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Basic Configuration

After installing ShopGuide, these essential configuration steps will ensure your chat works perfectly for your store and customers.

Essential Settings Overview​

Your basic configuration covers:

  • Global chat settings that apply to all chat widgets
  • Appearance customization to match your brand
  • Visibility controls for different devices and pages
  • Basic behavior settings for optimal customer experience

Accessing Configuration​

From ShopGuide Dashboard​

  1. Open your ShopGuide app from Shopify admin
  2. Navigate to Settings
  3. Start with Global Settings for store-wide preferences

From Theme Editor​

  1. Go to Online Store > Themes > Customize
  2. Add or select your "Your ShopGuide Chat" block
  3. Configure block-specific settings

Settings Access

Core Configuration Steps​

1. Chat Appearance​

Set your brand identity:

Chat Heading

  • Default: "Your ShopGuide"
  • Recommendation: Use your store name or "Ask [Store Name]"
  • Example: "Ask Acme Store" or "Acme Assistant"

Color Scheme

  • Primary Color: Used for user messages and accents
  • Bot Background: Background color for AI responses
  • Text Colors: Ensure good contrast for readability

Color Configuration

2. Visibility Settings​

Control when and where your chat appears:

Device Visibility

  • Desktop: Show/hide on desktop devices
  • Mobile: Show/hide on mobile devices
  • Recommendation: Enable both for maximum reach

Page Targeting

  • Choose specific pages for chat placement
  • Consider customer journey and support needs
  • Popular choices: Homepage, product pages, checkout

3. Chat Behavior​

Configure how your chat interacts:

Welcome Message

  • First message customers see
  • Keep it friendly and helpful
  • Example: "Hi! I'm here to help you find the perfect product. What are you looking for?"

Auto-scroll Settings

  • Enable auto-scroll: Automatically scroll to new messages
  • Scroll delay: Time before auto-scrolling (recommended: 120ms)

Transcript Management

  • Allow deletion: Let customers clear their chat history
  • Enable cart messages: Notify about cart updates

Advanced Basic Settings​

Language & Localization​

  • Shop content language: Set your primary store language
  • Custom labels: Customize button text and placeholders
  • Send button text: Default "Send" or customize
  • Placeholder text: Default "Type your question here..."

Profile & Branding​

  • Profile image: Add a logo or avatar for your chat
  • Profile image size: Adjust size (recommended: 40px)
  • Show profile image: Toggle visibility

Container Styling​

  • Container width: Adjust chat widget width
  • Border radius: Control corner roundness
  • Shadow effects: Add depth with shadows
  • Border options: Add borders for definition

Container Styling

Configuration Best Practices​

Brand Consistency​

  • Use colors that match your store theme
  • Keep messaging tone consistent with your brand voice
  • Ensure chat design complements your store design

User Experience​

  • Test chat on both mobile and desktop
  • Ensure text is readable with good contrast
  • Keep welcome messages concise and helpful

Performance Optimization​

  • Start with default settings and adjust gradually
  • Monitor chat usage to optimize placement
  • Test different configurations with A/B testing

Testing Your Configuration​

Quick Test Checklist​

  1. Visual check: Does the chat match your brand?
  2. Functionality test: Can you send and receive messages?
  3. Mobile test: Does it work well on mobile devices?
  4. Color contrast: Is text easily readable?

Common Configuration Issues​

Chat not visible?

  • Check device visibility settings
  • Verify page targeting configuration
  • Ensure chat block is properly placed in theme

Colors look wrong?

  • Verify color codes are correct
  • Check contrast ratios for accessibility
  • Test on different devices and browsers

Messages not sending?

  • Confirm subscription is active
  • Check internet connection
  • Verify no browser extensions are blocking

Next Steps​

With basic configuration complete:

Remember: You can always adjust these settings later as you learn what works best for your customers!