1/23/2025

Creating a Private Collection on Your Shopify Store: Best Practices

Are you looking to create exclusive collections in your Shopify store to maintain privacy or enhance customer experience? Maybe you're running a special promotion or simply want to provide access to certain products for a select group of customers. Whatever your reason, creating a private collection is a fantastic way to customize your store's offerings and engage your audience in a more meaningful way. In this post, we’ll delve into the essential best practices for setting up a successful private collection on Shopify, along with how you can utilize tools from Arsturn to help enhance user engagement.

What is a Private Collection?

A private collection in your Shopify store refers to a range of products that are not accessible to the general public. This could involve some products being visible only through a specific link, requiring a password, or being available only to certain tagged customers. It allows you to curate experiences, engage with loyal customers, and control which products are showcased publicly.

Why Create a Private Collection?

Before we jump into the how-to steps of creating these collections, it’s essential to understand why you’d want to have private collections in the first place. Here are a few reasons:

Exclusivity: Creating a sense of exclusivity can attract more attention and drive sales, especially for limited edition products.
Customer Loyalty: Providing access to specific collections for loyal customers can enhance relationships, and Arsturn can help automate communications, ensuring you stay connected with them.
Targeted Promotions: If you have seasonal sales, having a private collection lets you promote products without cluttering your public inventory.

How to Create a Private Collection in Shopify

Creating a private collection isn't too complicated. However, taking the right steps will ensure you maximize effectiveness. Let’s break it down into manageable steps:

Step 1: Create a Hidden Collection

Go to your Shopify Admin Panel: Log in to your Shopify store and access your admin panel.
Navigate to Products > Collections: This is where you will manage your collection settings.
Create a New Collection: Click on the 'Create collection' button.
Name Your Collection: Give your collection a unique name that reflects its focus.
Select 'Manually select products': This option is crucial—it allows you to curate which products will be in this collection without them automatically appearing in your main store.

This basic setup will hopefully stop unwanted products from being added automatically.

Step 2: Add Products to Your Hidden Collection

Go to the Products Section: Stay in your Shopify admin and navigate to the products.
Select Products: Here, you can select the products you want to add to your newly created collection. Make sure these are products that you want exclusive access to.
Add to your Collection: Go back to the product detail page and add them to the collection you just created.

Step 3: Hide the Collection from Your Storefront

Access Navigation: Go to the Navigation section in your Shopify admin.
Edit Menus: Remove any links to the collection menus or links where they could be seen by the regular customers. This ensures the collection won't be readily visible.

Copy the Collection URL: Go back to your Collections list, click on the hidden collection, and copy the URL from the address bar.
Share Access: Use emails, social media, or any other platform to share the link to the collection with selected clients or customers.

Step 5: (Optional) Use an App for Enhanced Features

Utilizing apps can greatly enhance your Shopify experience, making it easier to manage private collections. One popular app is the Memberly ‑ Private Store (link here). This app helps you hide products, approve customer registrations, and even customize your login forms, giving you full control over your private collections.

Best Practices for Managing Your Private Collections

Now, let’s move on to some best practices that can enhance the success of your private collections:

1. Utilize Tags Effectively

Tags can help you categorize customers who get access to private collections. Ensure you tag your VIP customers or newsletter subscribers, making it simple to sort who receives the collection access. With Arsturn, you might automate tagging and messages to help keep track of your customers.

2. Communicate Regularly with Customers

Using tools to automate your communication (like Arsturn) can help send reminders or promotions regarding your private collection. Keeping your customers in the loop will engage them and maintain interest in your collection.

3. Track Performance Metrics

It's essential to measure the success of your private collections. Monitor which products are being viewed and purchased often. This data can inform future collection themes or products.

4. Security Measures

Ensure your private collection is secure. Depending on the sensitivity of the items in your collection, consider using password protection or restricting access based on customer tags.

5. Promotions and Discounts

Consider offering unique promotions to your private collection members. Exclusive discounts encourage further engagement and purchases, creating a sense of appreciation that can benefit your store's loyalty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a private collection in your Shopify store adds a layer of exclusivity, enhances customer relationships, and tailors your offerings to specific client groups. Follow the practices we've laid out today, and consider leveraging tools, like Arsturn, to boost your engagement further without complications. By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate loyalty, increase excitement around your brand, and enjoy an enhanced shopping experience!

Ready to Get Started?

If you're ready to take your Shopify experience to the next level, visit Arsturn today to explore how conversational AI can engage your audience better!