Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Addressing the Core: Shopify's Author Feature
- The Undeniable Value of Concern
- The Tutorial You've Been Waiting For
- FAQ Section
- Conclusion
Have you ever faced the frustration of wanting to showcase a guest blogger or change the authorship of a blog post on your Shopify site, only to find yourself tangled in a web of confusion? You're not alone. A captivating blog is a pivotal aspect of engaging with your audience, sharing knowledge, and enhancing your brand's voice. However, if the process of altering the authorship on your Shopify blog seems daunting, I aim to simplify it for you through this definitive guide.
Introduction
Imagine you've just aligned with an influential industry leader willing to guest post on your blog, or perhaps you wish to attribute your blog posts to your business name rather than your personal name for a more professional touch. Herein lies the question: How to change the author on a Shopify blog? This situation is more common than you might think, and fortunately, it's solvable.
In the following sections, I will walk you through a comprehensive analysis of how you can change or remove the author on your Shopify blog, adding an invaluable layer to your content strategy. Moreover, we'll explore the significance of this feature, how it can amplify your site's credibility, and the tools Shopify has in place -- including the possible need for third-party applications. By the end of this post, you won't just have a theoretical understanding but practical knowledge on enhancing your Shopify blog's functionality and appeal.
Addressing the Core: Shopify's Author Feature
At its core, Shopify limits the author name to account owners and staff members. This can be problematic when you wish to feature guest bloggers or change the authorship to a company name for branding purposes. Despite its vast capabilities, Shopify has this surprising gap. Yet, where there's a will, there's a way.
Third-Party Apps to The Rescue
One immediate solution that bridges this gap is third-party applications. Apps like Custom Authors have become a saving grace, allowing merchants to add or change blog authors without touching a line of code or altering their staff accounts structure. This freedom to attribute articles accurately can significantly impact your content’s perceived authenticity and authority.
Code Edits: A Path Less Traveled
For those who are technically inclined, altering the article.liquid and blog.liquid templates directly within Shopify’s theme code presents another route. Though it requires a certain level of comfort with coding, this method ensures that your blog precisely reflects your desired authorship without additional costs. Remarkably, this approach champions customization but demands meticulous attention to detail.
The Undeniable Value of Concern
Why does all of this matter? In the digital age, authenticity and transparency are currency. The ability to attribute articles correctly bolsters your site's credibility. Whether you're showcasing guest authors to imbue your blog with diverse industry perspectives or unifying posts under your brand name for consistency, the impact is profound. It enhances reader trust, enriches your content’s diversity, and strengthens your brand's voice.
The Tutorial You've Been Waiting For
While Shopify doesn't natively offer the flexibility to change blog authors on the fly (outside the scope of account owners and staff members), the solutions mentioned provide a valuable workaround. Whether you opt for a third-party app like Custom Authors or dive into the code yourself, the goal remains the same: to align your blog's authorship with your brand's voice and strategy.
Step-by-Step App Integration
- Find the Right App: Custom Authors or any similar app will do. Review the features and choose one that aligns with your needs.
- Install and Setup: Follow the installation instructions. Typically, this involves adding the app to your Shopify store and configuring the settings.
- Assign Authors: With the app installed, you should now be able to assign authors to your posts as needed, without being restricted by Shopify’s default settings.
Diving Into the Code
If you're leaning towards custom code modifications, remember to back up your theme to prevent unwanted changes. The exact steps can vary depending on your theme, but the general process involves locating and editing the article.liquid file in your theme files to modify how the author information is displayed.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I revert changes made using third-party apps?
A: Yes, most apps allow you to revert changes or uninstall the app, which typically removes any associated features from your store.
Q: Is coding knowledge required to use third-party apps for changing authors?
A: No, these apps are designed to be user-friendly, requiring minimal to no coding experience.
Q: Will changing the author affect my blog’s SEO?
A: Changing the author’s name should not directly impact your SEO unless the name itself holds significant search value. However, consistent updates and diverse authorship can positively affect your content’s reach and engagement.
Q: Can I change the author to a non-staff member without an app?
A: Without an app, your options are limited. One workaround involves manually editing each blog post’s HTML to display the desired author, which can be cumbersome and not officially supported by Shopify.
Q: How often can I change authors using these methods?
A: As often as needed. Both app-based and code-based solutions offer the flexibility to update the authorship as your content strategy evolves.
Conclusion
While Shopify’s native capabilities may initially appear limiting regarding blog authorship, the paths laid out in this guide reveal a landscape rich with opportunities. Choosing between third-party apps and direct code edits provides flexibility to suit your comfort level and resources. Ultimately, the power to amplify your brand's voice and authenticity through accurate author attribution is well within reach. Implement these strategies, and watch as your Shopify blog transforms into a more dynamic, credible, and engaging resource for your audience.
