Personalized Product Recommendations – A Detailed Guide for Shopify Stores

Ever noticed how Netflix knows exactly what show you’ll binge next or how Amazon suggests that perfect add-on to your cart? That’s the magic of personalized product recommendations.

For Shopify store owners, implementing a recommendation strategy isn’t just about upselling—it’s about enhancing the shopping experience, building customer loyalty, and increasing conversions without feeling pushy.

Customers expect more than just a generic shopping journey. They want tailored suggestions that align with their preferences, behaviors, and needs. Whether it’s a “Frequently Bought Together” section, AI-powered recommendations, or dynamic upsells, a personalized recommendation system can boost engagement and significantly impact your store’s revenue.

But how do these recommendations work? What makes them so effective? And most importantly, how can you implement them in your Shopify store? In this guide, we’ll break it all down—from understanding how personalized recommendations work to real-world examples (yes, we’re looking at you, Amazon!). By the end, you’ll have actionable insights to make your Shopify store smarter and more profitable.

Let’s dive in!

Personalized product recommendations are smart, data-driven suggestions that show customers the most relevant products based on their browsing history, purchase behavior, preferences, and real-time interactions. Instead of offering generic suggestions, these recommendations tailor the shopping experience to each user, making it more engaging and conversion-friendly.

Think of it this way—when a shopper visits your Shopify store, they leave behind digital footprints:

• The products they view
• Items they add to their cart
• Their past purchases
• How much time they spend on certain pages

Personalized recommendation engines use this data (often powered by AI and machine learning) to predict what the shopper is most likely to buy next. The goal? To show the right product to the right customer at the right time.

Personalized product recommendations aren’t just about pushing random products in front of customers. They’re about strategically showing relevant items that match user intent, shopping behavior, and preferences. Let’s break down the different types of personalized recommendations Shopify store owners can use to maximize conversions.

1. Frequently Bought Together

Ever seen a section on an eCommerce store that suggests related products? That’s the “Frequently Bought Together” recommendation. It groups complementary products based on what other customers typically purchase together.

Example: A customer buys a laptop, and they see recommendations for a laptop bag, wireless mouse, and a cooling pad.

Why It Works: This recommendation method boosts order value by encouraging customers to purchase related items that enhance their original purchase. It also simplifies decision-making by offering useful add-ons, making shopping more convenient. When customers see products that naturally complement their purchase, they’re more likely to add them to their cart without second-guessing.

Best Used For: Electronics, fashion (outfits & accessories), home decor, and beauty products.

2. Recommended for You

These recommendations are tailored to each customer based on browsing history, purchase patterns, and product preferences. They appear in personalized sections, such as “You May Like” or “Just for You.”

Example: A customer who frequently buys skincare products might see recommendations for face masks, serums, or body lotions that align with their interests.

Why It Works: By making the shopping experience feel personalized, this type of recommendation increases engagement and customer retention. Shoppers feel like the store understands their preferences, making them more likely to return and explore similar products. The curated approach also reduces the effort customers need to find items they’ll love.

Best Used For: Fashion, beauty, health & wellness, and subscription boxes.

4. Recently Viewed Items

Shoppers often browse multiple products before making a decision. The “Recently Viewed” section reminds them of products they’ve checked out but haven’t purchased yet.

Example: A shopper looks at a pair of sneakers but leaves without adding them to the cart. When they return, they see the same sneakers in a “Recently Viewed” section.

Why It Works: This recommendation serves as a gentle nudge, helping customers quickly revisit products they were interested in without having to search for them again. It also reduces the likelihood of losing potential sales by keeping previously viewed products at the top of the customer’s mind, making the purchase process more seamless.

✅ Best Used For: Apparel, furniture, gadgets, and luxury items.

5. Bestsellers & Trending Products

Highlighting top-selling or trending products creates urgency and social proof. Customers feel more confident buying something that others are purchasing.

Example: A Shopify store promotes “This Week’s Bestsellers” or “Trending Now” with products that are currently in demand.

Why It Works: Featuring bestsellers helps reduce hesitation by reassuring customers that they are making a popular and trusted choice. It also creates a sense of urgency, as shoppers may fear missing out on a trending product. This strategy works particularly well for seasonal sales, fast-moving inventory, and products with high demand.

Best Used For: Fashion, seasonal products, home essentials, and tech gadgets.

6. Based on Cart Items

When a shopper adds an item to their cart, this type of recommendation suggests related or complementary products.

Example: A customer adds a camera to their cart, and they get a suggestion for a memory card and a tripod before checkout.

Why It Works: Cart-based recommendations are effective because they appear at a point when customers are already committed to making a purchase. By suggesting useful add-ons or upgrades, they encourage last-minute purchases that enhance the main product, ultimately increasing the overall order value.

Best Used For: Electronics, accessories, and DIY/home improvement products.

7. Location-Based Recommendations

These recommendations change based on the customer’s location to show region-specific products or deals.

Example: A Shopify store selling clothing recommends winter jackets for customers in Canada while showing summer dresses for shoppers in Australia.

Why It Works: By tailoring suggestions to the customer’s geographical location, businesses can offer more relevant products, improving both engagement and conversions. Location-based recommendations are particularly effective for weather-dependent items, region-specific trends, or culturally relevant products, ensuring that customers see offerings suited to their needs.

Best Used For: Apparel, food & beverages, travel gear, and home essentials.

Higher Conversion Rates

Personalized product recommendations play a crucial role in shaping the online shopping experience, helping Shopify store owners boost engagement, increase sales, and improve customer satisfaction. One of the biggest advantages is their ability to drive higher conversion rates. When customers see products tailored to their preferences and shopping history, they are more likely to make a purchase.

Unlike generic product suggestions, personalized recommendations feel relevant, reducing the time customers spend searching for what they need and making their decision-making process easier. By showing the right products at the right time, Shopify store owners can significantly improve the chances of turning visitors into paying customers.

Increased Average Order Value (AOV)

Another key benefit is the increase in average order value (AOV). When shoppers receive personalized suggestions, such as complementary products or frequently bought-together items, they are more inclined to add extra products to their cart.

For example, a customer buying a smartphone might also be shown a protective case, a wireless charger, or headphones—items they might not have actively searched for but are now tempted to buy. This not only increases revenue per transaction but also enhances the overall shopping experience, making it more convenient for customers to find everything they need in one go.

Stronger Customer Retention and Loyalty

Personalized recommendations also contribute to customer retention and loyalty. When customers feel that a store understands their preferences and consistently offers relevant suggestions, they are more likely to return. This level of personalization creates a connection between the brand and the customer, fostering trust and long-term relationships.

Instead of treating every visitor the same, Shopify store owners can make each customer feel valued by curating product selections that align with their tastes and shopping habits. A satisfied customer who receives personalized recommendations is more likely to make repeat purchases and engage with the store more frequently.

Reduced Bounce Rates and Cart Abandonment

Beyond sales and retention, personalized recommendations also help reduce bounce rates and abandoned carts. Many online shoppers browse products but leave without making a purchase. By strategically placing personalized product suggestions on product pages, category pages, or even in email campaigns, store owners can recapture lost interest.

For example, a customer who viewed a specific pair of shoes but didn’t buy them might receive an email showcasing that exact pair, along with similar alternatives. This approach keeps the store top-of-mind and encourages customers to complete their purchases, minimizing lost sales opportunities.

Enhanced User Experience and Engagement

Additionally, personalized recommendations enhance the overall user experience by making online shopping more intuitive and engaging. Instead of scrolling through endless product listings, customers can quickly discover products that align with their interests.

This creates a seamless journey, where shoppers feel like the store is curating a selection just for them rather than bombarding them with irrelevant choices. The more effortless and enjoyable the experience, the more likely customers are to stay longer, explore more products, and ultimately make a purchase.

Setting up personalized product recommendations in Shopify is easier than you think, especially with the right tools. For this article, we’ll use the StoreFrog Product Recommendations App, a powerful solution that helps Shopify store owners deliver tailored product suggestions effortlessly.

StoreFrog offers both free and paid plans, allowing you to choose the best option based on your store’s needs and budget. Once you’ve selected your preferred plan and installed the app on your website, follow these steps to integrate personalized product recommendations into your Shopify store.

Step 1: Create a New Recommendation Widget

From your Shopify admin account, go to Apps > SF Product Recommendations.

Click on the Create new recommendation button.

Step 2: Select a Page to Show Recommendation

• From here, you can choose different pages on your Shopify store to show the recommendations. Let’s choose Product page.

Step 3: Choose a Recommendation Template

• StoreFrog offers different types of recommendation templates. Let’s choose the Recently viewed recommendation for this guide.

• This will automatically show the last viewed products as recommendations to the customers.

Step 4: Customize the Recommendation Widget

• Choose a title for the recommendation widget. 
• You can add various filters to display recommendations on your store. 
• Additionally, you also have various customization options for the recommendation widget.

• After making the necessary changes, click on the Create new recommendation button to save the recommendations.

Here’s a preview of the Recently viewed recommendations in Shopify.

Personalized product recommendations are essential for enhancing customer experience, driving sales, and building long-term loyalty. By showing shoppers products that resonate with their preferences, Shopify store owners can create a more engaging and conversion-friendly shopping environment. Whether it’s suggesting frequently bought-together items, highlighting trending products, or reminding customers of their recently viewed items, personalization makes shopping seamless and intuitive.

Beyond boosting conversions and increasing average order value, personalized recommendations also help reduce bounce rates, recover abandoned carts, and keep customers coming back. The key is to implement them in a way that feels natural and helpful rather than intrusive. With tools like StoreFrog Shopify Product Recommendations, integrating smart recommendations into your Shopify store has never been easier.

As eCommerce continues to evolve, customers will expect more tailored experiences. By leveraging personalized product recommendations effectively, Shopify store owners can not only meet these expectations but also stay ahead of the competition. So, if you haven’t already, now is the time to make your store smarter, more intuitive, and, most importantly, more profitable with personalized product recommendations!