Access Your Theme Code

: Go to your Shopify admin dashboard, navigate to 'Online Store', and then to 'Themes'. Find your current theme and select 'Actions', then 'Edit code'.

Identify the Correct File

: The file you need to edit depends on where the image is located. For home page images, look for files like hero.liquid, feature-row.liquid, or the sections folder for your specific image type.

Locate the Image Code

: Within the selected .liquid file, find the tag for the image you want to make clickable.

Wrap the Image in an Anchor Tag

: To add a link, you’ll need to enclose the tag in an ... tag. Replace YOUR-LINK-HERE with the URL you want the image to link to.

Add a Schema for Easier Editing

(Optional): If you want to make it easier to change this link in the future without code, you can add a schema in the Liquid file that allows you to edit the URL directly from the theme's editor.

Can I add links to all images on my Shopify store?

Yes, you can add links to most images, but how you do it might vary slightly depending on where the image is on your store and what theme you are using.

Will adding links to images slow down my website?

Adding links to images should not noticeably affect your website’s speed. However, ensure the linked pages and images are optimized for quick loading.

Can I track how many times a linked image is clicked?

Yes, by using analytics tools like Google Analytics or Shopify Analytics, you can track click-through rates on images by setting up event tracking.

Is it possible to remove or change the link later?

Absolutely. You can edit the code following the same steps or use the theme editor (if you added a schema) to modify the URL as needed.

Ultimate Guide: How to Add a Link to an Image in Shopify

Introduction
The Benefits of Linking Images in Shopify
Step-by-Step Instructions for Adding Links to Images
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
FAQ
Conclusion

Adding a link to an image on your Shopify store can significantly enhance the user experience, guiding potential customers to your highlighted products, collections, or key pages instantly. Whether you're showcasing your bestseller on the homepage or promoting a new collection on your blog, an image that leads directly to the desired page can improve navigation and increase conversion rates. Delve into this detailed guide, where we cover everything from the importance of clickable images to step-by-step instructions for various Shopify themes.

Introduction

Have you ever visited an online store, hovered over an enticing image, expecting it to take you to a product page, only to find out it wasn’t clickable? Quite frustrating, isn’t it? On the flip side, think of the times when a visually appealing image seamlessly led you to exactly what you were looking for, enhancing your shopping experience. For Shopify store owners, setting images as gateways to further explore your website not only makes it interactive but also significantly boosts engagement and sales. This post dives deep into the 'how-to' of adding links to images in Shopify, a straightforward yet impactful tweak that can transform your store's navigational flow.

The Benefits of Linking Images in Shopify

Immediate Engagement: A clickable image serves as an instant call to action, engaging users the moment they show interest by clicking. Enhanced User Experience: Streamlined navigation makes browsing through your store effortless and enjoyable, reducing bounce rates. Visual Appeal: Images capture attention more effectively than text, making them powerful tools for highlighting promotions, collections, or specific products. Increased Conversions: By making the path to purchase or discovery shorter and more appealing, strategically placed links on images can lead to higher conversion rates.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Adding Links to Images

Editing the Theme Code

Adding links to images might involve a bit of coding. Thankfully, Shopify’s platform is designed to make this process as painless as possible. Here's how to get started on enhancing your images with links.

Access Your Theme Code: Go to your Shopify admin dashboard, navigate to 'Online Store', and then to 'Themes'. Find your current theme and select 'Actions', then 'Edit code'.
Identify the Correct File: The file you need to edit depends on where the image is located. For home page images, look for files like hero.liquid, feature-row.liquid, or the sections folder for your specific image type.
Locate the Image Code: Within the selected .liquid file, find the <img> tag for the image you want to make clickable.
Wrap the Image in an Anchor Tag: To add a link, you’ll need to enclose the <img> tag in an <a href="YOUR-LINK-HERE">...</a> tag. Replace YOUR-LINK-HERE with the URL you want the image to link to.
```
<a href="https://example.com">
  <img src="link-to-your-image.jpg" alt="Your Image Description">
</a>
```
Add a Schema for Easier Editing (Optional): If you want to make it easier to change this link in the future without code, you can add a schema in the Liquid file that allows you to edit the URL directly from the theme's editor.
```
{
  "type": "url",
  "id": "image_link",
  "label": "Image Link",
  "default": "https://example.com"
}
```
Place this schema at the bottom of your .liquid file, within the {% schema %} tags.

For Non-Developers

If diving into theme code sounds daunting, Shopify’s App Store offers several apps designed to make images clickable without the need for coding. Apps like "Image Gallery + Video ‑ EA" or "Shoppable Instagram & UGC" can also add linking capabilities to your images with easy-to-use interfaces.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Syntax Errors

A common issue when editing Shopify’s theme code could be syntax errors, especially for those unfamiliar with HTML. Ensure all your tags are correctly opened and closed, and double-check your URL syntax.

Theme Compatibility

Some themes may handle images and links differently, requiring specific adjustments. If you encounter difficulties, consult your theme’s documentation or support for guidance.

Mobile Responsiveness

Ensure the clickable images behave as expected on mobile devices. Test different devices and screen sizes to confirm the links are accessible and functioning correctly.

FAQ

Can I add links to all images on my Shopify store? Yes, you can add links to most images, but how you do it might vary slightly depending on where the image is on your store and what theme you are using.
Will adding links to images slow down my website? Adding links to images should not noticeably affect your website’s speed. However, ensure the linked pages and images are optimized for quick loading.
Can I track how many times a linked image is clicked? Yes, by using analytics tools like Google Analytics or Shopify Analytics, you can track click-through rates on images by setting up event tracking.
Is it possible to remove or change the link later? Absolutely. You can edit the code following the same steps or use the theme editor (if you added a schema) to modify the URL as needed.

Conclusion

Adding links to images on your Shopify store is not just about enhancing aesthetics; it's a strategic approach to improving user experience and potentially boosting your sales. With the steps outlined in this guide, you’re now equipped to turn your store’s images into interactive elements that lead visitors exactly where you want them to go. Remember, the key to a successful online store is not just attracting visitors but providing them with a seamless and enjoyable shopping journey.