In the competitive world of eCommerce, building excitement and anticipation for new product releases can significantly impact customer engagement and sales. WooCommerce, a popular WordPress plugin for online stores, offers a valuable tool for creating hype and preparing customers for upcoming launches: the ‘Coming Soon’ product feature. This functionality helps online store owners strategically introduce products that aren’t yet available for purchase but are set to hit the market soon. By leveraging this feature, businesses can foster anticipation, grow their email lists, and ultimately drive more sales once the product goes live.
What is the ‘Coming Soon’ Product Feature?
The ‘Coming Soon’ product feature in WooCommerce is designed to showcase products that are not yet available for sale but will be released on a future date. Instead of listing the product as “Out of Stock” or hiding it entirely, store owners can use this feature to let potential buyers know about upcoming additions to their catalog. This approach generates curiosity and anticipation, making customers more inclined to return to the store when the product is finally launched.
Benefits of Using the Coming Soon Product WooCommerce
- Building Anticipation: Announcing products as “Coming Soon” creates a buzz around your brand. This anticipation can boost traffic to your site as customers revisit to check for updates on the product’s release.
- Improved Marketing Campaigns: With a designated release date, store owners can plan targeted marketing campaigns, such as email teasers, social media announcements, and countdown timers, that align with the product’s launch. This strategic approach amplifies visibility and strengthens brand loyalty.
- Email List Growth: ‘Coming Soon’ products provide an opportunity to collect customer information. By inviting interested visitors to sign up for notifications about the product’s availability, businesses can build their email lists and keep potential buyers informed.
- Enhanced User Engagement: A ‘Coming Soon’ page can feature various interactive elements, such as countdowns, social media sharing buttons, and exclusive previews, keeping potential customers engaged while they wait for the product release.
- Data Collection and Demand Assessment: Highlighting a product as “Coming Soon” allows businesses to gauge initial customer interest before the official release. The level of engagement and the number of sign-ups can help store owners estimate demand and adjust inventory and marketing strategies accordingly.
How to Set Up a ‘Coming Soon’ Product in WooCommerce
Setting up a ‘Coming Soon’ product in WooCommerce can be done either manually or with the help of plugins that add functionality and customization options. Here’s how to approach both methods:
Manual Setup
To create a simple ‘Coming Soon’ product page manually, follow these steps:
- Create a Product Page: Add a new product to your WooCommerce store and set it to a custom status such as “Draft” or “Scheduled.”
- Custom Labeling: Include a “Coming Soon” label in the product title or description to inform visitors that the product is not yet available.
- Stock Management: Disable the “Add to Cart” button for this product until the release date to prevent accidental orders.
- Visibility Customization: Use basic WordPress customization tools to display a “Coming Soon” banner or graphic on the product page.
While a manual setup can be effective, it may lack the polish and functionality of a plugin.
Using Plugins
WooCommerce offers a variety of plugins designed to enhance the ‘Coming Soon’ product feature, providing more control and customization options. Popular plugins include:
- Premmerce WooCommerce Coming Soon: This plugin allows you to set up “Coming Soon” badges, display countdown timers, and enable customers to sign up for notifications. It offers flexibility in configuring availability and customizing messages to your audience.
- YITH WooCommerce Waiting List: Although primarily designed for out-of-stock products, this plugin can be adapted for ‘Coming Soon’ products, enabling users to join a waiting list for upcoming launches.
- Countdown Timer Plugins: Adding a countdown timer to a ‘Coming Soon’ product page can build excitement and provide a visual reminder of the time left until launch. These plugins seamlessly integrate with your WooCommerce store and help create urgency.
Best Practices for ‘Coming Soon’ Product Pages
- Create an Eye-Catching Design: Use appealing visuals, such as high-quality product images and teaser videos, to draw attention. An engaging layout can make the ‘Coming Soon’ page more attractive and increase the likelihood of shares on social media.
- Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA): Encourage visitors to sign up for notifications or updates. A well-placed CTA, like “Notify Me When Available,” can drive email sign-ups and generate excitement.
- Incorporate Social Proof: If applicable, include user-generated content, testimonials, or early reviews. Seeing others interested in or talking about the product can encourage more sign-ups and engagement.
- Use Countdown Timers Wisely: Countdown timers create a sense of urgency. Including a countdown timer on the product page can compel visitors to return to your site when the product becomes available.
- Share on Social Media: Leverage your social media channels to promote ‘Coming Soon’ products. This can expand your reach and tap into audiences that may not have discovered your store otherwise.
Final Thoughts
The ‘Coming Soon’ product feature in WooCommerce is more than just a tool to display upcoming items; it’s a strategic asset for building anticipation, engaging customers, and driving traffic. Whether through manual setup or advanced plugins, implementing a ‘Coming Soon’ strategy can enhance your marketing efforts and create a seamless lead-up to your product launch.
Embrace the power of anticipation by optimizing your WooCommerce store with ‘Coming Soon’ products. This small yet impactful addition can be a game-changer for your brand’s visibility and customer loyalty.
