If you’re an author building a Shopify store, making it visually appealing and user-friendly can seem overwhelming at first. But tools like the GLO Color Swatch app can simplify the process, especially when you’re dealing with product variants like book formats or different covers. Whether you offer eBooks, paperbacks, special editions, or multiple cover designs, this free app can enhance the shopping experience for your readers.
In this post, I’ll guide you through how I use the GLO Color Swatch app, why I recommend it, and how you can set it up step-by-step. But first, here’s the video tutorial where you can follow along:
Why GLO Color Swatch Is Great for Authors on Shopify
If you’ve been struggling to organize your books by format or cover design, this app is a game-changer. It allows you to display variants with customized options that help readers easily select what they want.
For example, I offer my books in formats like audiobooks, eBooks, and paperbacks, as well as different cover options for some book series. Certain readers might want matching covers for their Kindle library or physical shelf. Others might have started a series in paperback and want to keep the same format. By giving them choices, I make their shopping experience less stressful—and also more visually engaging!
The GLO Color Swatch app makes it easy to display these options in a clean, intuitive way. Plus, it’s free to use, though there’s a paid plan if you ever want additional features like product grouping.
How to Get Started with GLO Color Swatch
Here’s how you can set up the GLO Color Swatch app for your Shopify store:
1. Download and Install the App
Head to the Shopify App Store and search for “GLO Color Swatch.” Once you find it, click to install and sync it with your store. Don’t worry, it’s a straightforward process—the app guides you every step of the way.
2. Choose Your Variant Options
The app lets you customize how your product options (like book formats and covers) appear. You can set each variant to display as a swatch or an image. For example, I use it to show different book covers as clickable images, which makes it visually clear for readers to see the available choices.
3. Enable Settings to Match Your Needs
In the settings section, you’ll find various customization options:
- Hide Sold-Out Items: You can hide variants that are unavailable, like a limited edition hardcover that’s sold out. This keeps things looking clean and avoids customer frustration.
- Require Variant Selection: Readers will need to pick an option—such as a cover design—before they can add the product to their cart.
- Product Page and Collection Page Integration: You can make these customization options visible on product pages, collection pages, or both. It’s up to you!
4. Fine-Tune the Appearance
This app lets you control visual elements like swatch size, hover effects, and color integration to match your brand. For my store, I’ve added subtle glow effects around the options and hover shadows in colors that align with my branding. It’s a small touch, but it makes the layout feel more polished and professional.
5. Test Your Settings
Once you’ve saved your choices, test how the changes look on both desktop and mobile. This small step ensures everything works as it should and looks just as good on a phone as it does on a larger screen.
What Makes the Free Plan So Useful?
For most authors, the free plan of this app will be enough. You can do all of the following for no cost:
- Add visual customization for variants (e.g., formats, covers).
- Enable or hide certain options (like sold-out variants).
- Require buyers to select an option before checking out.
- Display options on both product and collection pages.
The paid plan, which is $9.99/month, includes product grouping and other extras. Personally, I find the free tier meets most of my needs.
Tips for Using GLO Color Swatch Effectively
- Keep It Simple: Avoid overwhelming readers with too many options. Only display formats and covers that make sense for your product.
- Ensure Consistency: If you’re offering multiple book covers for a series, make sure the style stays consistent so readers can easily identify what they’re looking for.
- Engage Your Audience: Let readers know about the customizations you’ve added. For people who love collecting books, sharing that they can choose their preferred cover design is an excellent selling point.
Final Thoughts
The GLO Color Swatch app makes a big difference in how your Shopify store looks and functions. It’s perfect for authors looking to create a professional, memorable shopping experience while giving readers more choices. Best of all, it’s free and easy to implement.
If you have questions about setting it up or need help with specific Shopify challenges, feel free to reach out or drop a comment! I’m here to help you make the most of your online store.
Happy selling—and here’s to creating a store your readers will love!