Articles and guides

Shopify Flow, two powerful time-saving Debug updates Detailed data tracking and quick search of fields and values. It's easier to detect errors, measure results, and improve automation. Category: Automation Shopify Flow Reading time: ~4 minutes TL;DR: Starting in mid-January 2025, Flow stores input and output for every trigger and action and allows searching for values ​​and fields throughout the process. No need to add a log at each step. Saves hours of debugging and quickly sees where and why the flow broke. 1) Detailed tracking of process data Now we see the input and output at each node of the flow. Triggers: Input shows the ID that triggered the flow, Output shows the fields pulled from the object, for example order items. Actions: Input shows the instructions defined, Output shows the actual result including fields returned from the API. Available for flows running from mid-January 2025 onwards. 2) Quick search in fields and values A single search bar that scans values ​​and field names throughout the flow, without opening each step individually. Check if a tag has been added to a product or order in real time. Find where the mapping of an external field fell. Although the text indicates a search in the trigger, in practice the coverage is broader. Why is this important? Before the upgrades, we would add Log actions at each step and search manually. Now we see the data in one place, identify empty fields, unexpected values, and API errors quickly, and shorten the time to fix. Quick implementation checklist Diagnosing existing flows Open recent runs and check input and output at each step. Locate fields that return blank or unexpected values. Upgrading rules Add a condition that prevents sending when a key field is missing. We updated mapping to new field names in integrations. Speed ​​tests Use search to make sure tags and statuses are added. Run a test on a sample order and check API output. Practical usage examples Clearing and shipping: If shipping integration did not receive a phone call, check the output to see if the field was pulled from the trigger or dropped in the mapping. Automatic tags: Search for the tag name to make sure it was added at the right time and to the right entity. ERP synchronization: built a filter that stopped when a mandatory SKU field was missing, protecting the integration from errors. Best Practices for Reducing Debug Time Clear names for steps: Action that explains what it does and what it returns. Validation checks: Conditions that verify required fields before API calls. Versions: Save a copy of a working flow before making a significant change. Collect samples: Keep sample orders of any type of scenario for quick testing. Want us to review and optimize the flows in Shopify Flow? At Spiky, we map failures, implement smart tests and automations, and shorten your debugging time. Talk to us

Shopify Flow continues to evolve and offer more powerful solutions for managing your ecommerce store, with the launch of new blocks focused on working with Metaobjects. These features bring Flow closer to becoming a complete backend system for managing data and processes. The new blocks include: Get Metaobject Entries You can now retrieve lists of Metaobjects by type or using a custom query. For example, if you are using Metaobjects to display specific colors in a product or filters, you can retrieve the specific color using a query and take actions based on the result. Practical example : Your product provider provides colors as a text value ("red," for example). Using a query, you can locate the Metaobject of type "Colors" that contains this value, and then use it to update the appropriate product fields in your store. Get Metaobject Entry This function allows retrieving a specific Metaobject by its ID, a more focused and simplified version of the first function. Why is this important? Data management in Shopify has come a long way: from basic metafields to advanced Metaobjects. The new functions allow you to fully work with data - read, write, edit, and delete - directly from Flow. What does this mean for your business? Less dependence on paid apps. Create custom solutions without the need for code. Shopify Flow continues to simplify processes and provide merchants with powerful tools for efficient and cost-effective management. #shopify #shopifyplus #ecommerce

Shopify Plus and a winning customer experience, how to build a CX that increases growth From a commerce focused on basic functionality to a customized, intuitive, and seamless experience at every touchpoint, Shopify Plus shifts the focus to the customer, generating loyalty and sales. Category: CX · eCommerce Reading time: ~7 minutes TL;DR: Today's customer expects a personalized, fast, consistent, and secure shopping journey. Shopify Plus provides an infrastructure that combines performance, personalization, and efficient operations to close gaps at every stage of the funnel, from discovery to post-purchase. The key is smart experience design, converting checkout, automation, and data that drives decisions. Why CX has become the key growth engine In the past, we just wanted the website to work. Today, customers expect more: speed, clarity, contextualization, and service that precedes the cure. A good customer experience shortens time to decision, increases conversion rates, reduces returns, and increases loyalty. Consistent across all channels: same branding, pricing, and information across mobile, desktop, and POS solutions. Minimal friction: as few clicks as possible, fewer fields, fewer surprises at the checkout. Contextuality: Suggestions, language, and content that are appropriate for the user and the buying situation. How Shopify Plus enables modern CX 1) Checkout that converts Checkout Extensibility: Add fields, banners, trust messages, and invalidations without affecting performance. Fast wallets: Fast payment options that shorten the path to payment. Pricing and gift card rules: coupons, quantity promotions, gift wrapping, and upgrades. 2) Customization that feels natural Smart recommendations: complementary products based on catalog, browsing history, and context. Dynamic content: Shipping notifications, delivery times, and policies that match the customer's destination. Segmentation: promotions, pricing, and communication based on audiences and behavior. 3) Automation and code-free operation Flows and events: order confirmations, inventory updates, returns management, service triggers. Cross-system processes: ERP, WMS, CRM and marketing platform connections in a clean and stable approach. 4) Global commerce and omnichannel Stores and markets: languages, currencies, local payments, and tax display by region. Connected POS: Inventory, coupons, and credits that work online and offline in the same experience. 5) Performance and trust Speed ​​and stability: Infrastructure that holds loads and loads quickly to reduce abandonment. Security and compliance: Up-to-date standards, script control, and clean permissions. Work model, CX throughout the journey 1. Discovery and examination Fast collection pages with predictable filtering and complementary automatic search. Clear titles, smart variant display, and images that show scale and usage. 2. Decision and purchase Product pages with social proof, frequently asked questions, highlights on shipping and returns. Party cart with subtle upsell, gift options and order notes. Short checkout, minimal fields and transparent cost display. 3. Post-acquisition and retention A thank you page that recommends the next step, registration, a complementary combo, or a user guide. Emails with shipping status, guides, product reviews, and repurchase offers. Proactive service support, chat, and simple return scheduling. Metrics that reveal whether CX is working Conversion Rate: Conversion rate on the website and at the checkout. AOV: Average Cart Value, mainly after Upsell and Bundles. Time to Buy: Time from arrival at the site to purchase. Cart Abandonment: Cart and checkout abandonments. Repeat Rate and LTV: Rate of repeat customers and customer lifetime value. NPS and CSAT: Post-purchase service experience. 90-day action plan, improving CX without breaking tools Week 1 to 2: Full funnel mapping, basic data collection, identifying bottlenecks. Week 3 to 4: Improving product page, adding social proof, FAQ, and clear shipping. Week 5 to 6: Shortening the checkout, adding fast wallets, trust messages. Week 7 to 8: Upsell components and subtle handoffs in the cart and checkout. Week 9 to 10: Smart post-purchase email, product review, repurchase offer. Week 11 to 12: Fine tuning according to metrics, ongoing A/B testing. Anti-patterns to avoid Too many pop-ups: harm concentration and confidence. Non-required fields at checkout: Every field reduces conversions. Cost surprises: shipping, taxes, or fees that appear late. Duplicate apps: slows down speed and creates bugs. Want to turn your CX into a sales engine? At Spiky, we will build a CX plan based on your data, upgrade product pages and checkout, and measure real results. Talk to us

Ecommerce promotions - this is how to increase your conversions The right promotion makes the difference between an abandoned cart and a successful purchase. Here's how to build a promotions strategy that works. Reading time: ~4 minutes TL;DR: Choose 2 to 3 types of promotions that fit your audience and margin, add urgency and a timer, keep free shipping from a target amount, and measure AOV, conversion rate, and cart abandonment. Why do employees perform Promotions are a powerful tool for attracting customers, increasing sales, and improving loyalty. Proper planning will create an experience that drives action rather than damaging brand value. 10 ideas for effective promotions 1) Seasonal promotions End of the year, summer, holidays, back to school, Black Friday. Match the message, collection, and clear deadline. 2) Buy-Get Buy one, get one free, or the second one at a discount. Increases AOV and speeds up decision making. 3) Quantity discounts Buy 3 and get 20 percent off, buy 5 and get 30 percent off - good for clearing inventory. 4) Free shipping Above a target threshold calculated by margin. Reduces cart abandonment due to shipping cost. 5) For a limited time Urgency works - incorporate a countdown timer on the sale page and in the shopping cart. 6) For subscribers/club members Exclusive benefits for newsletter or customer club recipients, encouraging registration and repeat purchases. 7) Friend brings friend Discount or gift for the referrer and friend. Acquisition of a new customer at a relatively low cost. 8) Bandalim Special price for a set of complementary products, for example: buy a jacket plus a shirt for 20 percent off. 9) For returning customers 10 percent coupon for next purchase. One-time conversion to fixed. 10) VIP Benefits for preferred customers, early access, exclusive products, dedicated discounts. How to run a promotion without hurting profitability Free shipping threshold: Calculated by average margin and current AOV. Smart exclusions: Do not include products with extremely low margins. Urgency: timer, limited stock, unit count. Visibility throughout the funnel: banners, subtle popup, top bar, message on product page and in cart. Scaled testing: Start with an audience group or catalog segments, expand by result. Metrics to measure during operation Conversion rate: Did it increase against the baseline? AOV: Is it growing due to bundles and quantities. Cart abandonments: Did they decrease after implementing free shipping? Net Profitability: Revenue less product cost and benefits. LTV: How many customers are returning following the move? Do you want us to build you a sales plan that proves itself? We will set thresholds, build in bundles, connect timers and coupon rules, and measure the result. Talk to us

How to do a smart upsell in ecommerce and increase AOV From gum in line at the supermarket to a targeted offer in the shopping cart, this is how to implement upsell strategies that increase sales without compromising the experience. Category: CRO · AOV Reading time: ~5 minutes TL;DR: Choose 2-3 upsell techniques that fit your margins and data, place them at key points in the customer journey, and define clear metrics, AOV, conversion rate, cart abandonment, and net profit. Don't overload, prioritize relevant offers, and minimize friction. The analogy that works You know when you're in line at the supermarket and you squint at the gum shelf and then add it to the cart? This is exactly the effect that a proper upsell produces in an online store: a small offer, close to the decision, relevant to the context. Effective Upsell Strategies 1) Personalized recommendations Analyze purchase history and behavior. Anyone who bought a smartphone will receive an offer for a compatible screen protector, case, or headphones. 2) Promotions and packages Buy 2 and get a third one at a discount, bundles at a special price. Increases AOV and clears inventory. 3) Popups and contextual notifications Smart triggers based on the shopping cart. Anyone who added a book will receive a suggestion for a similar book or a reading light. 4) Product upgrade Upgraded version at a slightly higher price, extended warranty, premium package. 5) Post-purchase offers On the thank you page and in emails, complementary items, savings packages, and repeat purchases. 6) Customer and loyalty club Benefit levels, points, personal vouchers. Turns a one-time customer into a regular one. Where to place an upsell in the buying journey Product page Complementary products, before and after, kits. Upgrade variation, larger volume, premium set. Cart and side cart Free shipping bar with an offer that raises the threshold. Accessory match, cable, case, filter. box office A small addition that is easy to decide on. Gift wrapping, gift blessing, shipping insurance. Post purchase Thank you page with instant bundle. Emails, SMS, reactivation campaign. How to maintain a good customer experience Relevance above all: The offer must be related to what is in the cart. Subtlety and non-intrusiveness: One popup at most, preferably a sidecar. Price transparency: no fine print, no surprising fees. Mobile first: large buttons, short scrolling, high readability. Metrics you can't do without AOV: Average basket value before and after implementation. Conversion Rate: Offers do not reduce overall conversions. Cart Abandonment: Pushing does not increase abandonment. Attach Rate: Percentage of buyers who added the offer. Net Profitability: Revenue less benefit cost and marginal cost. Common mistakes to avoid Too many offers at the same time. Irrelevant suggestions that create noise. Deep discounts that hurt margins without a clear goal. Failure to measure and compare against a baseline. Want an Upsell that works and proves itself in numbers? At Spiky, we will set smart offers based on data, build kits and bundles, and measure AOV and profitability in real time. Talk to us

12 Email Automations Every Ecommerce Store Must Have Email automations that increase sales, strengthen loyalty, and reduce churn. A quick guide to quick and safe implementation. Reading time: ~6 minutes TL;DR: Implement three mandatory layers first, Welcome, Abandoned Cart, Post Purchase. Add a loyalty layer, reactivation, and personalized offers. Measure Open, Click, CVR, Email Revenue, and take care of sending reputation. The 12 Important Automations Welcome: A warm welcome message with value, brand story, and sign-on benefit. Abandoned Cart: A chain of 2 to 3 messages with product images and a shortcut to the cart. Order confirmation: full details, delivery times, tracking link. Shipping update: departure status, expected delivery, tracking link. Thank you for your purchase: trust boost, code for next purchase, review request. Reactivation for dormant customers: A unique offer for returning to purchase. Upsale and cross-sale: complementary items based on a previous purchase. Review Request: After initial use, a quick link to leave a review. Joining a customer club: exclusive benefits, points, priority for promotions. Updates and promotions: Periodic newsletter with new products and events. Birthdays: Greetings with a customized coupon. Recommendations based on previous purchases: Personalization based on history and behavior on the site. Best Practices for Smart Configuration Timings Abandoned cart, 1 to 2 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours. Review request, 7 to 10 days from delivery. Reactivation, 45 to 60 days without purchase. content A short and clear title, one main value. Sharp product images, prominent CTA. Social proof, quotes and reviews. Personalization First name, favorite categories. Recommendations based on viewing and purchase. Coupon adjusted for historical AOV. Deliverability Verified domain, SPF, DKIM, DMARC. List hygiene, regular cleaning of inactive recipients. Stepwise warm-up rate for new lists. Metrics that must be measured Open Rate Positive trend after A/B testing of Row and Sender. Click Rate Is the CTA clear and relevant? CVR Email-to-purchase conversion rate. Revenue per Email Average revenue per email sent. Unsub and Spam Less than 0.1 percent of complaints is preferable, otherwise refine frequency and content. Quick Start Checklist Map the customer funnel and define clear triggers. Write 2 versions of each email for A/B testing. Segments are created by loyalty, frequency, and category. Set sending limits to avoid being overwhelmed. Check on mobile before publishing. Want us to build email automations for you that generate regular income? In Spiky, we will define the 12 flows, write creative, and schedule A/B tests with a measurement dashboard. Talk to us