How to Set Up Filters in Shopify.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Product Filters
3. Requirements for Setting Up Filters in Shopify
4. Types of Filters Available in Shopify
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Filters in Shopify
6. Best Practices for Using Product Filters
7. Conclusion
8. FAQs

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed while shopping online, sifting through pages of products that don't match your preferences? Imagine the frustration of scrolling endlessly when all you want is a specific item. For e-commerce merchants, ensuring that customers can swiftly find what they are looking for is paramount. This is where product filtering becomes a game changer.

Product filters allow customers to narrow down their search results based on criteria such as size, color, price, and availability. This not only enhances the shopping experience but also significantly increases conversion rates. In fact, studies show that a well-organized product catalog can boost sales by up to 30%.

In this article, we will delve into the process of setting up filters in your Shopify store, focusing on both the essential functionalities and advanced techniques. By the end of this post, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively implement filters, ensuring your customers have a seamless shopping experience. We will cover the requirements for setting up filters, the different types of filters available, and provide a step-by-step guide to adding them to your store.

Let’s get started on this journey to enhance your Shopify store and improve customer satisfaction!

Understanding Product Filters

What Are Product Filters?

Product filters are tools that allow customers to narrow down product listings based on specific attributes. They can include standard options like price, availability, and product type, as well as custom filters based on product variants, such as size or color. The implementation of filters not only aids customers in finding products quickly but also helps in organizing your inventory more efficiently.

Why Are Product Filters Important?

1. Enhanced User Experience: Filters streamline the shopping process, making it easier for customers to find what they are looking for without unnecessary hassle.
2. Increased Sales: A well-structured filtering system can lead to higher conversion rates as customers can quickly locate the products that meet their needs.
3. Improved Navigation: For stores with extensive product catalogs, filters help in reducing clutter, allowing customers to navigate through your offerings effortlessly.

Requirements for Setting Up Filters in Shopify

Before you start adding filters to your Shopify store, it’s important to ensure that your store meets certain requirements:

1. Theme Compatibility: Filters are available for Online Store 2.0 themes. If your theme does not support filtering, you may need to update to a compatible theme.
2. Product Collection Size: Collections containing more than 5,000 products will not display filters. It’s advisable to divide large collections into smaller, more manageable ones.
3. Shopify Search & Discovery App: Utilizing the Shopify Search & Discovery app is crucial for creating and managing filters effectively.

To check if your theme supports filtering, navigate to Online Store > Navigation in your Shopify admin panel. If your theme is incompatible, a message will indicate this under the Collection and search filters section.

Types of Filters Available in Shopify

There are two main categories of filters you can implement in your Shopify store:

Standard Filters

These are the default filters available in all Shopify stores:

• Product Type: Filter products based on their category.
• Price: Allow customers to search within a specific price range.
• Availability: Show products that are in stock.
• Vendor: Filter by the brand or manufacturer.

Custom Filters

Custom filters can be tailored to your specific product offerings. These can include:

• Product Variants: Filters based on product options, such as size or color.
• Metafield Filters: These are based on metafields assigned to your products, allowing for more detailed and specific filtering options.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Filters in Shopify

Now that you understand the importance of filters and what you need to get started, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to add filters to your Shopify store.

Step 1: Install the Shopify Search & Discovery App

1. Go to the Shopify App Store and search for the Search & Discovery app.
2. Install the app and allow it to access your store data.

Step 2: Check Theme Compatibility

1. In your Shopify admin panel, navigate to Online Store > Navigation.
2. Look for the Collection and search filters section to confirm if your theme supports filters.

Step 3: Add Standard Filters

1. In the Shopify admin, click on Online Store > Navigation.
2. Scroll down to the Collection and search filters section.
3. Click on the Add filters button.
4. Select the standard filters you want to add (e.g., Product Type, Price, Vendor).
5. Click Done and save your changes.

Step 4: Create Custom Filters

1. In the Shopify Search & Discovery app, navigate to the Filters section.
2. Click on Add filter.
3. Choose the source for your custom filter (e.g., Product options, Metafields).
4. Rename the filter if necessary and select the desired filter behavior.
5. Click Save to add the filter to your store.

Step 5: Organize Your Filters

To improve usability, organize your filters by:

• Reordering them based on importance.
• Grouping similar filter values together for easier navigation.

Step 6: Customize Filter Appearance

1. In the Shopify Search & Discovery app, you can customize how filters appear to customers.
2. Choose visual elements for color swatches or images for specific filters.

Step 7: Test Your Filters

Once you’ve set up your filters, it’s crucial to test them:

1. Navigate to your store’s collection page.
2. Apply various filters to ensure they work as expected.
3. Check the user experience to see if the filters enhance navigation.

Best Practices for Using Product Filters

To maximize the effectiveness of your filters, consider the following best practices:

1. Limit the Number of Filters: Too many filters can overwhelm customers. Aim for clarity and simplicity.
2. Use Clear Labeling: Ensure that filter names are easily understandable to customers.
3. Regularly Update Filters: As your inventory changes, be proactive in updating filter options and values.
4. Monitor Performance: Use analytics to track how filters are being used and make adjustments based on customer behavior.

Conclusion

Setting up filters in your Shopify store is a crucial step towards enhancing the customer shopping experience. By providing customers with the tools to easily navigate your product offerings, you not only improve user satisfaction but also increase your chances of driving sales.

As you embark on this journey, remember that Praella offers comprehensive services that can elevate your brand’s online presence. From User Experience & Design to Web & App Development, and Strategy, Continuity, and Growth, we are here to help you achieve your vision.

If you're looking for expert guidance on setting up your Shopify filters or any other e-commerce needs, consider reaching out for a consultation with Praella. Together, we can work towards transforming your online store into a customer-centric experience that drives growth.

FAQs

What are the benefits of using product filters in Shopify?

Product filters enhance the shopping experience by allowing customers to quickly find products that meet their specific criteria, thereby increasing conversion rates.

How do I check if my Shopify theme supports filtering?

You can check your theme’s compatibility with filters by navigating to Online Store > Navigation in your Shopify admin panel. If your theme does not support filtering, a notification will be displayed.

Can I create custom filters in Shopify?

Yes, Shopify allows you to create custom filters based on product variants and metafields, giving you the flexibility to tailor the filtering experience to your specific product catalog.

How many filters can I add to my Shopify store?

You can add up to 25 filters in total for your store, combining both standard and custom filters.

What should I do if my collection has more than 5,000 products?

If your collection exceeds 5,000 products, it's advisable to split the collection into smaller categories that can effectively utilize filtering.