Customize Shopify Debut Theme Continue Shopping Link

Are you using Shopify’s Debut theme and want to customize the “Continue Shopping” link? You’re not alone. Many Shopify store owners want to direct their customers to specific collections instead of the default “All Products” page. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of changing this link and explore some additional customization options.

Understanding the Default Behavior

The All Products Dilemma

By default, the “Continue Shopping” link in many Shopify themes, including Debut, directs customers to the “All Products” page. While this might work for some stores, it’s not ideal for everyone. Some merchants prefer to guide their customers to curated collections or specific product categories.

Why Customization Matters

Customizing this link can significantly impact your customer’s shopping experience. It allows you to:

1. Highlight specific collections
2. Guide customers to your best-selling items
3. Improve overall navigation and user experience

Changing the “Continue Shopping” Link

The Main Solution

The most straightforward way to change the “Continue Shopping” link is by editing your theme code. Here’s how:

1. Go to Online Store > Themes
2. Click “Edit code” on your active theme
3. Navigate to the sections folder
4. Open the cart-template.liquid file
5. Find the line containing {{ routes.all_products_collection_url }}
6. Replace it with your desired URL

This method works for many Shopify themes, including Debut, and is the most likely solution to resolve the issue.

Alternative Approaches

For Theme 2.0 Users

If you’re using a more recent Shopify theme (version 2.0 or later), you might need to look in a different file:

1. Follow steps 1-3 from above
2. Open the main-cart-items.liquid file instead
3. Replace {{ routes.all_products_collection_url }} with your desired URL

Handling Empty Carts

Some users have reported that the “Continue Shopping” link behaves differently when the cart is empty. To address this:

1. In the same file (cart-template.liquid or main-cart-items.liquid)
2. Look for a line similar to:

   <a href="{{ routes.root_url }}" class="btn btn--has-icon-after cart__continue-btn">{{ 'general.404.link' | t }}{% include 'icon-arrow-right' %}</a>

3. Replace {{ routes.root_url }} with your desired collection URL

Advanced Customization Options

Linking to the Last Viewed Collection

For a more dynamic shopping experience, you might want to return customers to the collection they were viewing before adding an item to their cart. While this requires more advanced coding, it’s possible with custom JavaScript and Liquid code.

Using Liquid Variables

Instead of hardcoding a URL, you can use Liquid variables to make your link more flexible:

<a href="{{ collections.your-collection-handle.url }}">Continue Shopping</a>

This approach allows you to easily change the destination by updating your collection handles in the Shopify admin.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Syntax Errors

When editing Liquid files, be careful with syntax. Ensure you’re not leaving any stray curly braces {{ }} when replacing URLs.

Theme Variations

Different themes may have slightly different file structures. If you can’t find the exact file mentioned, look for similarly named files or search your theme files for the “Continue Shopping” text.

Cache and Preview Issues

After making changes, always clear your cache and use the theme preview to ensure your modifications are working as expected before publishing.

Best Practices for Cart Page Optimization

Clear Call-to-Actions

Make sure your “Continue Shopping” link is clearly visible and enticing. Consider using action-oriented language like “Explore More Products” or “View Our Collections”.

Consistent Navigation

Ensure that your customized “Continue Shopping” link aligns with your overall site navigation strategy. The destination should make sense in the context of your store’s structure.

Mobile Responsiveness

Don’t forget to test your changes on mobile devices. The “Continue Shopping” link should be easily tappable and visible on smaller screens.

By following this guide, you should be able to successfully customize the “Continue Shopping” link in your Shopify store, enhancing your customers’ shopping experience and potentially increasing sales. Remember, small tweaks like this can have a significant impact on your store’s usability and conversion rates.