How to Add a Buy Now Button in WordPress (3 Easy Methods)

Adding a ‘Buy Now’ button to your WordPress site can be a game-changer. It streamlines the purchasing process, leading to faster transactions and potentially higher sales. Whether you’re selling services, subscriptions, or physical products, a ‘Buy Now’ button enhances the customer experience and makes it effortless for them to complete their purchases.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my expertise gained over 15 years in the web development world and show you three simple and effective ways to add a ‘Buy Now’ button to your WordPress website.

Why Add a Buy Now Button in WordPress?

A buy now button plays a crucial role in reducing cart abandonment rates, a common challenge for online businesses. Every step in the purchasing process presents an opportunity for a customer to change their mind and abandon their cart. By offering a direct ‘Buy Now’ option, you minimize the number of steps involved, giving customers less time to hesitate and encouraging them to complete their purchase. This is particularly beneficial for selling digital downloads, eBooks, physical products, or online courses.

Beyond reducing cart abandonment, ‘Buy Now’ buttons offer several advantages:

• Improved Customer Experience: A simplified purchase journey leads to greater customer satisfaction. Customers appreciate a seamless and efficient experience, making them more likely to return to your store for future purchases.
• Increased Impulse Purchases: The direct ‘Buy Now’ option can tempt customers to make spontaneous decisions, boosting your sales.
• Enhanced Marketing Effectiveness: ‘Buy Now’ buttons can be strategically incorporated into landing pages and sales pages, allowing customers to start the checkout process without even visiting the product page. This streamlined approach often translates to higher conversion rates for your marketing and advertising campaigns.

Now, let’s dive into the three easy methods for adding a ‘Buy Now’ button to your WordPress website.

Method 1: Adding a Buy Now Button with WP Simple Pay (No eCommerce Plugins Required)

WP Simple Pay empowers you to add a straightforward ‘Buy Now’ button to any page, post, or widget-ready area without relying on complex eCommerce plugins. This is a fantastic option for service-based businesses, non-profits, or anyone seeking a quick and hassle-free solution for accepting payments.

WP Simple Pay shines as the top Stripe payment plugin for WordPress. It allows you to accept credit card payments, Apple Pay, Google Pay, ACH bank debit, and more without the need for additional eCommerce plugins or shopping carts. This makes it an ideal choice for adding a ‘Buy Now’ button to a sales page without any extra installations.

In this walkthrough, we’ll use the free version of WP Simple Pay. For more advanced features like accepting ACH direct debit payments, recurring payments, automatic tax calculations, or ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ plans, you’ll need to upgrade to the pro version.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Install and Activate WP Simple Pay: Begin by installing and activating the WP Simple Pay plugin. If you need assistance with this, refer to our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
2. Connect Your Stripe Account: After activation, the plugin will automatically launch the setup wizard. Click the ‘Let’s Get Started’ button to initiate the process. The next step involves connecting your Stripe account to WP Simple Pay. Stripe is a user-friendly payment processor for website owners. Click on the ‘Connect with Stripe’ button to proceed.
3. Login to Stripe or Create a New Account: You’ll be presented with the option to either log into an existing Stripe account or create a new one. If you already have a Stripe account, simply enter your email address and password. If you’re new to Stripe, type in your email address and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your account.
4. Create a Payment Form: Once logged into your Stripe account, click on the ‘Create a Payment Form’ button. If you’ve accidentally navigated away from this screen, you can access it by going to WP Simple Pay » Add New.
5. Choose the ‘Payment Button’ Template: The free version of WP Simple Pay offers a few templates to help you quickly create a payment form. You can unlock additional templates by upgrading to WP Simple Pay Pro, including a template for adding a Stripe donate button. Since we aim to create a ‘Buy Now’ button, hover over the ‘Payment Button’ template and click on ‘Create Payment Button’ when it appears.
6. Configure the Button: In the ‘Title’ field, enter a name for your ‘Buy Now’ button. This title is solely for your reference, so you can use any name you like. Additionally, you can use the ‘Description’ field to add information about your button. This information won’t be displayed to your website visitors but can be helpful for your own reference or for anyone else who shares your WordPress dashboard.
7. Set Up the Payment Details: Click on the ‘Payment’ tab. By default, WP Simple Pay will create your button in test mode, meaning you cannot accept actual payments yet. It’s recommended to leave the ‘Global Settings (Test Mode)’ radio button selected to test your ‘Buy Now’ button before enabling live payments. If you wish to start collecting payments immediately, select the ‘Live Mode’ button instead. Next, determine the price you want to charge customers. Enter the amount in the ‘One-Time Amount’ field.
8. Adjust the Button Text and Processing Message: Select the ‘Form Fields’ tab. By default, your button will display the label ‘Pay Now.’ You can customize this text by typing your desired label into the ‘Button Text’ field. You can also modify the ‘Button Processing Text,’ which is the message that WP Simple Pay will show to shoppers while their payment is being processed.
9. Choose the Button Style: WP Simple Pay uses the button style of your WordPress theme by default. It also provides a ‘Stripe blue’ style, as shown in the image below. If you prefer this style, simply select the ‘Stripe blue’ radio button in the ‘Payment Button’ section.
10. Customize the Stripe Checkout: Select the ‘Stripe Checkout’ tab to decide what information WP Simple Pay will collect from visitors at checkout. For instance, if you’re selling physical products, you can gather the customer’s shipping address by checking the ‘Collect Shipping Address’ box. If you anticipate customers buying multiple products, make sure to check the ‘Allow quantity adjustment’ box. This will add a dropdown to the Stripe checkout page, allowing customers to modify the quantity of products they are purchasing.
11. Publish the Button: Once satisfied with the setup, click on the ‘Publish’ button to make your ‘Buy Now’ button live. You can now add this button to any WordPress page, post, or widget-ready area using the ‘Form Shortcode.’ For detailed instructions on placing the shortcode, refer to our guide on how to add a shortcode in WordPress.
12. Test Your Button in Test Mode: If you published your button in test mode, your Stripe dashboard won’t display any payments received during this time. To facilitate testing, enable test mode in Stripe by logging into your Stripe dashboard and clicking on the ‘Payments’ tab. Then, click on the ‘Developers’ toggle in the upper right corner. Now, you can test your ‘Buy Now’ button, and the transactions will appear in your Stripe dashboard.
13. Go Live with Your Button: After testing, you can start accepting real payments by going to WP Simple Pay » Payment Forms. Hover your mouse over the ‘Buy Now’ button and click on the ‘Edit’ link. Select the ‘Payment’ tab and click on the radio button next to ‘Live Mode.’ Finally, click on ‘Update.’ Your ‘Buy Now’ button is now live, and you’re ready to accept payments from your visitors.

Method 2: How to Add a Buy Now Button to Your Digital Downloads

WP Simple Pay excels at adding a straightforward ‘Buy Now’ button to any WordPress blog or website. However, if you’re selling digital downloads on WordPress, you’ll need an eCommerce plugin with a ‘Buy Now’ feature. Easy Digital Downloads stands out as the top platform for effortlessly selling digital products. In fact, we use this plugin ourselves to sell many of our premium WordPress plugins.

Easy Digital Downloads provides multiple ways to add a ‘Buy Now’ button in WordPress. By default, Easy Digital Downloads displays an ‘Add to Cart’ button on all product pages. You have the option to replace this button with a ‘Buy Now’ button for a more streamlined checkout experience.

Let’s explore both methods of adding a ‘Buy Now’ button to your digital download sales.

How to Add a Buy Now Button to Any Product Page

First, let’s focus on adding a ‘Buy Now’ button to your product pages. This minimizes the chance of customers changing their minds and abandoning their purchases. If you use SiteGround as your hosting provider, Easy Digital Downloads is pre-installed, making it ready for immediate use.

If you’re using a different hosting provider, you’ll need to install and activate the Easy Digital Downloads plugin. For comprehensive instructions, check out our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin. We’ll be using the free Easy Digital Downloads plugin in this guide, as it provides everything you need to create a basic ‘Buy Now’ button. There’s also a pro version with more advanced features, such as wishlists, purchase rewards, fraud monitoring, and more.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Set Up Your Payment Gateway: Before creating a ‘Buy Now’ button, you need to configure Stripe or PayPal. To set up your payment gateway, navigate to Downloads » Settings and click on the ‘Payments’ tab. Check the box next to either ‘PayPal’ or ‘Stripe,’ depending on your chosen payment gateway. It’s essential to select only one gateway, as having multiple options will prevent you from creating a ‘Buy Now’ button. After making your selection, click on ‘Save Changes’ to store your settings.
2. Connect Your PayPal Account: If you prefer PayPal, click on the ‘PayPal’ tab. Select the ‘Connect with PayPal in live mode’ button. This action will open a popup where you can enter your PayPal email address and password for the account where you want to receive payments.
3. Connect Your Stripe Account: To use Stripe instead, click on the ‘Stripe’ tab and select ‘Connect with Stripe.’ This will launch a setup wizard that guides you through connecting your website to Stripe. Remember to click on the ‘Save Changes’ button after configuring your payment gateway.
4. Create Your First Digital Product: You can now add a ‘Buy Now’ button to any Easy Digital Downloads product page. To create your first digital product, go to Downloads » Downloads and click on the ‘Add New’ button.
5. Set Product Details: In the product creation screen, provide a title and description for your product. You can also upload an image, add categories and tags, and more. Note: Easy Digital Downloads defaults to setting your product as a free download. It’s crucial to scroll to the ‘Product Options’ section and enter the actual price for your product.
6. Upload Your Downloadable File: Next, upload your downloadable product file. This could be an ebook, video training, PDF guide, digital art, or any file type supported by WordPress. If you need to sell file types that WordPress doesn’t support, such as SVG images, PSD files, or others, check out our guide on how to allow additional file types in WordPress.
7. Change Button Behavior to ‘Buy Now’: Scroll to the ‘Download Files’ section, and in the ‘File Name’ field, enter a name for your downloadable file. Click on the ‘Upload a file’ button, which will open the WordPress media library. Select the file you wish to sell as a digital download. When you’re satisfied with your product setup, find the ‘Button Options’ section in the right-hand menu. Click on the ‘Purchase Button Behavior’ dropdown and choose ‘Buy Now.’
8. Publish Your Product: Finally, click on ‘Publish’ to make your product live. Now, when you visit the product page, you’ll see the ‘Buy Now’ button in action.

Repeat this process for any additional product pages where you want to implement a ‘Buy Now’ button.

How to Add a Buy Now Button to Any Page or Post

You might want to use ‘Buy Now’ buttons in other parts of your online store. For example, if you have a landing page promoting a specific product, you could allow customers to begin the checkout process directly from that page. This can boost your sales by encouraging impulse purchases and simplifying the buyer’s journey. You can achieve this easily using the ‘EDD Buy Button’ block.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Set Up Your Payment Gateway and Create Products: Before using this block, ensure you’ve set up a payment gateway and created at least one product, following the steps described earlier.
2. Open the Page or Post: Open the page or post where you want to add your ‘Buy Now’ button in the content editor.
3. Add the ‘EDD Buy Button’ Block: Click on the ‘+’ icon and start typing ‘EDD Buy Button.’ When the correct block appears, click to add it to your layout.
4. Select a Download: Open the ‘Select a Download’ dropdown and choose the product you want to add to the customer’s cart.
5. Hide the Price (Optional): Easy Digital Downloads displays the product’s price on the ‘Buy Now’ button by default. If you want to conceal the price, click to disable the ‘Show Price’ toggle.
6. Publish or Update the Page: Publish or update the page to make it live. Now, when you visit your WordPress website, you’ll see the ‘Buy Now’ button functioning correctly.

Method 3: Add a Buy Now Button to Your WooCommerce Store

If you manage a WooCommerce store, adding a ‘Buy Now’ button to your product pages can be a valuable strategy for enhancing the checkout experience and potentially reducing cart abandonment rates. Customers can initiate the checkout process directly from the product page, often leading to higher conversion rates.

The easiest way to introduce a ‘Buy Now’ button to your online store is by utilizing the Buy Now Button for WooCommerce plugin. This straightforward plugin requires no configuration and adds a ‘Buy Now’ button to each of your product pages, making it a simple solution for adding this functionality to your store.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Install and Activate the Plugin: Begin by installing and activating the Buy Now Button for WooCommerce plugin. If you need help, refer to our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
2. View the ‘Buy Now’ Button on Product Pages: The plugin doesn’t have any settings, so simply navigate to any product page in your online store. You’ll now see a ‘Buy Now’ button alongside the standard ‘Add to Cart’ button.

Bonus: More Online Store Tricks to Boost Sales

Now that you’ve mastered how to add a ‘Buy Now’ button, let’s explore additional techniques to enhance your online store and drive more sales.

1. Product Recommendations

Showing product recommendations on your WordPress site can significantly enhance the shopping experience for your customers. Suggesting related products allows them to discover items they might like, leading to potentially higher average order values. For instance, if someone buys a hat, you could recommend sunglasses, as they complement each other. You can display these recommendations using various methods, such as slide-in carts, order bumps, upsells, cross-sells, or automated emails after purchase. To learn more, read our guide on how to show product recommendations in WordPress.

2. Customer Reviews Page

Adding a customer reviews page to your WordPress site builds trust and credibility among potential customers. New shoppers can read about positive experiences others have had with your products, increasing their confidence in your brand. For more information on this topic, refer to our guide on how to add a customer reviews page in WordPress.

3. Leverage FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

FOMO, or the ‘fear of missing out,’ is a powerful psychological tool that can drive conversions. People often feel anxious about missing out on exciting or trendy opportunities. Marketers have utilized FOMO for decades, but it’s even more effective online. For example, you can promote upcoming sales and limited-time offers on your landing pages, tapping into this innate human desire to avoid missing out. Check out our guide on how to use FOMO on your WordPress site to increase conversions for a comprehensive explanation of this technique.

Conclusion

Adding a ‘Buy Now’ button to your WordPress website is a simple yet effective way to enhance the customer experience and boost your sales. By streamlining the purchasing process and encouraging impulse purchases, you can improve your conversion rates and create a more satisfying shopping journey for your customers.

Whether you opt for WP Simple Pay, Easy Digital Downloads, or WooCommerce, the methods outlined in this guide provide a clear path to implementing this essential feature on your website. Remember, testing is key to finding the best approach for your specific needs. Experiment with different button placements, styles, and call-to-action text to optimize your conversion rate.

FAQs

How do I make a ‘Buy Now’ button stand out?

To make your ‘Buy Now’ button stand out, consider using vibrant colors that contrast with your website’s design. You can also experiment with button shapes, sizes, and adding a shadow effect to draw attention. Clear and concise call-to-action text, such as ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Get Started,’ is essential. Ensure the button is prominently placed on the page, above the fold if possible, and that it’s easy to click. You can also use a hover effect to change the button’s appearance when a user hovers their mouse over it, adding an interactive element.

Is it possible to add a ‘Buy Now’ button to a specific product variation?

Yes, you can add a ‘Buy Now’ button to a specific product variation in WooCommerce. You can use a plugin like ‘Product Variation Buy Now Button’ to achieve this. This plugin allows you to add a ‘Buy Now’ button to individual product variations, replacing the standard ‘Add to Cart’ button. It gives you greater control over the checkout process for your product variations.

Can I add a ‘Buy Now’ button to my WordPress website without using a plugin?

While it’s possible to add a ‘Buy Now’ button using HTML and CSS, it’s generally not recommended. This approach requires a deeper understanding of coding and can be time-consuming. Using plugins provides a simpler, more user-friendly approach to adding this functionality to your website.

What is the difference between a ‘Buy Now’ button and an ‘Add to Cart’ button?

A ‘Buy Now’ button takes customers directly to the checkout page, allowing them to complete the purchase immediately. An ‘Add to Cart’ button adds the product to the customer’s shopping cart, allowing them to continue browsing and adding items before proceeding to checkout. The ‘Buy Now’ button is ideal for encouraging quick purchases, while the ‘Add to Cart’ button is more suited for browsing and adding multiple items.

How do I track the conversion rate of my ‘Buy Now’ button?

You can track the conversion rate of your ‘Buy Now’ button using tools like Google Analytics. Set up event tracking in Google Analytics to monitor button clicks and track how many visitors click on the button and ultimately complete a purchase. This data will provide valuable insights into the performance of your ‘Buy Now’ button and help you optimize your website for higher conversion rates.

Is it possible to add a ‘Buy Now’ button to a subscription product?

Yes, you can add a ‘Buy Now’ button to a subscription product in WooCommerce. Plugins like ‘WooCommerce Subscriptions’ allow you to create and sell subscription products. You can then use a plugin like ‘Product Variation Buy Now Button’ to add a ‘Buy Now’ button to your subscription product, simplifying the subscription checkout process.

Can I use multiple payment gateways with a ‘Buy Now’ button?

While you can use multiple payment gateways in general, it’s often not possible to have a ‘Buy Now’ button that directs customers to multiple payment options simultaneously. Most payment gateway plugins, including WP Simple Pay and Easy Digital Downloads, allow you to configure only one payment gateway at a time for a ‘Buy Now’ button. You can, however, offer multiple payment options at the checkout page, allowing customers to choose their preferred method. You can use plugins like ‘WooCommerce Stripe Gateway’ or ‘WooCommerce PayPal Express Checkout’ to integrate these payment gateways into your WooCommerce store.

Is it possible to add a ‘Buy Now’ button to a PDF file?

Yes, you can add a ‘Buy Now’ button to a PDF file using a plugin like Easy Digital Downloads. Easy Digital Downloads allows you to sell digital downloads, including PDF files. You can set up a ‘Buy Now’ button that directs customers to the checkout process, where they can purchase the PDF file. Ensure the PDF file is correctly uploaded to the Easy Digital Downloads plugin, and you’ve configured your payment gateway properly.

What is the best ‘Buy Now’ button plugin for WooCommerce?

The best ‘Buy Now’ button plugin for WooCommerce depends on your specific requirements and the features you need. The ‘Buy Now Button for WooCommerce’ plugin is a straightforward and easy-to-use option that simply adds a ‘Buy Now’ button to your product pages. If you need more customization options, such as adding a ‘Buy Now’ button to specific product variations, then ‘Product Variation Buy Now Button’ is a good choice.

Can I add a ‘Buy Now’ button to a button element in Elementor?

Yes, you can add a ‘Buy Now’ button to a button element in Elementor. You can use the ‘Button’ widget in Elementor and link it to the checkout page of your chosen payment gateway plugin. For instance, if you’re using WooCommerce, you can link the button to the product page’s checkout URL. Elementor provides flexibility in styling and customizing your ‘Buy Now’ buttons to match your website’s design.

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