How to Display Variants as Separate Products on Shopify

Shopify automatically groups variants such as different sizes or colors under a single product listing by default. However, there may be scenarios where you want to present these variants as separate products. This approach can be particularly beneficial for showcasing different products more distinctly or for optimizing SEO for each variant. In this article, we will explore three methods to achieve this: creating individual products for each variant, using third-party apps, and custom coding for advanced users. Additionally, we will discuss important considerations to ensure a seamless and effective implementation.

Method 1: Create Individual Products for Each Variant

This method involves manually creating a separate product for each variant. Detailed steps are as follows:

Log into Shopify Admin: Access your Shopify admin panel. Add New Products: Navigate to the Products section and click on 'Add product.' Enter Product Details: For each variant, enter the product title, description, price, and other relevant details. Consider using the same title but differentiate them with a suffix, such as 'S,' 'M,' or 'L' for sizes. For example, you could use 'Black T-Shirt' and 'Black T-Shirt (S).' Upload Images: If needed, upload images specific to each variant. This can help customers visualize the differences between the variants more clearly. Set Inventory and Shipping: Adjust the inventory and shipping settings for each product as necessary. Be sure to track inventory separately for each variant to prevent overselling. Save: Click 'Save' for each product.

While this method involves some manual work, it allows for precise control over each product variant. Each product can be optimized individually, which can be beneficial for SEO and overall product presentation.

Method 2: Use a Third-Party App

For a more streamlined approach, you can use a third-party app from the Shopify App Store. Apps like Product Options Plus or ShopSync can help you manage and display variants as separate products on your storefront.

Product Options Plus: This app allows you to customize product options and displays them as separate products. It provides a user-friendly interface to manage variations and can automate the process of creating separate products.

ShopSync: This app combines the benefits of Shopify and BigCommerce, providing advanced product management features, including the ability to manage variants as separate products.

When using third-party apps, ensure that they offer robust support and have a good track record in the Shopify community. These apps can save you time and effort while still allowing you to manage your product variants effectively.

Method 3: Custom Code for Advanced Users

For users with specific needs or more advanced technical skills, custom coding is an option. This method involves modifying the Shopify theme code:

Edit Theme Code: Navigate to Online Store Themes Actions Edit code. Modify Product Template: Locate the product template file, usually found in 'smart_collections' or 'sections' within the theme folder. Customize the code to display variants as separate items. Familiarize yourself with Liquid, Shopify's templating language, and HTML. Test Changes: Preview your changes to ensure everything looks as expected. Make sure that the product display is consistent and that customers can navigate the site without issues.

Custom coding offers a high degree of flexibility but requires technical expertise. Be cautious and test all changes thoroughly before making them live.

Considerations for Displaying Variants as Separate Products

When implementing any of the above methods, keep the following considerations in mind:

SEO

When creating individual products, ensure that each product has unique SEO metadata to avoid duplicate content issues. Use unique, descriptive titles, meta descriptions, and tags for each variant. This can improve the visibility of each product on search engines and drive more targeted traffic to your site.

Inventory Management

Track inventory for each product separately as they will now be treated as distinct items. This is crucial to prevent overselling and maintain stock levels. Use inventory tracking solutions or integrate with inventory management tools to stay organized.

User Experience

Ensure that the product display is consistent and intuitive for users. If variants are displayed as separate products, make sure that customers can easily compare and select the options they need. Provide clear and concise product information, including images, descriptions, and pricing.

By following these methods, you can effectively display product variants as separate products on your Shopify store. Whether you choose to manually create individual products, use a third-party app, or customize the theme code, the key is to provide your customers with a seamless and effective shopping experience.