Adding a review and rating functionality to your WordPress product pages can typically be accomplished by installing plugins. Here are several common methods:
1. Use the WooCommerce Plugin
If your website functions as an e-commerce platform, you can leverage WooCommerce, which comes with a powerful product review feature. Once enabled, customers can leave reviews and ratings for products.
Steps to enable reviews and ratings:
In the WordPress admin panel, navigate to WooCommerce > Settings > Products.
Locate the “General” settings section and check the boxes to enable product reviews and to enable reviews only for users who have purchased the product (optional).
Additionally, you can activate star ratings by checking the “Enable product star ratings” option.
This setup allows users to find a “Reviews” tab at the bottom of the product page, enabling them to submit comments and ratings.
2. Utilize Product Review Plugins
If you are not using WooCommerce or require more advanced features, consider these plugins that can help add review and rating capabilities:
1. Customer Reviews for WooCommerce
This plugin optimizes the default review system of WooCommerce, providing a more intuitive rating experience. It can also send email reminders to customers to leave reviews.
2. WP Product Review
A robust review plugin designed for websites focused on product assessments. It allows you to create detailed reviews for each product, where users can also rate items. Key features include:
Customizable rating systems
Automatically generated top products widget
A variety of product review box styles
3. Site Reviews
This versatile review plugin fits any WordPress site, not just e-commerce platforms. It allows users to submit reviews and star ratings, with an admin interface for managing and moderating these entries. The plugin supports Gutenberg blocks and shortcode for flexible integration on any page.
3. Manually Add Review Functionality
If you possess a certain level of coding proficiency, you can develop a simple review and rating system using custom code. This can be accomplished by implementing custom comment types and fields or by introducing a JavaScript rating component for a more interactive experience.
Plugin Pricing Overview
Some WordPress plugins are free, while others offer both free basic versions and paid premium versions in a “Freemium” model. Here is an overview of the pricing for selected plugins:
1. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free plugin, including its product review and rating features at no cost. However, it has many paid extensions that enhance functionality, such as advanced comment management and customer review enhancements.
2. Customer Reviews for WooCommerce
This plugin offers a free basic version supporting essential review and rating features, along with a premium variant that unlocks advanced functionalities like:
Automatic review invitation emails
Review filtering and management
Integration with third-party tools (e.g., Google Shopping)
3. WP Product Review
While a free version exists that covers basic product reviews and ratings, an upgrade to a paid version is required for advanced features like styling customizations, comparison tables, and user comment import/export capabilities.
4. Site Reviews
Site Reviews also provides a free version suitable for most review and rating needs. Advanced options (e.g., additional customization settings, email notifications, shortcode support) can be accessed via paid add-ons or by upgrading to a pro version.
General Pricing Range for Paid Plugins
When considering paid plugins, prices typically range from $29 to $99 per year, depending on the specific plugin and desired advanced features. Some plugins offer single-site licenses, while others may have pricing for multiple sites.
Conclusion
The simplest way to get started is to utilize the built-in review feature provided by WooCommerce. For more advanced requirements, selecting specific plugins can further enhance your review system. Once you’ve installed a plugin, most configurations are straightforward, and review and rating options will automatically display on your product pages.
By integrating these features, you can effectively boost user engagement, enhance product credibility, and improve overall customer experience on your website.
