Lesson 26: Adding Products

Objectives

• Add simple products with images, prices, and descriptions
• Understand product types (simple, variable, digital)
• Set up product categories and tags
• Configure inventory, shipping, and linked products

Product Types in WooCommerce

Adding a Simple Product

Step 1: Create the Product

1. Go to Products → Add New
2. Enter the Product Name: e.g., "Classic Blue T-Shirt"
3. Write a Product Description in the main editor (this appears in the full product page):

   Our Classic Blue T-Shirt is made from 100% organic cotton for
   ultimate comfort. Features a relaxed fit and durable stitching
   that lasts wash after wash.
   

Step 2: Product Data Section

Below the editor, you'll see the Product Data panel. Make sure "Simple product" is selected.

General Tab

Inventory Tab

Shipping Tab

Linked Products Tab

Advanced Tab

Step 3: Short Description

On the right side (or below, depending on your screen), find Product Short Description:

• Write a brief 1-2 sentence description
• This appears next to the product image on the product page
• Example: "Comfortable 100% organic cotton t-shirt. Classic blue color. Available in all sizes."

Step 4: Product Image

In the right sidebar:

1. Find "Product Image"
2. Click "Set product image"
3. Upload or select the main product photo
4. This is the primary image shown in the shop and on the product page

Step 5: Product Gallery

Below the product image:

1. Click "Add product gallery images"
2. Upload or select additional photos (different angles, details, lifestyle shots)
3. These appear as thumbnails below the main image on the product page

Step 6: Product Categories

In the right sidebar:

1. Find "Product categories"
2. Check an existing category or click "+ Add new product category"
3. Example categories: Clothing, T-Shirts, Accessories
4. You can create parent/child categories (Clothing → T-Shirts)

Step 7: Product Tags

• Add tags like: cotton, blue, t-shirt, casual, unisex
• Tags help with search and filtering

Step 8: Publish

Click "Publish" to make the product live.

Adding a Variable Product

Variable products have options like size and color.

Step 1: Create Product

1. Go to Products → Add New
2. Name: "Premium Cotton T-Shirt"
3. In Product Data, select "Variable product"

Step 2: Set Up Attributes

1. Go to the Attributes tab in Product Data
2. Click "Add new" (or select an existing attribute)
3. Create an attribute:
   • Name: "Size"
   • Values: S | M | L | XL (separate with |)
   • Check "Used for variations"
   • Click "Save attributes"
4. Add another attribute:
   • Name: "Color"
   • Values: Blue | Black | White
   • Check "Used for variations"
   • Click "Save attributes"

Step 3: Create Variations

1. Go to the Variations tab
2. Click "Generate variations" (this creates all combinations: S/Blue, S/Black, M/Blue, etc.)
3. Click "OK" to confirm

Step 4: Configure Each Variation

1. Click on a variation to expand it (e.g., "Size: S, Color: Blue")
2. Set:
   • Regular Price (required!) — e.g., $29.99
   • Sale Price — optional
   • SKU — optional but recommended (e.g., "PCT-S-BLU")
   • Stock — optional per-variation stock
   • Image — upload a specific image for this variation
3. Repeat for all variations (or set the same price for all)

Tip: To set the same price for all variations, use "Set regular prices" from the dropdown at the top of the Variations section.

Step 5: Publish

Adding a Digital/Downloadable Product

For e-books, templates, software, etc.

1. Create a new product
2. Select "Simple product"
3. Check "Virtual" (no shipping) and "Downloadable"
4. New fields appear:

5. Set the price, description, and image as normal
6. Publish

Managing Products

Product List

Go to Products → All Products to see all your products:

• Filter by category, type, or stock status
• Bulk edit — select multiple products and change category, price, stock status, etc.
• Quick Edit — edit basic details inline without opening the full editor

Product Statuses

Duplicating Products

• Hover over a product in the list → click "Duplicate"
• A copy is created as a draft — edit the details and publish
• Great for creating similar products quickly

Product Organization

Categories

• Create meaningful categories: Clothing, Electronics, Home & Garden
• Use hierarchy: Clothing → Men's → T-Shirts
• Manage at Products → Categories
• Add descriptions and images to categories (some themes display these)

Tags

• More specific than categories
• Useful for filtering and search
• Manage at Products → Tags

Exercises

1. Add 3 simple products: Create three different products with:

   • Title, description, short description
   • Price (and a sale price on at least one)
   • Product image + 2 gallery images
   • Category and tags
   • SKU and stock quantity

2. Create a variable product: Add a product with at least 2 attributes (e.g., Size and Color) and generate variations with individual prices.

3. Create a digital product: Add a downloadable product (use any PDF or image file as the download).

4. Set up product categories: Create a hierarchy with at least one parent and two child categories. Assign your products to them.

5. View the shop page: Visit your Shop page to see your products displayed. Try clicking through to a product page.

6. Test the cart: Add a product to the cart from the shop page. View the cart. Try changing quantities.

Key Takeaways

• Simple products are single items with one price
• Variable products have options (size, color) with separate variations
• Virtual/Downloadable products don't require shipping
• Every product needs: title, price, description, image, and category
• The Product Image is the main photo; Gallery images show additional angles
• Use SKUs for inventory tracking
• Product categories create your shop's organizational structure
• Use "Duplicate" to quickly create similar products
• Check your Shop page and product pages after adding products to verify everything looks right

Next Lesson: Lesson 27 - Payment Gateways and Shipping