Enhancing your Shopify store with a comprehensive navigation structure is crucial for an exceptional customer experience. Subpages act as an effective means to organize and present specific information, products, or services within your primary navigation. By implementing subpages, you can streamline your website’s architecture, making it more user-friendly and navigable. In this article, we will delve into the step-by-step process of creating subpages in Shopify, empowering you to elevate your store’s functionality and organization.
To embark on the journey of creating subpages in Shopify, begin by accessing your store’s admin panel. Once there, navigate to the ‘Online Store’ section located in the left-hand menu. Within this section, select the ‘Pages’ tab and click on the ‘Add page’ button. This action will open a new page editor where you can customize the content and structure of your subpage. Remember to assign a unique and descriptive title to your subpage that accurately reflects its purpose and content.
In the page editor, you will encounter two primary sections: the main content area and the sidebar. The main content area allows you to add and arrange various content elements, such as text, images, products, and videos. Utilize this space to create informative and engaging content that aligns with the purpose of your subpage. Meanwhile, the sidebar provides options for configuring page settings, including the page’s URL and search engine optimization (SEO) settings. Additionally, you can establish a parent page for your subpage within the ‘Navigation’ section of the sidebar, effectively creating a hierarchical structure within your website’s navigation.
Creating Sub Pages in Shopify: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Understanding Sub Pages and Their Importance
In the context of an online store, sub pages refer to additional pages that are created within the main website. They serve as dedicated spaces for specific purposes, such as providing detailed product descriptions, showcasing company news, or offering customer support resources. Sub pages can significantly enhance the user experience by organizing content logically, making it easier for customers to find the information they need.
Here are some key benefits of creating sub pages in Shopify:
- Improved website navigation: Sub pages allow you to create a hierarchical structure, making it easier for customers to browse your website and find what they’re looking for.
- Enhanced content organization: Sub pages enable you to segregate different types of content, preventing clutter on your main pages and providing a more focused experience.
- Increased flexibility: Sub pages offer the flexibility to create unique layouts and designs, tailored specifically to the content they display.
2. Creating Sub Pages in Shopify
Creating sub pages in Shopify is a straightforward process that involves the following steps:
- Navigate to the “Settings” section of your Shopify account.
- Select the “Pages” tab.
- Click on the “Add Page” button.
- Enter the title of your sub page.
- Use the rich text editor to add content to your page.
- Choose a template for your page.
- Click on the “Publish” button.
3. Customizing Sub Pages
Once you have created a sub page, you can customize it to meet your specific needs. Shopify offers a range of customization options, including:
- Changing the page title and description
- Adding images and videos
- Customizing the layout and design
- Adding social media sharing buttons
- Creating custom menu links
4. Managing Sub Pages
Managing sub pages in Shopify involves maintaining and updating their content, as well as ensuring their visibility and accessibility to customers. You can manage your sub pages by:
- Editing their content
- Modifying their templates
- Changing their visibility settings
- Organizing them into subfolders
5. Best Practices for Creating Sub Pages
To ensure the effectiveness of your sub pages, follow these best practices:
- Use clear and concise page titles.
- Create informative and engaging content.
- Organize your sub pages logically.
- Use high-quality images and videos.
- Proofread your pages for accuracy.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Page Title | The title of your sub page should be clear and concise, accurately reflecting the page’s content. |
| Content | Your sub page content should be informative, engaging, and relevant to the page’s purpose. |
| Organization | Organize your sub pages logically, making it easy for customers to find the information they need. |
| Images and Videos | High-quality images and videos can enhance the visual appeal of your sub pages and make them more engaging. |
| Proofreading | Proofreading your sub pages for accuracy is crucial to ensure a professional and polished presentation. |
Step-by-Step Instructions: Building Effective Sub Pages
2. Creating the Sub Page Content
Once you have created the sub page structure, it’s time to fill it with compelling content that resonates with your target audience. Here’s a detailed guide to crafting high-quality sub page content:
- Define Your Purpose: Determine the specific objective of the sub page. What action do you want visitors to take, such as making a purchase, subscribing to a newsletter, or contacting you?
- Know Your Audience: Understand the demographics, interests, and pain points of your target audience. Tailor your content to address their specific needs and aspirations.
- Craft Concise Copy: Use clear and persuasive language that is easy to read and digest. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may alienate or confuse your visitors.
- Incorporate Keywords: Research and incorporate relevant keywords throughout the page’s content to improve its visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs).
- Use Headings and Bullet Points: Break up text into manageable chunks using headings and bullet points. This improves readability and makes the content more scannable.
- Add Supporting Elements: Enhance the sub page’s content with images, videos, or infographics that support the written text and make the page more engaging.
- Include Call-to-Actions: Guide visitors to take the desired action by placing clear and compelling call-to-actions (CTAs) throughout the page, such as “Add to Cart” or “Subscribe Now.”
| Content Element | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Headings | Structure and organize content, aid in readability |
| Bullet Points | Highlight key points, enhance scannability |
| Images/Videos | Break up text, add visual appeal, support content |
| Call-to-Actions (CTAs) | Guide users to take desired actions, such as purchases |
Understanding the Importance of Sub Pages for Website Structure
a. Clear and Organized Navigation
Sub pages allow you to break down complex content into smaller, manageable sections. This enhances navigation by providing users with a logical structure and making it easier for them to find the information they need. By organizing your website using sub pages, you create a user-friendly experience that reduces frustration and increases engagement.
b. Improved Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Sub pages offer an opportunity to target specific keywords and phrases. Each page can be optimized for relevant search terms, which improves your website’s ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs). By creating focused and relevant content on your sub pages, you increase your visibility and organic traffic to your website.
c. Enhanced Content Structure and Depth
Consider the following hypothetical scenario: You’re writing a blog post about “The Ultimate Guide to Shopify.” The information is vast and covers various aspects of the platform. Instead of cramming everything into one monolithic page, it’s better to create sub pages for each topic, such as “Shopify Basics,” “Product Management in Shopify,” and “Advanced Shopify Features.” This approach enables you to present in-depth content and develop a hierarchy of information that engages your readers and provides a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
d. Flexibility and Expandability
As your website grows and evolves, sub pages allow you to add new content easily without disrupting the overall structure. You can create new sub pages to cover new topics, products, or services, expanding your website’s reach and keeping it relevant to your audience. This flexibility ensures that your website remains dynamic and adaptable to meet your business needs.
Choosing a Template
Shopify offers a wide range of templates to choose from, each with its own unique design and features. When selecting a template, consider the overall aesthetic you want for your website and the specific needs of your business. Some templates are optimized for specific industries or product types, while others are more versatile.
Customizing Your Sub Pages
Step 1: Create a Sub Page
Start by creating a new page in your Shopify admin. Under the Pages section, click on the Add page button. Give your page a descriptive title that accurately reflects its content.
Step 2: Choose a Layout
Select a layout for your sub page from the available options. The layout determines the overall structure of your page, including the number of columns, sidebars, and content areas.
Step 3: Add Content
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the various content options you have at your disposal when customizing your sub pages:
| Content Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Text | Add text blocks to display information, such as product descriptions or contact details. |
| Images | Upload images to enhance the visual appeal of your page and showcase products or services. |
| Videos | Embed videos to engage visitors and provide a more immersive experience. |
| Products | Display a list of products related to the topic of your sub page, allowing customers to easily browse and purchase. |
| Collections | Feature collections of products that are grouped together by theme or category. |
Adding Content
To add content to your subpage, simply navigate to the “Pages” section in your Shopify admin and click on the subpage you want to edit. Once you’re in the editing view, you can use the rich text editor to add text, images, and other content to your page.
Optimizing for Search Engines
To help your subpage rank higher in search results, it’s important to optimize it for search engines like Google. Here are some tips:
- Use relevant keywords: Include keywords related to your subpage’s topic in the page title, headings, and content.
- Write unique and informative content: Avoid duplicate or low-quality content that doesn’t provide value to users.
- Optimize image alt tags: Write descriptive alt tags for your images that include keywords.
- Create internal links: Link to your subpage from other pages on your website.
- Submit your sitemap to search engines: Inform search engines about your subpage’s existence by submitting a sitemap.
Additional Tips for Subpage Optimization
Here are some additional tips to further enhance your subpage’s performance:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a clear and concise URL: Make your subpage’s URL easy to read and understand. | |
| Optimize page load speed: Use optimized images and minimize JavaScript to ensure your subpage loads quickly. | |
| Use social media sharing buttons: Allow visitors to easily share your subpage on social media to increase its visibility. |
Linking Your Sub Pages to the Main Navigation
Now that you have created your sub pages, it’s time to link them to your main navigation so that customers can easily access them. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Open Your Navigation Menu
From your Shopify admin, go to “Online Store” > “Navigation”.
Step 2: Click “Add Menu Item”
If you already have a navigation menu, click “Add Menu Item” to create a new item. If you haven’t created a menu yet, click “Create Menu”.
Step 3: Select “Pages”
In the “Link” section, select “Pages” from the dropdown menu.
Step 4: Choose Your Sub Page
A list of all your created pages will appear. Select the sub page you want to link to the menu.
Step 5: Enter the Menu Label
Enter the text you want to display in the menu for your sub page. This will be what customers see when they hover over or click on the menu item.
Step 6: Customize Your Menu Item (Optional)
You can further customize your menu item by configuring the following options:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Dropdown Label | Add a label to the dropdown menu that appears when customers hover over the menu item (only available for multi-level menus). |
| Dropdown Alignment | Choose the alignment of the dropdown menu (left, center, or right). |
| Is Mega Menu | Enable this option to create a mega menu, which allows you to display multiple columns and rows of content within a larger dropdown menu. |
Step 7: Save Your Menu
Once you’re satisfied with your settings, click “Save Menu” to apply the changes.
Organizing and Managing Your Sub Page Network
Effectively managing your sub page network is crucial for maintaining a well-organized and easily navigable website. Here are seven detailed steps to help you optimize your sub page structure:
### 1. Establish a Clear Hierarchy
Create a logical hierarchy for your sub pages, with parent pages representing broader categories and child pages providing more specific information or details.
### 2. Use Descriptive Page Names
Assign each sub page a concise and descriptive name that accurately reflects its content. Avoid using generic or ambiguous titles.
### 3. Create Breadcrumbs
Implement breadcrumbs on your website to provide users with a clear path to navigate through your sub page network.
### 4. Use Menu Structure
Organize your sub pages into a user-friendly menu structure that allows easy access to all pages from your website’s main navigation.
### 5. Consider Navigation Bars
Utilize navigation bars within sub pages to provide quick and convenient access to related content or additional information.
### 6. Use Search Feature
Integrate a search feature to enable users to quickly find specific sub pages based on keywords or search terms.
### 7. Utilize Sub Page Networking Tools
Explore and leverage Shopify apps or third-party tools that provide additional functionality and support for organizing and managing your sub page network, such as navigation plugins or sitemap generators.
| Plugin Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Subpage Manager | – Drag-and-drop interface for easy hierarchy management – Bulk editing and deletion capabilities |
| Navigation Pro | – Customizable navigation menus – Multi-level menu structures |
| Sitemap Generator | – Automatic generation of sitemaps for SEO – Inclusion of sub pages for better indexing |
Best Practices for User Experience and Design
1. Keep it Simple
Avoid overcrowding subpages with excessive text or widgets. Create a clear and concise layout that guides users effortlessly through the information.
2. Use a Consistent Design
Maintain a cohesive design throughout all subpages to ensure a seamless user experience. Use similar colors, fonts, and layouts to establish familiarity and reduce confusion.
3. Organize Content Logically
Structure subpages logically to make navigation intuitive. Use headings, subheadings, and lists to break down information into manageable chunks.
4. Use High-Quality Images and Videos
Engage users with visually appealing content. Utilize high-quality images and videos to illustrate key points and make the page more visually appealing.
5. Optimize for Mobile
Ensure your subpages are responsive and optimized for mobile viewing. Consider using mobile-friendly navigation and adjusting text size and layout for easy readability on smaller screens.
6. Use Descriptive Page Titles and Meta Descriptions
Craft clear and informative page titles and meta descriptions to improve search engine visibility and provide users with a concise overview of the page’s content.
7. Include Clear Call-to-Actions
Encourage users to take the next step by including clear and compelling call-to-actions (CTAs). Use buttons, links, or forms to guide users toward your desired conversion.
8. Test and Iterate
Continuously test and iterate your subpage design to improve user experience. Use analytics to track user behavior and identify areas for improvement. Collect feedback from users to gain valuable insights and enhance the overall user journey.
| Subpage Type | Best Practices |
|—|—|
| Product Pages | Highlight product features, include high-quality images, and provide clear purchase options. |
| Category Pages | Organize products into logical categories, use filters to narrow down results, and display popular or trending products. |
| Collection Pages | Create curated collections of products, use descriptive titles and images, and provide easy navigation between products. |
| Blog Pages | Write engaging and informative content, use proper formatting and images, and optimize for search engines. |
| Contact Pages | Display essential contact information, include a contact form, and provide alternative ways to connect with the business. |
Page Not Loading
Check the following:
- Make sure the subpage is published.
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
- Check your internet connection.
URL Not Working
Ensure the subpage’s URL is correct and does not contain any special characters.
Subpage Not Appearing in Menu
Verify that the subpage is assigned to the correct menu and that the menu is enabled on the storefront.
Subpage Not Inheriting Style
Make sure that you have set the layout or section settings correctly in the parent page’s theme editor.
Subpage Not Accessible from Parent Page
Check if the parent page has a navigation link to the subpage. Additionally, verify that the subpage is enabled and visible in the theme.
Duplicate Subpage Names
Subpages cannot have duplicate names within the same parent page. Choose unique names for your subpages.
Subpage Not Editable
Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to edit the subpage. Additionally, clear your browser’s cache and cookies, and try again.
Page Not Secure (HTTPS Error)
Verify that your Shopify store is using an SSL certificate and that the subpage’s URL begins with “https://”.
Subpage Not Found (404 Error)
Check the subpage’s URL for any typos. Also, make sure that the subpage is published and has not been deleted.
Menu Item Not Expanding (For Drop-Down Menus)
Ensure that the parent menu item has the “Show Subpages” option enabled in the theme editor.
1. Create a New Page
Begin by navigating to your Shopify admin dashboard and selecting “Pages” under “Online Store.” Click on the “Add page” button to create a new page.
2. Assign Parent Page
In the “Parent Page” section, select the main page under which you want to create the subpage. This will establish a hierarchical structure for your pages.
3. Customize Page Content
Customize the content of the subpage by adding a title, description, and any necessary images or text.
4. Set Navigation Visibility
Determine whether you want the subpage to be visible in the main navigation menu by checking or unchecking the “Show in navigation” option.
5. Create a Menu Link
If you want to display the subpage in the navigation menu, go to “Online Store” > “Navigation” and create a new menu item linking to the subpage.
6. Optimize for Search Engines
Add relevant keywords and meta descriptions to the subpage to improve its visibility in search results.
7. Use Sub Pages for Informational Content
Create subpages to provide detailed information about products, services, or policies, such as FAQs, delivery policies, and return policies.
8. Optimize for User Experience
Design subpages with a clear layout and easy-to-navigate menus to enhance the user experience.
9. Track Performance
Use Shopify analytics to track the performance of your subpages, including page views, bounce rates, and conversion rates.
10. Advanced Customization
For more advanced customization, consider using Shopify apps or custom coding to add additional functionality, such as contact forms, email subscription forms, or product recommendations.
| Subpage Feature | Benefits |
|---|---|
| FAQs | Improve customer support and reduce inquiries. |
| Product Guides | Provide detailed information on product usage and benefits. |
| About Us | Showcase your company’s story, mission, and team. |
| Contact Us | Make it easy for customers to reach out for support. |
| FAQs | Improve customer support and reduce inquiries. |
How to Make Sub Pages in Shopify
Creating sub pages in Shopify is a simple and effective way to organize and enhance your online store. Sub pages allow you to provide additional information and content to your customers, without cluttering up your main navigation menu.
To create a sub page in Shopify, follow these steps:
- Go to the “Pages” section of your Shopify admin panel.
- Click on the “Add Page” button.
- Enter a title for your sub page.
- Select the parent page from the “Parent” dropdown menu.
- Enter the content for your sub page.
- Click on the “Save” button.
