Shopify is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms for introducing your online business. But setting up a store is no longer enough to drive traffic and boost sales in the fiercely competitive market. That’s where search engine optimization (SEO) can be crucial in standing out from the competition.
SEO not only helps you rank higher on SERPs but also attracts organic traffic to generate conversions. And this Shopify SEO checklist should guide you through crucial search engine optimization techniques. With these strategies, you can expect the online store to perform better in search engine results.
01. Keyword Research and Targeting
Keyword research allows you to understand what your potential customers are searching for or need. It further lets you optimize your store, product, and service accordingly.
- Employ tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and/or SEMrush to find relevant keywords.
- Target long-tail keywords with lower competition but high purchase intent (‘best eco-friendly yoga mats’ instead of just ‘yoga mats’).
- Incorporate primary keywords into the title, meta descriptions, URLs, and product descriptions.
02. Optimize Shopify Site Structure
A well-structured site can significantly improve the overall user experience (UX). The structure can help search engines crawl and index pages more efficiently.
Always initiate a simple and clear site structure. You can start by following the simplified hierarchy – “Homepage → Category Pages → Sub-category Pages (if necessary) → Product Pages”
Check whether every webpage remains accessible within three clicks from the homepage. Don’t forget to use breadcrumb navigation to improve UX and SEO.
03. Optimize URLs for SEO
Clean yet descriptive URLs allow the users, as well as search engines, to understand the webpage content.
- Try to keep every URL short, keyword-rich, and descriptive.
- Incorporate hyphens (-) instead of underscores (_) or spaces.
- Avoid unnecessary words (like “/collections/best-sellers”).
04. Optimize Title Tags and Meta Descriptions
Titles and meta descriptions are well-known to affect click-through rates (CTR) and search rankings. You better include target keywords in titles and meta descriptions. Also, keep title tags under 60 characters.
Meanwhile, the meta descriptions should remain under 160 characters to become fully visible for quick understanding. Make them compelling while avoiding duplicate meta descriptions for different pages.
05. Improve Product Descriptions
Unique, catchy, and compelling descriptions can immediately enhance user engagement. And it often leads to better ranks on search engines.
- Avoid manufacturer descriptions for detailed descriptions.
- Implement bullet points for the key features and benefits.
- Naturally integrate primary and some secondary keywords.
- Highlight pain points with their solutions to attract clients.
06. Optimize Images for SEO
Optimized images improve page speed, user experience, and Google Image Search rankings. Add alt text with keywords to help search engines understand the image. Employ a well-descriptive file name like “handmade-leather-shoes.jpg” instead of “IMG_001.jpg.”
Compress HD or large-sized images using tools like TinyPNG or Shopify’s built-in optimizer. Otherwise, your page speed may take a serious hit, especially on smartphones. Always implement JPEG format for product images while sticking to PNG for graphics and logos.
07. Speed Up Your Shopify Store
Faster-loading pages enhance user experience and SEO rankings. Initiate a fast-loading, mobile-friendly Shopify theme. You must minimize the use of heavy apps and/or scripts.
Optimize images with the help of lazy loading. Also, enable Shopify’s built-in AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages). Don’t forget Google PageSpeed Insights to test and improve load speed.
08. Create an Effective Internal Linking Strategy
Internal links help distribute page authority and keep visitors engaged longer.
- Link related products and categories within product descriptions.
- Introduce some descriptive anchor text instead of “click here.”
- Add a related products section to improve navigation and upselling.
09. Build High-Quality Backlinks
Backlinks from reputable sites boost your store’s authority and SEO rankings. Reach out to bloggers and influencers for product reviews.
Get listed in relevant directories and Shopify forums. Use guest blogging to earn backlinks. Share your product pages on social media and forums.
10. Leverage Shopify Blog for SEO
A blog helps drive organic traffic and improves rankings by targeting informational queries.
- Publish SEO-optimized blog posts related to your niche.
- Target long-tail keywords in your blog content.
- Internally link blog posts to product pages to drive traffic.
- Update old blog posts with fresh content and keywords.
The checklist may look oversimplified with only fundamental instructions. You’re not wrong; every action mentioned in the list deserves an article. It actually takes more than just a few readings and knowing to succeed in your potential Shopify journey.
Following the Shopify SEO checklist can improve your store’s online visibility, drive organic traffic, and, ultimately, increase sales.
Contact Tectera a SEO company in Scarborough for more details.