Add Variant Selector on Shopify Collection Pages

If you're running a Shopify store, you know how important it is to give your customers an easy way to browse your products. One feature that can significantly enhance the shopping experience is the variant selector on collection pages. 

But, you might be wondering: how do you add a variant selector in Shopify on collection pages? Don’t worry! In this article, we will walk you through exactly what variant selectors are, the benefits they bring, and how to implement them on your Shopify collection pages.

Key Takeaways

• Variant selectors on Shopify collection pages allow customers to quickly choose product variations without leaving the page.
• By streamlining the selection process, variant selectors help reduce abandoned carts and increase conversion rates.
• Displaying variants directly on the collection page keeps customers engaged and enables faster decision-making.
• Apps like Color Swatch King simplify adding variant selectors without the need for manual coding.
• Variant selectors are optimized for mobile, ensuring a seamless shopping experience across devices.

What Are Variant Selectors on Shopify?

Variant selectors are tools that allow customers to choose from different variations of a product on Shopify. These variations could include different colors, sizes, materials, or any other attributes tied to a specific product.

For example, a t-shirt might have several variants, such as small, medium, and large sizes or different colors like blue, black, or red. Without a variant selector, customers would have to click through to the product page to select their desired variation. With a variant selector placed directly on the collection page, they can see and choose these variations without leaving the page.

This makes the shopping process more convenient and also keeps customers engaged, making it more likely they'll purchase your product. The ability to view and select variants right on the collection page simplifies the experience, saving time and boosting conversion rates.

Now that you know what variant selectors are, let's explore the benefits of adding them to your Shopify store.

5 Benefits of Using Variant Selectors on Collection Pages

Using variant selectors on collection pages enhances the shopping experience by allowing customers to select their preferred options easily. Here are the key benefits of implementing them in your store.

1. Improved User Experience

When customers don’t have to browse to individual product pages to choose product variations, they can make decisions faster. This streamlined process improves their overall shopping experience.

2. Increased Conversion Rates

Studies show that simplifying the shopping process can increase conversion rates. By reducing the steps it takes for customers to select product options, you're more likely to drive sales.

3. Better Mobile Experience

With more people shopping on their phones, it’s essential to make the mobile shopping experience as seamless as possible. Having variant selectors on collection pages eliminates the need for customers to load multiple pages.

4. Enhanced Product Visibility

Displaying variants directly on the collection page allows customers to see the full range of your products at once. This can help them discover options they might have missed otherwise.

5. Faster Checkout Process

By adding a variant selector, customers can quickly select their desired option and move on to checkout without any unnecessary delays.

With these benefits in mind, let’s examine the steps you can take to implement them on your Shopify store.

7 Steps to Implement Variant Selectors on Shopify Collection Pages

Adding variant selectors to your Shopify collection pages improves usability and boosts conversions. Here are the steps you can follow to implement them seamlessly.

1. Choose a Shopify Theme that Supports Variant Selectors

Not all Shopify themes support variant selectors on collection pages by default. Start by selecting a theme that has this feature or check if your current theme can be modified to support it. Shopify’s theme store offers several options that include built-in variant selectors.

2. Use Shopify’s Built-In Features or Apps

Shopify has a number of built-in features, as well as apps, to help you implement a variant selector. One way is by using the theme editor to add the variant selector code directly. Alternatively, you can use third-party apps to simplify the process.

If you're looking for a hassle-free solution, apps like Color Swatch King from StarApps Studio can make integrating variant selectors on your collection pages easy and seamless. These tools provide an intuitive setup, helping you enhance your store's functionality with minimal effort.

3. Edit the Collection Page Template

If you're comfortable with coding, you can edit your collection page template directly. To do this, go to Online Store > Themes > Actions > Edit Code. In the template files, find the collection.liquid file. You’ll need to add custom Liquid code to display the variant selectors.

4. Use JavaScript for Variant Display

Shopify allows you to use JavaScript to make the variant selectors dynamic. This means that once a customer selects a variant, the page will update automatically to reflect the selected option without refreshing.

5. Test Your Implementation

After adding the variant selectors, it’s crucial to test the functionality. Try selecting different variants directly from the collection page to ensure everything works smoothly. Check the page on both desktop and mobile versions for consistency.

6. Optimize for Mobile

Mobile shoppers make up a large portion of e-commerce traffic. Ensure that your variant selectors are responsive, meaning they adjust to different screen sizes. Shopify’s built-in mobile previews can help you test this.

7. Launch and Monitor

Once everything is set up, launch the feature on your store. Monitor the analytics to see if your variant selector boosts engagement and conversions. If needed, fine-tune the setup based on customer behavior.

Once you know how to implement them, it's time to look at how StarApps Studio can further streamline this process for you.

Simplify Variant Selection on Shopify Collection Pages with StarApps Studio

Managing product variants effectively on Shopify collection pages can be tricky, especially when you have multiple options like size, color, and style.

StarApps Studio offers a suite of powerful apps that make it easier to implement and manage variant selectors directly on your collection pages. By adding variant selectors, you can enhance user experience, streamline product discovery, and boost conversions.

Here’s how our features can help you seamlessly add variant selectors on Shopify collection pages.

Color Swatch King

• Quick Comparison: Display color swatches or images for easy variant comparison, speeding up the selection process.
• Seamless Browsing: Allow customers to browse and select variants directly on the collection page without leaving.
• Out-of-Stock Management: Automatically hide out-of-stock variants, showing only available options.

Variant Image Automator

• Auto-Assign Variant Images: Automatically link relevant images to each product variant for accurate visual representation.
• Improved User Experience: Display only relevant variant images, keeping the gallery clean and easy to access.
• Enhanced Conversion Rates: Show multiple images for each variant directly in the collection, boosting engagement and conversions.

Variants: Combined Listings

• Display All Variants on Collection Pages: Show all product variants directly on the collection page, making them easy to select.
• Simplified Navigation: Group related variants together for easier switching and quicker decisions.
• Improved SEO: Unique URLs and descriptions for each variant improve search engine indexing and visibility.

Variant Alt Text King: SEO

• Automated ALT Text Optimization: Automatically optimize ALT text for all variant images, boosting SEO and accessibility.
• Increased Discoverability: Optimized ALT text helps your images rank higher in search results, driving more traffic.
• Enhanced Accessibility: Accurate ALT text makes your store more accessible, meeting accessibility standards.

Variant Title King: Color, SKU

• Dynamic Product Titles: Automatically update product titles based on selected variants for clearer information.
• Customizable Titles: Customize titles with color, SKU, or other details to match your store’s needs.
• Better Inventory Management: Including SKUs in titles makes it easier to track and manage inventory.

Variant Descriptions King

• Unique Descriptions for Each Variant: Provide specific details for each variant, like size charts or care instructions.
• Tabs and Accordions: Use collapsible tabs to organize long descriptions for easy navigation.
• Mobile-Friendly Design: Ensure variant descriptions are accessible on mobile with a user-friendly accordion view.

Our suite of apps streamlines the process of managing product variants, improves the shopping experience, and enhances your store’s functionality.

Conclusion

Adding a variant selector in Shopify on collection pages simplifies the shopping experience, increases conversions, and boosts customer satisfaction. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly implement variant selectors and start reaping the rewards.

For those looking for a smoother integration, tools like Color Swatch King and Variant Image Automator can help enhance the variant selection process and improve the overall browsing experience. These solutions can make it easier for your customers to find and select the options they want, helping to elevate your Shopify store's functionality.

Start using StarApps today and take your Shopify store to the next level!

FAQs

1. What is a variant selector on Shopify collection pages?

A variant selector allows customers to choose different product variations (such as color, size, etc.) directly from the collection page without having to visit individual product pages.

2. How can adding a variant selector on Shopify increase conversions?

By enabling customers to quickly view and select product variants on collection pages, it simplifies their shopping experience, reducing friction and increasing the likelihood of completing a purchase.

3. Do I need coding knowledge to add a variant selector on Shopify collection pages?

While you can add a variant selector by editing code through Shopify's theme editor, you can also use third-party apps, which simplify the process without needing coding expertise.

4. Can I hide out-of-stock variants using a variant selector on Shopify?

Yes, many apps like Color Swatch King allow you to hide out-of-stock variants, ensuring customers only see available options, which improves the shopping experience.

5. Are variant selectors compatible with mobile devices?

Yes, most Shopify apps, including those for variant selectors, are mobile-optimized, ensuring a seamless experience for customers shopping on smartphones and tablets.