How to Hide Variants in Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide for E-commerce Success

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Hiding Variants
3. Methods for Hiding Variants in Shopify
4. Additional Tips for Managing Variants
5. Conclusion
6. FAQ

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, maintaining a streamlined and user-friendly shopping experience is crucial. Did you know that 70% of online shoppers abandon their carts due to a complicated checkout process or poor product visibility? This statistic underscores the importance of clear product offerings, especially when managing multiple variants of a single product. For Shopify store owners, effectively hiding variants—particularly those that are out of stock—can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and boost conversion rates.

In this blog post, we will explore the various methods to hide variants in Shopify, ensuring that your store remains clean and your customers can easily find what they're looking for. We will cover practical steps, code implementations, and tools that can help you manage your product variants effectively. By the end of this post, you will have a thorough understanding of how to hide variants in Shopify, elevating your store's performance and user experience.

Let’s dive into the strategies that will empower you to optimize your Shopify store.

The Importance of Hiding Variants

Enhancing User Experience

Hiding out-of-stock variants improves the shopping experience by eliminating confusion. When customers see only available options, they can make purchasing decisions faster, leading to higher conversion rates.

Managing Inventory Effectively

Maintaining a manageable inventory list is essential for e-commerce success. Hiding variants that are not available ensures that customers are not misled into thinking they can purchase items that are not in stock.

Improving Store Aesthetics

A clean, organized product display is visually appealing. Hiding unnecessary variants keeps your store looking professional and polished, which can positively influence customer perceptions of your brand.

SEO Impact

While hidden variants are not visible to customers, they are still part of your Shopify store's backend. Understanding the implications of variant visibility on SEO can help you strategize effectively.

Methods for Hiding Variants in Shopify

There are two primary methods for hiding variants in Shopify: through the Shopify dashboard and by using custom code. Each method has its own benefits, and we will explore both in detail.

Method 1: Using the Shopify Dashboard

One of the simplest ways to hide variants is directly through the Shopify dashboard. This method is suitable for those who prefer a straightforward, no-code approach.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Log into Your Shopify Admin: Begin by accessing your Shopify admin panel.
2. Navigate to Products: Select the ‘Products’ tab from the main menu.
3. Select a Product: Click on the product that contains the variants you wish to hide.
4. Manage Variants: Scroll down to the ‘Variants’ section. Here, you will see all the variants of the selected product.
5. Adjust Inventory Settings: For the variant you want to hide, uncheck the “Continue selling when out of stock” option. Ensure that the stock quantity is set to 0. This will effectively hide the variant from the storefront.
6. Save Changes: Don’t forget to save your changes at the top right corner of the page.

This approach is quick and does not require any coding knowledge. However, it can be cumbersome if you have numerous products and variants to manage.

Method 2: Using Custom Code

For those who are comfortable with coding or wish to implement more advanced solutions, using custom code is the way to go. This method allows for greater flexibility and can automate the process across your entire store.

Hiding Sold-Out Variants with Custom Liquid Code

To hide sold-out variants programmatically, you will need to edit your theme’s code. Here’s how:

1. Access Theme Code: Go to Online Store > Themes. Find your current theme and click on “Actions,” then select “Edit Code.”

2. Locate Theme Files: In the left sidebar, find the Assets folder and open either theme.js or theme.js.liquid.

3. Add Custom Code: Scroll to the bottom of the file and paste the following code snippet:

   document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
       const productJson = JSON.parse('{{ product | json }}');
       if (productJson.variants) {
           productJson.variants.forEach(variant => {
               if (!variant.available) {
                   const variantElement = document.querySelector(`input[value="${variant.id}"]`);
                   if (variantElement) {
                       variantElement.parentElement.style.display = 'none'; // Hides the variant
                   }
               }
           });
       }
   });
   

4. Save Your Changes: Click the “Save” button to apply the changes.

This code snippet will hide any variants that are sold out from the product page, providing a cleaner interface for your customers.

Using a Third-Party App

If coding isn’t your forte, or if you prefer a more user-friendly approach, consider using third-party apps available on the Shopify App Store. Several apps specialize in managing product visibility, including hiding sold-out variants.

Some recommended apps include:

• Camouflage: Hide Sold Variants: Automatically hides sold-out variants without affecting SEO.
• Out-of-Stock Police: This app helps manage visibility and alerts you when stock levels are low.

Using an app can save you time and effort, especially if you manage a large inventory.

Additional Tips for Managing Variants

Optimize Your Product Descriptions

Ensure that your product descriptions are clear and concise. This helps customers understand what options are available and what might be temporarily unavailable.

Implement Stock Alerts

Consider implementing stock alerts that notify customers when a previously sold-out variant becomes available. This can help retain interest and encourage purchases.

Regularly Review Your Inventory

Make it a habit to regularly check your inventory and update your product listings. This ensures that your store remains up to date and that customers always see the most relevant options.

Leverage AI and Data Analytics

At PowerCommerce, we emphasize the power of AI-driven insights to inform your inventory management and sales strategies. Understanding customer behavior and trends can help you make more informed decisions about which variants to hide or promote.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing how to hide variants in Shopify is essential for maintaining an effective and customer-friendly online store. By using the methods outlined in this blog—whether through the Shopify dashboard, custom coding, or third-party apps—you can enhance the user experience, streamline your inventory management, and improve overall store aesthetics.

As we navigate the complexities of e-commerce, let’s remember that every small change can lead to significant improvements in customer satisfaction and sales performance. We invite you to explore the PowerCommerce eStore Suite, where we offer innovative solutions to help you grow your eCommerce business seamlessly.

FAQ

1. Can I hide variants without deleting them? Yes, you can hide variants by setting their inventory to zero and disabling the “Continue selling when out of stock” option.

2. Will hiding variants affect my SEO? Hiding variants does not remove them from your store's backend, so they will still be indexed. However, they won’t be visible to customers, which can improve user experience and reduce bounce rates.

3. How can I automatically hide out-of-stock variants? You can use custom coding as described in this guide or opt for a third-party app designed to manage product visibility.

4. Is there a way to notify customers when a variant is back in stock? Yes, consider using stock alert apps that notify customers via email when their desired variant becomes available again.

5. How often should I review my product listings? Regularly reviewing your product listings, at least once a month or more frequently during peak seasons, can help you manage your inventory effectively and keep your offerings up to date.

By implementing these strategies, we can ensure that our Shopify stores remain competitive, user-friendly, and geared for success in an ever-evolving digital marketplace.