How to Add Complementary Products in Shopify: A Complete Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Complementary Products
3. How to Add Complementary Products in Shopify
4. Case Study: Implementing Complementary Products
5. Best Practices for Adding Complementary Products
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that offering complementary products can increase your average order value (AOV) by up to 30%? This eye-opening statistic highlights a crucial opportunity for Shopify merchants looking to maximize their revenue potential. As e-commerce continues to evolve, the importance of diversifying product offerings and enhancing customer experience cannot be overstated.

Imagine running a thriving Shopify store where your customers not only find what they’re looking for but are also introduced to products that perfectly complement their purchases. This not only boosts your sales but also enriches the shopping experience, fostering long-term customer loyalty. So, how do we achieve this?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the various strategies and best practices for adding complementary products to your Shopify store. We will cover everything from leveraging Shopify’s built-in features to implementing custom solutions. We'll also introduce you to Tevello, our all-in-one platform that empowers you to create, manage, and sell online courses and digital products seamlessly within your Shopify store. With our practical approach, we aim to guide you in maximizing your store’s potential.

Are you ready to elevate your Shopify store by enhancing product visibility and customer engagement? Let’s dive into how to add complementary products in Shopify effectively.

Understanding Complementary Products

Complementary products are items that enhance or supplement the primary product a customer is purchasing. For instance, if someone buys a camera, complementary products may include lenses, tripods, or camera bags. The strategic placement of these items can significantly impact your sales and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Adding Complementary Products

1. Increased Average Order Value (AOV): By showcasing complementary products, you encourage customers to purchase more items, thus increasing your AOV.
2. Improved Customer Experience: Providing suggestions for complementary products enhances the shopping experience, making it easier for customers to find what they need.
3. Higher Conversion Rates: Displaying relevant products can lead to higher conversion rates, as customers are more likely to add additional items to their cart.
4. Boosted Customer Loyalty: When customers find what they need and more, they are likely to return, fostering brand loyalty.

By understanding the significance of complementary products, we can effectively implement strategies to enhance their visibility in our Shopify stores.

How to Add Complementary Products in Shopify

Adding complementary products involves a combination of Shopify’s built-in features and customizations. Below, we will explore various methods to implement this strategy successfully.

1. Using Shopify’s Built-in Features

Product Recommendations API

Shopify provides a Product Recommendations API that allows merchants to automatically display complementary products. Here’s how to use it:

• Install the API: Ensure your Shopify theme supports the Product Recommendations API. If so, you can access it through your theme settings.
• Customize Your Theme:
  • Go to your Shopify Admin dashboard.
  • Click on Online Store and then Themes.
  • Select the Customize button next to your current theme.
  • Navigate to the Product Page settings.
• Add the Recommendations Block:
  • Find the option to add a block for complementary products.
  • Choose to display 2-3 recommended products by default and set pagination for additional items.
• Use Descriptive Labels: Use phrases like “Pairs well with” or “Frequently bought together” to clearly communicate the relevance of the complementary products.

Implementing these features can significantly enhance the visibility of complementary products on your Shopify store.

2. Manual Recommendations

In addition to automated recommendations, manually selecting complementary products can be a powerful strategy, particularly for niche or unique offerings. Here’s how to do it:

• Identify Complementary Products: Analyze your product catalog and identify items that naturally pair well with each other.
• Edit Product Recommendations:
  • In the product settings of your Shopify Admin, scroll down to the Product Recommendations section.
  • Here, you can manually add or remove products from the complementary products list.
• Highlight the Selection: Use compelling copy and visuals to draw attention to these products on your product pages.

This manual approach allows for greater control over the products displayed, ensuring they align with your marketing objectives.

3. Using Apps for Enhanced Functionality

If you're looking for more advanced features, there are various Shopify apps that specialize in product recommendations and upselling. Here’s how to leverage these tools:

• Explore Available Apps: Visit the Shopify App Store and search for product recommendation apps. Look for features such as:
  • Customizable recommendation algorithms.
  • A/B testing capabilities.
  • Integration with your existing marketing tools.
• Integrate with Tevello: With Tevello, you can not only manage your product recommendations but also create online courses and digital products that can serve as complementary offerings. Imagine offering a course on photography alongside camera equipment.
• Set Up and Customize: Once you’ve selected an app, follow the installation instructions and customize the settings to fit your store’s needs.

Utilizing apps can provide you with the flexibility and advanced features necessary to optimize your product offerings.

4. Leveraging Email Marketing for Upselling

Post-purchase emails can be a powerful tool for promoting complementary products. Here’s how to implement this strategy:

• Collect Customer Emails: Ensure you are collecting customer emails during the checkout process.
• Create Targeted Campaigns:
  • Segment your audience based on their past purchases.
  • Design email campaigns that highlight complementary products related to their recent purchases.
• Use Incentives: Consider offering discounts or limited-time offers on complementary products within these emails to encourage purchases.

By combining email marketing with product recommendations, you can effectively drive additional sales.

5. Enhancing the Cart Experience

The shopping cart is a prime opportunity for upselling complementary products. Here’s how to enhance this experience:

• Display Recommendations in the Cart: Show complementary products directly in the shopping cart with prompts like “You might also like” or “Frequently bought together.”
• Use Pop-ups: Consider implementing a pop-up that triggers when a customer is about to check out, showcasing complementary products that could enhance their purchase.
• Streamline Checkout: While upselling, ensure that the checkout process remains smooth and user-friendly to avoid cart abandonment.

This approach can effectively encourage customers to add more items to their cart right before completing their purchase.

6. Customizing the User Interface

Your store’s design and layout can significantly impact how customers perceive complementary products. Here’s how to enhance the user interface:

• Positioning: Place the complementary products section near the product description or images to catch the customer’s attention.
• Collapsible Sections: Consider making the complementary products section collapsible to avoid overwhelming customers with information.
• Use Visual Cues: Incorporate eye-catching visuals or icons to draw attention to the complementary products section.

By customizing the user interface, you can create a visually appealing experience that highlights complementary products effectively.

Case Study: Implementing Complementary Products

Let’s consider a hypothetical case study of a Shopify merchant selling craft supplies. This merchant can add value by offering a “Beginner’s Knitting” course alongside their yarn and knitting needles.

Step-by-Step Implementation

1. Identify Complementary Products: The merchant identifies yarn, needles, and patterns as complementary products to their knitting course.
2. Set Up Product Recommendations: Using Shopify’s Product Recommendations API, the merchant configures their product pages to display the course alongside the yarn and needles.
3. Email Marketing Campaign: After a customer purchases yarn, the merchant sends a follow-up email offering a discount on the knitting course.
4. Checkout Enhancements: During checkout, the merchant displays a pop-up suggesting other knitting accessories that pair well with the purchased yarn.
5. User Interface Customization: The merchant uses visually appealing graphics to indicate complementary products, making them stand out.

By implementing these strategies, this merchant not only increases their AOV but also enhances the customer experience, leading to repeat business.

Best Practices for Adding Complementary Products

To maximize the effectiveness of your complementary product strategy, consider the following best practices:

• Test and Optimize: Monitor the performance of your complementary product recommendations and make adjustments based on customer behavior and feedback.
• Use Analytics: Leverage Shopify’s analytics tools to track the success of your complementary product offerings, analyzing which products generate the most additional sales.
• Be Mindful of Timing: Introduce complementary products at strategic points in the customer journey, such as during browsing, checkout, or post-purchase.
• Feedback Loop: Encourage customers to provide feedback on product recommendations, using this information to refine your offerings.

By following these best practices, you can create a robust strategy that enhances customer satisfaction and drives sales.

Conclusion

Adding complementary products to your Shopify store can significantly enhance the shopping experience, increase average order value, and foster customer loyalty. By implementing strategies such as utilizing Shopify’s built-in features, leveraging apps, and enhancing the checkout experience, we can create a seamless and effective approach.

At Tevello, we believe in empowering Shopify merchants to unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with their audience. Our all-in-one solution helps you manage not just products but also online courses and vibrant communities directly within your Shopify store.

Are you ready to elevate your Shopify store? Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and experience the benefits of integrating complementary products into your e-commerce strategy. Install the all-in-one course platform for Shopify.

FAQ

1. What are complementary products, and why are they important?
Complementary products are items that enhance or supplement the primary product a customer is purchasing. They are important because they can increase average order value, improve customer experience, and boost conversion rates.

2. How can I manually add complementary products in Shopify?
In Shopify, you can manually add complementary products by navigating to the product settings and editing the product recommendations section. Here, you can add or remove products from the complementary products list.

3. Can I use apps to enhance my product recommendations?
Yes, there are various Shopify apps available that specialize in product recommendations. These apps can offer advanced features such as customizable recommendation algorithms and A/B testing capabilities.

4. How can I leverage email marketing for upselling complementary products?
You can leverage email marketing by segmenting your audience based on past purchases and sending targeted emails that promote complementary products. Offering discounts or limited-time offers can further encourage purchases.

5. What are some best practices for displaying complementary products?
Best practices include testing and optimizing your recommendations, using analytics to track performance, being mindful of timing, and encouraging customer feedback on product suggestions.

By implementing these strategies and best practices, we can create a thriving Shopify store that not only meets customer needs but also drives revenue growth.