A table of contents (TOC) is an excellent way to make your blog posts more organized and reader-friendly. It allows users to quickly navigate to specific sections of your post, improving engagement and enhancing user experience.
Here’s how you can set up a Shopify blog table of contents using both Shopify’s native features and StoreBlog, the ultimate blogging app for Shopify merchants.
How to Set Up a Table of Contents in Shopify Blog
Shopify’s Native Features
Shopify’s native blogging tools don’t include built-in functionality for creating a TOC. However, you can create one manually by adding anchor links:
1 . Create a List of Sections
- Add a list at the top of your blog post with the headings you want to link to.
- Example:
```html
<ul>
<li><a href="#section1">Introduction</a></li>
<li><a href="#section2">Benefits</a></li>
<li><a href="#section3">Conclusion</a></li>
</ul>
```
2. Add Anchor Tags in the Content
- Place anchor tags near the headings in your content.
- Example: <h2 id="section1">Introduction</h2>.
3. Publish Your Blog Post
- Save and publish your post. Readers can now click on the TOC links to jump to specific sections.
Challenges: This manual process is time-consuming, requires coding knowledge, and lacks automation.
Using StoreBlog for TOC Setup
With StoreBlog, setting up a TOC is effortless and automated:
1 .Enable the TOC Feature
- Open StoreBlog’s blog editor and toggle on the Table of Contents option.
2. Automatic TOC Generation
- StoreBlog generates a TOC based on your headings (H2, H3, etc.) and places it at the top of your blog post.
3. Customize the TOC
- Adjust the style, position, and functionality to align with your blog design and branding.
4. Publish Your Blog
- Once you publish, the TOC is live and interactive, complete with clickable jump links.
Why You Should Add a Table of Contents to Your Blog
A blog with a table of contents offers several benefits that enhance your content and drive conversions:
1. Improves Readability
- Long blog posts become easier to navigate, helping readers find the information they need quickly.
2. Enhances SEO
- A TOC often generates jump links in search engine results, improving click-through rates and visibility.
3. Boosts Engagement
- Readers are more likely to stay on your page when they can easily navigate the content.
4. Increases Conversions
- By guiding readers to sections with embedded products or CTAs, a TOC helps drive clicks and purchases.
5. Builds Trust
- A well-structured blog with a TOC appears professional and authoritative, building trust with your audience.
How StoreBlog’s TOC Feature Boosts Your Blog’s Potential
StoreBlog makes it easy to create blogs with TOCs, while also providing other advanced features:
1 .SEO Optimization
- TOCs are optimized for search engines, boosting your blog’s rankings and click-through rates.
2. Responsive Design
- The TOC is fully mobile-friendly, ensuring a smooth user experience on all devices.
3. Integration with Product Embeds
- Highlight product sections in the TOC, driving traffic to embedded products with actionable CTAs.
4. Save Time
- Automate TOC generation for every blog, eliminating the need for manual coding or formatting.
Conclusion
Setting up a blog table of contents is essential for improving user experience, SEO, and conversions. While Shopify’s native features require manual effort, StoreBlog makes it simple and efficient, giving you a professional and interactive TOC with just a few clicks.
Don’t let your blog’s potential go untapped - empower your content strategy with StoreBlog.
Install StoreBlog today and transform your blog posts into high-performing content!