How to Remove "You May Also Like" on Shopify: Enhancing Your Store's User Experience

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. The Importance of User Experience in E-Commerce
  3. How to Remove "You May Also Like" on Shopify
  4. Conclusion: Tailoring Shopify for Optimal Performance
  5. FAQ

In the bustling world of e-commerce, personalization and product recommendations are powerful tools that can significantly enhance the shopping experience. The "You May Also Like" feature on Shopify is a prime example of this, designed to encourage customers to explore additional, related products. However, there might be instances where store owners want to streamline their pages and focus the user's attention more narrowly, leading to the decision to remove this section. Whether it's for aesthetic reasons, a desire for a minimalist design, or simply because the recommendations are not aligning with the store's goals, removing the "You May Also Like" section can be a beneficial adjustment. This guide will dive deeply into why and how you can make that change, enhancing your Shopify store's user experience to match your specific business strategy.

Introduction

Imagine stepping into a digital store where every shelf and corner is curated just for you, only to find that some of the recommendations don't quite match your taste. This scenario is more common than you might think on many e-commerce platforms. While the "You May Also Like" feature on Shopify aims to personalize the shopping journey, there are moments when it might not serve the store's or the customers' best interests. For instance, it could be showcasing products that are out of stock, irrelevant, or simply distracting from a store's primary offerings.

In this in-depth guide, you will learn not only the steps to remove this section if it isn’t aligning with your e-commerce strategy but also understand the benefits of doing so. From increasing page loading speed to enhancing the customer browsing experience, we’ll cover the various facets of optimizing your Shopify store’s performance by tweaking its features. Read on to discover how to make these adjustments, ensuring your online store precisely meets your vision and your customers' needs.

The Importance of User Experience in E-Commerce

User experience (UX) has become the cornerstone of successful e-commerce businesses. A streamlined, intuitive shopping experience can significantly impact customer satisfaction, engagement, repeat business, and ultimately, conversions. Here's why focusing on UX, including the consideration of features like "You May Also Like," is crucial:

  1. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: A positive online shopping experience can lead to higher customer satisfaction. Removing unnecessary distractions or irrelevant recommendations can make browsing more enjoyable for your visitors.
  2. Improved Conversion Rates: By eliminating sections that aren't contributing to your store’s goals, you can more effectively guide visitors towards making a purchase, improving overall conversion rates.
  3. Increased Page Load Speed: Every second counts in e-commerce. Removing additional sections can lead to faster page load times, reducing bounce rates, and retaining customer interest.
  4. Streamlined Design: A clean, focused store layout can better highlight your products, making it easier for customers to make purchasing decisions.

How to Remove "You May Also Like" on Shopify

Removing or adjusting the "You May Also Like" section on your Shopify store is straightforward, even if you're not particularly tech-savvy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

Step 1: Accessing Your Theme Editor

  • Log in to your Shopify admin panel.
  • Navigate to Online Store > Themes.
  • Find the theme you want to edit, click Customize.

Step 2: Modifying Product Recommendations

  • Within the theme editor, navigate to a product page where the "You May Also Like" feature appears.
  • Click on the Product recommendations section or similar (the exact naming might vary based on the theme).
  • You will see an option to show or hide related products. Uncheck or toggle off this feature.

Step 3: Saving Changes

  • After making the necessary adjustments, click Save to apply the changes.

Advanced Customization

For more advanced customizations, involving liquid code adjustments, or if your theme does not offer a simple toggle option, you may need to dive into the theme’s code:

  • Access the Themes page in your Shopify admin.
  • Click Actions > Edit code on the theme you wish to edit.
  • Locate the section or snippet file that controls the "You May Also Like" feature. You might find it under names like recommendations.liquid, related-products.liquid, or similar.
  • Carefully comment out or remove the code related to this feature.
  • Always backup your theme before making any changes to the code.

Conclusion: Tailoring Shopify for Optimal Performance

Removing the "You May Also Like" section on Shopify can be a strategic move towards streamlining your e-commerce store’s design and functionality. Whether you aim to boost page loading speed, enhance user experience, or maintain a minimalist design aesthetic, customizing your store to fit your unique brand is key to standing out in the competitive online marketplace.

While Shopify offers a wealth of features designed to enhance the shopping experience, the true art lies in selecting and tailoring these features to match your business strategy. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your store not only meets but exceeds your expectations, providing a shopping experience that is both memorable and effective.

FAQ

  1. Will removing "You May Also Like" impact my SEO?

    • Generally, removing this feature should not negatively impact your SEO. However, ensure that your store still provides valuable, related content and a good user experience.

  2. Can I customize which products appear in the "You May Also Like" section instead of removing it?

    • Yes, many themes allow you to curate the products that appear in this section manually. Look for theme settings related to product recommendations or consult with a developer for more advanced customizations.

  3. What if I change my mind?

    • You can easily revert this change by going back to the theme editor and re-enabling the feature or undoing any code changes you've made.

  4. Is it necessary to hire a developer for this task?

    • For most themes, you can make this change without a developer. However, for custom themes or advanced modifications, it might be beneficial to consult with a professional.

  5. Does removing this feature affect mobile users differently?

    • The change will be site-wide, affecting both desktop and mobile users. Ensure that your store remains mobile-friendly and accessible.

App Stack