Imagine a customer browsing your store, adding products to their cart, and then—boom! They leave without checking out. This scenario is more common than you think.
One of the biggest reasons for cart abandonment is the lack of an easy checkout process. If users have to go back and forth between pages just to view their cart, many will simply give up.
This is where Side Cart WooCommerce comes in. Instead of redirecting shoppers to a separate cart page, a side cart allows them to manage their items instantly—without leaving the current page. It’s simple, effective, and proven to boost conversions.
In this blog, we’ll explore why a side cart is essential for your WooCommerce store, how to set it up, and the best ways to customize it for maximum results.
What is a Side Cart WooCommerce?
A side cart WooCommerce plugin is a floating mini-cart that appears on the screen when a customer adds a product. Unlike the standard WooCommerce cart, which requires a separate page visit, a side cart provides instant access to the cart contents.
How It Works
- A user adds a product to the cart.
- The side cart slides in, showing the updated cart total.
- The customer can adjust quantities, remove items, or proceed to checkout—without leaving the page.
Why Does This Matter?
Because online shopping is all about convenience. If customers don’t have to hunt for their cart or navigate away from their browsing session, they’re more likely to complete the purchase.
Benefits of Using Side Cart WooCommerce
1. Faster Checkout, Higher Conversions
A lengthy checkout process kills sales. A side cart removes unnecessary steps, helping customers buy faster.
2. Reduces Cart Abandonment
Studies show that a complicated checkout is one of the top reasons customers leave their carts behind. With a side cart, the process becomes quick and frictionless.
3. Keeps Customers Engaged
Instead of redirecting users to another page, a side cart keeps them right where they are, reducing distractions and increasing order completion rates.
4. Works Perfectly on Mobile Devices
With more people shopping on smartphones, a side cart ensures a smooth mobile experience by keeping the cart accessible at all times.
5. Encourages More Purchases
Many side cart plugins allow upsells and cross-sells, encouraging shoppers to add more items before checking out.
How to Add a Side Cart in WooCommerce
Setting up a side cart is simple. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose a Side Cart Plugin
Some of the best side cart plugins for WooCommerce include:
- FME Addons Side Cart – Fast, lightweight, and easy to customize.
- WooCommerce Fast Cart – Includes quick checkout options.
- XT Floating Cart – Offers stylish animations and multiple cart styles.
Step 2: Install and Activate the Plugin
- Go to WordPress Dashboard > Plugins > Add New.
- Search for your chosen side cart plugin.
- Click "Install" and then "Activate".
Step 3: Configure Your Side Cart Settings
Most plugins allow you to customize:
- Cart Position: Left or right side of the screen.
- Auto Open on Add to Cart: Enable/disable.
- Animation Style: Slide-in, pop-up, or fade effects.
- Custom Buttons & Colors: Match your store’s branding.
Step 4: Test the Side Cart
Check how the cart looks and functions on different devices to ensure a smooth experience for all users.
Best Features to Look for in a Side Cart Plugin
Not all side carts are created equal. Here are the top features you should look for:
1. One-Click Checkout
The best side cart plugins allow instant checkout from the cart itself.
2. Quantity Adjustments
Customers should be able to update quantities without visiting a separate page.
3. Upsell & Cross-Sell Support
Encourage more sales by suggesting related products inside the cart.
4. Discount & Coupon Code Integration
Make it easy for users to apply discount codes before checkout.
5. Fully Mobile-Responsive
Your side cart should look great on all screen sizes, ensuring a smooth mobile experience.
How a Side Cart Increases Revenue
Wondering how a side cart directly impacts your bottom line? Here’s how:
1. Eliminates Friction
A smooth and fast checkout process means fewer abandoned carts and more completed orders.
2. Encourages Impulse Buys
With upsells and cross-sells displayed in the side cart, customers are more likely to add extra items.
3. Creates a Sense of Urgency
You can show limited stock messages inside the cart, such as “Only 3 left in stock!”, which pushes customers to act fast.
4. Builds Trust with Customers
By allowing users to see and edit their cart in real-time, a side cart creates transparency and confidence.
Customizing Your Side Cart for Maximum Impact
A standard side cart is useful, but customization makes it even better. Here’s how:
1. Use Eye-Catching Colors
Make the cart stand out while keeping it consistent with your brand’s theme.
2. Show Free Shipping Thresholds
Example: “You’re only $5 away from FREE shipping!” This encourages customers to add more items.
3. Highlight Discounts & Offers
Display savings and active coupon codes to increase conversions.
4. Add a Floating Cart Icon
A sticky cart icon ensures customers always have access to their cart.
Top Side Cart Plugins Compared
| Plugin | Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| FME Addons Side Cart | Fast, lightweight, customizable | Affordable |
| WooCommerce Fast Cart | Quick checkout, mobile-optimized | Premium |
| XT Floating Cart | Stylish animations, upsell features | Premium |
For the best combination of performance, affordability, and features, FME Addons’ Side Cart is a solid choice.
Conclusion
If you’re still using the default WooCommerce cart page, you’re missing out on sales. A side cart WooCommerce solution makes the checkout process faster, smoother, and more engaging for customers.
With quick access, instant updates, and upsell capabilities, a side cart helps reduce cart abandonment and boost revenue.
If you want to improve your store’s user experience and increase conversions, adding a side cart WooCommerce feature is a no-brainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best side cart plugin for WooCommerce?
FME Addons’ Side Cart is a great option due to its speed, customization, and affordability.
2. Will a side cart slow down my site?
No. A lightweight, well-coded plugin ensures your site stays fast.
3. Can I add upsells in a side cart?
Yes! Many side cart plugins support upsells and cross-sells.
4. Does a side cart work on mobile?
Yes. Modern side cart plugins are fully responsive.
5. How does a side cart increase conversions?
By reducing friction and keeping the cart visible, it encourages more completed purchases.
