How to Add Related Products in Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What Are Related Products?
3. Methods to Add Related Products in Shopify
4. Best Practices for Displaying Related Products
5. The Bottom Line
6. FAQ

Introduction

Have you ever left a website without making a purchase, only to realize later that you missed out on the perfect product that could have completed your shopping experience? This scenario is all too common in the world of eCommerce, where customers often seek additional items that complement their original choices. In fact, studies indicate that effective product recommendations can drive up to 31% of eCommerce revenue. This means as merchants, we have an incredible opportunity to boost our sales and enhance the shopping experience simply by displaying related products.

In this post, we will delve into how to add related products in Shopify, an essential feature that can significantly increase your average order value and overall customer satisfaction. We will outline everything from what related products are to the various methods of implementation on your Shopify store. By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge and tools at your fingertips to implement related product features effectively, turning potential lost sales into successful conversions.

We’ll start with an overview of related products and why they’re critical to your Shopify store. Next, we’ll explore different methods to add related products, including utilizing Shopify themes, creating custom sections, or using applications. Each section will contain actionable insights and practical examples to guide your implementation.

So, whether you're running an established store or just starting out, this guide is designed to empower you and to maximize your eCommerce potential through strategic product recommendations.

What Are Related Products?

Related products refer to items that complement or are similar to the product that a customer is currently viewing. When customers are presented with these options, it becomes easier for them to discover items they may not have initially considered. For example, if a customer is looking at a pair of running shoes, recommended items could include athletic socks or matching apparel.

Implementing a related products feature can create numerous benefits for your Shopify store:

• Increased Sales: By enticing customers to consider additional products, you can significantly increase your sales.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: When customers can easily find complementary products, they embark on a more satisfying shopping journey.
• Higher Conversion Rates: Offering related products can streamline the purchase process, reducing the number of clicks needed to find desired items.
• Cross-selling Opportunities: Presenting diverse products from various categories can introduce new items that customers may not have previously considered.

Why Are Related Products Crucial for Your Shopify Store?

Not only do related products boost sales, but they also contribute to a more engaging shopping experience. Data shows that a well-executed related products section can elevate conversion rates by an impressive 550%. Here are some detailed reasons why implementing related products is essential:

• Improved User Engagement: Customers who see additional relevant product suggestions are likely to engage more with your store, increasing the time they spend browsing.
• Brand Loyalty: Offering personalized recommendations can foster a sense of loyalty. Customers appreciate brands that understand their preferences and needs.
• Data-Driven Sales Strategy: Utilizing analytics to determine which products to display ensures that your recommendations are relevant and can optimize your sales funnel.

Methods to Add Related Products in Shopify

Now that we understand the importance of related products, let’s explore how to implement this feature effectively in Shopify. Primarily, there are three methods you can utilize:

1. Using Built-in Theme Options
2. Custom Code Implementation
3. Installing a Related Product App

1. Using Built-in Theme Options

Many Shopify themes come with built-in functionalities that allow you to display related products easily. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Log into your Shopify admin panel and navigate to the Online Store.
2. Select your active theme and click on “Customize.”
3. Access the product page settings.
4. Locate an option typically labeled “Show Related Products” or “Related Products.”
5. Adjust the settings according to your preferences, such as the number of products displayed.
6. Click Save and Publish your changes.

Using this method, you don’t need coding skills or technical expertise. However, your theme must support this feature, so if it doesn’t, we may need to consider other options.

2. Custom Code Implementation

If your theme does not have built-in related products functionality or if you're looking for more tailored options, custom coding is an effective approach. Here's how to go about it:

How to Customize the Code:

1. Access Theme Code: Go to the Shopify admin, click on Online Store > Themes. Next, choose your theme and click “Edit Code.”
2. Templates and Sections: In the Templates folder, find product.liquid or product-template.liquid file.
3. Insert Code: Under the existing product details code, insert the following line:

   {% section 'related-products' %}
   

4. Create a New Section: In the Sections folder, click “Add a new section,” naming it related-products.liquid.
5. Add Product Logic: Implement your logic to define how related products will be chosen—either by collection tags, product types, or other criteria.
6. Style Customization: Utilize CSS to style the appearance of your related products section to ensure it aligns with your overall store design.
7. Save and Preview: Save all changes, ensuring to preview the results on your front-end store.

By using this method, you can gain full control over how related products are displayed and customized according to your brand’s needs.

3. Installing a Related Product App

For those who prefer simplicity without diving into code, utilizing a related product app from the Shopify App Store is an excellent choice. Numerous applications are available, each offering unique features that can enhance the related products display.

Top App Recommendations:

• Wiser - Product Recommendations: This app uses AI technology to suggest products based on customer behavior and preferences.
• Cross Sell Recommend Products: This allows you to display products on various pages, not just product pages, thereby increasing visibility.
• Also Bought Recommendation: This installs quickly and creates a section that reflects the buying habits of previous customers.

How to Install an App:

1. Visit the Shopify App Store and search for related products apps.
2. Click on your chosen app to read its description and user reviews.
3. Select “Add App,” and follow the prompts to install it in your Shopify store.
4. Configure the settings according to your preferences to specify how you want your recommended products to appear.

Apps often provide user-friendly interfaces and robust analytics, making them attractive for store owners looking to maximize their product recommendation strategies with minimal hassle.

Best Practices for Displaying Related Products

After successfully adding related products to your Shopify store, consider implementing these best practices to optimize performance:

1. Limit the Number Displayed: Displaying three to four related products is often ideal. This helps avoid overwhelming customers, allowing them to focus on their choices without feeling confused.
2. Choose Products Strategically: Ensure that the products displayed are genuinely complementary to the primary item. Use data analytics to make informed choices based on customer interests and browsing history.
3. Experiment with Placement: The location of your related products section can significantly impact visibility. Test out different placements on the product page to find the most effective layout.
4. Utilize High-Quality Images: Use compelling, high-quality images for related products. They should showcase the product effectively to entice customers.
5. Personalize Recommendations: If you have collected customer data (through browsing behavior or purchase history), tailor related products to individual customers to enhance relevance and increase conversion rates.
6. Test and Optimize Regularly: Regularly analyze the performance of your related products section. Conduct A/B testing to determine which products attract the most engagement and sales.

Summary of Best Practices

• Limiting options prevents overwhelm.
• Strategic selection increases relevance.
• Experimenting with placement enhances visibility.
• High-quality images improve attractiveness.
• Personalized recommendations increase engagement.
• Continuous testing leads to ongoing optimization.

The Bottom Line

Adding related products in Shopify is not just a nice-to-have feature; it is a critical aspect of an online store that can lead to significantly higher sales and improved customer satisfaction. Whether you utilize built-in theme options, implement custom coding, or install an application, the ability to showcase complementary items will pay significant dividends for your business.

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FAQ

Q1: Why should I add related products to my Shopify store?
A1: Adding related products can increase sales, enhance user experience, and improve conversion rates by presenting customers with additional relevant purchase options.

Q2: Can I customize which products are shown as related?
A2: Yes, you can customize related products through various methods including built-in settings, custom code, or third-party apps that allow you to define selection criteria.

Q3: How many related products should I display?
A3: It's generally recommended to display three to four related products to maintain simplicity and avoid overwhelming the customer.

Q4: How do I monitor the effectiveness of my related product suggestions?
A4: Utilize Shopify analytics or application analytics tools to measure how well your related products perform in terms of clicks and conversions.

Q5: Are there any risks associated with displaying related products?
A5: If not chosen carefully, unrelated products may confuse customers and detract from their shopping experience. It's essential to select relevant items that truly complement the primary product.

Feel empowered to take control of your product offerings and enhance your customer’s shopping journey. Happy selling!