How to Set Up Product Compare

Setting up a product comparison feature on your WordPress website requires a plugin or custom development. I'll guide you through using a plugin, as it's the more accessible option.

Using a Plugin (e.g., "YITH WooCommerce Compare"):

1. Install and Activate the Plugin:
   • In your WordPress dashboard, go to "Plugins" > "Add New."
   • Search for a product comparison plugin like "YITH WooCommerce Compare" or a similar one.
   • Install and activate the plugin.
2. Configure Plugin Settings:
   • After activation, go to "YITH" > "Compare" in your WordPress dashboard.
   • Review and adjust the plugin's settings if needed. This might include options like which categories are eligible for comparison and how many products can be compared at once.
3. Add Compare Button to Product Pages:
   • By default, the plugin should automatically add a "Compare" button to your product pages.
   • Check a product page to ensure the button appears. If not, consult the plugin documentation for guidance on enabling it.
4. View and Compare Products:
   • When users click the "Compare" button on different products, their selections will be added to a comparison list.
   • Users can then navigate to the comparison page to view and compare the selected products.

Using Custom Development (Advanced):

If you prefer to implement a product comparison feature manually, you'll need some coding knowledge. Here's a basic outline:

1. Create a Custom Database Table:
   • Create a table to store product comparison data. This table will link users with the products they've selected for comparison.
2. Add a "Compare" Button:
   • In your theme's template files, add a "Compare" button to your product pages. This button should trigger a function to add the product to the user's comparison list.
3. Create a Comparison Page:
   • Create a new page in WordPress to serve as the comparison page. This page will display the selected products side by side.
4. Retrieve and Display Comparison Data:
   • Write code to retrieve the user's selected products from the database and display them on the comparison page.
5. Implement Comparison Functionality:
   • Add code to handle the comparison logic. This includes fetching product details, calculating and displaying comparisons, and allowing users to remove products from the list.
6. Style the Comparison Page:
   • Apply CSS styling to the comparison page to ensure it looks presentable and user-friendly.
7. Test Thoroughly:
   • Test the product comparison feature extensively to ensure it works smoothly and provides a good user experience.

Please note that custom development can be complex and time-consuming. If you're not experienced with coding, using a plugin is generally a more efficient and user-friendly option.