How to Offer Shipment Tracking in WooCommerce (Step-by-Step)
As an eCommerce store owner, you understand the importance of providing exceptional customer experiences. One crucial aspect of this is offering shipment tracking, allowing customers to effortlessly monitor their orders in real-time. This builds trust, reduces anxiety, and ultimately leads to higher customer satisfaction. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the process of implementing shipment tracking in your WooCommerce store, covering everything from plugin selection to optimizing your checkout experience.
With over 15 years of experience in the eCommerce and tech space, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact that seamless shipment tracking has on online businesses. Customers crave transparency and control over their purchases, and by providing them with this valuable information, you can foster loyalty and encourage repeat business.
Why Should You Add Shipment Tracking to WooCommerce?
In the competitive landscape of online shopping, providing a smooth and transparent customer journey is paramount. Shipment tracking is an invaluable tool that elevates the customer experience in several ways:
- Increased Customer Trust: When customers know exactly where their package is, they feel confident and assured in their purchase. This translates to increased trust in your brand and reduces the likelihood of cancellations or returns.
- Reduced Customer Anxiety: The uncertainty surrounding delivery can lead to customer anxiety. Shipment tracking eliminates this by providing real-time updates, giving customers peace of mind and a sense of control.
- Improved Customer Service: By offering shipment tracking, you empower customers to resolve simple issues independently. This frees up your customer support team to handle more complex inquiries and provides a more efficient experience for everyone.
- Enhanced Brand Reputation: A positive customer experience, including seamless shipment tracking, contributes to building a positive brand image. Positive word-of-mouth and online reviews can significantly benefit your business.
- Reduced Abandoned Carts: Customers who are unsure about their package’s status might be more likely to abandon their carts. Shipment tracking helps alleviate this by providing confidence and transparency throughout the purchasing process.
Implementing shipment tracking in WooCommerce is a relatively straightforward process, and the benefits far outweigh the effort. Let’s dive into the steps involved:
Step 1: Install Advanced Shipment Tracking for WooCommerce
The first step in adding shipment tracking to your WooCommerce store is to install a reliable plugin. I recommend using the Advanced Shipment Tracking for WooCommerce plugin, a highly-rated option that seamlessly integrates with your store.
Here’s how to install the plugin:
- Log into your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for “Advanced Shipment Tracking for WooCommerce.”
- Click “Install Now” and then “Activate.”
The Advanced Shipment Tracking for WooCommerce plugin offers a free version with core functionality, and a Pro version for more advanced features. We’ll focus on the free version in this guide, but I encourage you to explore the Pro version if you require additional capabilities.
Step 2: Configure the Plugin Settings
Once you’ve activated the plugin, it’s time to configure its settings to match your specific needs. To access the plugin settings, navigate to WooCommerce > Shipment Tracking. You’ll find a range of customizable options, including:
Settings Tab
- General Settings: This section allows you to define how the plugin interacts with your WooCommerce orders. You can control the order statuses that trigger shipment tracking updates, determine which order emails include tracking information, and even customize the language used for tracking notifications.
- Order Statuses & Notifications: You can change the order status labels, such as “Completed” or “Shipped,” to match your store’s terminology. Additionally, you can customize the email templates for shipment tracking notifications, ensuring they align with your brand’s aesthetics and messaging.
- Shipment Tracking API: This setting is crucial if you’re using a third-party platform for managing your shipping. It allows you to update tracking numbers and complete orders from external systems seamlessly.
- Usage Tracking: Here, you can opt in to receive email notifications about security updates and feature updates. You can also share basic WordPress environment information with the plugin’s developers.
Shipping Carriers Tab
The Shipping Carriers tab is where you connect your chosen shipping providers to the Advanced Shipment Tracking plugin. The plugin supports over 300 carriers, including major players like FedEx, DHL, USPS, DPD, Canada Post, and Australia Post. To add a carrier, simply click the “Add Shipping Carriers” button and search for your desired provider.
Step 3: Add Shipment Tracking Info to Your Orders
With the plugin configured, you can now begin adding shipment tracking information to your WooCommerce orders. There are two methods for doing so: manually and through bulk import.
Adding Shipment Tracking Info to Individual Orders
If you have a small inventory or handle a limited number of orders, manually adding shipment tracking information is a straightforward process. Here’s how:
- Go to WooCommerce > Orders.
- Select the order you want to add tracking information to.
- On the order page, find the “Shipment Tracking” section on the right side.
- Click the “Add Tracking Info” button.
- Enter the tracking number, shipping provider, and date shipped.
- If the order has been shipped, check the “Completed” or “Shipped” box.
- Click the “Fulfill Order” button to save the changes.
If you haven’t shipped the order yet, you can still send the customer a notification about the order’s progress. Simply update the order status to “Completed” or “Shipped” from the “Order # details” section, and then click the “Update” button under “Order actions.” This will send a notification to the customer with the tracking link.
Bulk Import Your Shipment Tracking Data to Your Orders
For larger businesses with a significant volume of orders, manually entering tracking information can be time-consuming. The Advanced Shipment Tracking plugin offers a handy bulk import feature, allowing you to upload a spreadsheet of your orders with their tracking information.
Here are the steps involved:
- Create a spreadsheet (CSV file) of your orders with the following information:
- Order ID
- Shipping service
- Tracking number
- Order delivery date
- Shipped status (1 for shipped, 0 for not shipped)
- Navigate to WooCommerce > Shipment Tracking.
- Switch to the “CSV Import” tab.
- Click the “Choose File” button and select your CSV file.
- Choose a date format.
- Optionally, check the “Replace tracking information?” box if you want to overwrite existing tracking data.
- Click the “Continue” button to begin the import process.
The plugin will attempt to import the data. If any imports fail, you can manually add those orders using the method described earlier.
Step 4: Test Your Order Tracking Email Notifications
Before you start using the shipment tracking feature live, it’s important to test it thoroughly. This ensures that the plugin is working as expected and that your customers receive the correct notifications.
To test your email notifications, follow these steps:
- Place a test order on your WooCommerce store using your own email address.
- Add a fake tracking number to the order (e.g., 123456789).
- Set the order status to “Completed” or “Shipped.”
- Check your email inbox. You should receive an email notification containing the tracking link.
- Click the “Track Your Order” button in the email to verify that it redirects you to the shipping provider’s website.
If everything works as expected, you’re ready to start using shipment tracking for your live orders!
Bonus Tip: Optimize Your WooCommerce Pages to Improve User Experience
While shipment tracking is a crucial aspect of customer satisfaction, remember that your overall WooCommerce store experience is equally important. Optimize your product pages, checkout process, and other key pages to make them user-friendly and visually appealing. This will encourage customers to stay on your site, make purchases, and potentially become loyal repeat customers.
Consider using a page builder plugin like SeedProd, which provides drag-and-drop functionality and pre-designed templates, to customize your WooCommerce pages without needing coding skills. A well-designed checkout page, for example, can significantly reduce abandoned carts and improve the conversion rate of your store.
Conclusion
Offering shipment tracking in your WooCommerce store is a simple yet effective way to enhance the customer experience, build trust, and ultimately drive sales. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily implement this valuable feature and provide your customers with the transparency and peace of mind they deserve. Remember to test your setup thoroughly and optimize your WooCommerce pages for a seamless and engaging experience.
FAQs
How do I find the tracking number for my orders?
The tracking number is provided by the shipping provider when you ship an order. You can usually find it on the shipping label or in the shipping confirmation email.
How do I add a new shipping carrier to the Advanced Shipment Tracking plugin?
To add a new shipping carrier, navigate to WooCommerce > Shipment Tracking > Shipping Carriers. Click the “Add Shipping Carriers” button, search for your desired carrier, and click “Add.”
Can I customize the email notifications for shipment tracking?
Yes, you can customize the email notifications by going to WooCommerce > Shipment Tracking > Settings > Order Statuses & Notifications. Click the gear icon next to “Rename the “Completed” Order status label to “Shipped”” to access the Email Customizer. Here, you can modify the design and content of the email templates.
What are the advantages of using the Advanced Shipment Tracking Pro version?
The Pro version of the Advanced Shipment Tracking plugin offers additional features, including integration with third-party platforms like Printful, ShipStation, and AfterShip, compatibility with TrackShip, and the ability to enable PayPal order tracking.
How can I optimize my WooCommerce checkout page?
Use a page builder plugin like SeedProd to create a user-friendly and visually appealing checkout page. Simplify the checkout process, offer multiple payment options, and provide clear instructions and progress indicators.
Can I track orders from multiple shipping carriers?
Yes, the Advanced Shipment Tracking plugin supports tracking orders from multiple shipping carriers. You can add each carrier to the “Shipping Carriers” tab and link them to your orders accordingly.
What happens if a customer’s package is delayed or lost?
If a customer’s package is delayed or lost, you can use the shipment tracking information to contact the shipping provider and investigate the issue. You can then communicate with the customer about the situation and provide updates as needed.
Is it possible to integrate shipment tracking with other WooCommerce plugins?
The Advanced Shipment Tracking plugin integrates with other popular WooCommerce plugins, such as WooCommerce Shipping & Taxes. Check the plugin’s documentation for a complete list of compatible plugins.
Can I use shipment tracking for international orders?
Yes, the Advanced Shipment Tracking plugin supports international shipping carriers, allowing you to track orders shipped worldwide.
How do I ensure my shipment tracking emails don’t go to spam folders?
To reduce the chances of your shipment tracking emails ending up in spam folders, make sure your email server is configured correctly and that your email content complies with email marketing best practices. You can also use an email marketing service like Mailchimp to send your notifications.
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