How to Set Up Related Products in BigCommerce
June 16, 2026
By: Tiffany Hindman
Summary: How do you set up related products in BigCommerce? You can set up related products in BigCommerce by assigning products to the same categories, which many themes use to automatically display recommendations. Businesses that need more control can use theme customizations, recommendation apps, or ERP-driven product relationships to create more targeted product suggestions.
Related products are one of the simplest ways to improve product discovery and increase average order value in your BigCommerce store. By showing customers complementary or similar products, you can encourage additional purchases while helping shoppers find what they need faster.
Whether you're selling apparel, electronics, industrial products, or food and beverage items, related products can play an important role in your merchandising strategy.
This guide covers what related products are, why they matter, and how to set them up in BigCommerce.
What Are Related Products in BigCommerce?
Related products are items displayed on a product page that are connected to the product a customer is currently viewing.
Depending on your theme and configuration, these products may appear:
- Below the product description
- Near the product images
- In a dedicated "Related Products" section
- Alongside recommended products
The goal is to keep customers engaged and encourage them to explore additional items within your catalog.
Benefits of Using Related Products
Adding related products provides several advantages for both customers and store owners.
Improve Product Discovery
Adding related products provides several advantages for both customers and store owners.
- Similar products
- Complementary products
- Alternative options
Increase Average Order Value
A customer purchasing one product may also need related accessories or add-ons. Example:
- Batteries for electronics
- Replacement parts
- Product bundles
Enhance the Shopping Experience
Related products help customers find relevant products faster.
- Surface relevant products at the right time
- Help shoppers find what they need faster
- Create a more seamless buying journey
How BigCommerce Determines Related Products
Many BigCommerce themes display related products based on shared categories, but this behavior is theme-dependent and not a core platform rule. Some stores use apps or custom logic for more control.
For example: if Product A and Product B both belong to the same category, your theme may display them as related products.
The exact behavior depends on:
- Your theme
- Theme settings
- Any third-party recommendation tools you use
Some implementations use behavioral data or third-party recommendation engines instead of category relationships.
This is the most common approach used by default themes.
Step 1: Open the Product
- Log in to your BigCommerce admin
- Navigate to Products → View
- Select the product you want to edit
Step 2: Review Product Categories
Under the product settings:
- Locate the Categories section
- Ensure the product is assigned to the appropriate category
Products that share categories are often used to generate related product recommendations.
Step 3: Save and Test
Save the product and view it on your storefront. Depending on your theme, related products may automatically appear on the product page.
Some stores require more control than category-based recommendations can provide. Examples include:
- Promoting specific products together
- Highlighting accessories
- Showing replacement parts
- Displaying seasonal recommendations
This often requires theme customization or a recommendation app.
Need More Control Over Product Recommendations?
If your merchandising strategy requires custom product recommendations, advanced product relationships, or ERP-driven product associations, custom development may be the best approach.
Strabo Partners helps businesses customize BigCommerce storefront experiences and connect product data with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and other backend systems to create more personalized shopping experiences.
Best Practices for Related Products
Simply showing random products isn't enough. The most effective related product strategies are intentional, relevant, and aligned with how customers shop.
Here are a few best practices to follow.
One of the easiest ways to increase average order value is by recommending products that naturally pair together. Examples include:
- Equipment and replacement parts
- Food products and packaging supplies
- Electronics and accessories
- Apparel and matching items
When a customer is already planning to purchase a product, complementary recommendations can help them complete their purchase in a single order.
The more organized your catalog is, the better your recommendations can become. Attributes that can help create stronger product relationships include:
- Product categories
- Brands
- Product types
- Industry applications
- Customer segments
For businesses using ERP systems, product relationships can often be managed in an ERP or PIM and synchronized with BigCommerce to keep recommendations consistent.
Related products aren't just about customer experience—they're also a merchandising tool. Consider featuring:
- Higher-margin accessories
- Frequently purchased add-ons
- Products with strong inventory levels
- Seasonal or promotional items
When done thoughtfully, related products can support both customer needs and business goals.
Related product strategies shouldn't be set once and forgotten. Regularly review:
- Click-through rates
- Average order value
- Conversion rates
- Product page engagement
If customers aren't interacting with recommendations, it may be time to revisit your product relationships, category structure, or merchandising strategy.
Common Issues with Related Products
Related Products Are Not Showing
Check for these common causes:
- Your theme does not support related product displays
- Products are not assigned to the same category
- Related product settings are disabled in your theme
Irrelevant Products Are Appearing
Try these fixes:
- Refine your category structures to be more specific
- Move unrelated products out of shared categories
- Implement a third-party recommendation engine for better control
Understanding Related Products and Cross-Sells
Related Products
Help shoppers explore similar options based on shared categories, product types, or attributes:
- Comparable products with similar features
- Alternative models or versions
- Items that serve the same purpose
Cross-Sell Recommendations
Enhance the customer's purchase by suggesting products that work alongside what they're viewing:
- Compatible accessories
- Replacement parts
- Supplemental products
- Service plans or upgrades
Which Strategy Should You Use?
Most successful stores use a combination of both. The right mix depends on:
- Your catalog structure
- Customer browsing behavior
- Your overall merchandising strategy
Final Thoughts
Related products are a simple but effective way to improve product discovery, increase average order value, and create a better shopping experience.
While many BigCommerce themes provide automatic related product functionality, businesses with more complex catalogs may benefit from customized recommendation strategies.
The key is keeping recommendations relevant, helpful, and aligned with customer intent.