WooCommerce, the open-source commerce solution built on WordPress, has provided new updates to its product roadmap, including an emphasis on block-based page building and site customization.

In a recent blog post, Beau Lebens, Head of Engineering for Woo, outlined the implications for merchants, which are largely small and mid-sized businesses.

Block-based page building means non-coders can build and edit pages, giving all team members control over their ecommerce site content, layout and even merchandising. With WooCommerce, merchants can now even edit their shopping cart and checkout pages using Cart and Checkout blocks.

Beyond block-based page building, WooCommerce has made a number of improvements to the merchant experience. For new customers, the company has reduced the number of steps required to start a store. WooCommerce is also better integrating WordPress’s native site customization tools so merchants can edit page layouts and customize the experience to their unique needs.

Once sites are up and running, merchants can capitalize on a new product editor that allows them to add and update products faster and easier. Although WooCommerce has made some improvements to basic analytics functions, a more robust solution is in the works, according to Lebens.

These new updates are helping WooCommerce merchants (and their employees) stand up, customize and optimize their ecommerce experiences. That includes new features designed to boost customer engagement and drive higher conversions, including:

• Improved WooCommerce storefront accessibility
• A block-based checkout to reduce cart abandonment, boost mobile conversion and streamline shopper journeys
• A better checkout flow that combines and simplifies local pickup options, improves shopper account creation options, and allows merchants to add more custom checkout fields
• An improved order confirmation design that displays shipping details and order summaries and allows shoppers to create an account after paying for an order