5 Best Ways to Suggest Products to Your Shopify Customers
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Let’s talk about something all of us faced: your Shopify customers land on your store, browses a few items, maybe adds something to their cart… and then disappears.
No sale. No email. Just a ghost.
And let's agree; it’s frustrating, especially when you know your products are good. Sometimes great. But here's the thing we’ve learned after working with dozens of Shopify stores: the problem usually isn’t your product; it’s the experience. And one of the biggest missed opportunities? Smart, well-timed product recommendations.
If you’ve ever run a physical store or even sold in person, you know the magic of a well-placed suggestion. Someone walks in, looks a little lost, and you say, “Looking for something for dry skin? I’ve got just the thing.” That’s the moment trust is built. That’s the moment they buy.
Your online store needs to do the same but it has to do it fast, and without a human agent joining. But, nowadays, you don’t need to be a developer to offer it. You just need the right tools and some strategy. So, here we are with five smartest ways I’ve seen (and used) to suggest products that actually convert; plus some of the best Shopify apps to make it happen. You will get the customer and you’ll offer them the right fit. We know, it's tough. On the internet, you can't read a customer's body language or ask what they're looking for. You have only a matter of seconds to win their attention and even fewer to lead them to the correct product.
However we also know that it pays off. Studies show that personalized recommendations can increase sales by up to 26%. But more than that, they make customers feel heard. That's why they come back.
1. Create Fun Product Recommendation Quizzes
A product quiz is the online equivalent of a welcoming "Can I help you find something?" for your store. It's fast, interactive, and very handy. The concept is to show the shopper a series of simple questions rather than overwhelming them with all your products at once:
1. "Who are you shopping for?" 2. "What is your skin type?" 3. "What flavors do you usually like?"
And voilà, they're not just browsing but buying. Quizzes invest without overwhelming and establish trust. They turn window shopping into discovery.
And here's the good news: Customers want to engage because it feels as though you're giving, not peddling.
Tools such as Recomma enable you to build personalized product quizzes that are your brand and only take minutes to create. No code, no fuss. In the background, you're gaining valuable insights: what they're seeking, what they're skirting, what they may return for.
Check the demo website now!
This kind of first-party data is gold because it lets you follow up with better offers and more relevant experiences later.Yes, then, a quiz can recommend products. But it can also start a relationship.
2. Feature “Bestsellers” Section for Your Shopify Customers
Some days ago I went to buy coffee from Starbucks knowing that I'll have the most generic Latte, but then I saw a sign saying "Our Most Popular Drink" featuring Lavender Matcha Latte. Chances that I'll buy it even if I hadn't intended to social proof.
Your online shop can benefit from the same psychology by selling your bestsellers.
When new customers come to your site, they don't always know where to start. But if you show out what else customers are loving, it comforts them. It's saying, "You're in good company others tried this, and they're happy."
Bestseller sections also reduce the urge to decide on our own. Customers aren't scrolling through dozens of products, trying to sort them out. They have a brief, curated list. And curation feels intimate even when it's based on data.
You don't need to overthink it. Begin with determining what products receive the most sales or top reviews, and post them up on a highlighted area of your homepage or product pages. Shopify themes such as Dawn, Impulse, or apps like Bestsellers reSort or Kimonix can do this for you, automatically bringing in best sellers.
Bonus: you can actually segment it by category "Top Picks in Skincare," "Most Loved by New Moms," or "Editor's Favorite Tees." It makes it not read like a sales gimmick and feel more like a helpful guide.
Because sometimes, the best way to help a customer make a decision. is to show them what others already did.
Where new customers find themselves at your website, they might not always know where to start. But if you tell them what other customers like, they're more comfortable.
3. Add “You Might Also Like” Sections
“By the way, people who bought this also loved…”It doesn’t feel pushy. It feels helpful. Like they've been here before and know how to make it better.
That's what a strategically placed "You Might Also Like" section can do for your Shopify store.
It makes your customer to go to the direction of products that make sense whether it's something complementary to what they're browsing, a top buy-together item, or just another option they might love.
And it works. This kind of cross-sell method can increase average order value with little work. Instead of one item being purchased by a customer, now they're considering two or three since the suggestions are timely and relevant.Shopify also allows you to make this simple through themes with native related products support, or use apps like Frequently Bought Together, LimeSpot, or Also Bought to tailor the logic behind your recommendations.Placement is key as well:
- On the product page (before checkout)
- In the cart
- Even after purchase (“Loved that? Here’s what to try next.”)
It's not to overwhelm it's to take the customer one step further. To say, "If you liked that, you'll probably love this." And more often than not, they do.
4. Suggest a Product Before They Leave
If you carry a wide range of products, first-time visitors can be overwhelmed in a hurry. Too many options, no direction it's a surefire recipe for decision fatigue. Psychologists call it analysis paralysis, and in eCommerce, it typically ends with a closed tab and no sale.
But there is a smart way to seize that moment. Before they leave, show them a simple exit-intent popup with your best-sellers. Like:"Not sure where to start? Here’s what our customers are loving.”It’s not a push it’s a helpful shortcut. You’re giving them a starting point, not a sales pitch.
And because those products already have social proof, they’re more likely to inspire confidence. Apps like Privy, OptiMonk, or Justuno make this easy to set up and personalize based on browsing behavior.Sometimes, all it takes to turn an exit into a click is one clear, trusted recommendation.
5. Send Personalized Product Picks by Email
Suppose that a person visited your store, browsed a few items, and left. It happens daily. But it doesn't have to be the end of the matter. This is where you'll need email marketing and moreover, get itpersonal. Rather than a newsletter to send to many people, you need to send an email reminder that says:
"Still thinking on those hiking boots? Here's a jacket that matches 'em perfectly and it's 10% off this week."
That isn't spam. That's good timing. And it works.
Email is an incredibly effective tool for returning customers to your doorstep and making individualized product recommendations can lift click-through and conversion rates to dazzling heights. Actually, personalized product recommendation emails can drive 6x more revenue than regular campaigns.
There are numerous ways to do this:
- Post-purchase email promotions for related products
- Cart abandonment email promotions with the product they abandoned, and related products
- Browse recovery email promotions for customers who browsed but didn't buy.
Klaviyo, Omnisend, and Shopify Email are some of the tools that make it simple to automate. They enable you to segment on behavior what an individual watched, purchased, or clicked on and send product recommendations that appear curated by hand. You can even connect it back to your product quiz (if you're use one).
Email Templates You Search For
Let’s break down how to use email product recommendations at different points in the customer journey.
1. Welcome Series Email
Introduce your brand and offer product suggestions right away.
Example subject line: “Welcome! Here’s what people love from our shop”Tip: Show curated picks based on new customers or seasonality.
2. Cart Abandonment Email
They added something but didn’t finish? Nudge them.
Example:“Still thinking about the lip balm? Here’s what other customers often get with it plus, get 10% off if you order today.”
3. Post-Purchase Email
Follow up with matching products or refills.
Example:“Thanks for your order! Here’s what customers usually get next.”
4. Browse Abandonment Email
They looked around but didn’t add anything? Suggest related products.
Example:“Saw you liked our cozy socks. Thought you’d love these too…”
5. Re-Engagement Email
Haven’t seen them in a while? Recommend trending items.
Example:“Back in stock: Your favorites (and new picks we think you’ll love)”
Basically, you need to write...
Here's a plug-and-play one you can customize:Subject line: Still thinking about it? We've got some more ideas for youHeader: Your perfect match could be waiting hereBody:Hi [First Name],We noticed you looking at [Product Name].
Nice selection.
If you're not quite ready, we figured you'd like these popular favorites too: [Photo of Product 1][Product name + benefit in a line][Shop now button][Photo of Product 2][Product name + benefit in a line]
[Shop now button]
Ready to save 10% off your order? Use code WELCOME10 during checkout.Greetings,
The [Your Store] Team
Bonus: Show Authority with Personalized Picks
Here's what many brands overlook: shoppers aren't just browsing your products they're sizing up your credibility.
In fact, 80% of shoppers say they're more likely to shop a brand that shares their values. And they're constantly scanning your store for signals subtle or not that you're an authority in your space.
An easy, effective way to show leadership? Curate a collection of your own favorites.
Consider sustainable Shopify brand Allbirds, for example. Right on their homepage, they feature a section called “Our Favorites.” These aren’t just bestsellers—they’re products the brand itself stands behind. It’s a subtle way of saying, “We believe in these. You’ll love them too.”This kind of brand-led recommendation reinforces trust. It frames your store not just as a place to buy, but as a place of guidance.You can apply the same strategy:
- Curate staff picks
- Highlight founder favorites
- Feature seasonal essentials your team loves
By naming the selection and showing why it matters, you're not just suggesting products—you’re telling a story your customers want to be part of.
Don’t Let Good Products Go Unseen
Finally, you’ve spent time, energy, and care into your products. But if your customers can’t find what’s right for them fast none of it matters.Every visitor who leaves confused is a missed opportunity. Not because your product wasn’t good enough, but because they didn’t feel guided, understood, or confident enough to click “Add to Cart.”That’s what smart product recommendations fix.
They recreate the feeling of a helpful in-store experience; online. They say to you, "Here's what works for you best." And that moment of alignment? It can make a bounce a buyer.
So start today.1. Add a quiz.2. Highlight bestsellers.3. Let AI help.4. Don't forget about email follow-up.5. Show that your brand has its act together.
Select one tactic. Try out one app. Make your customers want to return. Good because the right recommendation isn't just good for business. It's good for people. And your store can definitely make that happen.