How to Add Related Products in Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide for Ecommerce Success

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Related Products
3. How to Add Related Products in Shopify: Step-by-Step
4. Best Practices for Implementing Related Products
5. Conclusion
6. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that displaying related products can boost your online sales by up to 30%? This statistic highlights the power of effective product recommendations in enhancing the shopping experience and driving additional revenue for ecommerce stores. As ecommerce professionals, we understand that the competition is fierce, and making the most of every customer interaction is crucial for sustainable growth.

In today's digital marketplace, where customer expectations are constantly evolving, knowing how to add related products in Shopify is not just a nice-to-have feature—it's a necessity. By implementing a well-structured related products section on your product pages, you can encourage customers to explore additional items, increase average order values, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction.

In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at how to add related products in Shopify, covering everything from the basics of product recommendations to leveraging advanced customization options. We’ll also explore the significance of related products in your overall ecommerce strategy, and how our PowerCommerce eStore Suite can elevate your Shopify experience.

So, whether you're a seasoned ecommerce leader or just starting your online business, join us as we delve into the world of related products and discover how they can transform your Shopify store into a powerful sales engine.

Understanding Related Products

What Are Related Products?

Related products are additional suggestions displayed alongside a chosen product on a Shopify store. These recommendations encourage shoppers to keep exploring and can lead to upselling and cross-selling opportunities. For example, if a customer is viewing a pair of running shoes, related products may include different sneaker styles, fitness trackers, or running apparel.

The Difference Between Related and Complementary Products

While related products and complementary products serve similar purposes, they are distinct categories. Related products are typically similar items or alternatives, while complementary products are items that enhance or go well with the primary product. For instance, if you’re selling a smartphone, related products might include other smartphones, whereas complementary products could include phone cases, chargers, or screen protectors.

Implementing both types of recommendations strategically can maximize the chances of making additional sales.

Benefits of Adding Related Products

• Increased Average Order Value: By encouraging customers to consider additional items, you can increase the total value of each transaction.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Providing relevant recommendations helps create a more personalized shopping experience, making it easier for customers to find what they need.
• Improved Conversion Rates: Related products can reduce bounce rates and cart abandonment by keeping customers engaged and informed about their options.

How to Add Related Products in Shopify: Step-by-Step

Adding related products to your Shopify store can be done through both native functionality and third-party apps. Let’s explore both methods in detail.

Method 1: Using Shopify’s Native Functionality

If you’re using a Shopify Online Store 2.0 theme, you can easily add a related products section without needing any extra coding or apps.

1. Log in to Your Shopify Admin: Start by logging into your Shopify admin panel.
2. Navigate to Online Store > Themes: Find the theme you want to edit and click “Customize.”
3. Select Product Pages: In the theme editor, navigate to the product page template by selecting “Products” and then “Default product.”
4. Add Related Products Section: Look for the “Related Products” section within the editor. This section is typically pre-configured to display recommended products automatically.
5. Customize Appearance: You can customize the appearance of the related products section by adjusting the layout, colors, and other design elements to fit your branding.
6. Save Changes: Don’t forget to save your changes before exiting the theme editor.

This method utilizes Shopify’s built-in recommendation logic, which automatically generates related products based on customer purchase history, product descriptions, and related collections.

Method 2: Using Shopify Apps for Advanced Customization

For those looking for more control and advanced functionality, using a Shopify app can be an excellent option. Here are some popular apps we recommend:

• Wiser: A free app that offers a robust recommendation engine and allows for extensive customization.
• Cross Sell: This app focuses on upselling and cross-selling by displaying related products on the product page.
• Frequently Bought Together: This app provides a simple way to display products that are commonly purchased together, enhancing your upselling efforts.

To install an app:

1. Go to the Shopify App Store: Search for the app you want to install.
2. Click “Add App”: Follow the prompts to integrate the app with your Shopify store.
3. Configure Settings: After installation, you’ll need to configure the app settings to customize how related products are displayed.
4. Test the Functionality: Ensure everything works as expected by previewing your product pages.

Method 3: Customizing Related Products with Liquid Code

For those comfortable with coding, you can create a custom related products section using Liquid, Shopify's templating language. This method allows for the most flexibility and personalization.

1. Create a New Section: In your Shopify admin, go to “Online Store” > “Themes” > “Actions” > “Edit Code.” Create a new Liquid file in the Sections directory (e.g., related-products.liquid).
2. Add Liquid Code: Implement Liquid code that utilizes the recommendations object to display related products based on criteria such as product tags or collections.
3. Include the Section in Your Product Template: Add your new section to the product template by including {% section 'related-products' %} where you want it to appear.
4. Save and Test: Save your changes and preview your store to ensure the related products section is functioning correctly.

Managing Your Related Products Section

Once you have added the related products section, it's essential to manage and optimize it regularly.

• Monitor Performance: Use Shopify Analytics to track the performance of related products and how they impact conversion rates and sales.
• Adjust Recommendations: If the automated recommendations aren’t performing as well as you’d like, consider using manual recommendations or testing different configurations.
• Customer Feedback: Gather insights from customer feedback on product recommendations to refine your strategy and improve relevancy.

Best Practices for Implementing Related Products

To maximize the effectiveness of your related products section, consider the following best practices:

1. Limit the Number of Recommendations: Displaying too many options can overwhelm customers. Aim for 3-4 relevant products to keep the focus on quality rather than quantity.
2. Highlight Discounts or Promotions: If certain related products are on sale, make that clear to entice purchases.
3. Use High-Quality Images: Ensure that the images used in the related products section are high-resolution and visually appealing to attract customer attention.
4. A/B Testing: Experiment with different layouts, product selections, and messaging to see what resonates best with your audience.

Conclusion

Adding related products to your Shopify store is a powerful strategy that can boost sales, enhance customer experience, and drive sustainable growth. Whether you choose to utilize Shopify's native functionality, invest in advanced apps, or customize your solution with Liquid code, the benefits of a well-implemented related products section are clear.

At PowerCommerce, we understand the challenges ecommerce brands face in optimizing their online operations. Our PowerCommerce eStore Suite is designed to empower businesses with the tools needed for effective storefront optimization, conversion rate optimization, and seamless Shopify migrations. We encourage you to explore the capabilities of our eStore Suite and see how it can elevate your ecommerce strategy. Order Now.

FAQ

1. How do I get related products on Shopify? The easiest way to add related products on Shopify is to utilize the native functionality available in Online Store 2.0 themes. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to set it up.

2. Can I customize the related products section on Shopify? Yes, while the native related products section allows for basic customization, you can achieve advanced options through third-party apps or by using Liquid to create a custom section.

3. How do I turn off related products on Shopify? You can hide or delete the related products section by going to the theme customization window, selecting the product page template, and clicking "Hide" or "Delete."

4. How often should I review my related products? Regularly monitor the performance of your related products and adjust based on customer feedback and analytics insights to ensure optimal results.

5. What are complementary products, and how do they differ from related products? Complementary products enhance the main product, while related products serve as alternatives or similar options. Both can be effectively utilized to increase sales when implemented strategically.

By following the insights and strategies discussed in this post, you can transform how customers interact with your Shopify store and ultimately drive greater success in your ecommerce endeavors.