What is a Shopify announcement bar and how does it help drive sales?

A Shopify announcement bar is a thin banner displayed at the top or bottom of a storefront that surfaces time-sensitive messages such as free shipping offers, discount codes, or new product launches. Because it is the first element many shoppers see, it can set a clear purchase incentive before a visitor has scrolled a single pixel. Top Shopify brands use announcement bars to lift conversion rates by removing friction, like unexpected shipping costs, or by creating urgency around a limited promotion.

What types of announcement bar messages are most effective for Shopify stores?

The most effective announcement bar messages fall into a few proven categories: free shipping thresholds, first-order discount codes, referral program incentives, new product announcements, and proactive shipping delay notices. Stores like Bombas use a welcome discount code to convert first-time visitors, while brands like 100 Percent Pure use the bar to communicate high demand and manage expectations around delays. Matching the message to a specific business goal, whether that is customer acquisition, higher cart totals, or trust-building, determines which approach delivers the best results.

How can I use a Shopify announcement bar to increase average order value?

Set a conditional free shipping threshold in your announcement bar so shoppers are motivated to add more items before checking out, a tactic stores like The Hundreds apply to orders over a set dollar amount. You can reinforce urgency by pairing the threshold message with a clickable link that takes visitors directly to a sale or featured collection page, similar to how Herschel surfaces up to 50 percent off deals. Keeping the copy concise and the call to action visible ensures the bar guides purchase behavior rather than being ignored.

12 Best Shopify Stores That Inspired How We Use Announcement Bars

We’d like to introduce you to 12 exceptional Shopify stores. These businesses serve as great inspiration for all entrepreneurs who are looking to add announcement bars and drive sales with them.

Take a stroll down their digital aisles to see what these stores are doing right with their announcement bars.

Ovi Watch – Free Shipping On All Orders

Wooden Watch maker Ovi Watch lets customers know there won’t be any additional cost at the checkout. A free shipping announcement will increase sales and conversion rate.

Shopify Announcement Bar - Free Shipping on All Orders

Kylie Cosmetics – Announce Covid 19 Shipping Update

Kylie Cosmetics uses its announcement bar to inform customers about how they are responding to, or being impacted by, COVID-19. This is also a good way to announce any shipping delays, or regions not accepting international shipments.

Kylie Jenner Cosmetics website screenshot

Beardbrand announcement – Text “STYLE” To 512-879-3297 For Personalised Consulting

Beardbrand’s strategy for their announcement bar is to sell personalized consultations. My guess is that their conversion rate will skyrocket by adding this human factor.

Steve Photos -👑 Save 25% All weekend. Use code: QUEENY 👑

Steve Photos uses their announcement bar in the footer to inform customers about a 25% off sale. The added emojis are an eye-catcher for customers too.

Rebecca Minkoff – Get $20, Give $20 Refer A Friend!

Rebecca Minkoff announced a campaign to give $20 and get $20, which is part of their referral program to build an audience.

Bombas – Get 20% Off Your First Order With Code COMFORT20

Bombas uses their announcement bar to provide a discount code to every first-time shop visitor, which gives them an extra 20% off their first order.

100 Percent Pure – Due to high order volume, your order may be delayed

100% Pure’s using another benefit of an announcement bar and informs customers that shipping may be delayed due to an unusually high number of orders. This kind of announcement will help increase sales because it gives customers the feeling that their products are in high demand.

Herschel – Up to 50% Off – Shop Now

Herschel’s announcement bar is clickable, with 50% off items on the sale’s landing page. It is shown first for customers who are looking for discounts.

The Hundreds – FREE shipping on all orders over $120 (continental US only).

The Hundreds uses an announcement bar to let customers know that purchases over $120 will qualify for free shipping. This strategy increases customer cart totals.

Good American – Must Have Pieces At Must Love Prices SHOP NOW

Good American have a simple announcement with a shop now button on a minimal design theme will improve sales, as customers are sent to specific landing pages.

Shethinx – 💎 Snuggle up to our new, soothing print: Chroma! 💎

Shethinx - Announcing a new product launch is a good way to let customers know there are new products available. It also drives traffic to the new product page. Then, based on statistics, the company can see how successful new products are.

Luxy Hair – NEW: 16″ HALO | BUY NOW, GET A FREE GIFT

Luxy Hair used its announcement bar to introduce a new product, and to inform customers that if they buy now, they will get a free gift. Adding small gifts to sales is a good way to gain new sales on product launches.

Some key takeaways from the 12 best uses of announcement bars by Shopify stores are –

An announcement bar can be used to drive sales,
Announce shipping changes,
Give important updates to customers

All these announcement bars can be made with the Libautech app’s Add Announcement Bar tool at: https://apps.shopify.com/add-announcement-bar

If you need help creating your first announcement bar, let us know. We are here for you!