One of my most asked blogging questions is “how do you create your clickable graphics?” About a year ago, I typed this question into Google and found little information. I knew I could do it through RewardStyle (now LTK Creator), but every post about RewardStyle was general questions such as setting up the app, using Link Ninja, etc. I didn’t feel like there was a great resource at the time on how to create shoppable graphics. I played around on RewardStyle and looked at their tutorials, and finally figured it out. So I’ll make the searching easy for you and explain everything here! Your blogging game will completely change once you nail this easy trick.
First things first. What is the benefit of using a shoppable graphic? Let’s compare the current options without a shoppable image. If you use LTK Creator or an affiliate network, you most likely link many products on your blog. Of course you need to show what you are linking, so you either have a picture of your outfit, decor, or just of said product with a link underneath, or you have some sort of collage or graphic with the product, and again the link underneath. This works fine, but sometimes bloggers don’t make it clear exactly what you are linking to. I have found some bloggers, even ones with high follower counts, create a list of products from their post, but don’t really make it clear what they are linking. Linking a “white sweater” under a collage with 3 other white or beige sweaters makes it confusing to the reader what you are linking. Rather than having to use extra text to explain where and what you are linking (such as saying sweater in row 2 or using more pictures), a shoppable graphic removes the guesswork and allows a reader to click directly on the product they are interested in. This means higher conversion for you, and a higher chance of earning commission from the products you share. The easier you make it to shop your blog, the higher your earnings.
While I still link many of my products underneath graphics and images (people still like to shop that way), I also add the option of shopping images directly. This means more chances for someone to click on the product
Ok so now that we’ve talked a little about the importance of using shoppable images, let’s get into how to actually make them
// one // You will need a LTK account (as an influencer) to be able to create content through LTK Creator. If you need help becoming a creator through LTK, let me know and I can refer you!
// two // Once logged into your account, you will see a dashboard displayed. It is the black banner at the top. Hover over the “Tools” tab.
// three // Once hovered on Tools, click on “Money Spot”.
// four // You will be taken to a landing page for the tool. Once you start making your collages, you will be able to see your old collages that you can edit, or choose to make a new one. To start a new collage, click on “Upload” to the left side of the platform.
// five // Once your image is uploaded, you will have the option to adjust the size. You can adjust this size to match up with your blog dimensions.
// six // Next, choose your Money Spot type. You have the option between Icon and Hotspot. Icon means when you hover on a certain spot, certain specs about the product will pop up. These are customizable options. I never use this. I recommend Hot Spot. Hot Spot allows you to select a specific area for a link to be connected to. You can adjust the sizes of those areas depending on the sizes of your products. If you have a dress to link, you can make the Hot Spot over the entire dress, or just a section of it. I recommend making the Hot Spot area the entire size of the product. You can choose if you want these Hot Spots visible or invisible. I recommend keeping them hidden.
// seven // The next step is assigning the links to your collage. This is where you create the Hot Spot areas over the products. Simply drag your mouse over an area to start. After creating your area, the linking page will pop up over the product. This will look like your product folders on the LTK Creator page. You will be able to select a specific folder, search for your item, or simply scroll through the pop up to find your product. Once you have found your product, click on it and the link will be assigned to the hotspot. After assigning the link to its hotspot, you can move it anywhere on the collage or keep it over the product. I love how customizable this entire tool is!
// eight // Go ahead and add all your hotspots and link products. Once you have completed this step, you can now choose what code you want your graphic to be converted to. This will depend on the type of website/blogging platform you have, as well as if you self-host your site. If you use Blogger, you can easily click blogger and copy and paste that code into your blog post. If you are self-hosted on WordPress (aka you have BlueHost or something similar), your only option is to click “Other”.
// nine // Copy and paste the code into an HTML tab on your blog post or blog page. Each blogging platform is different, but WordPress allows you to add a Custom HTML block. I just copy and paste my code into that block. On Blogger, I had to copy and paste that code into the HTML view page on the blog post, rather than copying it into the simple text view.
// ten // Once you have copy and pasted your Money Spot graphic, you won’t be able to check it is working until you publish your post. You can either publish it as a private post or make it public. I rarely have issues with these money spots, so I don’t check it before hand. Once you have published your post, you can click on any product and it should take you directly to that product’s retail page.
If all your links are working, you have successfully made a shoppable collage! These work on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. The only issue I have encountered with these is them not showing up in my MailChimp RSS emails (an email of my newly published blog post is sent each time I publish). I haven’t gotten that issue figured out, and my guess it that MailChimp cannot process the HTML code. To combat that, I usually just add the graphic again and use regular linking underneath it. This might defeat the purpose of the shoppable collage, but I honestly like to have both options in case my shoppable collage doesn’t load for someone’s browser or there are any issues that arise. It is completely up to you if you want to pair your collage with links!
So let’s discuss some cons to using a shoppable collage. Because the tool is through LTK, you can only link products that are connected to that affiliate network. You cannot link products that are from smaller businesses that don’t use LTK, as well as cannot link to places such as Zara that refuse affiliate networking. If you want to include products that you can’t link through LTK or that you use other affiliate programs for, this is a great time to link the product below. Sometimes I make a disclaimer that most products are shoppable through the image, and all products are shoppable at the links under the graphic. This is just up to you!
Of course another problem that I mentioned is the tool’s capabilities in emails. If this is an issue for you, again link the products below a non-shoppable image.
Further, you cannot use this shoppable collage on places like Pinterest (you can pin the image but not the clickable link properties), Instagram, or other social platforms. This is where posting the image on your LTK profile is helpful, so your followers can shop on your blog post or on your LTK profile.
I think the pros definitely outweigh the cons when it comes to shoppable images. MoneySpots create professional content for your blog that provides an easy option for readers to shop your blog. Once you get the hang of these, you will want to make so many more. If any of this was difficult for you or you have any questions, please reach out to me. I am happy to help you create your own shoppable images!
*PS- if you liked any of the products that were in my demo image, click here to view the post, or check out the shoppable collage in action below!
xoxo,
Madison
