How to Customize Thank You Page in WooCommerce

Customizing the thank you page in WooCommerce is a powerful way to enhance the post-purchase experience. Instead of showing a basic confirmation, you can personalize this page with custom messages, product suggestions, coupons, or helpful links. This guide covers how to customize the WooCommerce thank you page using plugins, code snippets, and template overrides to suit your store’s needs.

Understanding the WooCommerce Thank You Page

When a customer completes an order in WooCommerce, they are automatically redirected to the Order Received page, also known as the thank you page or checkout success page. By default, this page displays:

• A confirmation message stating the order has been received
• Order number and purchase details
• Billing and shipping addresses
• Chosen payment method
  

This setup ensures customers instantly know their transaction was successful, but it offers limited flexibility for branding or customer engagement. If you are looking to strengthen your store’s post-purchase flow while also protecting it from spam or fake orders, adding security with tools like reCAPTCHA for WooCommerce is a smart complement to thank you page optimization.

Role of the thank you page in customer experience

The thank you page is more than just a receipt. It’s the first interaction a buyer has after payment, making it a key moment to:

• Reassure customers that their order is confirmed
• Provide clear instructions on next steps (shipping, downloads, account setup)
• Build trust by showing professional and personalized messaging
• Encourage additional actions such as joining a loyalty program or viewing related products
  

When optimized, the thank you page becomes a conversion tool rather than a simple confirmation screen. Store owners often combine it with tailored plugins such as WooCommerce Payment Gateways Discount and Fees to present targeted offers right after checkout.

Difference between a thank you page and a thank you email

Many store owners confuse the thank you page with the order confirmation email. While both serve to acknowledge a purchase, they have different roles:

• Thank You Page → Appears instantly after checkout within the WooCommerce store. It reassures the buyer and provides on-site engagement opportunities.
  
• Thank You Email → Delivered to the customer’s inbox as proof of purchase. It is useful for record-keeping and ongoing communication.
  

Together, they complete the post-purchase experience. The page gives immediate reassurance, while the email builds long-term customer connection.

Why Customize the Thank You Message in WooCommerce?

Building customer trust and loyalty

A generic “thank you, your order has been received” message is functional, but it doesn’t create an emotional connection. Customizing the WooCommerce thank you page allows you to express genuine appreciation, reinforce your brand’s personality, and assure buyers that their purchase is valued. Personalized messaging builds credibility and encourages repeat business, turning first-time buyers into loyal customers. For deeper checkout customization, plugins like WooCommerce Minimum & Maximum Quantities can also shape order rules that enhance the buyer experience.

Opportunities for upselling and cross-selling

The thank you page is one of the most underutilized sales opportunities in WooCommerce. At this stage, customers are already in a buying mindset, making it an ideal place to:

• Recommend related or complementary products
• Offer discounts on future purchases
• Promote memberships or loyalty programs
  

Simple adjustments, like adding product suggestions or exclusive deals, can increase your average order value without disrupting the customer journey.

Improving post-purchase engagement and conversions

Beyond sales, the thank you page can drive post-purchase engagement. Businesses often use it to:

• Encourage newsletter sign-ups
• Share shipping or tracking updates
• Provide tutorials, guides, or FAQs for purchased products
• Invite customers to follow social channels
  

These small actions strengthen customer relationships and increase the chances of future conversions.

Default Thank You Page Settings in WooCommerce

By default, WooCommerce generates a standard order received page once checkout is complete. This page confirms the transaction and shows essential details, including:

• Order number
• Products purchased
• Billing and shipping details
• Chosen payment method
  

It provides basic functionality but little room for creativity.

Limitations of the default setup

The default WooCommerce thank you page is straightforward, but it has limitations:

• No personalized messages or dynamic content
• No built-in upsell or cross-sell options
• Minimal branding opportunities
• Same layout for every customer, regardless of purchase type
  

Because of these restrictions, many store owners turn to plugins, hooks, or template overrides to create a more engaging experience.

Where to find the thank you page template file (thankyou.php)

For developers or advanced users, WooCommerce includes a thankyou.php file in its template structure. This file controls the default output of the thank you page. You can locate it here:

/woocommerce/templates/checkout/thankyou.php

By copying this file into your theme’s WooCommerce folder, you can override it and customize the thank you page with your own code, design, or additional content. This gives full control over the post-purchase experience.

Methods to Set or Customize Your Thank You Message

Using WooCommerce Settings & Shortcodes

Basic customization options: WooCommerce provides limited built-in options to adjust the Order Received (thank you) page. By default, you can make small edits by modifying template files in your theme or by inserting shortcodes into your custom layouts. This is useful if your goal is to add a simple thank you note or basic confirmation details without changing the overall design.

Adding dynamic order details

Adding dynamic order details: Shortcodes make it possible to add dynamic content to your thank you page. For example, you can display:

• Customer’s first name
• Order number
• Payment method
• Order total
  

Using these shortcodes personalizes the thank you message and reassures the buyer with clear order information. A small adjustment like greeting customers by name can significantly improve the overall experience.

Customizing the Thank You Page with Plugins

For store owners who want more flexibility without coding, plugins are the simplest way to create a custom WooCommerce thank you page. Some popular choices include:

• WooCommerce Thank You Page Customizer – edit text, add images, or show special promotions.
• YITH Custom Thank You Page – redirect customers to a fully custom page.
• CartFlows – build advanced sales funnels with upsells, downsells, and targeted offers.
• Elementor Pro – design unique layouts with drag-and-drop functionality.
  

Pros and cons of plugin-based customization

• Pros:
  
  • Easy setup with no technical knowledge required
  • Access to advanced features such as coupon codes, related products, or call-to-actions
  • Ability to tailor designs that align with your store branding
    
• Cons:
  
  • Extra plugins can slow down site performance if not optimized
  • Premium features may require paid versions
  • Ongoing updates are necessary to stay compatible with the latest WooCommerce releases
    

Adding Custom Code with Hooks & Filters

Using WooCommerce hooks

WooCommerce provides several hooks that allow you to insert custom messages or functionality into the thank you (order received) page without modifying core files. The most commonly used hook is:

add_action( 'woocommerce_thankyou', 'custom_thankyou_message', 10, 1 );
function custom_thankyou_message( $order_id ) {
   $order = wc_get_order( $order_id );
   echo '<p>Thank you, ' . $order->get_billing_first_name() . '! Your order has been received successfully.</p>';
}

This snippet prints a personalized thank you note including the customer’s first name. You can also use it to add links, banners, or instructions.

Customizing the order received text with filters

If you only need to change the default confirmation message, WooCommerce offers filters like:

add_filter( 'woocommerce_thankyou_order_received_text', 'custom_order_received_text', 10, 2 );
function custom_order_received_text( $text, $order ) {
   return 'We appreciate your purchase, ' . $order->get_billing_first_name() . '! Keep an eye on your email for shipping updates.';
}

This filter replaces the default order confirmation text with a custom message while keeping all other details intact.

Benefits of using hooks and filters

• Lightweight approach – no need for additional plugins
• Flexible customization – add dynamic details such as order totals, product names, or loyalty points
• Theme integration – blend thank you messages with your existing store design
  

When to use this method

Hooks and filters are ideal for store owners or developers who are comfortable adding code snippets. It’s a reliable solution when you need precise control over thank you messages but don’t want the overhead of extra plugins.

Adding Custom Code with Hooks & Filters

Using woocommerce_thankyou and woocommerce_order_received_text hooks

WooCommerce provides two main hooks for customizing the thank you page:

• woocommerce_thankyou – lets you add custom content after an order is completed.
• woocommerce_order_received_text – allows you to replace or modify the default confirmation text.
  

These hooks are lightweight, flexible, and safe to use without modifying WooCommerce core files.

Inserting personalized messages, upsells, or coupon codes

You can use hooks to display more than a basic thank you note. Examples include:

• Personalized messages with the customer’s name
• Exclusive coupon codes for the next purchase
• Upsells or related product suggestions
• Links to tutorials, downloads, or account setup pages
  

By showing relevant content immediately after checkout, you increase customer satisfaction while encouraging repeat sales.

Example PHP snippets

1. Personalized thank you message:

add_action( 'woocommerce_thankyou', 'wpe_custom_thankyou_message', 10, 1 );
function wpe_custom_thankyou_message( $order_id ) {
    $order = wc_get_order( $order_id );
    echo '<p>Thank you, ' . $order->get_billing_first_name() . '! We’ve received your order successfully.</p>';
}

2. Add a coupon code to encourage repeat purchases:

add_action( 'woocommerce_thankyou', 'wpe_thankyou_coupon_offer', 15, 1 );
function wpe_thankyou_coupon_offer( $order_id ) {
    echo '<p>Use coupon code <strong>THANKYOU10</strong> on your next order to get 10% off!</p>';
}

3. Replace the default confirmation text:

add_filter( 'woocommerce_thankyou_order_received_text', 'wpe_custom_received_text', 10, 2 );
function wpe_custom_received_text( $text, $order ) {
    return 'We appreciate your purchase, ' . $order->get_billing_first_name() . '! Check your email for shipping updates.';
}

Creating a Custom Thank You Page Template

Overriding the thankyou.php template in your theme

For full control, WooCommerce allows you to override its thankyou.php template. This file handles the default order confirmation page layout.

You can find it in:

/wp-content/plugins/woocommerce/templates/checkout/thankyou.php

To customize it safely, copy the file into your theme:

/wp-content/themes/your-theme/woocommerce/checkout/thankyou.php

Once copied, you can edit it directly without affecting the core plugin.

Step-by-step file editing

1. Locate the file in the WooCommerce plugin folder.
2. Copy it into your theme’s WooCommerce folder (create the folder if it doesn’t exist).
3. Edit the content – add headings, images, custom text, or calls-to-action.
4. Save changes and refresh the checkout flow to preview.
   

This approach ensures your edits remain safe during WooCommerce updates.

Styling with CSS for a branded experience

After editing the template, you can style the thank you page to match your brand. For example:

.woocommerce-order {
   text-align: center;
   background: #f9f9f9;
   padding: 20px;
   border-radius: 8px;
}

.woocommerce-order h2 {
   color: #333;
   font-size: 22px;
}

Using CSS allows you to highlight important sections (like order details or coupons) and maintain consistent branding across your store.

Redirecting Customers to a Custom Thank You Page

How to set up redirects for specific products or categories

Instead of sending every customer to the default thank you (order received) page, WooCommerce allows you to redirect them to a custom page after checkout. This can be done with plugins or custom code.

Code example for redirecting by product ID:

add_action( 'template_redirect', 'wpe_custom_thankyou_redirect' );
function wpe_custom_thankyou_redirect() {
    global $wp;

    if ( is_checkout() && ! empty( $wp->query_vars['order-received'] ) ) {
        $order_id = absint( $wp->query_vars['order-received'] );
        $order = wc_get_order( $order_id );
        foreach ( $order->get_items() as $item ) {
            if ( $item->get_product_id() == 123 ) { // Replace 123 with your product ID
                wp_safe_redirect( site_url( '/premium-thank-you/' ) );
                exit;
            }
        }
    }
}

This ensures that only buyers of a specific product are redirected to a tailored thank you page. Similarly, you can extend logic for entire categories or product variations.

Example use cases

• Special promotions: Redirect customers who purchased a seasonal bundle to a thank you page with bonus downloads or coupon codes.
• Premium products: Direct buyers of high-ticket items to a page with setup guides, onboarding videos, or VIP support details.
• Membership sites: Send new members to a welcome page with login details, tutorials, or community access links.
  

Redirects allow you to align the post-purchase experience with the product purchased, creating a more relevant and engaging journey.

Advanced Personalization Strategies

Showing different thank you messages based on product, order value, or user role

A one-size-fits-all message limits the impact of your thank you page. Instead, you can set conditional rules to display customized content:

• By product: Show a unique message with setup instructions or resources for specific items.
• By order value: Reward high-value purchases with exclusive coupons, free gifts, or priority support.
• By user role: Present tailored messages for wholesale buyers, subscribers, or first-time customers.
  

This approach makes the post-purchase experience more relevant and builds stronger customer relationships.

Adding personalized recommendations or related products

The thank you page is an excellent place to highlight relevant product suggestions. For example:

• Recommend complementary items or upgrades
• Showcase best-sellers related to the customer’s order
• Offer limited-time discounts to encourage an immediate repeat purchase
  

Because the buyer has just completed a transaction, they are more likely to engage with recommendations that match their interests.

Integrating email sign-ups, surveys, or referral programs

Beyond sales, personalization can extend to long-term engagement. Consider using the thank you page to:

• Invite customers to join your email list for exclusive offers and product updates
• Encourage quick feedback surveys to improve customer satisfaction
• Promote referral programs where buyers earn rewards for bringing in new customers
  

These additions transform the thank you page from a static confirmation into a dynamic engagement tool that strengthens loyalty and drives future growth.

Best Practices for WooCommerce Thank You Messages

Keep messages clear, positive, and customer-focused

Your thank you page should reassure customers and show appreciation. Avoid generic text and use clear, warm language. A short message like “Thank you, Sarah! Your order has been received and will be shipped shortly” creates a friendly, trustworthy impression.

Ensure mobile-friendly formatting

Most customers complete purchases on mobile devices. Make sure the thank you page loads quickly, displays order details clearly, and has clickable buttons that are easy to tap. Responsive layouts prevent frustration and improve the overall shopping experience.

Include CTAs (download, track order, join loyalty program)

A thank you page isn’t just about closing a sale — it’s an opportunity to encourage further engagement. Consider adding:

• A download link for digital products
• A track order button for shipping updates
• A join now option for loyalty or rewards programs
  

These actions keep customers connected to your brand even after checkout.

Avoid overloading with too much content

While it’s tempting to add multiple offers, banners, or links, too much information can overwhelm buyers. Focus on one or two clear messages. A clean design with space around elements helps customers quickly find what matters most

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Relying only on the default WooCommerce thank you page

The default page provides confirmation but lacks personalization. Leaving it unchanged misses the chance to build stronger customer relationships and boost sales.

Overusing promotional content instead of gratitude

While upselling and cross-selling are useful, overloading the thank you page with promotions can make it feel pushy. The primary goal should always be to thank the customer sincerely before presenting offers.

Ignoring tracking and analytics on thank you pages

The thank you page is a powerful point for data collection. Failing to add analytics or conversion tracking means losing insights into completed orders, campaign effectiveness, and customer behavior. Integrating Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel ensures you measure results accurately.

FAQs

Conclusion

A customized WooCommerce thank you page is more than just a confirmation screen. It’s a strategic touchpoint that can drive repeat purchases, build trust, and boost customer engagement. Whether you use settings, plugins, hooks, or full template overrides, each method offers a way to enhance the post-purchase experience. By experimenting with layouts, personalized messages, product recommendations, and CTAs, you can turn this often-overlooked page into a conversion tool. In a competitive eCommerce landscape, optimizing your thank you page isn’t just a design choice it’s a smart move for customer retention and long-term growth.

Want expert guidance on optimizing WooCommerce features for better conversions?Contact WPElite Plugins and get professional support tailored to your store.