What is Product Sorting?

Product sorting refers to the arrangement or sequencing of products displayed on an ecommerce site, typically on collection or category pages. It plays a fundamental role in the shopping experience, influencing product discoverability and, by extension, the likelihood of sales. Most commonly, products can be sorted based on popularity, price, new arrivals, or relevance, among other criteria.

The Underestimation of Product Sorting

Despite its critical role, many ecommerce stores undervalue product sorting. But why is this?

Challenges with Data Accessibility

Effective product sorting often requires comprehensive data analysis, from tracking user interactions to sales metrics. Gaining access to, and making sense of, this vast pool of data can be overwhelming for many retailers.

Manual Sorting Hurdles

Without automated tools, product sorting often becomes a manual, cumbersome task. Sorting through each product, especially in extensive catalogs, is not only time-intensive but can also introduce human error.

Scaling Difficulties

As product lines expand and inventory grows, maintaining an optimal sort order becomes increasingly challenging. With more products to manage and ever-evolving sales dynamics, keeping everything in order is no small feat.

Platform Limitations: Shopify's Case

While Shopify has made ecommerce more accessible for many, its out-of-the-box solutions aren't necessarily tailored for advanced merchandising needs, including nuanced product sorting.

Optimal Product Sorting: Best Practices

1. Dynamic Sorting Based on User Behavior

Automate the sorting process by utilizing algorithms that adjust product positioning based on user behavior. For instance, products frequently added to carts or wish-listed could be prioritized higher. This dynamic approach ensures that trending or in-demand products are more visible, leading to increased sales opportunities.

2. Incorporate Sales and Stock Data

Analyze sales figures and stock levels to optimize product positioning. High-selling products should be prominently displayed. Conversely, low-stock items could either be highlighted to create a sense of urgency or moved lower if stock replenishment isn't immediate.

3. Introduce A/B Testing for Sorting Strategies

Just as with other aspects of ecommerce, A/B testing can be invaluable for product sorting. By testing different sorting methods and measuring their impact on sales and user engagement, you can identify which strategy resonates most with your audience.

4. Provide User-Controlled Sorting Options

While automated sorting is crucial, don't overlook the power of user agency. Providing visitors with intuitive, user-controlled sorting options (e.g., price low to high, newest arrivals) ensures they can customize their browsing experience to their preferences.

In essence, product sorting isn't just about aesthetics; it's a strategic tool in ecommerce. Implementing thoughtful, data-driven sorting practices can drastically improve product discoverability, enhance user experience, and drive sales growth.