How to Add a Coming Soon Product on Shopify: Unlocking Anticipation and Engagement

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Add 'Coming Soon' Products?
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a 'Coming Soon' Product
4. Integrating Pre-Orders
5. Promotional Strategies for Out-of-Stock Products
6. Best Practices for Managing Coming Soon Products
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that nearly 70% of consumers are more likely to purchase a product when they know it's coming soon? This statistic underscores the power of anticipation in the e-commerce landscape. For Shopify merchants looking to enhance customer engagement and diversify their revenue streams, adding "coming soon" products can be a game-changer.

As we navigate the evolving creator economy, understanding how to effectively manage product launches and cultivate customer interest is essential. By strategically labeling sold-out items as "coming soon," we can keep our audience engaged and excited, turning a temporary setback into an opportunity for connection and anticipation.

This blog post will guide you through the process of adding coming soon products on Shopify, providing you with actionable insights that can elevate your store's strategy. We will discuss the benefits of utilizing this feature, step-by-step instructions for implementation, promotional strategies, and best practices to ensure a successful product launch. At Tevello, we believe in empowering Shopify merchants like you to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with your audience, all within your Shopify ecosystem.

Are you ready to learn how to effectively add coming soon products to your Shopify store? Let’s dive in!

Why Add 'Coming Soon' Products?

Adding "coming soon" products to your Shopify store isn't just about filling inventory gaps—it's a strategic move that can significantly enhance customer engagement and sales potential. Here are several compelling reasons to consider:

1. Maintaining Interest: When popular items are sold out, marking them as "coming soon" allows you to maintain customer interest and excitement. Instead of being met with disappointment, shoppers are informed that their favorite products will return shortly.
2. Building Anticipation: A well-marketed "coming soon" product creates buzz and anticipation. By leveraging countdown timers, sneak peeks, and promotional emails, we can engage potential customers and keep them informed about upcoming releases.
3. Fostering a Loyal Customer Base: A "notify me" feature allows customers to sign up for alerts, making them feel involved in the process and turning them into loyal followers who are eager to purchase once the product is available.
4. Creating a Sense of Exclusivity: Limited-time offers or exclusive previews can enhance the perceived value of your products. When customers know they have the chance to be among the first to purchase, it can create urgency and drive sales.
5. Enhancing Brand Awareness: Promoting upcoming products via email newsletters and social media can boost your brand's visibility. Engaging marketing campaigns can turn product launches into events, generating excitement and attracting new customers.

By implementing a "coming soon" strategy, we can transform our Shopify store into a hub of excitement and anticipation, ultimately driving sales and fostering long-term customer relationships.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a 'Coming Soon' Product

Now that we understand the benefits, let’s explore the step-by-step process of adding a "coming soon" product to your Shopify store.

Step 1: Create a New Product Listing

1. Log in to Your Shopify Admin Panel: Start by navigating to your Shopify admin dashboard.
2. Click on 'Products': In the left sidebar, select the "Products" section.
3. Add a New Product: Click on the "Add product" button to create a new listing.

Step 2: Set Inventory and Pricing

1. Product Title: Write a compelling title that reflects the exclusivity of the product (e.g., "Coming Soon: Limited Edition Backpack").
2. Product Description: Craft an engaging description that informs customers about the product and its features. Be sure to mention that it will be available soon.
3. Set Pricing: Even if the product is not yet available, showing a price can reinforce its value. Mark the inventory as "unavailable" if needed.

Step 3: Categorize the Product

1. Tags and Collections: Organize your new product using tags such as "Coming Soon," "New," or "Exclusive." This will help improve searchability within your store.
2. Create a Dedicated 'Coming Soon' Collection: Consider setting up a collection specifically for "coming soon" products. This makes it easy for customers to find all upcoming items in one place.

Step 4: Add a 'Coming Soon' Badge

1. Designing the Badge: Create or choose a visually appealing "coming soon" badge that aligns with your brand. This badge should be easily recognizable and enticing.
2. Overlay the Badge: Use your product images to overlay the badge, ensuring it is clear and visible on both product and collection pages.

Step 5: Save and Publish the Product

1. Preview the Product Page: Before publishing, preview the product page to ensure that all elements are displaying correctly and the "coming soon" message is clear.
2. Publish the Product: Once satisfied with the setup, save the product listing. Decide whether to publish it immediately or schedule it for a future date that aligns with your marketing plans.

Step 6: Promote the Coming Soon Product

1. Banners and Email Campaigns: Use banners on your homepage and email newsletters to generate excitement around the upcoming product. Encourage customers to sign up for notifications or follow your social media for updates.
2. Social Media Engagement: Share sneak peeks, countdowns, or behind-the-scenes content on your social media channels to build anticipation and engage your audience.

By following these steps, we can successfully set up a "coming soon" product that captures customer interest and keeps them engaged with our brand.

Integrating Pre-Orders

A powerful strategy for maximizing the potential of your "coming soon" products is to offer pre-orders. This approach not only generates immediate sales but also helps gauge customer demand. Here’s how to effectively integrate pre-orders:

1. Enable Pre-Order Functionality: Use an app or Shopify feature that allows customers to place orders for products that are not yet in stock. This can be a valuable tool for managing demand and inventory.
2. Set Clear Expectations: Communicate expected shipping dates and any potential delays directly within the product description. Transparency builds trust with customers and reduces inquiries.
3. Incorporate a 'Notify Me' Button: This feature allows customers to sign up for restock alerts, ensuring they are the first to know when the product is available for purchase.
4. Provide Incentives: Consider offering discounts or exclusive bonuses for customers who pre-order. This can further encourage early purchases and create a sense of urgency.
5. Market the Pre-Order Opportunity: Promote your pre-order option across all marketing channels, including your website, social media, and email campaigns. Use compelling visuals and engaging copy to drive interest.

By integrating pre-orders into our "coming soon" strategy, we position ourselves to capture sales before the product officially launches, turning anticipation into revenue.

Promotional Strategies for Out-of-Stock Products

When managing out-of-stock products, transforming them into "coming soon" opportunities can be a highly effective strategy. Here are some promotional approaches to consider:

Using Countdown Timers

Adding countdown timers to your product pages not only creates urgency but also visually emphasizes the upcoming launch. Customers are likely to be more motivated to return to your site when they see a ticking clock.

Leveraging Email Marketing

Email marketing can be a powerful tool for promoting your upcoming products. Create dedicated email campaigns that highlight the "coming soon" items, include engaging visuals, and encourage customers to sign up for notifications.

Encouraging Social Sharing

Encourage your customers to share their excitement about upcoming products on social media. Create shareable graphics or hashtags that customers can use, generating organic buzz around your new offerings.

Utilizing Customer Engagement

Engage your audience by asking them to participate in the product unveiling. You can run polls, ask for feedback on product features, or even host contests where customers can win the product once it's released.

Best Practices for Managing Coming Soon Products

To ensure the success of your "coming soon" products, we should adopt several best practices:

1. Clear Communication: Always keep your customers informed about the status of their orders, including expected launch dates and any changes that may occur.
2. Consistent Branding: Make sure that any promotional material, product images, and badges align with your brand's aesthetic and messaging.
3. Engagement Opportunities: Use the "coming soon" status to engage with customers. Encourage them to ask questions or share their excitement through comments or social media.
4. Feedback Collection: After the product launch, gather feedback from customers regarding their experience. This can help us refine future launches and better serve our audience.
5. Monitor Sales and Trends: Analyze the performance of your "coming soon" products to understand which items generate the most interest. Use this data to inform future product development and marketing strategies.

By adopting these best practices, we can create a robust framework for managing "coming soon" products, ultimately enhancing customer engagement and driving sales.

Conclusion

Adding "coming soon" products to our Shopify store is a powerful tactic for maintaining customer interest, building anticipation, and ultimately driving sales. By following the steps outlined in this guide, we can effectively manage our product listings and cultivate a loyal customer base eager for our upcoming offerings.

At Tevello, we are committed to empowering Shopify merchants to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with their audience. Our all-in-one platform integrates seamlessly into the Shopify ecosystem, providing user-friendly features that simplify course creation, community building, and digital product management.

Are you ready to take your Shopify store to the next level? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and discover how we can help you effectively manage your upcoming product launches.

FAQ

1. How do I notify customers when a product becomes available? You can add a "notify me" button on your product page, allowing customers to sign up for restock alerts via email.

2. Can I use pre-orders for my coming soon products? Yes! Integrating a pre-order option is an excellent way to manage demand and generate sales before the product is officially launched.

3. What is the best way to promote coming soon products? Utilize social media, email marketing, and website banners to promote your upcoming products. Engage your audience with countdown timers and sneak peeks.

4. How can I ensure a successful launch for my coming soon products? Clear communication, consistent branding, and engaging marketing strategies are key. Monitor customer feedback and sales data to refine your approach for future launches.

5. Can I categorize my coming soon products? Yes, creating a dedicated collection for "coming soon" products can help customers easily locate and explore what’s upcoming in your store.

By implementing these strategies, we can effectively transform our Shopify stores into exciting platforms that keep customers coming back for more. Let’s harness the power of anticipation and watch our businesses thrive!