How to Create a Custom Section in Shopify.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Shopify Sections
3. Creating a Custom Section in Shopify
4. Best Practices for Creating Custom Sections
5. Conclusion
6. FAQ

Introduction

Imagine you're browsing through an e-commerce store and come across a beautifully designed product page that seamlessly integrates engaging visuals with informative content. What if you could create a similar experience for your own Shopify store? With the rise of e-commerce, having a unique and customizable storefront is essential for standing out in a crowded market. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by utilizing Shopify's custom sections.

Sections in Shopify allow merchants to modify and enhance their online stores without needing extensive coding knowledge. With the introduction of Online Store 2.0, Shopify has empowered users to create and manage sections more efficiently than ever before. This blog post aims to guide you through the process of creating a custom section in Shopify, highlighting the various features and capabilities this functionality offers.

By the end of this article, you will understand the importance of custom sections, how to create them, and how they can elevate the user experience on your Shopify store. We will delve into the following topics:

• What Shopify sections are and their significance
• The different types of sections available
• A step-by-step guide on creating your own custom section
• Best practices for optimizing your custom sections

Let’s embark on this journey to unlock the full potential of your Shopify store through custom sections!

Understanding Shopify Sections

What Are Shopify Sections?

Shopify sections are modular components of a theme that enable merchants to add, remove, and customize various content areas on their website. Introduced as part of Shopify's commitment to providing a flexible and user-friendly platform, sections allow users to design their pages with ease. Each section can contain specific content, settings, and styles, making it an essential tool for creating a unique online presence.

Importance of Custom Sections

The ability to create custom sections means that you can tailor your store to reflect your brand's identity and meet your customers' needs. Custom sections enhance the user experience by providing relevant content, showcasing products effectively, and encouraging interactions. When designed thoughtfully, these sections can significantly impact conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

Types of Shopify Sections

In Shopify, sections can be categorized mainly into two types:

1. Main Page Sections: These sections are tied to specific page templates and typically contain the essential elements that define that page's content. For example, a product page may have a main section displaying product images, descriptions, and pricing information.

2. Modular Sections: These sections can be reused across different pages and are designed to supplement the main content. Examples include slideshows, featured collections, or promotional banners. Modular sections provide flexibility, allowing merchants to customize their stores dynamically.

Creating a Custom Section in Shopify

Creating a custom section in Shopify is a straightforward process that involves a few critical steps. Below is a detailed guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Access the Shopify Admin Panel

To begin, log in to your Shopify admin panel. From here, navigate to Online Store > Themes.

Step 2: Duplicate Your Theme

Before making any changes, it's essential to create a backup of your current theme. Click on the Actions button next to your active theme and select Duplicate. This ensures that you have a version to revert to if needed.

Step 3: Edit Code

Once you have duplicated your theme, click on the Actions button again and select Edit Code. This will open the code editor where you can make changes to your theme files.

Step 4: Create a New Section

In the left sidebar of the code editor, locate the Sections directory. Click on it to expand, and then click on Add a new section. You will be prompted to name your new section. Choose a descriptive name that reflects its purpose, such as custom-collection.

Step 5: Add HTML and Liquid Code

After creating the section, you will be presented with a template file. Here, you can insert your HTML and Liquid code. For example, if you want to create a section that showcases a product when it's out of stock, your code might look like this:

<div class="custom-collection-section">
  {% if product.available == false %}
    <p>This product is currently out of stock.</p>
    <a href="https://www.amazon.com" title="View on Amazon" target="_blank">View on Amazon</a>
  {% else %}
    <p>This product is available!</p>
  {% endif %}
</div>

{% schema %}
{
  "name": "Custom Collection",
  "settings": [
    {
      "type": "text",
      "id": "amazon_link",
      "label": "Amazon Link"
    }
  ]
}
{% endschema %}

In this code snippet, we use Liquid to check the product's availability and display a message accordingly. The schema section defines the settings that users can customize in the theme editor.

Step 6: Add the Section to a Template

Now that your custom section is ready, you need to add it to a template where you want it to appear. For example, if you want it on the product page, navigate to the Templates directory, find product.json, and include your custom section with the following line:

{% section 'custom-collection' %}

Step 7: Customize Your Section

After adding the section, go back to your Shopify admin and navigate to Online Store > Themes > Customize. Select the relevant page template from the dropdown menu. You should see your new section available for editing. Click on it to configure any settings you defined in the schema.

Step 8: Save Your Changes

Once you've customized your section to your liking, make sure to save all changes. Preview your store to ensure everything looks and functions as expected.

Best Practices for Creating Custom Sections

Now that you know how to create a custom section, let's discuss some best practices to ensure your sections are optimized for user experience and performance.

1. Keep It Simple

Avoid overcrowding your sections with too much information. A clean and straightforward design will enhance usability and keep visitors engaged.

2. Optimize for Mobile

With a significant amount of online shopping occurring on mobile devices, ensure your custom sections are responsive. Test how they appear on various screen sizes and adjust accordingly.

3. Utilize High-Quality Images

Visual content is crucial for e-commerce success. Use high-quality images to attract customers and showcase your products effectively.

4. Implement Clear Calls to Action

Encourage user interaction by including clear calls to action (CTAs) in your custom sections. Whether it’s a button to purchase a product or a link to view more items, CTAs guide users on what to do next.

5. Test and Iterate

Regularly test your custom sections for performance and user engagement. Use analytics to see how well they are converting and make tweaks as necessary to optimize performance.

Conclusion

Creating custom sections in Shopify is a powerful way to design a unique and engaging online store. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enhance your store's functionality and create a tailored experience for your customers. Remember to keep your designs user-friendly and aligned with your brand identity.

At Praella, we specialize in User Experience & Design, Web & App Development, and Strategy, Continuity, and Growth. If you need assistance in creating custom sections that elevate your Shopify store, our team of experts is here to help. Together, we can bring your vision to life and create memorable experiences for your customers.

Explore our services at Praella Solutions and start your journey toward a more customized and successful e-commerce experience today!

FAQ

Q: Do I need coding experience to create custom sections in Shopify?
A: While some coding knowledge is beneficial, Shopify's user-friendly interface allows many merchants to create custom sections without extensive programming skills.

Q: Can I add multiple custom sections to a single page?
A: Yes, you can add as many custom sections as needed, depending on your design preferences and the layout of your page.

Q: What if I encounter issues while creating a custom section?
A: If you run into challenges, consider reaching out to a Shopify expert or utilizing resources available through Shopify's Help Center.

Q: How can I ensure my custom sections are SEO-friendly?
A: Implement best practices for SEO, such as using relevant keywords, optimizing image alt text, and ensuring fast load times for your custom sections.

By understanding how to create custom sections in Shopify, you can significantly enhance your online store's design and functionality, ultimately leading to improved customer engagement and sales.