What is a Shopify announcement bar?
An announcement bar is a prominent message displayed near the top of your storefront. It gives shoppers important information before they begin browsing your products.
Stores commonly use announcement bars to promote:
- Free delivery thresholds
- Limited-time offers
- New products or collections
- Dispatch and delivery information
- Seasonal promotions
- Important store updates
The strongest announcement bars communicate one clear benefit or action. Avoid filling the bar with several competing ideas.
Method 1: Add an announcement bar through your Shopify theme
Many Shopify themes include a basic announcement-bar setting. Start by checking your theme editor before installing anything additional.
Open your theme editor
From your Shopify admin, go to Online Store → Themes and select Edit theme beside your active theme.
Find the announcement-bar section
Look in the Header area for a section named Announcement bar. In some themes, its settings are contained inside the main Header section.
Write your announcement
Enter a concise message such as a delivery offer, promotion or store update.
Add a destination link
If your theme supports it, link the announcement to the most relevant collection, product or information page.
Check desktop and mobile
Preview the bar at different screen sizes. Make sure the text remains readable and does not occupy too much mobile screen space.
Save your changes
Select Save in the theme editor and open your storefront to check the finished result.
Method 2: Add a more customizable announcement bar using an app
A theme's built-in announcement bar can be enough for a simple message. However, merchants often need more control than their theme provides.
An announcement-bar app can be useful when you want features such as:
- A separate call-to-action button
- Several rotating messages
- A dismiss or close button
- More control over colours and typography
- Separate mobile and desktop settings
Adding Zentra Announcement Bar
Install Zentra
Open the Zentra Announcement Bar listing in the Shopify App Store and select the install button.
Follow the setup tutorial
Open the app and follow the guided setup process to add the announcement bar to your storefront.
Customize the bar
Set your message, colours, typography, positioning and optional call-to-action button.
Preview and publish
Review the finished announcement on your storefront and save the configuration when you are happy with it.
Should you use your theme or an announcement-bar app?
The right option depends on how much customization your store needs.
Use your theme when…
You only need one basic message and your theme already includes the necessary controls.
- You want a straightforward text bar
- You do not need message rotation
- Your theme's styling options are sufficient
Use an app when…
You want the announcement to perform a more active role in your storefront communication.
- You want a dedicated CTA button
- You need several rotating messages
- You want shoppers to dismiss the bar
- You need greater visual control
Shopify announcement-bar message examples
Your message should be brief enough to understand quickly while still giving shoppers a reason to take notice.
Link the message to the next logical step
A promotional announcement should normally lead to the relevant collection or product page. A delivery announcement could link to your shipping policy, while a new-arrival message should point directly to the new collection.
Announcement-bar best practices
Keep the wording concise
Shoppers should be able to understand the message without pausing their browsing. Put the most important benefit near the beginning of the sentence.
Use meaningful contrast
The bar needs to stand apart from your header while still looking consistent with your brand. Check that its text remains readable against the selected background.
Avoid overwhelming mobile shoppers
Long announcements can wrap onto several lines on a phone. Preview the message on mobile and shorten it when necessary.
Give CTA buttons a clear purpose
Button labels such as “Shop the sale”, “View new arrivals” and “Learn more” are clearer than vague labels that do not explain what happens next.
Change outdated promotions
Remove or update announcement messages as soon as an offer has ended. An expired promotion can confuse shoppers and weaken trust.
Frequently asked questions
Does every Shopify theme include an announcement bar?
No. Availability and customization options depend on the theme. Check the Header area of the theme editor or consult the documentation supplied with your theme.
Can I make a Shopify announcement bar clickable?
Some themes let you link the whole announcement. An app can provide a more visible CTA button with its own button label and destination.
Can I display more than one announcement?
This depends on your theme. An announcement-bar app such as Zentra can display several rotating messages.
What should I put in my Shopify announcement bar?
Use it for information that benefits shoppers immediately, such as free delivery, current promotions, dispatch times, new arrivals or important store updates.