you’ll need to pay for a premium license.

    Key Features for Estatik Real Estate:

    • Add a property listings system to WordPress
    • Use shortcodes to customize the style of your listings
    • Include image slideshows alongside listings
    • Import MLS listings with the premium version of the plugin
    • A powerful fields builder for organizing your listings
    • 4+ Themes to jumpstart your listings website
    • Multi-lingual support

    Estatik property manager

    The Estatik property editor is fairly intuitive, and it integrates with the WordPress Classic Editor. You can also use the editor to update the information for any properties that you import using IDX.

    Estatik Real Estate is for you if…

    • You want a full-featured listing solution that includes IDX integration from multiple MLS providers
    • You want access to premade themes
    • You are a real estate agency that doesn’t want to spend extra money on web design

    Pricing: The Estatik Real Estate premium pack supports MLS/IDX imports for $489 | Learn More About Estatik Real Estate

    4. MLS Import

    MLS Import

    MLS Import integrates with the most popular real estate themes for WordPress. This plugin enables you to connect with an MLS platform and run batch imports for properties that fit the criteria you want.

    One standout aspect of this plugin is that it syncs properties automatically, and you can configure it to import new properties periodically. MLS Import also offers a custom Content Delivery Network (CDN) for serving images, which means that you save on server space.

    Key Features for MLS Import:

    • Connect to your MLS platform of choice
    • Import properties in batches and sync their information
    • Configure the plugin to import new property data periodically

    Configuring the MLS Import plugin

    MLS Import can pull data for large numbers of properties in a single batch as long as your server can handle it. If you’re using a not-so-capable hosting plan, we recommend importing properties in smaller batches.

    MLS Import is for you if…

    • You want to use a dedicated IDX plugin and not an extension to another tool
    • You don’t mind paying for a monthly or yearly license

    Pricing: MLS Import plans start at $49 per month | Learn More About MLS Import

    5. SimplyRETS

    SimplyRETS logo

    SimplyRETS is a powerful real estate platform that provides property listings, MLS data access, and other real estate information. The platform is designed to make the process of accessing real estate information easier, faster, and more efficient, giving real estate professionals a one-stop solution for all their data needs.

    In fact, it takes about five minutes to have an IDX search integration with your MLS set up. The plugin allows for the display of your real estate listings with a scalable catalog that adjusts to the device being used.

    Key Features for SimplyRETS:

    • Access to MLS data and property listings
    • Easy-to-use API and data access tools
    • Flexible and scalable pricing options

    SimplyRETS

    With SimplyRETS, you can access MLS data and property listings from multiple sources, making it easier to find the information you need. The search options for your users include filters so they can quickly find properties that meet their criteria. Plus, the interface is customizable to match the theme of your website.

    SimplyRETS is for you if…

    • You’re a real estate professional looking for a one-stop solution for your data needs
    • You need easy access to MLS data and property listings
    • You’re looking for a cost-effective and flexible solution

    Pricing: SimplyRETS plans start at $49 per month | Learn More About SimplyRETS

    Final Thoughts on IDX Plugins for WordPress

    There are a lot of amazing real estate plugins for WordPress. However, not all of them offer IDX support. Without this feature, you won’t be able to import MLS listings into your website, and you’ll need to add properties to it manually. If you have access to an MLS portal, not using an IDX plugin, it’s a missed opportunity.

    If you’re looking for real estate plugins that offer IDX support, here are our top two picks:

    1. Realtyna WPL: This is one of the most popular real estate plugins for WordPress and Divi, and its premium version offers IDX support.
    2. Showcase IDX: This IDX plugin also offers CRM functionality, and it can help you follow up with buyer leads.

    Do you have any questions about IDX plugins for WordPress? Let’s talk about them in the comments section below!

    The post 5 Best IDX Plugins for WordPress in 2023 appeared first on Elegant Themes Blog.

  • 5 Best WordPress VR and Metaverse Plugins

    Virtual Reality (VR) has become increasingly popular in recent years. It enables users to enjoy immersive experiences from the comfort of their own homes. Furthermore, adding this feature to your website can help make your content more interactive, which may lead to more conversions. Fortunately, there are several WordPress VR plugins you can use.

    In this post, we’ll closely examine WordPress VR plugins and how they work. Then, we’ll review some of the best options on the market. Let’s get started!

    What Are WordPress VR Plugins?

    When we talk about Virtual Reality (VR), we refer to features that mimic real-life experiences. You may also hear about “the metaverse“, which is an online connected network of VR and augmented reality. This simulated environment can take many forms.

    For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many attractions around the world created immersive 360° tours on their websites:

    The Smithsonian Virtual Tour

    These virtual tours are also offered by other businesses, including real estate agents and online shops:

    A virtual tour of a property

    If you use WooCommerce or run an online store, a WordPress VR plugin can help you improve the User Experience (UX). It gives users a clearer idea of what an item looks like in real life, whether people are shopping for jewelry, glasses, or furniture. This interactivity can help them make more informed decisions, which may lead to more conversions.

    You might also use a WordPress VR plugin to offer virtual tours of your premises. Alternatively, you can take site visitors on a virtual trip to different destinations if you work in the travel industry. These interactive experiences can help increase user engagement and draw more visitors to your physical site.

    5 Best WordPress VR and Metaverse Plugins

    As we have seen, different types of businesses can benefit from using a VR plugin. Now let’s look at some of the best options for WordPress sites. We’ve selected tools that receive frequent updates and have a substantial number of positive reviews, making them reliable plugins for your website.

    1. Flat 360° Panoramic Image Viewer

    Flat 360° Panoramic Image Viewer

    Flat 360° Panoramic Image Viewer turns your static panoramic photos into an immersive viewing experience. It gives users a 360° view of a particular location, with navigation features that enable them to proceed at their own pace.

    Key Features for Flat 360° Panoramic Image Viewer:

    • An auto-scroll feature with sliding controls
    • Mobile and touchpad support
    • Can be added to any post, page, or widget using a shortcode
    • Support for multi-site configurations

    Using Flat 360° Panoramic Image Viewer in WordPress

    With this plugin, you can give users a realistic view of a room, shop, or outdoor location. Additionally, you can enable different sliding effects for a more interactive experience.

    Flat 360° Panoramic Image Viewer is for you if…

    • You rent a place or run a B&B and want to give users an immersive view of your rooms.
    • You have a travel website with panoramic photos.

    Flat 360° Panoramic Image Viewer Pricing: $20. | Learn More About Flat 360° Panoramic Image Viewer.

    2. 360° Photo Viewer

    360 Photo Viewer

    360° Photo Viewer is another WordPress VR plugin that enables you to turn panoramic images into virtual tours. You can use it for rooms, buildings, shops, and more. Additionally, you can add markers to your content and display information about different objects.

    Key Features for 360° Photo Viewer:

    • Show unlimited locations and add as many markers as you want.
    • Configure different controls, animations, and more.
    • Use the plugin with WooCommerce.

    The 360 Photo Viewer for WooCommerce

    You can use this plugin to create an immersive shopping experience in your online store. For example, you can offer a virtual tour of your store and display informative markers for different products.

    360° Photo Viewer is for you if…

    • You want a WordPress VR plugin for your WooCommerce store.
    • You run a museum website or a similar attraction and want to offer educational tours.

    360° Photo Viewer Pricing: $32. | Learn More About 360° Photo Viewer.

    3. Modern Video Player for WordPress

    Modern Video Player

    Modern Video Player is a video and audio player that supports a wide range of media formats, including 360° virtual reality videos. It enables you to display subtitles in multiple languages, control playback speed, create password-protected content, and more.

    Key Features for Modern Video Player:

    • Publish self-hosted virtual reality videos.
    • Embed videos from YouTube and Vimeo.
    • Use AdSense integrations to monetize your content.

    A 360 degree video on Modern Video Player

    With Modern Video Player, you can share 360° virtual reality videos and panoramic images. Moreover, you can create unlimited playlists with as many videos as you like.

    Modern Video Player is for you if…

    • You publish video content on your site.
    • You have an international audience and want to offer VR experiences in different languages.

    Modern Video Player Pricing: $49. | Learn More About Modern Video Player.

    4. WPVR

    WPVR plugin

    WPVR lets you create virtual tours on your WordPress site. It has an easy-to-use interface that enables you to turn panoramic images into a realistic experience.

    Key Features for WPVR:

    • Use engaging hotspots, such as images and buttons, to display content on-click or on-hover.
    • Embed 360° videos from YouTube and Vimeo.
    • Use an auto-resize feature for mobile phones to make your content responsive.
    • Utilize dedicated Gutenberg blocks and widgets to embed your tours more easily.

    The WPVR interface

    WPVR gives you a live tour preview on the back end. This way, you can see what your content looks like as you’re creating it. Additionally, you can add a variety of features to your videos, including mouse drag control, auto rotation with speed control, scene fade animation, and more.

    WPVR is for you if…

    • You want to create responsive virtual tours of your property, showroom, or store.
    • You have a travel blog and want to create customized 360° videos of your trips.

    WPVR Pricing: Free, with a premium version that starts at $79.99 per year. | Learn More About WPVR.

    5. iPanorama 360

    iPanorama plugin

    Another WordPress VR plugin you can use is iPanorama 360. This tool enables you to create virtual tours of rooms and buildings. You can use elements such as text, images, and videos for a more interactive experience.

    Key Features for iPanorama 360:

    • Utilize an easy-to-use virtual tour builder to preview your work before publishing it.
    • Create markers, tooltips, and popups.
    • Control user permissions for authors and editors on your site.
    • Use a responsive design with two types of themes: light and dark.

    The iPanorama 360 tour builder

    The iPanorama 360 tour builder comes with a broad range of options. For instance, you can enable autorotate, insert markers, add an audio track, and more.

    iPanorama 360 WPVR is for you if…

    • You’re looking for a WordPress VR plugin that facilitates team collaboration.
    • You want to create educational tours for museums, galleries, and more.

    iPanorama Pricing: Free, with a premium version that starts at $39. | Learn More About iPanorama 360.

    Final Thoughts on WordPress VR plugins

    Virtual Reality (VR) enables users to explore a place from their couches. Furthermore, it gives business owners the opportunity to create more immersive experiences on their sites. For instance, you can use a WordPress VR plugin to offer virtual tours of your property and store.

    If you have a WooCommerce shop, you can use 360° Photo Viewer to create a real-life shopping experience. Meanwhile, if you have a travel website, WPVR and Flat 360° Panoramic Image Viewer enable you to turn your panoramic photos into immersive tours.

    Do you have any questions about the WordPress VR plugins featured in this post? Let us know in the comments section below!

    Featured image via Visual Generation / shutterstock.com

    The post 5 Best WordPress VR and Metaverse Plugins appeared first on Elegant Themes Blog.

  • How to Use the All Reviews WooCommerce Block

    Most modern customers will look at product reviews before making even the smallest purchase. Enabling user reviews for your own products helps you build trust with new customers, and it lets them share important information with other buyers. One of the best ways to display reviews on your website is by using the All Reviews WooCommerce block.

    In this article, we’ll talk about how the All Reviews WooCommerce block works. We’ll show you how to add it to your website, configure it, and use it effectively. Let’s get to work!

    How to Add the All Reviews WooCommerce Block to Your Post or Page

    The All Reviews WooCommerce block enables you to display a list of the latest product reviews on your website. By default, the block shows reviews for every item, which means visitors will get an overview of how happy your latest customers are.

    To use this block, open the Block Editor for the page or post where you want to showcase the reviews. Select the option to add a new block, and use the search tool to look for the All Reviews option:

    Adding an All Reviews block in WordPress

    Note that the All Reviews block is only available if you’re using WooCommerce. If the plugin isn’t active, you won’t have access to any WooCommerce blocks in the Block Editor.

    Once you place the All Reviews block, it will display a list of all the latest reviews in your store:

    The All Reviews WooCommerce block

    By default, every review includes the customer’s name, the body of their review, their rating, when they wrote it, and their profile picture. However, you have full control over how reviews appear within the All Reviews block, as we’ll show you in the next section.

    All Reviews WooCommerce Block Settings and Options

    Unlike most other blocks, the All Reviews WooCommerce block doesn’t offer any formatting options. That means you can’t change its alignment or layout. However, the block does offer a variety of settings that enable you to configure what elements it includes.

    To access this block’s settings, select it within the editor, and then click on the gear-shaped icon in the top-right corner of the screen. A menu will appear to the right, including all of the settings that are available for the All Reviews block.

    Content Settings

    The first part of the settings menu enables you to decide what elements the block will display for each review:

    Configuring what elements appear in the All Reviews block

    You can choose whether to include reviewers’ names, profile pictures, dates, review content, and product ratings. In most cases, we recommend including all of those items.

    However, you might choose to disable review dates if purchases aren’t made very often, so as not to discourage potential customers. Finally, you can choose between displaying reviewers’ photos (their profile pictures) or product images alongside each review.

    List Settings

    The next section enables you to decide in which order to show reviews in, and how many of them to display. By default, the All Reviews block will display the latest reviews across the entire store. However, you can also choose to display reviews from highest to lowest rated and vice versa.

    You can also configure how many additional reviews will appear when users click on the Load more button (or disable that option altogether):

    Configuring how many reviews the All Reviews block should display

    Text Color

    The next section allow you to customize the color of your text within the All Reviews block. To change the text color click on the text color option. Then you can choose one of the default theme colors or select the hex code to add your own custom color.

    changing all reviews block text color

    Font Size

    In addition to text color, you can also change the font size for the All Reviews block under the Typography settings. To change the font size, click the plus icon on the Typography toggle and select font size. There you can choose from one of the built-in theme font sizes or click the customize icon to add your own custom font size value.

    all reviews block font size

    Additional CSS Class(es)

    Finally, there’s an Advanced tab within the All Reviews block settings menu, which enables you to add new CSS classes to the element. You can use those CSS classes to modify the block’s style if you’re comfortable using stylesheets.

    Tips and Best Practices for Using the All Reviews WooCommerce Block Effectively

    In most cases, we recommend displaying the All Reviews block on your store’s home page and/or landing pages. This shows new visitors how satisfied past customers are right away, encouraging them to stick around. Moreover, if you have a lot of recent ratings, displaying review dates can show visitors that you get a lot of sales. That, in turn, can help you to build trust even further.

    If your store is still growing, we recommend showcasing the reviews with the highest ratings instead. If you do this, we’d also suggest disabling review dates, so visitors won’t be discouraged if there aren’t any recent sales.

    Sorting reviews from highest to lowest ratings

    As for whether to display user profile pictures or product photos, that choice is up to you. Displaying customer pictures can help make reviews look more trustworthy and give them a human touch. However, that will only be effective if most customers set profile pictures. Otherwise, you’re typically better off displaying product photos alongside each review, so potential customers get a glimpse of what you offer.

    Frequently Asked Questions about the All Reviews WooCommerce Block

    If you have any questions left about how to use the All Reviews block, we’ll aim to cover them here. Let’s start by talking about how to style this handy block.

    Can I Change the Style or Layout of the All Reviews Block?

    The All Reviews block doesn’t enable you to change its layout. When you place the block, reviews will show up on a single-column list. However, you can change the text color or font size using Color and Typography options. You can also add custom CSS Classes to target the All Reviews Block in your custom CSS.

    Are There Any Other WooCommerce Review Blocks I Can Use?

    WooCommerce ships with several review blocks that you can use in your store. For example, there’s a Reviews by Product Block, which enables you to display reviews for individual items. You’ll also have access to the Reviews by Category Block, which lets you display reviews from specific product categories.

    When you’re using the All Reviews block, you can’t filter reviews either by product or category. However, the block does enable you to choose what order reviews will be displayed in.

    Where Should I Place the All Reviews Block in WordPress?

    Since the All Reviews block displays reviews for all the products in your store, it makes sense to place it on one of your website’s main pages. Both the home page and the Shop pages make ideal placements for this block. Alternatively, you can set up a page just for displaying reviews, and link to it in your navigation menu.

    Conclusion

    The All Reviews WooCommerce block enables you to display the latest reviews for all products in your store. You can also configure this block to display reviews from the highest to lowest ratings and vice versa (although we don’t recommend the latter approach).

    This block offers the perfect way to show visitors how much customers love your products. If you have a lot of recent reviews, it can also signal that you run an active store with a large volume of sales.

    For more, check out ultimate guide to WooCommerce Blocks.

    Do you have any questions about how to use the All Reviews block in WooCommerce? Ask away in the comments section below!

    The post How to Use the All Reviews WooCommerce Block appeared first on Elegant Themes Blog.

  • How to Integrate Contact Form 7 with Zoho CRM

    Adding contact forms to your WordPress site enables users to reach out with queries and business proposals. However, if you’re not using a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution, you may be losing out on potential leads. Fortunately, you can easily pair your contact forms with a CRM using Contact Form 7 and Zoho.

    In this post, we’ll look at the benefits of integrating Contact Form 7 with Zoho. Then, we’ll show you how to do it in three easy steps. Let’s get started!

    The Benefits of Integrating Contact Form 7 with Zoho CRM

    Contact Form 7 is one of the most popular WordPress contact form plugins. It enables you to build a variety of customized forms for your site:

    Contact Form 7

    With Contact Form 7, you can enter your business email address as the sender and reply to your messages using your favorite email client. This setup will help you project a more professional image for your company. Divi also integrates with Contact Form 7 for more design control.

    To get the most out of Contact Form 7, you might consider using it with Zoho. This is a powerful CRM tool that helps you generate leads and manage your contacts more effectively:

    Zoho CRM homepage

    Integrating Contact Form 7 with Zoho lets you synchronize your user data and organize your leads using the CRM tool. For instance, you can sort your contacts into recently created leads, converted leads, and more.

    This integration can be beneficial if you run a remote team. Once a message comes in through your contact form, you can assign that lead to the appropriate employee or department. Zoho facilitates team collaboration so your company can deliver better customer service and drive more conversions.

    How to Integrate Contact Form 7 with Zoho CRM (In 3 Steps)

    Unfortunately, Contact Form 7 doesn’t natively support integration with Zoho CRM. However, you can use a plugin such as Integration for Contact Form 7 and Zoho CRM to connect these two tools:

    Integration for Contact Form 7 and Zoho CRM

    This plugin lets you send messages submitted through Contact Form 7 to your Zoho account. Fortunately, it’s also very easy to set up.

    For this tutorial, you’ll need to have both Contact Form 7 and Integration for Contact Form 7 and Zoho CRM installed and activated on your site. You’ll also need to create a Zoho account (you can get started for free).

    Once you’re logged in, you’ll be asked to select a product. Make sure to choose CRM.

    Step 1: Add Your Zoho Account in WordPress

    Once you add Integration for Contact Form 7 and Zoho CRM to your site, you’ll see a new menu item in your dashboard called Zoho. Click on it and navigate to the Zoho Accounts tab:

    The Zoho Accounts tab

    Then, select Add New Account. You’ll be asked to provide some information about your Zoho account, including the account name, data center, and type of Zoho Service (we’re using Zoho CRM):

    Zoho Accounts details

    If you click on the Login with Zoho button, you can simply sign in to your account:

    Signing into Zoho from WordPress

    Zoho CRM will then ask for access to your user data. Go ahead and click on Accept:

    The Zoho screen asking for access to your WordPress user data

    You’ll then be redirected to your WordPress dashboard, where you’ll see a success message:

    The Zoho success message in WordPress

    If you get an invalid_code error, make sure that you’ve selected the right data center. For instance, if you’re based in Europe, you’ll need to choose zoho.eu. Then, save your changes and try again.

    Step 2: Create a Zoho Feed

    Next, you’ll need to create a Zoho feed. In other words, you’ll be connecting your Zoho account with a contact form.

    In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Zoho > Zoho Feeds and select Add New:

    Add new Zoho feed option

    Next, you’ll need to enter a name for your feed and choose a Zoho account. You’ll also have to select a contact form:

    Entering the Zoho feed details

    Once you choose a form, the plugin will ask you to select a Zoho Object from the menu. An Object is a specific area of your CRM, including meetings, accounts, calls, projects, and more. For this tutorial, you can select Leads:

    Selecting Leads as the Zoho Object

    Then, you’ll need to link your form fields with the fields corresponding to your Zoho leads. This connection will enable the plugin to synchronize your data.

    For example, here’s what your leads page might look like in your Zoho account:

    Zoho Leads page

    On the left-hand side of the screen, you’ll see a list of fields you can use to filter your leads. You can connect some of these fields to the ones in your site’s contact form.

    For instance, you can select the Email field in your Zoho account and pair it with the Your Email field in your contact form:

    Mapping Contact Form 7 fields with Zoho fields

    This way, when a user enters their email address into the contact form on your site, the information will appear in the appropriate field on your Zoho Leads page. You can map as many fields as you want.

    You also have the option to only export manually approved entries to Zoho. Additionally, you can set an opt-in condition so that only entries that meet a particular criterion are exported:

    When to Send Entry to Zoho settings

    Finally, you can configure some additional settings, such as setting a primary key:

    Choosing a primary key in Zoho

    When you’re ready, click on Save Feed. Contact Form 7 is now fully integrated with Zoho.

    Step 3: Test your Contact Form 7 and Zoho Integration

    Finally, it’s time to run a quick test to ensure everything is working correctly. Firstly, you’ll need to navigate to your contact form on the front end and submit an entry.

    Then, in your WordPress dashboard, go to Zoho > Zoho Log to see if your entry was registered in the CRM:

    Viewing the Zoho log in WordPress

    Here, you’ll be able to view the fields you mapped in the previous step. That’s it — you can now start generating leads with Contact Form 7 and Zoho CRM!

    Conclusion

    A CRM tool such as Zoho enables you to manage any leads that come through your WordPress website. If you use Contact Form 7, you can simply integrate your forms with Zoho using the Integration for Contact Form 7 and Zoho CRM plugin.

    In this post, we showed you how to integrate these two powerful tools:

    1. Add your Zoho account in WordPress.
    2. Create a Zoho feed.
    3. Test your integration.

    Do you have any questions about integrating Contact Form 7 with Zoho CRM? Let us know in the comments section below!

    The post How to Integrate Contact Form 7 with Zoho CRM appeared first on Elegant Themes Blog.

  • 5 Best WordPress Table of Contents Plugins in 2023

    Readability and User Experience (UX) are essential to keeping users engaged with your content. Most visitors are likely to feel turned off by huge walls of text or very long pages and consequently leave your site. However, with a table of contents plugin, you can enable readers to quickly jump between different sections of your content.

    Today’s guide will explore five of the best WordPress table of contents plugins. Let’s get started!

    What Is a WordPress Table of Contents Plugin?

    You’ve likely seen tables of contents before in physical books. They list the main chapters within the book so you can more efficiently locate specific content without having to randomly flip through all the pages. Therefore, you can save time and effort while finding the necessary information.

    A table of contents serves a similar purpose on a WordPress website. However, unlike a physical book, a WordPress table of contents will be more dynamic and interactive. They contain a list of your post’s headings and subheadings with clickable anchor links (or jump links) that take readers to those specific sections.

    The table of contents anchor links allows users to jump to the sections they’re most interested in. Therefore, since visitors won’t have to scroll down manually, this layout increases the UX of your post or page. Plus, it can enhance readability by clearly showing users what content to expect.

    The anchor links within a table of contents can also give you a slight boost in SEO. Using SEO links like this will allow search engines to display those links in SERPs.

    By using a WordPress table of contents plugin, you can insert this feature into your posts and pages without adding custom code. Therefore, this type of plugin can be a user-friendly and time-saving tool for your business.

    5 Best WordPress Table of Contents Plugins

    Now, let’s take a look at some of the best WordPress table of contents plugins. We’ve chosen tools with user-friendly interfaces, customizable settings, good reviews, and also frequent updates.

    1. Divi Table Of Contents Maker

    Divi Table of Contents Maker plugin

    First up, Divi Table of Contents Maker is a great plugin to increase the readability and navigation of your Divi site.

    Divi table of contents maker demo

    It works by creating a custom module within Divi that can be styled any way you like. You can apply a custom title text, a collapsible table, sticky settings, and several marker prefixes including icons, numbers, and letters.

    Key Features for Divi Table Of Contents Maker:

    • Endless design possibilities with Divi
    • Collapsible and sticky table options
    • Custom icon markers
    • Link styling and hover effects
    • Keyword highlight search bar
    • Divi Theme Builder support

    Additional settings include link styling, hover effects, a keyword highlight search bar, word wrap options, and Divi Theme Builder support for creating a table of content module dynamically. To boost your site’s SEO, Divi Table of Contents Maker integrates seamlessly with Rank Math, which provides SEO content analysis on the fly.

    Divi Table Of Contents Maker is for you if…

    • You want ultimate design control.
    • You need a plugin that integrates with Divi

    Divi Table Of Contents Maker Pricing: $15

    Get Divi Table of Contents Maker

    2. Easy Table of Contents

    Easy table of content plugin

    Next, Easy Table of Contents is one of the most time-saving tables of contents plugins. You simply need to configure which types of posts and pages you want to include this element in. Then, the plugin will automatically insert the tables into your content.

    Key Features for Easy Table of Contents:

    • Auto-insert tables into posts, pages, custom post types, templates, navigation menus, and more.
    • Choose from built-in themes to customize your tables’ appearance.
    • Select color, background, and link options for your tables.
    • Enable users to hide tables.
    • Select each table’s position and label.
    • Exclude specific headings from your tables.

    Easy Table of Contents settings

    Overall, Easy Table of Contents is a straightforward plugin. However, it could be just what you need if you’re not worried about advanced design settings.

    Easy Table of Contents is for you if…

    • You’re looking for an automated and user-friendly solution.
    • You’d like to use a free plugin.
    • Simplicity is important to you.

    Easy Table of Contents Pricing: Free, with a premium version starting at $49 per year

    Get Easy Table of Contents

    3. SimpleTOC

    SimpleTOC plugin

    If you’re looking for a straightforward table of contents block, SimpleTOC is an excellent option. The element it provides creates a nested list displaying all of your post or page headings. Plus, you can add this block to your widget areas, such as your header or footer.

    Key Features for SimpleTOC:

    • Insert the SimpleTOC block anywhere with the Block Editor.
    • Choose which headings appear in your table.
    • Select your desired background and text colors.
    • Display the block in full or wide width, adjust its indent, and control the heading depth.
    • Use the block in various languages, including English, Spanish, and French.

    SimpleTOC settings

    Since it doesn’t use any CSS or JavaScript, SimpleTOC is a lightweight plugin that shouldn’t affect your site loading speeds. Additionally, it automatically inherits your WordPress theme’s styling to match your branding.

    SimpleTOC is for you if…

    • You want to add a table of contents with a block.
    • You’re looking for a streamlined and lightweight plugin.
    • Your website’s content is displayed in different languages.

    SimpleTOC Pricing: Free

    Get SimpleTOC

    4. Fixed TOC

    Fixed TOC plugin

    Next up, Fixed TOC is a premium WordPress table of contents plugin with more advanced styling options. You can set up the plugin to create tables automatically, or insert them manually with a shortcode. Additionally, you can configure Fixed TOC’s tables and change the color of their links, backgrounds, hover effects, and more.

    Key Features for Fixed TOC:

    • Automate your tables of contents according to page or post type.
    • Create fixed (or floating) TOCs that are mobile-responsive.
    • Customize your tables’ appearance to match your theme.
    • Enable smooth scrolling and collapsible headings.
    • Choose from a selection of animated effects.
    • Use the plugin with Google AMP.

    FixedTOC settings

    With FixedTOC, the table of contents will be located in your sidebar. This lets visitors skip ahead to other sections easily at any point. You can also opt to let users hide the table for better UX.

    Fixed TOC is for you if…

    • You’re looking for advanced styling and customization options.
    • Mobile responsiveness is a high priority.
    • You’d like to add animations to your tables of contents.

    FixedTOC Pricing: Licenses start at $20 with six months of support

    Get Fixed TOC

    5. Ultimate Blocks

    Ultimate Blocks plugin

    Finally, Ultimate Blocks could be the best WordPress table of contents plugin if you want to add several new elements to your site. It also enables you to insert customer star ratings, tabbed content, image sliders, and more.

    Key Features for Ultimate Blocks:

    • Choose from 47 new blocks, including a table of contents.
    • Automatically generate a table of contents from the headings on your page.
    • Include/exclude specific heading types.
    • Make your tables collapsible.
    • Create tables with multiple columns.
    • Choose from three different list styles.
    • Customize table colors.

    Ultimate Blocks settings

    Ultimate Blocks’ table of contents is fairly simple, with a few design options for columns, colors, and list formats. Additionally, you can make your tables collapsible, so users can opt in or out of the feature (including on mobile devices).

    Ultimate Blocks is for you if…

    • You need multiple blogging and marketing blocks.
    • You’d like to use a free plugin.
    • You’re looking for a simple and also user-friendly solution.

    Ultimate Blocks Pricing: Free

    Get Divi Table of Contents Maker

    Which WordPress Table of Contents Plugin is The Winner?

    First, let’s recap all of the plugins we covered in this post. We ranked them in order of our favorites, with the top three table of contents plugins at the top of the list. Of course, you might also want to consider the price associated with each. The price has been added to the following table for easy comparison. 👇

    Plugin Price Free Option
    🥇 Divi Table of Contents Maker $15 ❌ Visit
    🥈 Easy Table of Contents $49 ✔️ Visit
    🥉 SimpleTOC / ✔️ Visit
    4 Fixed TOC $20 ❌ Visit
    5 Ultimate Blocks / ✔️ Visit

    A table of contents can help users jump ahead to the content that most interests them. Therefore, this feature can make your website much more user-friendly, and improve its readability.

    Divi Table of Contents Maker is an excellent option for a premium table of contents plugin. It includes advanced styling options, including animations. With seamless integration with Divi as well as Rank Math, you’ll give your users (and potential ones) an easy way to navigate content on your site.

    The post 5 Best WordPress Table of Contents Plugins in 2023 appeared first on Elegant Themes Blog.