How to add custom options on Shopify for your products in 8 steps

Running a Shopify store means more than just selling products. It’s about creating an engaging shopping experience. But what happens when you want to offer your customers more than just basic choices? Imagine buying a t-shirt without the option to choose the color or size—that’s not ideal, right? This is where Shopify store design plays a crucial role. Knowing how to add custom options on Shopify can help you give your customers the necessary choices, leading to better satisfaction and more sales. This article will show you how to do just that, so you can offer custom product options and make your store stand out.

Instant's Shopify product page builder makes customizing your store a breeze. With it, you can easily create custom options and give your customers the best shopping experience possible.

Table of Contents

• What are Shopify custom products?

• Why provide buyers with custom options on Shopify

• 3 Different ways to add custom options on Shopify for your products

• How to add custom options on Shopify for your products in 8 steps

• 6 Best Shopify apps for custom products

• How to create customizable products in Shopify without an app?

• 13 Tips to help you build a successful Shopify custom product store

• FAQs on custom options for products on Shopify

• Optimize your Shopify store for conversions without breaking the bank with Instant's Shopify product page builder

What are Shopify custom products?

Shopify custom products let customers personalize or customize items before they buy them. This feature allows businesses to stand out, offering a unique shopping experience by catering to individual preferences. People want products that reflect their individuality. A Deloitte review shows that over half of consumers are more interested in custom products than standard ones.

Why offer customization options?

Consumers crave uniqueness. They want products that reflect their style or meet specific needs. Shopify custom products let customers modify:

• Size

• Color

• Design

• Text

• Images

This flexibility makes shopping more engaging and interactive. Offering these options enhances customer satisfaction and creates a more memorable shopping experience.

How do product variants work?

When customers select a product on your Shopify store, they can choose from different variants to find the option that best meets their needs. The price and other product details can vary depending on the selected variant. This setup allows for a more tailored shopping experience, where customers can find exactly what they want without feeling limited.

Managing product variants in Shopify

Shopify makes it easy for store owners to manage product variants. In the product details section of the store admin panel, you can:

• Add, edit, or delete variants as needed. 

• Track inventory levels for each variant. 

• Use variants to create different product pricing tiers or offer discounts on certain options.

Why provide buyers with custom options on Shopify

Imagine walking into a store that knows your name, your favorite color, and exactly what you need. Providing custom options on Shopify is like creating that personalized shopping experience online. When buyers find items tailored to their preferences, their satisfaction grows. Tailored recommendations and promotions make customers feel valued, encouraging them to return to your store for future purchases. This kind of individual attention fosters loyalty and increases the lifetime value of each customer.

Elevate conversion rates with personalization

Think about how you shop. You're more likely to buy when you see recommendations that match your style or needs. Providing custom options on Shopify can boost conversion rates by making customers feel seen and understood. All work together to increase sales such as:

• Personalized product suggestions

• Targeted email marketing

• Unique promotions

When your store speaks directly to your customers, they listen and act.

Stay ahead of the competition

In eCommerce, standing out is essential. Personalization is more than a trend; it’s becoming a necessity. Businesses that don’t embrace it risk falling behind. By offering a personalized shopping experience, Shopify stores can distinguish themselves from their competitors. This not only attracts more customers but also keeps them coming back.

Gather data for effective marketing

Offering custom options on Shopify isn’t just about making customers happy and collecting valuable data. Understanding browsing and purchasing history, preferences, and trends allows you to create targeted marketing campaigns. This data-driven approach means you can send relevant and compelling messages—whether through:

• Email

• Social media ads

• Website content

Product variants on Shopify are a game-changer. They let store owners offer various options, streamline inventory management, and increase sales potential.

Instant: Your customizable Shopify product page builder

Start building your own personalized experience with Instant, a user-friendly Shopify product page builder. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes designing and publishing high-converting:

• Landing pages

• Blog posts

• Product pages

• Sections 

With seamless integration with Figma and other eCommerce tools, Instant is a versatile choice for enhancing online store performance and increasing conversions. Try Instant's Shopify product page builder today!

3 Different ways to add custom options on Shopify for your products

1. Leveraging Shopify admin for quick customization

Shopify admin offers a straightforward way to create custom product options. You can directly add these options in your admin panel. There are limitations. 

• Shopify restricts you to three options and no more than 100 variants per product. 

• You're likely to hit a wall if your product has more than three options. 

This method is ideal for simpler setups where basic customization suffices. It’s fast, accessible, and doesn’t require any technical expertise. Just be aware of its constraints.

2. Supercharge customization with Shopify apps

For more robust customization capabilities, Shopify apps are the way to go. These apps offer a wide range of features to make your store unique. You can find both free and paid options on the Shopify App Store. 

Whether you want to add personalization fields or create complex option sets, there’s likely an app that fits your needs. Installing an app is straightforward and can save you a lot of time compared to coding your solutions. Plus, you get customer support and regular updates, which can greatly help.

3. Taking control with custom code

If you have coding skills, using custom code gives you the most flexibility. You can create personalized options that fit your exact specifications, providing more control over design and functionality. 

Custom coding requires more technical expertise and can take longer to implement. You’ll need to test thoroughly to ensure everything works smoothly. It is best for those who want a high degree of customization and are comfortable with the technical side of things.

How to add custom options on Shopify for your products in 8 steps

1. Get to know your audience

Before diving into Shopify store design, get a clear picture of your target market. 

• What do your ideal customers want? 

• What trends should you be aware of? 

• Who are your competitors? 

Understanding these factors helps you create products that resonate with your audience and stand out in the market.

2. Build your Shopify store

With your product idea, plan, and budget in place, it's time to create your Shopify store. If you haven't already, set up your store and get ready to showcase your products.

3. Create your custom products

Now, let's add your custom product options. 

• In Shopify admin, go to Products 

• Click Add products. 

• Fill in all the necessary details, including title, description, media, pricing, inventory, shipping, and variants. 

4. Add basic product options

On the product page, add options or variants based on your product type. 

• Go to the Variants section

• Fill in the option name and values

• Click Done. 

This allows customers to select from multiple options, but they can't input any information or files.

5. Use a product customizer app

To create more than three product options and customizable fields, use a product customizer app. These apps let you add custom fields where customers can select or input their preferences. Search for 'product customizer' or 'custom products' on the Shopify app store to find one.

6. Set up the product customizer app

After installing your chosen app, follow the setup instructions to configure the app settings and create your custom fields. Use only the fields you need to avoid overwhelming customers.

7. Launch and promote your custom product

Once your store is ready, launch it! Promote your products using cost-effective marketing strategies like email and social media marketing. If you have a budget, consider paid advertising to get quick exposure and test your product ideas.

8. Fulfill orders with care

When selling custom products, fulfill orders promptly and accurately. Set up a smooth fulfillment process, including:

• Payments

• Checkout

• Shipping

• Delivery

You can configure these settings in Shopify admin under Settings.

6 Best Shopify apps for custom products

1. Instant

Instant is a user-friendly Shopify product page builder that allows eCommerce teams and agencies to create fully customizable and advanced pages without any coding knowledge. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, users can quickly design and publish high-converting:

• Landing pages

• Blog posts

• Product pages

• Sections

Instant also offers seamless integration with Figma and other eCommerce tools, making it a versatile choice for enhancing online store performance and increasing conversions. Try Instant's Shopify product page builder today!

2. Custom product builder

Empower your customers to create unique products with Custom Product Builder. This app uses 2D transparent images, similar to Photoshop layers, to let users add custom text and images, making the experience highly interactive. This personalization helps customers envision their creations, increasing satisfaction and conversion rates.

3. Customily

Customily offers unlimited customization options with live previews. Customers can see changes in real time, boosting confidence in their purchases. This app is ideal for businesses wanting extensive personalization without overwhelming the user experience.

4. Kickflip customize products

Kickflip allows customers to add component options, color variants, and images to custom products. The app shows live previews from multiple perspectives, enhancing the shopping experience by letting users explore different angles and variations. This helps customers make more informed purchasing decisions.

5. Qstomizer - Custom products

Qstomizer lets customers personalize a wide range of items like t-shirts and mugs. With over 200 pre-made or custom-created templates, this app encourages creativity. Extensive customization options can enhance brand loyalty.

6. Smart customizer

Smart Customizer allows customers to personalize products by adding:

• Colors

• Text

• Vector shapes

• Images

This app enhances the shopping experience by enabling users to create products tailored to their preferences. Such customization boosts sales and reduces return rates, as customers receive what they envisioned.

How to create customizable products in Shopify without an app?

Adding customization options to your Shopify store can set your brand apart. But how do you tackle this without an app? Well, the secret lies in customizing your theme’s code. Before you start, ask yourself: 

• Are you comfortable with code?

• Is hiring a professional worth?

Code customization: A DIY approach

If you’re feeling adventurous and have some coding chops, you can add custom product fields directly to your theme files. This approach requires diving into the liquid code that powers your Shopify store. YouTube can be your friend here, offering tutorials that guide you through the process. But be careful: Any time you change or upgrade your theme, you’ll have to reapply these customizations.

Hiring a Pro: When to bring in the experts

Not everyone feels comfortable tinkering with code, and that’s okay. Hiring a Shopify Expert or web developer can save you time and headaches. These professionals know what they’re doing, and they’ll ensure everything works smoothly. You’ll incur service fees, but consider it an investment in your store’s success.

Keep future updates in mind

When customizing your store, always plan for the future. You must reapply your customizations if you switch themes or update your current one. So, keep a record of any changes you make. This preparation will save you time and stress later on.

13 Tips to help you build a successful Shopify custom product store

1. High-quality product images: The first impression matters

Make sure your product images are top-notch. Clear, high-quality photos from different angles can make a big difference. According to a survey by Field Agent, 83% of US smartphone users say product images heavily influence their buying decisions. Customers are more likely to purchase When they see exactly what they're getting, especially with personalized items.

2. Invest in product design: Stand out with creativity

Custom products need great design. Consider hiring a professional designer or using advanced software to create unique and appealing designs. Well-crafted products look professional and attract customers looking for something special.

3. Social media promotion: reach your audience where they are

Social media is a powerful tool to showcase your custom products. Pew Research Center found that 84% of US adults aged 18-29 use at least one social media platform. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are perfect for sharing visuals and engaging with potential customers, helping to increase brand awareness and drive traffic to your store.

4. Promotions and discounts: Incentivize purchases

Offering promotions can boost sales and build loyalty. Consider post-purchase discounts encouraging repeat business or free shipping to entice new customers. Promotions give shoppers a reason to buy now rather than wait.

5. Stunning product pages: Make them irresistible

Use tools like Instant for drag-and-drop functionality to create beautiful product pages. Well-designed pages improve the shopping experience and increase the likelihood of conversions. Customizable templates and responsive design ensure your store looks great on any device.

6. Monitor and improve performance: Keep things running smoothly

Regularly check sales data, customer feedback, and analytics to spot areas for improvement. This helps you address issues like slow-loading pages or confusing navigation, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for your customers.

7. Best-in-class customer service: Build trust and loyalty

Good customer service can lead to repeat purchases. A Salesforce study found that 92% of consumers are more likely to buy again after a positive experience. Fast responses and clear communication about customization go a long way in building trust.

8. Continuous innovation: Stay ahead of the curve

Keep up with industry trends and customer preferences. New customization options or tech integrations keep you competitive. Monitor social media to understand your customers' wants and develop creative product ideas.

9. Influencer marketing: Extend your reach

Collaborating with influencers can give you access to targeted audiences. Use Shopify’s collabs feature to manage these relationships and track their impact on sales. Influencer marketing has become a powerful way to promote products.

10. Encourage customer reviews: Build social proof

Customer reviews are crucial. Power Reviews found that 98% of consumers consider reviews essential when buying. Encourage reviews by offering rewards through a loyalty program. This increases engagement and builds trust.

11. Build community: Foster connections

Engage with your audience beyond product promotion. 

• Participate in discussions

• Offer tips

• Become part of online communities

This interaction can lead to organic promotion and stronger customer relationships.

12. Network with other businesses: Collaborate for growth

Collaborate with other companies for cross-promotion and joint marketing efforts. Teaming up for contests or newsletter features can expand your reach and tap into new customer bases, boosting visibility and sales.

13. Optimize for SEO: Drive organic traffic

Search Engine Optimization is key to attracting organic traffic. Use relevant keywords, craft compelling meta descriptions, and ensure proper HTML structure. Consider blogging about topics that interest your audience and promoting content through email and social media to draw more visitors.

FAQs on custom options for products on Shopify

How many variants can your Shopify product have?

Shopify sets a cap of 100 variants per product. Need more? Third-party apps can extend this limit by splitting variants across multiple product listings or using other workarounds. This flexibility allows you to offer customers more than 100 options without cluttering the user interface or complicating the checkout process.

Can you add custom options without third-party apps?

Yes, you can add custom fields like text boxes or dropdowns by modifying the product template code. Shopify's documentation provides step-by-step guides for adding custom fields to your product pages. While this approach requires some coding knowledge, it's a cost-effective way to offer simple customizations.

Are there free apps for adding custom options on Shopify?

Yes, there are free apps available that can help you add custom options to your Shopify store. For instance, Infinite Options offers a free plan to create simple product customizations like text fields, dropdowns, and checkboxes. These apps are a great way to add custom product options without breaking the bank.

Can customers see a preview of their customizations?

Yes, many Shopify apps offer live previews, allowing customers to see how their customizations will look on the final product. This feature is handy for products that require personalization, such as custom t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases. By providing a live preview, you can help customers feel more confident in their purchases and reduce the likelihood of returns.

How can you ensure your custom options are mobile-friendly?

Choose apps and customization solutions designed with responsive design principles. Testing on various devices and using Shopify themes that are optimized for mobile responsiveness can also ensure a smooth mobile user experience. This is important because many customers shop on their phones, and a clunky mobile experience can lead to lost sales.

How do you create a custom option on Shopify?

To create a custom listing on Shopify:

• Navigate to your Shopify admin panel

• Go to the Products section

• Select "Add product." 

• Fill in the product details, including title, description, price, and images. 

• Customize the product options as needed before saving the listing. 

You can offer your customers a more personalized shopping experience and increase sales by creating custom listings.

Optimize your Shopify store for conversions without breaking the bank with Instant's Shopify product page builder

Instant is your secret weapon for crafting the perfect Shopify product page. Imagine building an online store without writing a single line of code. Instant offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that lets you quickly design and publish high-converting:

• Landing pages

• Blog posts

• Product pages

You’re in control of your store’s look and feel, and you can add custom options on Shopify as needed.

Seamless integration with design tools

Could you pull your Figma designs straight into Shopify? With Instant, you can. This tool integrates seamlessly with Figma and other eCommerce platforms, making enhancing your store’s performance more accessible than ever. You’ll save time and effort while creating a cohesive brand experience across all your online channels.

Boosting conversions with customization

A well-designed product page is crucial for increasing conversions. Instant’s fully customizable pages allow you to highlight the features and benefits of your products in a way that resonates with your audience. By tailoring your content and design to meet your customers' needs, you can create a more engaging shopping experience that drives sales.

No coding required

Not everyone is a coding expert, and that’s okay. Instant’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone to create beautiful, functional Shopify pages without any technical knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned eCom professional or just getting started, you’ll find that Instant is a versatile choice for improving your store’s design and performance.