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How to Add Filter in Collection Page in Shopify

How to Add Filter in Collection Page in Shopify
How to Add Filter in Collection Page in Shopify

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Why Are Product Filters Important?
  3. Does Your Shopify Theme Support Filtering?
  4. How to Add Filters Using Shopify's Built-In Features
  5. Advanced Customization Using Shopify Apps
  6. Tips for Optimizing Filters
  7. Conclusion
  8. FAQ

Introduction

Running an online store isn't just about offering great products; it’s also about providing the best user experience for your customers. Imagine stepping into a massive store without signs or sections. Frustrating, right? This scenario aptly mirrors an e-commerce store lacking proper product filters. Filtering helps shoppers find exactly what they’re looking for quickly and efficiently. In this blog post, we'll explore how to add a filter in a collection page in Shopify, ensuring your store provides a seamless shopping experience. Whether you're a seasoned Shopify user or a newbie, this guided tutorial will help you master the art of setting up effective product filters.

Why Are Product Filters Important?

Product filters are crucial not only for enhancing the user experience but also for boosting your store's efficiency and sales. Here’s why:

  1. Improved Navigation: Filters help customers navigate through large catalogs by narrowing down search results based on specific criteria.
  2. Enhanced User Experience: Providing easy-to-use filters minimizes the time users spend scrolling, thereby increasing the likelihood of a purchase.
  3. Increased Sales: Filters can highlight available products, stock levels, and new arrivals, promoting timely purchases.
  4. Better Inventory Management: For store owners, filters assist in managing inventory effectively by segregating products based on various parameters.

Does Your Shopify Theme Support Filtering?

Before diving into how to add and customize filters in your Shopify store, it's important to determine if your theme supports them. The good news is that most Online Store 2.0 themes come with built-in support for product filters. Here’s how to check:

  1. Go to Shopify Admin: Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
  2. Navigate to Online Store > Themes: From the navigation sidebar, head over to Themes.
  3. Click on Customize: Select the theme you’re using and click on the Customize button.
  4. Check Navigation Settings: Look for the Navigation settings in the sidebar and see if filters are an option.

If your theme doesn’t support filters, you may need to consider switching to an Online Store 2.0 theme or using third-party apps to add this functionality.

How to Add Filters Using Shopify's Built-In Features

Setting Up Basic Filters

Shopify offers built-in support for basic filters like Product Availability, Price, Vendor, and Product Type. Here’s a step-by-step guide if your theme supports these features:

  1. Access Navigation Settings:

    • Go to your Shopify Admin.
    • Click on Online Store in the navigation bar.
    • Navigate to Navigation.

  2. Find the Collection and Search Filters Section:

    • In the Navigation menu, look for the Collection and search filters section.
    • Click on Add filters.

  3. Choose Filters:

    • A list of available filters will appear.
    • Select the filters you want to enable for your store (e.g., Price Range, Availability, Vendor, etc.).

  4. Save Settings:

    • After selecting the desired filters, click Done and then Save.

You will now see these filters displayed above your product listings on collection pages.

Creating Custom Filters

Alongside the standard filters, Shopify allows you to create custom filters using product options, metafields, or metaobjects.

Using Product Options

  1. Create Product Variants:

    • Go to Products in your Shopify Admin.
    • Add or edit a product and create variants under the Options section (e.g., Size, Color).

  2. Enable Product Option Filters:

    • Go to Online Store > Navigation.
    • In the Collection and search filters section, select the product options you’ve added.

  3. Save and View:

    • Save your settings, then check your collection page to ensure the new filters are active.

Using Metafields for Custom Filters

  1. Define Metafields:

    • Go to Settings in your Shopify Admin.
    • Click on Metafields, then select Products.
    • Define new metafields that suit your needs (e.g., Age Range, Material).

  2. Assign Metafields to Products:

    • Edit individual products and assign values to these new metafields.

  3. Enable Metafield Filters:

    • Return to the Collection and search filters section.
    • Select the metafield filters you’ve defined.

  4. Save Changes:

    • Save your settings and preview them on your collection page.

Advanced Customization Using Shopify Apps

If you're looking for more advanced filtering options or if your theme doesn’t support built-in filters, third-party Shopify apps can significantly augment your store's capabilities. Here are a few notable apps:

Product Filter & Search by Boost Commerce

  • Features: This app provides advanced filtering options, including multi-select filters, range sliders, and swatch filters. It also integrates seamlessly with various Shopify themes.
  • Installation:
    • Find the app on the Shopify App Store.
    • Click Add app, then follow the installation instructions.
    • Customize filter settings in the app dashboard.

Smart Search & Filter by CloudSearch

  • Features: Implements advanced search functions and robust filtering options. Filters are highly customizable and support complex criteria.
  • Installation:
    • Install through the Shopify App Store.
    • Customize through the app settings.

Instant Search + by Fast Simon

  • Features: Offers a highly customizable filter and search experience, utilizing NLP technology to improve search precision.
  • Installation:
    • Add the app from the Shopify App Store.
    • Configure filters and other search settings from the app dashboard.

Tips for Optimizing Filters

  1. Use Relevant Filters: Ensure the filters you provide are meaningful and useful for your specific product catalog.
  2. Avoid Filter Overload: While offering options is good, too many filters can overwhelm users. Prioritize the most impactful ones.
  3. Regularly Update Filters: Keep your filters updated to reflect any changes in your inventory or product line-up.
  4. Test Usability: Regularly test the filter functionality on both desktop and mobile to ensure a seamless user experience.
  5. Utilize Visual Filters: Use icons or images for certain filters like color swatches to enhance usability.

Conclusion

Adding filters to your Shopify collection pages can dramatically improve both user experience and your store’s conversion rates. Whether you stick with Shopify's built-in filtering options or utilize third-party apps, the goal is to make your store navigation as effortless as possible for all visitors. By following the steps outlined in this post, you're well on your way to creating a more user-friendly store that helps customers find exactly what they need in record time.

FAQ

1. What are Shopify product filters?

Product filters in Shopify allow customers to narrow down their search results based on specific criteria like size, color, price, and more.

2. Does every Shopify theme support filters?

No, only Online Store 2.0 themes and specific third-party themes support built-in filtering. You can add filter functionality using third-party apps if your theme doesn’t support it.

3. Can I customize the filters my customers see?

Yes, you can create custom filters based on product options, metafields, and metaobjects, or you can use third-party Shopify apps to create more advanced filters.

4. How do I add a new filter type?

Navigate to Settings -> Metafields in your Shopify Admin, define the new metafields, and then assign these metafields to products. Finally, enable them in Collection and search filters.

5. Are there apps for advanced filtering?

Yes, apps like Product Filter & Search by Boost Commerce, Smart Search & Filter by CloudSearch, and Instant Search + by Fast Simon provide advanced filtering options and customizations.