How to Add a Side Menu in Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Sidebar Menus in eCommerce
3. How to Add a Sidebar Menu to Your Shopify Store
4. Tips for Optimizing Your Sidebar Menu
5. Conclusion
6. FAQ

Introduction

Imagine navigating through an online store filled with diverse products, only to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices. Frustrating, right? A well-structured sidebar menu can dramatically improve the user experience by enabling seamless navigation. As Shopify continues to be a leading eCommerce platform, understanding how to add a side menu in Shopify not only enhances the aesthetic of your site but also boosts its overall functionality and usability.

In this blog post, we will explore the critical role of sidebar menus in eCommerce, guide you through different methods for adding them to your Shopify store, and offer tips on how to customize these menus to better suit your brand’s needs. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to effectively implement a sidebar menu and elevate your customers' shopping experience.

The Importance of Sidebar Menus in eCommerce

Sidebar menus serve multiple essential functions in eCommerce stores. They provide a structured way to categorize products, facilitate navigation, and house promotional materials or social links. Here’s why sidebar menus are invaluable:

1. Enhanced Navigation: A sidebar menu allows customers to find products and categories quickly, reducing the time and effort spent searching.
2. Utilization of Space: By effectively using the vertical space on your website, sidebars can declutter the main content area while offering easy access to various sections.
3. Improved User Experience: With streamlined navigation, customers are less likely to abandon their shopping journey, which can reduce bounce rates and improve conversion metrics.
4. Promotional Opportunities: Sidebars can showcase key offers, best-sellers, or new arrivals, guiding customers toward critical purchasing decisions.

How to Add a Sidebar Menu to Your Shopify Store

Using Themes with Built-in Sidebar Functionality

Several Shopify themes come with native sidebar functionalities, either for navigation or product filtering. Here are a few popular themes that support sidebar menus:

• Boundless: Ideal for stores focusing on image-heavy products, it features a sidebar that can be customized easily.
• Supply: Designed for stores with large inventories, it offers robust filtering options through a sidebar.
• Simple: As the name suggests, it provides a straightforward sidebar for primary navigation.

Steps to Customize Your Sidebar in Supported Themes

1. Access Your Theme Editor:

   • Go to your Shopify admin dashboard.
   • Click on Online Store and select Themes.
   • Find your active theme and click Customize.

2. Select the Page Template:

   • Use the dropdown menu in the theme editor to navigate to the desired page template where you want to add the sidebar.

3. Edit the Sidebar Section:

   • Locate the sidebar section in the left-hand menu of the theme editor.
   • You can add navigation links, social media icons, or promotional content as necessary.

4. Save Your Changes:

   • Always remember to save your changes and preview how the sidebar looks on your store.

What if Your Theme Lacks Sidebar Support?

If your chosen theme does not feature a sidebar menu, don’t worry! There are ways to add this functionality through customization or third-party apps.

1. Code Editing

For those comfortable with coding, you can manually edit your theme's Liquid files to create a sidebar. Here’s a general approach:

• Step 1: Access the Code Editing Area

  • From your Shopify admin, go to Online Store > Themes > Actions > Edit code.

• Step 2: Create a New Section

  • Create a new file named sidebar.liquid within the Sections folder.
  • Add the necessary HTML and Liquid code to define your sidebar structure.

• Step 3: Include the Sidebar in Your Layout

  • In your theme.liquid layout file, include the sidebar section using {% section 'sidebar' %}.

• Step 4: Style Your Sidebar

  • Use CSS to ensure the sidebar aligns perfectly with your store's design.

Note: This method requires some familiarity with HTML, CSS, and Liquid. If you're unsure, consider consulting a Shopify expert.

2. Page Builder Apps

For a more user-friendly approach, consider using a page builder app like Shogun or EComposer. These tools provide drag-and-drop functionality, making it easy to add customizable sidebars without needing to write code.

1. Install the App: Find the page builder app in the Shopify App Store and install it.
2. Create a New Page: Navigate to the app, select the type of page you want to customize, and begin building.
3. Add Sidebar Elements: Use the app's menu element to create a vertical sidebar and customize it to fit your needs.
4. Publish Your Changes: Once satisfied, publish the page to make it live.

Tips for Optimizing Your Sidebar Menu

To ensure your sidebar performs well and contributes positively to your user experience, consider these best practices:

1. Highlight Important Links: Use the sidebar to showcase links to best-selling products, special offers, or popular collections.
2. Avoid Clutter: Keep the sidebar clean and organized. Too many options can overwhelm users and lead to decision fatigue.
3. Utilize Visual Cues: Incorporate icons or images to make the sidebar visually engaging and intuitive.
4. Maintain Consistency: Ensure that the sidebar’s design aligns with your overall branding, including color schemes and fonts.
5. Make It Responsive: Ensure the sidebar adapts well on mobile devices by using CSS media queries or collapsing it into a hamburger menu.

Conclusion

Integrating a sidebar menu into your Shopify store can significantly enhance both its aesthetics and functionality. Whether your theme directly supports it or requires a workaround, the effort to include a well-optimized sidebar menu pays off by improving navigation and elevating the overall shopping experience.

As you work on your online store, reflect on how a sidebar can help streamline user journeys and highlight key aspects of your business. We encourage you to explore the PowerCommerce eStore Suite to leverage advanced tools that can support your Shopify journey effectively. Explore Now.

FAQ

Can I add a sidebar to any Shopify theme?

Yes, even if your theme lacks a built-in sidebar section, you can often add one through code customization by editing your theme's Liquid files. Alternatively, using a page builder app can simplify the process.

Is coding knowledge necessary to add a sidebar menu?

While coding knowledge can help in customizing your sidebar through Liquid, many page builder apps allow you to add sidebars without needing to write any code, making it accessible for everyone.

How important is sidebar placement in my Shopify store?

Sidebar placement is crucial as it directly impacts user navigation. A well-placed sidebar can enhance user engagement and improve conversion rates by making it easier for customers to find what they are looking for.

Can I use sidebars for purposes other than navigation?

Absolutely! Sidebars can also be used to display promotional offers, social media links, or even customer testimonials, adding value beyond simple navigation.