Customize You May Also Like Section in Shopify Dawn Theme

Introduction

Shopify’s product recommendation feature, “You May Also Like,” is a powerful tool for increasing sales and enhancing the customer experience. However, many store owners using the Dawn theme wonder how they can customize this section to better suit their needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various methods to tailor the “You May Also Like” products section, from simple text changes to more advanced customization options.

Understanding the “You May Also Like” Feature

What is the “You May Also Like” Section?

The “You May Also Like” section is an automated product recommendation feature in Shopify that suggests related items to customers based on their browsing and purchase history. This feature aims to increase average order value and improve the overall shopping experience.

How Does It Work?

Shopify’s algorithm analyzes data from products often purchased together and items with similar descriptions. The recommendations change dynamically based on your store’s metrics and customer behavior over time.

Why Customize?

Customizing this section allows you to have more control over the products displayed, potentially increasing the relevance of recommendations and boosting sales.

Basic Customization in the Dawn Theme

Changing the Section Text

For those using Shopify 2.0 themes like Dawn, changing the wording of the “You May Also Like” section is straightforward:

Go to your Shopify admin panel
Navigate to “Online Store” > “Themes”
Click “Customize” on your active theme
Locate the product recommendations section
Edit the text as desired

This method allows you to quickly update the section title without affecting the product selection algorithm.

Adjusting the Layout

While in the theme editor, you can also modify the layout of the recommendation section:

Change the number of products displayed
Adjust the grid layout
Modify the product card design

These visual tweaks can help the section better align with your overall store aesthetic.

Advanced Customization Techniques

Using Metafields for Manual Product Selection

For those who want more control over the specific products displayed, Shopify’s metafields offer a solution:

Go to “Store Settings” > “Custom Data” (formerly “Metafields”)
Under “Products,” look for the “Related Products” metafield
Click the pin icon to make it easily accessible
Edit a product page and scroll to the bottom
Select specific products to be recommended for that item

This method allows for precise curation of recommendations but requires manual setup for each product.

Creating a Featured Collection

If you prefer a consistent set of recommended products across all pages:

Create a new collection in your Shopify admin
Add the products you want to feature
In the theme editor, add a “Featured Collection” section to your product template
Select your newly created collection

This approach ensures the same products are recommended regardless of the current product being viewed.

Leveraging Shopify Apps for Enhanced Recommendations

Shopify Search & Discovery App

Shopify’s free Search & Discovery app provides more control over product recommendations:

Install the app from the Shopify App Store
Use the app to view and manage auto-generated recommendations
Override automatic suggestions with manual selections if desired

This app offers a balance between automated intelligence and manual curation.

Third-Party Recommendation Apps

Numerous third-party apps in the Shopify App Store offer advanced recommendation features:

AI-powered suggestion algorithms
Cross-sell and upsell optimization
A/B testing for recommendation effectiveness

These apps can provide more sophisticated recommendation strategies tailored to your specific business needs.

Best Practices for Effective Product Recommendations

Relevance is Key

Ensure that your recommended products are genuinely related to the item being viewed. Irrelevant suggestions can frustrate customers and reduce trust.

Regular Updates

Whether using automated or manual recommendations, regularly review and update your selections to keep them fresh and aligned with your current inventory and sales trends.

Monitor Performance

Use Shopify’s analytics to track the performance of your product recommendations. Pay attention to click-through rates and conversion rates to refine your strategy over time.

Consider Your Audience

Tailor your recommendations to your target audience. Consider factors like price point, style, and complementary products that appeal to your specific customer base.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Recommendations Not Appearing

If you’re not seeing the “You May Also Like” section:

Check that the section is enabled in your theme settings
Ensure you have enough products in your store for the algorithm to work
Verify that your theme is up to date

Incorrect Products Showing

For irrelevant recommendations:

Review your product tags and descriptions for accuracy
Consider using metafields or a manual collection for more control
Check if any apps are interfering with the recommendation algorithm

By following these guidelines and exploring the various customization options available, you can optimize the “You May Also Like” section in your Shopify store using the Dawn theme. Remember that the key to successful product recommendations is a balance between automation and thoughtful curation, always keeping your customers’ needs and preferences in mind.