Using the Product Recs block

Overview

Liva 7 includes four different systems that can display personalised or dynamic product content on your storefront:

• Product Recs block
• Personalisation Widgets
• Smart Content
• Smart Bundles

Each system has a different purpose, different configuration method and different level of control.

This article explains what the Product Recs block is, how it works, and how it differs from the other three systems so you always choose the right tool for the right job.

What the Product Recs block is

The Product Recs block is a pre built theme block that shows personalised product recommendations using global strategies.

Key characteristics:

• works instantly
• requires no widget creation
• requires no configuration inside the engine
• adapts automatically to the page type
• uses the global strategy you set in the Signals tab
• can be placed anywhere your theme allows blocks

This is the fastest and simplest way to show personalised recommendations.

How the Product Recs block works

The block reads the page type it is placed on and automatically applies the matching global strategy.

Examples:

• On a product page → uses the Product Page global strategy
• On the homepage → uses the Homepage global strategy
• On a collection page → uses the Collection Page global strategy
• On the cart page → uses the Cart Page global strategy

You only need to:

1. enable the App Embed
2. set your global strategies
3. add the block to your theme

How it differs from Personalisation Widgets

Personalisation Widgets are created manually using the Manage Widgets button on the Engine Status tab. They give you full control over strategy, layout, product count, display style and placement.

Key differences:

• the Product Recs block uses global strategies
• widgets use widget‑specific strategies
• the Product Recs block requires no setup
• widgets must be created manually
• the Product Recs block adapts automatically
• widgets must match the page type

Use the Product Recs block when you want instant personalisation.

Use widgets when you want full control.

How it differs from Smart Content

Smart Content is used for personalised messaging and dynamic content blocks. It changes based on shopper behaviour, conditions or segments.

Smart Content is ideal for:

• personalised banners
• conditional messages
• behavioural triggers
• dynamic content sections

Smart Content does not generate product recommendations.
It controls content, not products.

The Product Recs block is for personalised product suggestions.

Smart Content is for personalised messaging.

How it differs from Smart Bundles

Smart Bundles create dynamic bundle offers that adapt to shopper behaviour and maximise AOV. They include bundle logic, pricing rules and per‑product revenue attribution.

Smart Bundles are ideal for:

• personalised bundle offers
• multi‑product promotions
• dynamic pricing
• AOV‑focused merchandising

Smart Bundles are offers, not recommendation blocks.

The Product Recs block suggests products.

Smart Bundles create personalised offers.

When to use the Product Recs block

Use the Product Recs block when you want:

• the fastest possible setup
• global personalisation without configuration
• recommendations that adapt automatically
• a simple, low‑maintenance solution

This is ideal for merchants who want personalisation without complexity.

When to use Personalisation Widgets instead

Use widgets when you need:

• different strategies per page
• different layouts such as grid or carousel
• custom product counts
• auto‑injected placements
• multiple widgets for the same page type

Widgets give you precise control over recommendation behaviour.

When to use Smart Content instead

Use Smart Content when you want:

• personalised banners
• conditional content
• behavioural messaging
• dynamic content blocks

Smart Content is for messaging, not product recommendations.

When to use Smart Bundles instead

Use Smart Bundles when you want:

• dynamic bundles
• personalised bundle offers
• bundle‑specific strategies
• revenue attribution per product
• AOV‑focused merchandising

Smart Bundles are for offers, not recommendations.

Summary

The Product Recs block is the simplest and fastest way to show personalised product recommendations. It uses global strategies, requires no widgets and adapts automatically to the page type.

Use it when you want instant personalisation with minimal setup.

Choose other systems when you need:

• Personalisation Widgets for full control
• Smart Content for personalised messaging
• Smart Bundles for dynamic bundle offers

Each system has a clear purpose, and understanding the differences ensures you always choose the right tool for the right outcome.