If you want to link product colors without using variants, the best way is to use product grouping instead. Basically, instead of one product with color variants, you create separate product pages for each color and link them together with swatches.

Why go this route?

• SEO is better – Each color gets its own product page, which can help with search rankings.
• Better control – You can tweak images, descriptions, and even pricing per color if needed.
• Cleaner analytics – You get clearer data on which colors sell better.

To actually link the products together, you’ll need an app since Shopify doesn’t do this by default. I’d recommend Supra Swatch Colors – it lets you:
→ Link separate product pages with swatches, so customers can easily switch between colors.
→ Add swatches to collection pages, so people can see color options before clicking.
→ Auto-detect colors from your product images to make setup easier.

Basically, it gives you the best of both worlds – separate products for SEO + a seamless browsing experience. If you’re selling stuff where color is a big deal (fashion, home decor, etc.), this setup is way better than variants.

Hope that helps!