Get ready to supercharge your Shopify store
Feeling like you’re leaving growth on the table? Customer tags turn a flat customer list into clear segments you can act on—so the right people get the right message at the right time.
What are Shopify customer tags?
They’re short labels you attach to customer profiles (e.g., VIP, Bought Coffee Maker, Wholesale). Tags help you categorize, search, and trigger actions—no code required.
Is there a limit to how many tags I can add?
There’s no strict max, but quality beats quantity—keep tags consistent and useful.
Why tags are a game changer
Tags add meaning to your customer base—powering segmentation, personalization, support, and operations.
- Pinpoint segments: Create groups like Purchased X, VIP, Wholesale, Lives in Y for targeted actions.
- Targeted marketing: Send relevant offers to the right segment; expect higher open, click, and conversion rates.
- Personalized CX: Give support instant context (e.g., High AOV, Issue with last order); tailor recommendations with apps.
- Operational efficiency: Use tags for fulfillment notes (Gift wrap, Requires signature) and order routing.
- Identify VIPs: Flag high spenders, frequent buyers, referrers, and nurture them with loyalty perks.
- Source & behavior tracking: e.g., Source: Instagram, Attended webinar, Downloaded guide.
- Keep data clean: Consistent tags make reporting and analysis far easier.
How to add customer tags
- Admin → Customers → open a customer.
- Use the Tags field: type to search existing or create new; Save.
You can also automate tagging via apps or flows (e.g., tag buyers of a product, newsletter signups, high AOV).
If I delete a tag, do I delete customers?
Deleting a tag only removes the label from customers; profiles remain.
Where tags appear and how to use them
- Customer profile and related orders.
- Customers list → filter by Tagged with to build segments and save segments.
- Marketing, loyalty, support apps can read tags to trigger automations and personalize journeys.
Can customers see their tags?
No. Tags are internal to your Shopify admin.
Tagging best practices
- Agree a naming convention (e.g., Source: Facebook Ad, not mixed terms).
- Review tags monthly; merge/remove low‑value tags.
- Automate common tags to stay consistent at scale.
Do tags slow down my store?
No. Tags live in admin and don’t impact storefront performance.
Ideas to start with
- Lifecycle: First‑time buyer, Repeat buyer, Churn risk
- Value: VIP (AOV/CLV threshold), Wholesale, Employee
- Interest: Category affinity (Coffee, Tea), Material preference
- Behavior: Abandoned cart, Newsletter, Referral
- Operations: Requires signature, Gift wrap, Special handling
Common mistakes to avoid
- Inconsistent naming: Mixing "VIP Customer" and "Top Buyer" creates confusion. Pick one style and stick to it.
- Too many tags per customer: A customer tagged with 20+ labels is hard to manage. Focus on 5–8 key tags maximum.
- Forgetting to clean up: Old tags like "2022 Campaign" clutter your system. Audit monthly and remove irrelevant tags.
- Manual-only tagging: Starting manual but not automating common tags leads to inconsistency at scale.
- Ignoring privacy: While tags are internal, avoid storing sensitive personal data in tag names.
How tags integrate with Shopify features
Tags work seamlessly with your existing Shopify setup—here's how to maximize the connection.
- Email marketing apps: Klaviyo and Mailchimp as well as other CRM systems can read tags to trigger segmented campaigns.
- Loyalty programs: Tag VIP customers for exclusive perks or early access to new features.
- Discount codes: Create tag-based discounts (e.g., "VIP15" for tagged customers) through Shopify's built-in tools.
- Customer service: Customer service apps can prioritize tickets based on customer tags.
- Product recommendations: Merchandising apps can use tags to show personalized product suggestions.
Advanced tagging strategies for growth
Ready to level up? These sophisticated approaches work best for established stores.
- Lifecycle stages: "Awareness", "Consideration", "Purchase", "Retention", "Advocacy" for journey mapping.
- Behavioral triggers: "Abandoned_Cart_Email_Sent", "Winback_Offer_Applied" for automation tracking.
- Geographic targeting: "Region_EU", "State_CA" for localized campaigns and compliance.
- Seasonal tagging: "Holiday_Shopper_2024", "Back_to_School" for time-sensitive marketing.
You’ve got this
Start small with three high-value tags, apply them consistently for two weeks, and measure the results. Customer tagging compounds over time—those early wins will motivate you to continue.
Glossary
Quick definitions of the terms used in this article.
AOV (Average Order Value)
The average amount a customer spends per order. Useful for identifying big spenders to tag as VIPs and target with premium offers.
CLV (Customer Lifetime Value)
The total revenue you expect from a customer over their relationship with your brand. Helps prioritize retention and loyalty programs.
CX (Customer Experience)
Tailoring content, offers, and support based on who the customer is and what they do (e.g., VIP perks, interest-based recommendations).
VIP
High-value customers (by AOV or CLV) who receive special benefits such as early access, exclusive discounts, or priority support.
Churn risk
Customers likely to stop buying (e.g., long time since last purchase). Tag to trigger win-back campaigns.
Segmentation
Dividing your audience into meaningful groups (by behavior, value, interests, or region) to send more relevant messages.
Lifecycle stages
Phases like Awareness, Consideration, Purchase, Retention, Advocacy. Tags help tailor messaging to each stage.