How to Change Sort By on Shopify: A Comprehensive GuideTable of ContentsIntroductionWhy Sorting MattersThe Default Shopify Sort By OptionsStep-by-Step Guide to Change the Default Sorting OptionUtilizing Shopify's Advanced FeaturesThe Impact of Sorting on Customer Experience and SalesFAQsConclusionIntroductionEver wondered why certain products pop up first when you're browsing a Shopify store? Or perhaps, as a store owner, you've pondered how to prioritize your star products to grab customer attention right away. The secret lies in the Sort By feature, an invaluable tool for both enhancing user experience and boosting sales. Given its importance, it's no surprise that knowing how to tweak this feature can make a significant difference in how visitors interact with your store. This blog post is designed to demystify the process of changing the sort order of products on Shopify, ensuring your offerings are displayed precisely how you want them. We will explore the nuances of this feature, offering a step-by-step guide, including some pro tips to make your store more user-friendly and your products more discoverable.By the end of this comprehensive discussion, you'll have a thorough understanding of the available sorting options, how to customize them, and how these changes can positively impact your store's dynamics.Why Sorting MattersImagine walking into a physical store where products are arranged haphazardly - it's likely you'll leave frustrated without making a purchase. The same principle applies to online stores. Product arrangement can either invite visitors to explore more or drive them away due to a lack of coherence or difficulty in finding what they need. That's where sorting comes into play. It's not just about making your store look organized; it's about strategically placing products to guide customer behavior, highlight new arrivals, bestselling items, or products you want to move faster. Thus, mastering the Sort By function becomes crucial in maximizing your store's potential.The Default Shopify Sort By OptionsShopify provides several default sorting options, including sorting by popularity (best selling), price (low to high or high to low), alphabetically, and by the date items were added. Each option serves different shopper needs; for instance, bargain hunters might prefer sorting by price, while trend seekers might sort by what's new. By default, products in a Shopify collection are sorted alphabetically by their title. While functional, this setup might not always serve your store's strategic interests best.Step-by-Step Guide to Change the Default Sorting Option1. Navigating to Your CollectionsTo start, head to the 'Products' section in your Shopify admin, then click on 'Collections'. Here, you'll find all your existing collections. Select the collection you wish to modify.2. Editing Collection SettingsOnce you've chosen a collection, look for the 'Sort' option within the collection settings. Shopify allows you to change the sort order to any of the default options or choose a manual arrangement. If you select 'Manually', you gain the flexibility to drag and drop products in your preferred order.3. Custom Sort Option CodingFor those who want even more control or would like to add/remove specific sort options, some coding in Shopify's liquid files is required. This involves tweaking the collection-template.liquid file to include or exclude options through conditional logic.4. Implementing Advanced Sorting TechniquesAdvanced sorting, such as pushing out-of-stock items to the bottom, might necessitate more complex solutions involving third-party apps or custom development, especially if your theme doesn't support this functionality out of the box.Utilizing Shopify's Advanced FeaturesCreating a Dynamic All Products CollectionA workaround for sorting all products in your store is to create an All Products smart collection with specific criteria that all products meet, effectively including your entire inventory. You can then set a custom sort order for this collection.Custom Sorting for Enhanced Product VisibilityEngaging in custom sorting, either through Shopify's native capabilities or with the help of apps, allows for a more curated shopping experience. For example, sorting by 'Featured' lets you highlight selected products, elevating their visibility and accessibility. The Impact of Sorting on Customer Experience and SalesOptimal product placement through sorting significantly influences browsing behavior, potentially increasing average order value and conversion rates. Moreover, it greatly improves the navigational efficiency of your store, contributing to a positive user experience and higher customer satisfaction levels.FAQsCan I hide certain sorting options from my customers?Yes, by editing your theme's liquid files, you can choose which sorting options to display.Is it possible to add completely new sorting options?Adding entirely new sorting options typically requires custom coding or the use of specialized apps, as Shopify's default settings offer limited options.How often should I revise my sorting strategy?Your sorting approach should evolve with your inventory, sales trends, and customer preferences. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your strategy is advisable to ensure it aligns with your business goals and customer needs.Can sorting affect my store's SEO?Directly, sorting options don’t impact SEO. However, they influence user behavior, which can indirectly affect SEO through metrics like bounce rate and time spent on site. Making your store more user-friendly through intelligent sorting can contribute positively to your SEO efforts.ConclusionEffective product sorting is more than a mere organizational tool; it's a powerful strategy to guide visitors through your store, spotlight key products, and influence purchasing decisions. Whether you're fine-tuning default options or venturing into custom coding for more refined control, understanding how to leverage the Sort By feature on Shopify is fundamental to creating an engaging, customer-friendly browsing experience. Armed with the insights from this guide, you're now better equipped to customize your Shopify store's sorting to match your unique business and customer needs, paving the way for increased engagement, satisfaction, and sales.