How to Add Related Products in Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Related Products
3. How Related Products Work in Shopify
4. Implementing Related Products in Shopify
5. Best Practices for Displaying Related Products
6. Enhancing Related Products with Tevello
7. Case Study: Related Products in Action
8. Overcoming Challenges in Product Recommendations
9. Conclusion

Introduction

Did you know that 35% of Amazon's revenue comes from its recommendation engine? This astonishing statistic underscores the importance of effectively showcasing related products in e-commerce. For Shopify merchants, mastering the art of product recommendations can be a game-changer in enhancing customer experience, increasing average order value, and ultimately driving revenue growth.

As e-commerce continues to evolve, so does the need to diversify income streams. One of the most effective strategies is to leverage existing product offerings by linking related items, making it easier for customers to discover complementary products. This not only boosts sales but also fosters a more engaging shopping experience.

In this blog post, we will explore how to add related products in Shopify. We’ll delve into the mechanics behind product recommendations, the best practices for implementation, and how Tevello can empower you in this endeavor. Whether you are a seasoned Shopify merchant or just starting out, this guide will provide actionable insights to elevate your online store.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of how related products work, how to implement them effectively, and why they are crucial for your Shopify business. Are you ready to enhance your Shopify store and engage your customers in a meaningful way? Let's dive in!

Understanding Related Products

What Are Related Products?

Related products are items that complement or are similar to the product that a customer is currently viewing. They provide an opportunity for merchants to showcase additional offerings that customers may find appealing. This section often appears on product pages, typically labeled as "You might also like" or "Related Products."

By displaying related products, you can:

• Enhance customer experience by providing options that meet their needs.
• Increase the likelihood of multiple purchases.
• Encourage customers to explore more items on your site.

Why Are Related Products Important?

The importance of related products cannot be overstated. Integrating this feature into your Shopify store can lead to:

1. Improved Customer Engagement: Related products keep customers on your site longer, providing them with more choices and increasing the chances of conversion.
2. Higher Average Order Value: When customers are presented with related products, they are more likely to add additional items to their cart, leading to increased sales.
3. Reduced Cart Abandonment: By offering complementary products, you can address potential customer hesitation and encourage them to complete their purchase.

How Related Products Work in Shopify

The Recommendation Algorithm

Shopify utilizes a recommendation algorithm that predicts which products are most relevant to a particular item based on various criteria. These include:

• Purchase History: Products that have been frequently bought together.
• Product Descriptions: Similarities in product details and features.
• Related Collections: Items within the same collection contextually relevant to the current product.

The algorithm provides a structured approach to displaying recommendations, ensuring that the products shown are likely to resonate with the customer.

Criteria for Recommendations

The effectiveness of related product suggestions depends on several factors, including:

• The relevance of the products to the one being viewed.
• The historical data of customer interactions with both the viewed product and potential recommendations.
• The overall inventory and collection structure of your Shopify store.

Understanding these criteria will help you create more effective related product displays.

Implementing Related Products in Shopify

Step 1: Access Your Shopify Admin

To begin adding related products, you will first need to log into your Shopify admin dashboard. From there, navigate to the Online Store section, where you can manage your themes and product settings.

Step 2: Customize Your Theme

To add related products, you'll likely need to customize your theme's code. This involves:

1. Finding the Product Template: Go to Online Store > Themes, then select Actions > Edit Code on your current theme.
2. Locating the Correct File: Look for the product template file, typically named product.liquid or product-template.liquid.
3. Adding the Related Products Code: Just above the closing </div> tag of the product description, insert the code that retrieves related products. For example:

   {% assign related_products = product.recommendations %}
   {% if related_products %}
     <h3>You might also like</h3>
     <ul>
       {% for related_product in related_products %}
         <li>
           <a href="{{ related_product.url }}">{{ related_product.title }}</a>
           <p>{{ related_product.price | money }}</p>
         </li>
       {% endfor %}
     </ul>
   {% endif %}
   

   This snippet will dynamically display related products based on the algorithm's recommendations.

Step 3: Save Your Changes

Once you've added the code, make sure to save your changes. It’s advisable to preview your store to ensure that the related products section is displaying as expected.

Step 4: Testing

Conduct thorough testing to ensure that the related products appear correctly on your product pages. Check that the displayed items are relevant and that the links function as intended.

Best Practices for Displaying Related Products

1. Limit the Number of Recommendations

While it can be tempting to showcase numerous related products, it’s best practice to limit the recommendations to about four items. This prevents overwhelming your customers and ensures that only the most relevant products are highlighted.

2. Use Engaging Language

Label your related products section with engaging phrases such as "You might also like" or "Complete your look with." This encourages customers to explore additional options and enhances the shopping experience.

3. Monitor Performance

Utilize analytics tools to monitor how well your related products feature is performing. Track metrics such as click-through rates and conversion rates to assess effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

Enhancing Related Products with Tevello

At Tevello, we empower Shopify merchants to unlock new revenue streams through our all-in-one solution that seamlessly integrates into the Shopify ecosystem. Our app enables you to create, manage, and sell online courses and digital products while building vibrant online communities directly within your Shopify store.

By incorporating Tevello into your Shopify strategy, you can enhance your related products feature with the following benefits:

• User-Friendly Interface: Our app is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for you to add and manage related products seamlessly.
• Robust Features: We offer powerful tools that allow you to build a comprehensive product ecosystem, enabling your customers to discover related courses, products, and community activities.
• Flat-Rate Pricing: Our transparent pricing model ensures no hidden fees, allowing you to focus on growing your business without worrying about unexpected costs.

Ready to build your course? Get started with Tevello and start your 14-day free trial today!

Case Study: Related Products in Action

Let’s consider a hypothetical case study to illustrate the impact of adding related products.

Scenario: A Shopify Merchant Selling Craft Supplies

Imagine a Shopify merchant specializing in craft supplies. They sell a variety of products, including yarn, knitting needles, and patterns. By integrating a related products section, they can display relevant items when a customer views a specific product, such as a skein of yarn.

When a customer views the "Soft Wool Yarn," the related products section could feature:

• Knitting Needles (specific size compatible with the yarn)
• Beginner Knitting Patterns
• Yarn Storage Solutions
• Other Colors of the Same Yarn

By presenting these related products, the merchant not only enhances the shopping experience but also increases the chances of upselling multiple items, ultimately driving higher sales.

Overcoming Challenges in Product Recommendations

While implementing related products can significantly benefit your Shopify store, there are a few challenges that merchants may encounter.

1. Limited Customization

Shopify's recommendation algorithm offers limited options for customization. Merchants cannot exclude specific products from appearing in related product suggestions. However, you can choose which of the returned products to show using JavaScript, allowing for some level of control over the display.

2. Algorithm Limitations

The recommendation algorithm does not consider orders from imported stores or certain types of products (e.g., out-of-stock items). This can sometimes limit the effectiveness of the related products displayed. Regularly auditing your inventory and adjusting your product descriptions can help improve the algorithm's accuracy.

3. Theme Compatibility

Not all themes are built the same, and some may have limitations regarding how related products are displayed. If you're using a custom theme, you may need to consult with a developer to ensure that related products are implemented correctly.

Conclusion

Adding related products to your Shopify store is not just a technical enhancement; it's a strategic move that can significantly impact your business's bottom line. By understanding the mechanics behind related products, implementing best practices, and utilizing Tevello’s all-in-one solution, you can create a more engaging shopping experience for your customers.

As we’ve seen through case studies and examples, related products can boost customer engagement, increase average order value, and reduce cart abandonment. Are you ready to take the next step and transform your Shopify store?

Start your 14-day free trial of Tevello today and unlock the potential of your online business! Start your free trial here.

FAQ

How do I add related products in Shopify?

To add related products in Shopify, you will need to customize your theme code. Navigate to your theme's product template file and insert code that pulls in related products based on Shopify's recommendation algorithm.

Can I customize which products are displayed as related products?

You cannot directly customize the recommendation algorithm to exclude specific products. However, you can control which products are shown using JavaScript in your theme code.

Are there any limitations to the related products feature?

Yes, the recommendation algorithm does not include out-of-stock products or items with a price of $0. Additionally, it does not consider imported orders from other stores to generate recommendations.

How can I monitor the effectiveness of my related products section?

You can use Shopify's analytics tools to track metrics such as click-through rates and conversion rates specific to the related products section, helping you gauge its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.

Is Tevello suitable for all Shopify merchants?

Absolutely! Tevello is designed to empower all Shopify merchants looking to enhance their product offerings and engage customers through online courses and communities. Our user-friendly platform caters to both new and established merchants looking to innovate their business strategy.

By integrating Tevello into your Shopify store, you can unlock new revenue streams and build meaningful connections with your audience.