Back to top links on long home pages
A back to top link saves shoppers a long scroll on a long page. See when it helps and how to add one.
2 min read
Area
CRO & UX
Severity
Low
Fix effort
Small
Stores failing
93%
Of 99 stores we scanned where this check applies, 93% fail it and 7% pass. See all benchmarks.
A back to top link or button returns the shopper to the header after a long scroll. On a long home page with many sections it saves effort, especially on phones. This check looks for one on the home page.
Why it matters
Long pages are common on stores with many collections and promotions. Shoppers who reach the footer and want the menu have to scroll back. It is a low-priority detail, and one of the most common to be missing.
What the audit looks at
The audit looks for a link or button that scrolls to the top of the home page.
What usually causes it
- Themes that do not include one by default
- A sticky header that makes the link feel unnecessary
- A short home page where it is not needed
- The control hidden until a certain scroll depth that is never reached
How to fix it
Add a back-to-top link to long pages. The effort is small, usually a setting or a paste and under 30 minutes.
- On a long home page, a back-to-top link lets shoppers return to the navigation in one tap instead of scrolling.
- Put it in the footer, or as a small button that appears after scrolling.
On Shopify
- Many themes have a back-to-top setting in the footer section under Customize; if yours does not, add a link to #top (or a small snippet) in the footer section in Edit code.
On WooCommerce
- Use a theme option if it has one, or a small back-to-top plugin; a link to #top in the footer template is enough.
How to check it yourself
- Scroll to the bottom of your home page on a phone and see what helps you get back.
- Check that a floating button does not cover content.
- Test keyboard access.
Frequently asked questions
Is this worth doing if I have a sticky header?
A sticky header covers the main need. A back to top link is then a minor extra.
Where should it be placed?
Bottom right is common, appearing only after scrolling down.
Related checks
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See whether your store passes this check
Paste your store URL. The audit loads your pages in a real browser and shows the result for this check with the evidence behind it.