Improve User Experience: Hide Empty Stars on Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Product Reviews on Shopify
3. Problem: Empty Stars and No Reviews
4. Solution: Hiding Empty Stars with CSS
5. Step-by-Step Guide: Removing Empty Stars
6. Testing and Troubleshooting
7. Considerations for Website Design
8. Pros and Cons of Hiding Empty Stars
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will focus on product reviews using the Shopify app. Specifically, we will address the issue of displaying empty stars when a product has no reviews. We will guide you on how to hide these empty stars using CSS. This tutorial is designed for Shopify users who want to improve the appearance and user experience of their online stores. So, let's dive in and learn how to remove those unwanted empty stars!

Understanding Product Reviews on Shopify

Before we dive into the solution, let's take a moment to understand the importance of product reviews in the Shopify ecosystem. Product reviews are a crucial aspect of any online store as they provide valuable feedback and insights to potential customers. They help build trust, increase conversions, and enhance the overall credibility of your products.

Problem: Empty Stars and No Reviews

Have you ever noticed those annoying empty stars on your product pages when a product has no reviews? They can create a negative impression on your customers and potentially deter them from making a purchase. To ensure a seamless user experience, it's important to address this issue and find a solution to hide these empty stars until there are genuine reviews available for a product.

Solution: Hiding Empty Stars with CSS

To hide the empty stars on your Shopify store, we can leverage CSS. By targeting the specific attribute that indicates a rating of 0.0, we can selectively hide the stars. We will guide you through the step-by-step process of implementing this solution in your Shopify theme.

Step-by-Step Guide: Removing Empty Stars

1. Access the Code Editor: Navigate to Online Store > Themes > Actions > Edit Code.

2. Locate the Stylesheet: Search for styles.scss.liquid (or a similar .scss file) within your theme files. This file contains your main stylesheet or custom styles section.

3. Insert the CSS Code: Scroll to the bottom of the stylesheet and find the section for adding custom styles. If it doesn't exist, create a new section. Paste the provided CSS code that targets the attribute data rating with a value of 0.0.

4. Save and Refresh: Save your changes and preview your store. Refresh the product page to see if the empty stars are hidden for products without reviews.

5. Troubleshooting: If the changes don't take effect immediately, refresh the page a few times as it may take some time for the reviews to load and for the stars to appear.

Testing and Troubleshooting

After implementing the solution, it's essential to thoroughly test your online store to ensure that the empty stars are successfully hidden for products without any reviews. By creating test scenarios and checking various pages, such as the product page and collection page, you can verify if the changes have been applied correctly. If you encounter any issues, review the CSS code implementation and troubleshoot accordingly.

Considerations for Website Design

While hiding empty stars can improve the user experience and aesthetics of your online store, it's important to consider the impact on your website's design. Depending on your website's layout, hiding the empty stars may cause misalignment or affect the overall visual coherence. Assess the design elements and make an informed decision about implementing this solution based on your specific website design.

Pros and Cons of Hiding Empty Stars

As with any modification to your online store, there are pros and cons to consider. Let's explore them:

Pros:

• Enhances the appearance of your product pages by removing empty stars.
• Provides a cleaner and more professional look when products have no reviews.
• Improves the user experience by reducing distractions and potential negative impressions.

Cons:

• The CSS code implementation may require technical knowledge or assistance.
• Hiding empty stars may impact the design and alignment of other elements on your website.
• Customers may not be aware of the absence of reviews for a product unless it is clearly indicated in another way.

Conclusion

In summary, hiding empty stars for products without reviews is an effective way to create a more polished and user-friendly experience on your Shopify store. By following the step-by-step guide and leveraging CSS, you can seamlessly remove these empty stars and enhance the overall appearance of your product pages. Remember to consider the design implications and thoroughly test the changes to ensure a seamless implementation.

Now, take control of your product reviews and create a visually appealing online store that instills trust and confidence in your customers!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will hiding empty stars affect the visibility of customer reviews? A: No, this solution only hides empty stars and does not impact the visibility of reviews. Once a product receives genuine reviews, the stars will be displayed accordingly.

Q: Can I customize the CSS code to modify the appearance of the stars? A: Yes, the provided CSS code can be modified to match your desired star rating design. However, keep in mind that extensive modifications may require advanced CSS knowledge.

Q: Will hiding empty stars negatively impact the trustworthiness of my products? A: As long as you clearly communicate the absence of reviews in another way (e.g., displaying a "No Reviews Yet" message), customers will understand that certain products lack reviews. Transparency is key in maintaining trust.

Q: Can I selectively hide stars for specific product categories or collections? A: Yes, by modifying the CSS code, you can target specific sections or classes within your Shopify theme to hide stars based on your desired criteria.