Are you running a Shopify store and looking to redirect your customers from a product page to an external site? Maybe you want to guide them to an affiliate product, a partnership page, or simply another platform where your products are listed. Changing the “Add to Cart” button into an external link button on Shopify is an innovative way to achieve this. This guide will walk you through the process in a simple, user-friendly manner, ensuring that even those without coding experience can follow along.

Understanding the Basics “Add to Cart” button 

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s understand why you might want to turn your “Add to Cart” button into an external link. Whether it’s for affiliate marketing, directing customers to a custom order form, or leading them to additional product information, this tweak can open up new avenues for your e-commerce strategy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Modify the Button

Step 1: Access Your Shopify Admin

Log into your Shopify admin dashboard. This is where all the magic begins. You’ll need access to your store’s themes and the ability to edit code. Don’t worry; we’ll guide you through each step.

Step 2: Navigate to Your Theme Code

Once logged in, go to “Online Store” > “Themes.” Find the theme you’re currently using and click on “Actions.” From the dropdown menu, select “Edit code.” This will take you to the code editor of your Shopify theme.

Step 3: Locate the Product Template

In the code editor, you’ll need to find the file that controls the product page layout. This is typically named product-template.liquid or something similar. If you’re unsure, look for a file under the “Templates” folder that has “product” in its name.

Step 4: Modify the Add to Cart Button Code

Within the product-template.liquid file, search for the code snippet that generates the “Add to Cart” button. It usually contains the text type=”submit” and possibly name=”add”. Here, you’re going to change this button to an external link.

Replace the existing button code with something like the following HTML code:

html

Copy code

<a href=”YOUR_EXTERNAL_LINK_HERE” class=”btn”>Buy Now</a>

Replace YOUR_EXTERNAL_LINK_HERE with the actual URL you want the button to link to. You can also change the button text from “Buy Now” to anything that suits your needs.

Step 5: Style Your New Button

If you want your new external link button to match the look of your Shopify store’s buttons, you’ll likely need to add or modify some CSS. Look for your theme’s CSS file, often named theme.scss.liquid or something similar, under the “Assets” folder.

You can add custom styles to make your new button blend in or stand out as much as you’d like. Here’s a simple CSS snippet to get you started:

css

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.btn {

 background-color: #000000; /* Button color */

 color: #ffffff; /* Text color */

 padding: 10px 20px;

 text-align: center;

 display: inline-block;

 margin: 4px 2px;

 cursor: pointer;

 text-decoration: none;

}

Remember to adjust the colors (background-color and color), padding, and any other properties to match your store’s design.

Step 6: Save and Test

After making your changes, save the files and exit the code editor. It’s crucial to review your product page and test the new external link button to ensure it functions as expected. Clicking the button should redirect you to the specified external link in a new tab or window, depending on your link settings.

Additional Tips

• Backup Your Theme: Before making any changes, it’s wise to duplicate your theme. This ensures you have a backup in case something goes wrong.
• Test on Multiple Devices: Check how the button looks and works on different devices and browsers to ensure a consistent user experience.
• Update Regularly: Shopify themes and the platform itself are regularly updated. Keep your customizations in check to ensure they continue to work correctly with new updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change the “Add to Cart” button to an external link without coding experience?

Yes, you can. The steps outlined in our guide are designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. By following the instructions step-by-step, even those without coding experience can successfully make this change.

2. Will changing the “Add to Cart” button affect my store’s performance?

Changing the “Add to Cart” button to an external link should not negatively impact your store’s performance. However, it’s important to ensure that the external link leads to a relevant and trustworthy site to maintain a positive user experience.

3. Can I revert the changes if I change my mind?

Absolutely. You can revert the changes by removing or altering the code snippet you added or replaced. Keeping a backup of the original theme before making any changes is a good practice, allowing you to restore it if needed.

4. How do I ensure the new button matches my store’s design?

You can adjust the appearance of your new external link button by modifying the CSS in your theme’s assets. The CSS snippet provided in the guide is a good starting point. Feel free to adjust the styling to match your store’s aesthetic.

5. Is it possible to track clicks on the new external link button?

Yes, you can track clicks by integrating analytics tools or using Shopify’s built-in analytics. Additionally, if you’re linking to another site you own, you can use UTM parameters for more detailed tracking.

Turning the “Add to Cart” button into an external link button on Shopify might seem daunting at first, but it’s a straightforward process once you get the hang of it. This modification can significantly impact your e-commerce strategy, opening up new possibilities for your online store. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to make this change with ease, even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy. Remember, the key to a successful Shopify store is not just in its products but also in how effectively you can guide your customers through the buying process.