Announcement Bar Content Strategy With Shopify's Loft Theme

In our 1.4.9 release we made some adjustments to our announcement bar. You now have the ability to provide several slides of messages at the top of your site. Here is a little peak at the new controls available in the theme editor.

loft theme announcement bar theme editor settings

Message Strategy

Let’s take a look at some message strategy that we recommend for the announcement bar.

Free Shipping Always!

Let your shoppers know about some guarantees your brand offers for all orders. A popular offer is Free Shipping on all orders. Or perhaps you offer free shipping on orders over $50. If you do have limitations on your guarantee, you may consider linking to your terms and conditions page to offer total transparency to your shopper. Whatever the case, let your shoppers know what guaranteed savings you have in store for them.

Limited Time Promotion

Are you running a special? Use the announcement bar to let them know they can save! Be sure to include the important terms of the offer such as:

  • How long the offer lasts “good through 4/30/2020”

  • Provide any required codes “use code SAVENOW”

  • Include a clear call to action and link it to the right collection or product on your store “Shop Sale Now”

Changes On Your Store

If your store is experiencing any change in expectations, use the announcement bar to let them know! Some examples might include:

New Store Hours
We are now open even later on Fridays! Come visit us until 9pm.

Shipping Delays Expected
Due to high sales volume, we are experiencing longer shipping times.

Exciting News for Your Store

Do you have something exciting to share? Maybe a new location is opening or a new service or product line is being added. Build excitement with the announcement bar and link to a blog post or page detailing this something new!

New South Store Location Opening in May!
We are so excited to join the Hayworth community with our new store. Read about our new location.

Fresh Summer Looks Right Around the Corner
Our hot summer collection is coming this May! See what our designers have to say about this new line.

We are hiring!
Come join our team of brilliance! View our open jobs.

Common Mistakes with the Announcement Bar

There are lots of powerful ways to utilize the announcement bar, but if your brand does not have a powerful use, then just pass on this section. For example:

  • Do not simply list your store’s name in the announcement bar. This is redundant with your logo which likely appears in your header.

  • Be sure all messages are still relevant. If you are running a promotion, be sure you remove this content when the promotion is over.

  • Don’t overcomplicate the message. Use links to drive to more information rather than getting too verbose in the announcement bar.

We are excited to be able to offer more powerful controls for your announcement bar. Let us know how you are utilizing this section and what success it is driving for your store.