How to Create a Hidden Collection on Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Hidden Collections and Their Benefits
3. Step-by-Step Instructions on Creating a Hidden Collection
4. Strategies for Managing Product Visibility Within Hidden Collections
5. Tips for Promoting Your Hidden Collections Effectively
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that over 50% of online shoppers prefer exclusive access to products before they are made available to the general public? This trend emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of exclusivity in ecommerce. As ecommerce professionals, we are continuously seeking innovative ways to engage our customers and enhance their shopping experience. One effective strategy is to create hidden collections on Shopify.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of creating a hidden collection on Shopify, allowing you to offer select products to specific audiences while keeping them out of sight from your general store navigation. By the end of this article, you will understand how to set up hidden collections, manage product visibility, and leverage these exclusive offerings to drive conversions.

We will cover the following aspects:

• Understanding hidden collections and their benefits
• Step-by-step instructions on creating a hidden collection
• Strategies for managing product visibility within your hidden collections
• Tips for promoting your hidden collections effectively

Let's explore how we can enhance your Shopify store's functionality and create a competitive edge using hidden collections.

Understanding Hidden Collections and Their Benefits

What is a Hidden Collection?

A hidden collection in Shopify is a collection of products that is not publicly accessible through the store's main navigation. This means that the products can only be viewed by those who have the direct link to the collection. Hidden collections are particularly useful for:

• Exclusive promotions for a select audience, such as newsletter subscribers or loyalty program members.
• Seasonal offers that you want to keep private until a specific launch date.
• Testing new products with a limited audience before a full-scale launch.

Benefits of Hidden Collections

1. Enhanced Customer Experience: Offering exclusive products creates a sense of urgency and value for your customers, encouraging them to engage with your brand on a deeper level.
2. Controlled Visibility: By managing what products are visible and to whom, you can tailor your marketing strategies and maintain a clean storefront.
3. Increased Conversion Rates: With targeted promotions, you are more likely to convert interested customers into buyers.

Step-by-Step Instructions on Creating a Hidden Collection

Step 1: Log into Your Shopify Admin

To begin, log into your Shopify admin panel. This is the hub where you can manage all aspects of your online store.

Step 2: Create a New Collection

1. Navigate to the Products section in your Shopify admin.
2. Click on Collections.
3. Select Create collection.

Step 3: Configure Collection Settings

• Title: Give your collection a descriptive name that reflects the products it contains.
• Collection type: Choose either "Manual" or "Automated". For a hidden collection, we recommend selecting "Manual" to ensure full control over which products are included.
• Conditions: If you chose "Automated," set conditions to include specific products. For a hidden collection, skip this step.

Step 4: Add Products to the Hidden Collection

1. After creating the collection, scroll down to the Products section.
2. Click Browse to select the products you want to add to the collection.
3. Save your changes.

Step 5: Hide the Collection from Your Storefront

To ensure that your hidden collection is not displayed in the main navigation:

1. Go to the Online Store > Navigation.
2. Remove any links to the collection from your menus.
3. This will prevent customers from accessing the collection through the standard navigation paths.

Step 6: Accessing the Collection

Your collection will now be hidden from the storefront but accessible via a direct link. To find this link:

1. Return to the Collections section in your Shopify admin.
2. Click on the collection you just created.
3. Copy the URL from the address bar at the top of the page.

Step 7: Share the Link

You can now promote your hidden collection by sharing the link via email, social media, or through targeted marketing campaigns. This allows you to control who can access the collection while still promoting exclusive offers.

Strategies for Managing Product Visibility Within Hidden Collections

Using Tags and Custom Code

While creating a hidden collection is straightforward, managing product visibility within that collection may require additional steps for optimal performance. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Product Tags: Use product tags to categorize items that should remain hidden from the general public. For example, tag items with "hidden" or "exclusive." You can then adjust your store's theme code to exclude products with these tags from being displayed in the main product listings.

2. Custom Theme Modifications: If you have coding experience, you can modify your Shopify theme's Liquid code to conditionally show or hide products based on their tags. This requires a basic understanding of Liquid syntax, but it allows for more granular control over what appears on your site.

3. Apps for Enhanced Control: Consider using apps such as Locksmith or Hide Collection VIP Presales, which provide additional features for managing product visibility, such as password protection or creating secret URLs that only selected customers can access.

Tips for Promoting Your Hidden Collections Effectively

Leverage Email Marketing

Email marketing is an excellent way to drive traffic to your hidden collections. Here are some approaches:

• Exclusive Offers: Send out emails to your subscriber list promoting the hidden collection with an emphasis on exclusivity and limited-time offers.
• Personalized Messaging: Tailor your messaging to different segments of your audience for maximum engagement.

Utilize Social Media

Promote your hidden collections on social media platforms without providing the direct link. Instead, create buzz around the exclusivity of the collection and encourage followers to join your email list for access.

Collaborate with Influencers

Partnering with influencers or brand ambassadors can help promote your hidden collections to a broader audience. They can share the exclusive link with their followers, driving traffic to your store.

Create an Urgency

Emphasize the time-limited nature of your hidden collections in your promotions. Use countdown timers or limited stock messages to encourage quick purchases.

Conclusion

Creating a hidden collection on Shopify provides a strategic advantage in the competitive ecommerce landscape. By leveraging this feature, we can offer exclusive products, enhance customer loyalty, and drive conversions. As we’ve outlined, the process involves creating a new collection, managing product visibility, and promoting it effectively to your target audience.

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge on how to create a hidden collection on Shopify, consider exploring our PowerCommerce eStore Suite for more innovative tools that can enhance your ecommerce operations.

FAQs

Q: Can hidden collections be indexed by search engines?
A: No, if properly configured, hidden collections are not indexed by search engines as long as they are not linked to any public navigation.

Q: Can I still access the products in a hidden collection?
A: Yes, you can access the products in a hidden collection through the direct URL, and they can still be purchased if shared with customers.

Q: What happens if I accidentally link the hidden collection in my navigation?
A: If the collection is linked in your navigation, it will be accessible to anyone visiting your website. Make sure to review your navigation settings regularly.

For more insights on optimizing your ecommerce strategy, visit our PowerCommerce eStore Suite and consider booking a free audit today!