How to Create Product Comparison Table in WordPress

Have you ever researched and compared a list of similar products before purchasing? Not to worry. That’s a common habit most people have before buying products, especially online or in e-commerce stores. For this reason, it is recommended that affiliate marketers learn how to create product comparison table in WordPress.

Beyond the need for people to compare similar products or services before making a purchase, adding a well-structured comparison table within your affiliate content or page enhances user experience and conversions, among the other benefits we will discuss later in this article.

According to the Content Marketing Institute, comparison blog posts generate 27% more sales. This is because comparisons help readers know which product/service option is a better fit for them as they can easily compare the features, prices, and customer ratings side-by-side in the article. This eases their purchase decision process and increases conversions.

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about creating an engaging, interactive, and conversion-focused comparison table on WordPress, which can be added to your blog posts or web pages even if you do not know how to code.

What is a Product Comparison Table?

A product comparison table is a structured format in which multiple similar products and their attributes (features, prices, ratings, and other relevant details) are placed side-by-side. In this table, the products are listed in the columns, while the attributes are in the rows.

This comparison table is instrumental to affiliate marketers in helping their readers make more informed purchasing decisions, and build trust and credibility. It allows your audience to easily assess multiple similar products without leaving your website.

This table clearly and concisely highlights the key similarities and differences between multiple products to enhance user experience and help your audience choose the product that best suits their needs.

This convenience of assessing products at a glance can significantly increase click-through and conversion rates, generating more affiliate revenue.

An instance is when your target audience wants to buy a noise-cancelling headphone. They will be interested in comparing key features like sound quality, price, battery life, and customer reviews or ratings.

When Do You Need to Use a Comparison Table?

Product/Service Similarity

One of the best reasons to create product comparison table in WordPress is when two or more brands offer similar products or services, which can be bestsellers on Amazon. 

This lets your readers easily assess the similarities and key differences between the products to know which brand meets their needs or demands.

Price Difference

A comparison table is also preferable when you are promoting a product with varying price ranges but similar features. This allows customers to assess the features of each product while weighing the cost against the benefits. 

This approach to promoting affiliate products guides shoppers to identify which product offers the best value for money to avoid dissatisfaction and complaints over the product after making a purchase. 

Similar Products, Varying Features/Functions

When product recommendations have the same purpose or functionalities but different features or added functionalities, you can use a product comparison table to display their unique features.

An example is a Software as a Service (SaaS) with different subscription tiers or a fitness tracker with varying functionalities like water resistance, heart rate monitoring, or GPS, and different models of a camera with varying shooting speed, screen size, or megapixel counts as shown below.

Same Product, Different Store Options

Suppose you want to diversify your affiliate income stream by promoting products from Amazon, eBay, AWIN, Walmart, etc.. In that case, you can create a product comparison table to promote similar products from different stores.

A comparison table like this can include attributes like varying prices, shipping options, return policies, special offers, ratings, etc. This allows your audience to asses these details before choosing the most convenient store for them.

Same Product/Service, Updated Feature/Version

Another option that requires you to create product comparison table in WordPress is when a new version of a product/service is launched. You can consider comparing the new version with the older version to showcase the added features and benefits.

An example is comparing the iPhone 12 Pro Max with the iPhone 13 to show your audience what upgrades/features they’re getting if they choose either of the models.

How to Create Product Comparison Table in WordPress (For Free)

Creating a comparison table with the WordPress AffiliateX blocks is simple, plus you do not need any coding skills to customize the table. This comparison table is also available on the free version of AffiliateX.

Step 1: Install and Activate the Amazon AffiliateX Plugin

The first step is to install and activate the AffiliateX plugin on your WordPress. You can either install and activate it through the WordPress Directory or from your account page after purchasing a Pro Version.

The Amazon AffiliateX plugin comes with highly customizable blocks that are lightweight and optimized for search engines for affiliate marketers. To get started, navigate to the WordPress dashboard, go to “Plugins,” and search for “AffiliateX.” Install and activate it.

Step 2: Insert the Product Comparison Table Block

After activating the Amazon AffiliateX plugin, navigate to the post or page where you want to add or create product comparison table in WordPress. In the block editor, click on the Add Block (+) button search for, and select “AffiliateX Product Comparison.” Once you insert it, you can start customizing the block.

Step 3: Add Products & Product Details

When you create product comparison table in WordPress, it is initially empty as shown below.

Click the (+) row button to either add a new column or row for products or their attributes. Click the “upload icon” to manually upload the product image or simply retrieve it from Amazon by clicking the “Amazon icon” beside the image upload icon if it is an Amazon product you are adding.

To add and edit other product details, ribbon text, and attributes for comparison, simply place your cursor on the text or feature to edit and add the details you want. For the product features, you can also retrieve them from Amazon instead of manually typing them.

The product details that can be added to the comparison table with Amazon PA API include images, titles, descriptions, prices, and your unique affiliate link.

Manually add your unique affiliate link by clicking the “Buy Now” button. If you want to change the CTA text to “Shop Here” or something else, you can edit it as well.

Step 4: Customize Product Listings & Layout

The AffiliateX plugin allows you to customize the Amazon comparison block to suit your preference. Before or after adding the product listing and its attributes for comparison, you can customize each feature to your taste.
To customize each feature, navigate to the “Block” option with the customization features in the post or page editor and click on any of the settings to customize the product listings or the layout as shown below.

Ensure you choose good color schemes, and add tags (or remove ribbons) to emphasize the product differences. Generally, ensure the table complements your website’s theme and enhances user experience and conversions.

Step 5: Save and Publish

Once you have customized your Amazon comparison table to suit your preference, save the changes and publish the post or page.

5 Advantages of Using Product Comparison Table for Affiliate Marketers

Why should I create product comparison table in WordPress for the affiliate products I am promoting? I have five reasons to help you understand the benefits of using a product comparison table for the success of your overall affiliate marketing effort.

1. Enhances User-Experience

User experience influences your visitors’ entire experience on your affiliate marketing website/blog. It determines how fast they leave your website (bounce) or how long they are stuck to your content, and subsequently convert.

A product comparison table improves the user experience of your audience by making it easier for them to compare products side by side, which benefits them by spending less time researching and more time making informed buying decisions. This keeps them engaged, and more likely to convert.

2. Increases Click-Through Rates

When you create product comparison table in WordPress that is well structured and responsive, there is more likelihood of clicks to further learn about the product on Amazon or make a purchase.

When shoppers see clear product details and a compelling call-to-action like “Check on Amazon,” or “Buy Now,” they’re more likely to click through to learn in the store or make a purchase through your affiliate link. AffiliateX comparison table makes this even easier by allowing you to customize the CTA buttons and add your affiliate links from Amazon or any other affiliate program

3. Guides Readers’ Decision Making

Deciding on which product to buy especially with multiple options can be confusing and stressful for shoppers. A product comparison table simplifies difficult buying decisions by clearly showcasing the important details of each product/service.

This allows affiliate marketers to guide their visitors to make informed purchase decisions faster and easier while building credibility, and increasing the chances of converting them into paying customers.

4. Builds Your Credibility

A transparent and unbiased product comparison can build trust with your audience, credibility, and a perception of authority in your niche. AffiliateX’s customizable comparison table block provides detailed product insights that resonate with your audience and lead to increased conversions. This also increases referrals and reader retention.

5. It Allows You to Diversify Your Affiliate Income Streams

Earning from affiliate marketing is not limited to Amazon. With the AffiliateX comparison table, you can diversify your income streams by including products from multiple affiliate programs. You can mix and match products from various platforms, to increase your earning potential and reduce dependence on a single affiliate network.

7 Ways to Use AffiliateX Comparison Tables to Increase Your Affiliate Revenue

1. Include Your Affiliate Links

The main goal of affiliate marketing is to drive and direct traffic to the product pages in the store. Hence, it is important to embed your unique affiliate link to the provided CTA button.

You can manually input the link or retrieve your unique affiliate link from Amazon if you have integrated the Amazon PA API into your website for Amazon products. This ensures every purchase made through your link, gets you a commission.

2. Open the Targeted Link in a New Tap

It is also recommended to set your affiliate links to open in a new tab. This keeps your readers on your site longer while still directing them to Amazon or the store to learn more or make a purchase.

This enhances your website’s user experience and reduces bounce rates, which shows that your content is relevant and valuable to your audience. The AffiliateX comparison table allows you to easily configure this feature when adding your affiliate link.

3. Use Amazon PA API if You are Eligible

For Amazon affiliate products, one of the best practices is integrating Amazon Product Advertising API to your website through affiliate WordPress plugins like AffiliateX. This eliminates manual product pricing, other details, and availability updates.

The benefit is that it keeps your comparison tables up-to-date because it retrieves product details like images, prices, descriptions, titles, and availability. This builds trust with your audience and enhances conversions.

4. Include Important Product Details

Why shoppers keep searching a long list of blocks to get really good product recommendations is often due to the basic features or details showcased by most of the blogs/websites on the list. 

What should you do differently? Go the extra mile. Add other important product details in the comparison table that are relevant for deciding which of the products/services shoppers should go for based on their preference. 

AffiliateX’s comparison table allows you to add any number of rows or columns so that you can include details that are helpful in your audience’s decision-making process. This makes your content more informative, valuable, engaging, and subtly persuasive.

5. Highlight Key Differences

Don’t just focus on similarities. Emphasize the key differences that you know can influence the buying decisions of your audience. This way, you can easily showcase the unique selling points of each product while comparing them, to ensure your audience makes well-informed choices.

6. Use Tags to Emphasise Product Differences

One of the features of the AffiliateX comparison table is the tag(ribbon) which allows you to emphasize what makes the product unique or its market demand. This can include adding tags like “Best Seller,” “Popular,” “Top Pick,” “Recommended,” etc.

You can also edit each ribbon’s color to suit your preference or style.

7. Use Clear and Compelling Call-to-Action

An unclear, or uncompelling CTA can confuse a potential buyer and make an affiliate marketer lose potential conversions. Ensure your call-to-actions are clear, action-oriented, and easy to understand. Do not use complex phrases.

Phrases as simple and direct as “Buy Now,” “Buy on Amazon,” or “See Customer Reviews” are compelling enough to get the shopper to act.

Conclusion

There you have it! You can now confidently create product comparison table in WordPress and the best way to get started is with a lightweight, high-customizable SEO-friendly, and responsive AffiliateX comparison table.

Frequently Asked Questions