You can increase content credibility and user engagement by displaying author information on Shopify blog posts. While Shopify's standard features are limited to showing only author names, this article explains three methods to display author information, comparing their features, advantages, and disadvantages to help you choose the optimal approach.
What is Author Information?
Author information refers to details about the writer or creator displayed on blog posts and product pages. This helps build content credibility and improve user engagement. Shopify offers several methods to display author information, each with its own characteristics.
3 Methods to Display Author Information on Shopify
1. Using Shopify's Blog Feature
This is the simplest method where you select an author from the blog editing screen under "Online Store" > "Blog Posts". However, this method has limitations:
- Can only display author names
- Limited to staff members registered in Shopify
2. Customizing Source Code
This method involves directly customizing the source code to:
- Add additional information beyond author names
- Combine with metafields and meta objects
- Display profiles for non-staff authors
While this offers the most flexibility, it requires programming knowledge.
3. Using Shopify Apps
Using Shopify apps can solve the limitations of both previous methods regarding information quantity, staff numbers, and programming knowledge. The main drawback is the monthly subscription cost.
Recommended Shopify App: RuffRuff Author Profiles
RuffRuff Author Profiles is a Shopify app that allows you to easily display author profiles on blog posts, products, and pages. It can be implemented with no coding required, and you can register unlimited authors (with the Regular plan). Using this app can help increase content credibility and improve user engagement.
How to Display Author Profiles Using RuffRuff Author Profiles
Step 1: Add the App to Your Shopify Theme
- Select your theme from the "1. Enable App in Theme" section on the top screen
- Click "Access"
- Click "Add Section" (or "Add Block")
- Select the app block named "Author Profiles"
- (Optional) Move the app section to your preferred location
- Click Save
Step 2: Customize Profile Design
- Click "Customize" in the "2. Customize Design" section on the app's top screen
- Adjust the design in the customization screen
- Click "Save"
Step 3: Register Author Information
- Click "Add Author" in the "3. Add Authors" section on the app's top screen
- Click "Add Author" on the author list screen
- Enter the required information including author name and profile details
- Click "Save"
Step 4: Link Authors to Blog Posts
- Click "Apply Authors" in the "4. Link Authors to Blog Posts" section
- Select the blog posts where you want to apply authors
- Click "Apply Author"
- Select the desired author from the popup
- Click "Apply"
Conclusion
Shopify offers various methods to display author information, from basic functionality to custom code and app solutions. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose based on your needs, skills, and budget. Apps like RuffRuff Author Profiles provide a no-code solution that's particularly suitable for non-technical users looking to enhance their Shopify blog's value. Use this article as a guide to further enhance the value of your Shopify blog!