Product Recommendations Meaning & Examples
Definition
Product recommendations are personalized or automated suggestions shown to customers to encourage additional purchases. They can appear on product pages, cart pages, checkout pages, or even in follow-up emails.
Good or Bad?
Good, when they are relevant and well-timed.
Bad, if they are generic, irrelevant, or disrupt the shopping flow.
Why does it matter?
Because smart product recommendations increase sales without additional marketing costs.
They improve customer satisfaction by helping shoppers discover items that suit their needs.
Common Mistakes
- Showing irrelevant products that confuse the customer.
- Overloading pages with too many recommendations.
- Displaying suggestions too late, such as after checkout.
- Using the same static recommendations for all visitors.
How to Improve It
- Use purchase history and browsing behavior to personalize suggestions.
- Limit recommendations to a few high-value, relevant items.
- Place recommendations strategically: product pages, cart, and checkout.
- Test different placements and formats to see what converts best.
Real-World Example
A customer adds a laptop to their cart. The store suggests a laptop sleeve and a wireless mouse at a discounted bundle price. The customer accepts, increasing the order value.
Related Terms
- Cross-sell
- Upsell
- Average Order Value (AOV)
- Personalization
FAQs
What’s the difference between product recommendations and cross-sells?
Cross-sells suggest complementary products directly tied to what is in the cart. Product recommendations can be broader, using data to suggest what a customer might like.
Should recommendations be personalized?
Yes. Personalized recommendations based on behavior or purchase history convert much better than generic ones.
Where should I display product recommendations?
On product detail pages, cart and checkout pages, and in follow-up emails for abandoned carts or re-engagement.
