Why Shopify Filtering Is Essential for All Stores (Even with a Small Inventory)
When you think of filtering options on e-commerce websites, you probably picture massive online stores with thousands of products, like Amazon or eBay. But what if I told you that filtering is just as important for small Shopify stores, even those with a limited inventory?
In this post, we’ll explore why every store—big or small—should consider adding filtering options to improve user experience, increase conversions, and make shopping easier.
Many Shopify store owners assume filters are unnecessary for their business because they have fewer products. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Filters are about creating convenience for your customers, not about the size of your inventory.
1. Filters Save Time and Boost Convenience
Imagine you’re shopping online and looking for a specific type of product—say, a candle in a specific scent or price range. Without filters, you might have to scroll through multiple pages to find the perfect match. Even if the store only has 50 products, that’s still a lot of unnecessary work.
Filters allow customers to quickly narrow down their options by price, colour, size, or material, making their shopping experience much smoother. Time saved = happier customers.
2. Filters Enhance the Customer Experience
Think of filters as a tool to give your customers more control over their journey. They let users personalise their shopping experience based on what matters most to them. Whether it’s filtering by price or by a unique category like “eco-friendly” or “handmade,” filters help customers feel that your store caters directly to their preferences.
3. Filters Highlight Hidden Gems
Even with a small product range, some items might be overlooked if shoppers can’t easily refine their search. Filters allow you to create customised categories that highlight products customers might not have otherwise considered.
For instance, a home decor store might have a filter for “minimalist design” or “rustic style,” drawing attention to curated collections.
4. Filters Are Perfect for Mobile Shoppers
With over 70% of e-commerce traffic now coming from mobile devices, it’s more important than ever to optimise your site for smaller screens. On a desktop, customers might tolerate scrolling through your collection. On a phone? Not so much.
Filters make it easier for mobile users to navigate your store quickly, reducing frustration and cart abandonment.
5. Filters Drive Conversions
Filters help customers make decisions faster. Think about it: If someone is filtering by price, size, or material, they’re already narrowing down their choices. By the time they’re done, they’re closer to making a purchase.
A well-designed filtering system can help guide customers toward their perfect product—faster and with less effort.
How to Implement Effective Filters in Your Shopify Store
Now that we’ve established the importance of filters, here are a few tips to get started:
- Keep it Simple: Don’t overwhelm customers with too many filter options. Focus on attributes that are most relevant to your products and audience.
- Customise for Your Niche: Think about what matters most to your shoppers. For example, if you sell handmade items, filters like “artisan-made” or “locally sourced” can resonate with your audience.
- Optimise for Mobile: Test your filters on mobile devices to ensure they’re easy to use and intuitive.
- Highlight Popular Filters: Consider showing your most-used filters at the top of your product pages to save customers even more time.
Check out some examples below!
If you’re ready to dig deeper into your store’s conversion potential, I offer a Shopify Action Plan to give you clear, actionable insights tailored to your site’s needs.
Let’s work together to break down barriers and set your store up for real success. Ready to boost your conversions the right way?