Boost Conversions with Shopify's New Checkout Features
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Importance of Checkout in Converting Customers
- Flexibility in Customizing Checkout Experiences
- CheckOut UI Extensions
4.1. Access to Extension Points
4.2. Custom Functionality
4.3. Product Offers and Custom Fields
4.4. Installation and Implementation
- New APIs for UI Extensions
5.1. Authenticated Network Calls
5.2. Querying the Storefront API
5.3. Discount Codes and Gift Cards
- Shopify Functions for Backend Logic
6.1. Customizing Product Bundles
6.2. Advanced Order Routing Logic
6.3. Shopify CLI and WebAssembly Modules
6.4. Specifying Input Values with GraphQL
- App Bridge UI for Business Configuration
- Benefits of Shopify Functions
- Developer Preview for Checkout and Cart Validation Functions
- Building Awesome Checkout Apps and Experiences
- Conclusion
Important Elements for Building Flexible Checkout Experiences on Shopify
Introduction
Checkout is the crucial final step in converting customers, and while it needs to be fast and secure, it's also essential to have the flexibility to build unique checkout experiences, promotions, and custom logic. Shopify understands this need, and offers two important elements to achieve flexibility within the checkout process: CheckOut UI Extensions and Shopify Functions.
Importance of Checkout in Converting Customers
Checkout plays a pivotal role in converting potential customers into paying ones. It is the moment where customers make the final decision to complete a purchase. Therefore, it is crucial to provide a seamless and enjoyable checkout experience to ensure maximum conversion rates.
Flexibility in Customizing Checkout Experiences
Building a unique and customized checkout experience is vital for businesses to distinguish themselves and cater to the specific needs of their customers. Shopify provides the necessary tools and resources to achieve this flexibility through CheckOut UI Extensions and Shopify Functions.
CheckOut UI Extensions
CheckOut UI Extensions offer developers access to different extension points, APIs, and components to customize the checkout process. These extensions allow developers to build custom functionality, such as product offers, custom fields, and banners, that businesses can install at specific points in the checkout flow.
New APIs for UI Extensions
Shopify has recently introduced new APIs for UI Extensions, providing even more possibilities for customization. These APIs include the ability to make authenticated network calls directly and query the storefront API from extensions. Additionally, developers can apply discount codes and gift cards seamlessly within the checkout process. These new APIs pave the way for a variety of fresh loyalty and marketing apps that can be built and offered in the Shopify App Store.
Shopify Functions for Backend Logic
Shopify Functions allow businesses to customize the backend logic of their checkout process. With Shopify Functions, businesses can build everything from unique product bundles to advanced order routing logic. A great example is the ability to create a product bundle function that merges individual products into a bundled offering. This function can automatically adjust the pricing and display the bundle as a single product combo in the checkout, enhancing the customer experience.
Shopify CLI and WebAssembly Modules
To create and deploy functions, Shopify utilizes the Shopify CLI and WebAssembly modules. Functions are written in webassembly modules, which can be developed in languages such as Rust or JavaScript. The input values for functions can be specified using GraphQL, including custom meta fields. The entire process of developing the function and configuring the app Bridge UI is done within the Shopify admin, eliminating the need for businesses to write any code.
Benefits of Shopify Functions
Shopify Functions offer numerous benefits for businesses. They provide a fast and easy way to customize the checkout process without requiring coding expertise. By utilizing functions, businesses can offer unique product bundles, apply discounting rules, and implement specific delivery and payment options. This level of customization enhances the overall customer experience and helps businesses differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Developer Preview for Checkout and Cart Validation Functions
To further enhance the customization options, Shopify has announced a developer preview for checkout and cart validation functions. These functions allow developers to write rules to ensure that orders are correct and compliant. For instance, developers can set limits on the purchase quantity for certain restricted items, ensuring customers cannot check out with more than the allowed amount.
Building Awesome Checkout Apps and Experiences
With Shopify's continuous effort to add new functionality and access to extend the checkout process with functions and UI extensions, developers have the building blocks to create outstanding checkout apps and experiences. The possibilities are endless, and Shopify cannot wait to see the innovative and creative solutions developers will build next.
Conclusion
In conclusion, checkout customization is vital for businesses to provide a seamless and personalized customer experience. With Shopify's CheckOut UI Extensions and Shopify Functions, businesses have the necessary tools and resources to build flexible and unique checkout experiences. From customizing UI elements to implementing backend logic, Shopify offers a comprehensive solution for businesses to enhance their checkout process and boost conversions.
