Do you know that WooCommerce has come up with its latest version, WooCommerce 4.0? This version has a lot of extraordinary features which are an advancement over the previous WooCommerce versions. It will help you to manage your E-Commerce store in a highly efficient way. WooCommerce 4.0 will give a wonderful experience to the store owners and will increase the popularity of the store in no time. In this article, we are going to talk about the key changes that have been made in WooCommerce 4.0. We will also let you know how you can upgrade to WooCommerce 4.0 from any of the previous versions.
Key changes of WooCommerce 4.0
Here we will discuss some of the latest features of the newest version of WooCommerce. However you must keep in mind that if you want to enjoy all the features of WooCommerce 4.0. you must make sure that your store is running on WordPress 5.3:
Streamlined dashboard: You will be provided with a streamlined dashboard which is created using modern Javascript. It has an excellent interface from where you will be able to manage all the proceedings of your store. The streamlined dashboard will also allow you to perform different activities simultaneously in a smooth way. You will be able to filter the data and compare factors by providing data ranges. You will also be able to get a complete overview of how exactly your business is performing online. You can get details about revenue, sales, inventory and many more.
Advanced reporting tools: The newest version of WooCommerce provides you with a highly advanced report system using which the process of collecting and integrating data has become extremely easy. 14 data points will be provided which includes the net sales, total sales, orders returns, shipping and many more. This has made it extremely convenient for you to review the performance of your store. Various statistical indicators are available using which you can run your store efficiently.
Improved store management tools: All the tools are highly improved. You will be provided with a new Activity Panel from where you can easily access the management tool. An inbox system has also been provided from where you can get simple notifications. You will be able to view the orders, reviews and notices quickly by hovering the mouse over the options.
How to upgrade to WooCommerce 4.0?
Now we are going to describe two different methods using which you will be able to upgrade your store to the latest WooCommerce version. You can choose your method according to your technical skills.
Upgrade following WooCommerce instructions:
Step 1: Backups
First and foremost, you will have to create a backup of your website to make sure that there is no permanent data loss. No matter what happens, you will be able to return back to your original website. You will be able to set up a path to your wp-content directly by using FTP. From there, you can take backup of your theme and plugin files. Next you need to backup your database.
Step 2: Testing updates:
You will have to test which components of your website require updates. Sometimes, you may have to take updates of your database. Another important aspect is compatibility. Make sure that the theme that you are currently using for your website is compatible with your updated WooCommerce version. You will also have to check your website from the role of the customers. Make sure that they are getting a seamless shopping experience on your online store.
Step 3: Updating extensions and payment gateways.
- Next, you will have to update all your WooCommerce extensions and payment gateways. The steps to do so are as follows:
- Navigate to WooCommerce.
- Click on Extension.
- Go to WooCommerce.com Subscription.
- Make sure that your store is connected to the WooCommerce admin account.
- Connect your account to your WooCommerce store.
From there, you will be able to view all the payment gateways and extensions and determine which of them are compatible with the latest Woocommerce version.
You will also have to update your WooCommerce database by clicking on the Update WooCommerce Database option. The update process will commence. You may also click on the View progress button to check the progress made.
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Update WooCommerce using automated migration tool:
A migration tool is also available for you which will allow you to upgrade to the latest WooCommerce version easily. You need to go through a few simple steps and you can upgrade to WooCommerce 4.0 without requiring any kind of technical knowledge. The steps have been listed below:
Step 1: Set up WooCommerce as a Source Cart
This can be done by visiting the migration page of your web site and clicking on the Create New Migration option. From there, you will be able to choose WooCommerce as a Source Cart. You will also have to download the LitExtension Connector to the WooCommerce plugin.
Step 2: Setup WooCommerce as a Target Cart
Next, you will also have to set up WooCommerce as a Target cart. The steps are just the same as setting up WooCommerce as a Store Cart.
Step 3: Select Data entities you want to migrate
You can either choose only the necessary categories or all your data. LitExtension will provide you with certain additional features using which you can include data import functionalities to your website. You will be able to customize the desirable target store without going through any kind of problems.
Step 4: Perform migration
Once you have selected the data entities that you would like to migrate, you will be able to perform your migration activity. You will also be able to run a free demo migration to check how it works. This process can be skipped as well.
Conclusion:
So, this was all about it. WooCommerce 4.0 has a huge variety of advanced features. The upgradation process is also quite easy. So, get WooCommerce 4.0 for your online store and give your users a life-changing experience.
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