Recently Viewed Products
Definition
Recently viewed products is a feature that displays items a customer has looked at during their browsing session.
This functionality helps users easily revisit items they were interested in without needing to search for them again.
It is commonly shown on product pages, sidebars, or the cart page to re-engage shoppers.
Good or Bad?
Good?
- Enhances user experience by reducing friction
- Increases product re-discovery and potential conversions
- Supports upselling and cross-selling strategies
Bad?
- May clutter the interface if not well-designed
- Relies on cookies or session tracking which can be disabled
- Might confuse customers if they view many similar items
Why is it matter?
Shoppers often browse multiple products before making a decision.
Showing recently viewed products helps them pick up where they left off, improving the chances of a sale.
It also encourages deeper engagement and makes navigation smoother on mobile or during return visits.
Common Mistakes
- Showing too many products at once
- Not resetting or updating the list in real-time
- Placing the section in areas that disrupt the purchase flow
How to Improve It?
- Limit the number of displayed products to 3 to 6
- Use clean layout designs that don’t distract from the main content
- Combine with “Add to Wishlist” or “Compare” buttons for convenience
Real-World Example
A user browses several dresses on an online clothing store but doesn’t add anything to the cart.
When they visit a product page later, the site shows a row of recently viewed items at the bottom, helping them quickly return to the dresses they liked.
Related Terms
- Wishlist
- Product Comparison
- Personalized Recommendations
- Session Tracking
FAQs
Do recently viewed products help increase conversions?
Yes. They serve as gentle reminders and reduce the effort needed to return to products, often boosting conversions.
Does this require customer login?
No. It typically works using browser sessions or cookies, although logged-in users may get more persistent tracking.
Can it slow down my site?
Only if not optimized. Use plugins with good performance reviews and avoid overloading pages with too many products.
