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How to Change Continue Shopping Link in Shopify.

How to Change Continue Shopping Link in Shopify

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Understanding the Importance of a "Continue Shopping" Link
  3. How to Change the "Continue Shopping" Link in Shopify
  4. Testing Your Changes
  5. The Impact of Continuous Improvement
  6. Conclusion
  7. FAQs

Introduction

Imagine you're a customer browsing an online store, excited about your potential purchases. You add a few items to your cart, but before completing the checkout, you want to explore more products. What if there was an easy way to return to the shopping pages without losing your cart items? This is where the "Continue Shopping" link comes into play. It's a small yet significant feature that can enhance user experience and potentially boost sales.

In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, optimizing the customer journey is crucial. A well-placed "Continue Shopping" link can encourage users to browse more, increasing the likelihood of additional purchases. As online shopping continues to grow, understanding how to effectively implement and customize this feature on your Shopify store becomes essential.

This blog post will guide you through the steps to change the "Continue Shopping" link in Shopify. By the end of this article, you will not only learn how to modify the link but also understand its importance in enhancing user experience and engagement. We will cover everything from the basic steps of adding the link to exploring advanced customization options, ensuring you're equipped with the knowledge to optimize your store effectively.

Together, we'll explore how to implement these changes, and I'll provide practical insights to help you create an unforgettable shopping experience for your customers. Let’s dive into the specifics of changing the "Continue Shopping" link in Shopify and discover how it can benefit your online store.

Understanding the Importance of a "Continue Shopping" Link

Why It Matters

The "Continue Shopping" link serves as a bridge between the shopping cart and the rest of the store. It allows customers to navigate back to product pages without having to start over. This seamless transition is vital for several reasons:

  • User Convenience: It provides a straightforward way for customers to resume browsing without losing their cart items.
  • Reduced Cart Abandonment: A well-placed link can decrease the likelihood of cart abandonment by encouraging users to continue their shopping journey.
  • Enhanced User Experience: A user-friendly interface is crucial in e-commerce, and the "Continue Shopping" link contributes to a smoother navigation experience.

The Role of User Experience (UX) Design

The placement and visibility of the "Continue Shopping" link are influenced by user experience design principles. A data-driven approach to UX design ensures that the link is positioned strategically within the cart page, making it easy for users to find. For those looking to elevate their brand and realize their vision through exceptional design, Praella’s User Experience & Design services can provide tailored solutions.

How to Change the "Continue Shopping" Link in Shopify

Changing the "Continue Shopping" link in Shopify is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with some basic coding. Below, I’ll walk you through the steps.

Step 1: Access Your Shopify Admin

  1. Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
  2. Navigate to Online Store and then click on Themes.

Step 2: Edit Your Theme Code

  1. Find the theme you want to edit and click on the Actions button.
  2. Select Edit code from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Locate the Cart Template

  1. In the Sections directory, look for the cart-template.liquid file. If it doesn't exist, check the Templates directory for cart.liquid.
  2. Open the file to view the code.

Step 4: Find the Checkout Button Code

  1. Search for the code related to the checkout button. It usually looks like this:
    <button type="submit" id="checkout" name="checkout" class="btn">{{ 'cart.general.checkout' | t }}</button>
    

Step 5: Add the Continue Shopping Link

Now, you will add the "Continue Shopping" link. Depending on where you want the link to go, use one of the following code snippets:

  • Link to Catalog Page:
    <a href="/collections/all" title="Continue shopping">Continue shopping</a>
    
  • Link to Home Page:
    <a href="/" title="Continue shopping">Continue shopping</a>
    
  • Link to Last Viewed Collection:
    <a id="continue-shopping" href="" title="Continue shopping">Continue shopping</a>
    

Paste the corresponding code just before or after the checkout button code.

Step 6: Save Changes

After adding the appropriate link, click Save to apply your changes.

Step 7: (Optional) Add JavaScript for Last Viewed Collection

If you chose to link to the last viewed collection, you’ll need to add some JavaScript:

  1. In the Layout directory, open theme.liquid.

  2. Find the closing </body> tag at the bottom of the file.

  3. Paste the following code above the closing </body> tag:

    <script>
    if(Storage !== undefined) {
        var defaultLink = "/collections/all";
        {% if template contains 'collection' %}
        sessionStorage.collection = "{{ collection.url }}";
        {% endif %}
        {% if template contains 'cart' %}
        if( !sessionStorage.collection ) {
            sessionStorage.collection = defaultLink;
        }
        document.getElementById("continue-shopping").href = sessionStorage.collection;
        {% endif %}
    }
    </script>
    
  4. Click Save again.

Step 8: Style Your Link (Optional)

If you want your "Continue Shopping" link to look like a button, you can add styling:

  • For primary button styling, modify the link code as follows:

    <a href="/collections/all" title="Continue shopping" class="btn">Continue shopping</a>
    
  • For secondary button styling, use:

    <a href="/collections/all" title="Continue shopping" class="btn--secondary">Continue shopping</a>
    

Testing Your Changes

After implementing the changes, it’s crucial to test the functionality:

  1. Go to your online store and add an item to your cart.
  2. Navigate to the cart page.
  3. Click the "Continue Shopping" link to ensure it redirects you to the correct page.

If the link works as intended, you've successfully customized the "Continue Shopping" link!

The Impact of Continuous Improvement

E-commerce is an ever-changing landscape, and staying ahead of the game requires continuous improvement. Regularly analyzing user behavior and making adjustments can significantly enhance your store's performance. Consider using Praella’s Strategy, Continuity, and Growth services to develop data-driven strategies that focus on enhancing page speed, data harvesting, technical SEO, and accessibility.

Conclusion

The "Continue Shopping" link is more than just a navigation tool; it’s a powerful component of the customer journey that can lead to increased sales and a better user experience. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily change the "Continue Shopping" link in your Shopify store to better suit your customers' needs.

Remember, optimizing your store is an ongoing process that can benefit from expert guidance. If you're looking for a partner in your e-commerce journey, consider exploring Praella’s Consultation services to help you navigate the complexities of online retail.

FAQs

Q1: Can I customize the "Continue Shopping" link without coding?
A1: While coding is the primary method to change the link, some Shopify themes may offer customization options through the theme editor. Check your theme settings for any available options.

Q2: What if I want to direct users to a specific collection?
A2: You can replace the URL in the link with the specific collection URL you want customers to visit.

Q3: How often should I review my store’s user experience elements?
A3: Regular reviews are recommended, especially after major updates or changes to your product offerings. Analyzing user behavior can provide insights into areas needing improvement.

Q4: Is it possible to add multiple "Continue Shopping" links?
A4: Yes, you can add multiple links directing to different pages, but it's advisable to keep it simple for user clarity.

Q5: How can I track the effectiveness of the "Continue Shopping" link?
A5: Utilize analytics tools to track user behavior on your site and see if the changes lead to increased browsing time or conversions.

By implementing these strategies and maintaining a focus on user experience, you’ll not only improve your Shopify store's functionality but also create a more engaging shopping experience for your customers.


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