Use Case
When a guest customer places an order in WooCommerce, you want to automatically create a user account for them. This builds your customer database and gives them access to order history without forcing registration at checkout.
Common scenarios:
- Convert guest customers to registered accounts
- Enable order tracking for all customers
- Build marketing lists from purchasers
- Prepare accounts for loyalty programs
- Reduce friction in guest checkout while building CRM
Step-by-Step Setup
1. Create a New Workflow
Navigate to Sequensy → Workflows in your WordPress admin and click Add New Workflow.
Name your workflow “Auto-Create Account for Guest Orders” or similar.
2. Configure the Trigger
Select Order Created as your trigger.
Important filters to consider:
- Customer Type: Only trigger for guest orders (skip if account exists)
- Order Status: Trigger on pending/processing to create account early
- Order Total: Optionally skip for very small orders
3. Set Up the Create User Action
Configure the user creation with these settings:
| Setting | Recommended Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
{billing_email} | Uses order billing email | |
| Username | {billing_email} | Email as username is simplest |
| First Name | {billing_first_name} | From order billing details |
| Last Name | {billing_last_name} | From order billing details |
| Role | Customer | Standard WooCommerce role |
| Send Password Reset | Yes | Let customer set their password |
4. Add Welcome Email (Optional)
Chain a Send Email action to welcome the new account holder:
Subject: Your account has been created
Hi {first_name},
We've created an account for you so you can track your orders
and checkout faster next time.
To set your password and access your account, click here:
{password_reset_link}
Your recent order #{order_id} can be viewed in your account dashboard.
Thanks for shopping with us!
5. Test Your Workflow
- Enable the workflow
- Place a test order as a guest
- Verify user account was created
- Check that password reset email was sent
- Confirm the user can log in after resetting password
Pro Tips
Check for existing accounts: Add a condition to skip if an account with that email already exists. This prevents duplicate account errors.
Link order to account: The workflow automatically associates the order with the new user account, giving them immediate access to order history.
Assign appropriate role: Use “Customer” role by default, but consider custom roles for wholesale or VIP customers based on order conditions.
GDPR compliance: Ensure your checkout mentions that an account will be created, and link to your privacy policy.
Account Settings
| Setting | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Username | Unique identifier for login |
| Used for password reset and communications | |
| Display Name | Shows in comments and reviews |
| Role | Determines site permissions |
| Password | Auto-generated, sent via reset link |
Troubleshooting
User not created?
- Check if account with that email already exists
- Verify workflow is enabled
- Review workflow logs for validation errors
Customer can’t log in?
- Ensure password reset email was sent
- Check spam folders
- Verify email delivery is working
Order not linked to account?
- Check workflow execution order
- Verify user creation completed before order
- Review WooCommerce customer linking settings