Email Verification
Definition
Email verification is the process of requiring a user to confirm their email address after registration or during checkout.
This confirmation is typically done by sending an email with a unique verification link. The user must click the link to activate their account or complete the order process.
This step helps ensure that the email address is valid, accessible, and owned by the person who submitted it.
Good or Bad
Good when it prevents fake signups, improves account security, and ensures reliable communication with the customer
Bad when it delays the user experience unnecessarily or creates friction during the checkout process
Why It Matters
Stores rely on email for order confirmations, invoices, shipping notifications, and customer support. If an email address is mistyped or fake, the customer misses important updates and the store loses a reliable communication channel.
Email verification also helps reduce fraudulent signups, protects discount codes from abuse, and improves list quality for marketing and transactional messages.
Common Mistakes
- Not giving clear instructions after a user registers or places an order
- Delaying access to the store or checkout without explaining why verification is needed
- Not resending the verification email when requested
- Forcing verification even for guest checkouts when it is not necessary
How to Improve It
- Clearly explain the purpose of email verification during registration or checkout
- Allow customers to resend the verification email easily from their account page
- Use conditional rules to require verification only when necessary, such as for new user roles or high-value orders
- Monitor verification status and remind users who have not completed the process
Recommended Plugin
Email Verification for WooCommerce
This plugin adds an email verification layer to WooCommerce, you can prevent users from logging in or completing purchases until their email is confirmed.
It supports custom messages, automatic redirection, manual approval, and status tracking inside the admin dashboard.
Real-World Example
A store that offers digital downloads notices a growing number of bounced emails from fake accounts. After activating email verification, only users who click the confirmation link can access their files.
This improves customer reliability and reduces support requests related to missing download links.
Related Terms
- Account Activation
- Transactional Emails
- User Registration
- Email Deliverability
FAQs
What is email verification in WooCommerce
It is a process that requires users to confirm their email address before accessing account features or completing orders
Can I prevent users from logging in before verifying their email
Yes. The WPFactory plugin lets you block access to the dashboard, restrict purchases, or delay email delivery until the email is confirmed
Does this work with existing WooCommerce registration pages
Yes. The plugin integrates with the default WooCommerce registration and login system
