If you're running a Shopify store, you're probably wondering how to get more people to notice it. The answer lies in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and ranking higher in search results. This Shopify SEO plan will guide you through 15 essential steps to improve your SEO and boost organic traffic to your eCommerce store.
Is Shopify Good for SEO?
Before we start with the steps, let's address the question: Is Shopify good for SEO? The straightforward answer is yes. Shopify comes with built-in SEO-friendly features, but for advanced capabilities, you can explore the Shopify app store, offering various applications tailored for SEO on Shopify.
15-step Shopify SEO checklist:
For a solid start, register your Shopify store with Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools. This tells search engines that your site exists. Shopify makes this easy by providing an automatically generated XML sitemap. Just go to your site dashboard, click 'Sitemaps,' and submit your www.yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml to both services.
2. Optimize Your Shopify Site Structure
A simple and user-friendly site structure is important. Your products should be easily accessible from the homepage, promoting both customer satisfaction and better search engine ranking. Shopify simplifies content organization with structures like Homepage > Category > Product or Homepage > Category > Sub-Category > Product.
3. Enhance Your Store's User Experience
A good user experience contributes to higher search engine rankings. Optimize your Shopify page load speed, ensuring it's easy to navigate. You should use a fast, mobile-responsive Shopify theme, optimize images, and minimize external scripts.
4. Do a Thorough Keyword Research
Extensive keyword research is essential. Identify keywords relevant to your business, considering search volume and competition. Tools like SEMRush, UberSuggest, and Google Keyword Planner can assist in finding the right keywords.
5. Create Appropriate Page and Product Titles
Use catchy and keyword-optimized page titles. Start with the target keyword and keep it within an appropriate length. Edit titles through Online Store > Preferences for the homepage and similar steps for other pages.
6. Use Text Headings Correctly
Utilize headings properly for improved readability. Shopify allows easy addition of headings and subheadings while editing a page or product description.
Craft precise meta descriptions within 155-160 characters. Include the focus keyword and edit them through Online Store > Preferences for the homepage or by locating and editing other pages individually.
8. Create Unique Product Titles and Descriptions
Avoid duplicated product titles and descriptions. While Shopify’s 'Duplicate product' option is convenient, it can lead to SEO issues. Keeping product content fresh and unique will be more efficient.
9. Optimize Your Image Alt Text and File Name
Optimize images by adding alternative text (alt text) and ensuring clean, SEO-friendly file names. Alt text aids search engines and screen readers, and Shopify provides a straightforward method for editing it.
10. Ensure Using Clean, SEO-friendly URLs
Craft intelligible and keyword-inclusive URLs. Edit them through the Shopify dashboard, ensuring you check the 'create URL redirect' option when making changes.
11. Create Rich Snippets for Your Products and Pages
You can enhance search results with rich snippets, providing additional information about your content. Use Schema Markup or explore Shopify apps for adding rich snippets.
12. Take Full Advantage of Shopify Blogs
Don't underestimate the power of high-quality blog content. To boost your Shopify store’s SEO you should regularly publish informative posts, optimizing them with relevant keywords.
13. Create Quality Backlinks to Your Shopify Store
Quality backlinks act as votes for content quality. Invest time in building them by creating strong, informative content and pitching other niche-based site owners for backlinks.
Explore Shopify apps and tools like Plugin SEO, Smart SEO, SEO Image Optimizer, Yoast, SEMrush, and OptinMonster to enhance your website’s ranking.
15. Make Your Customers Spend More Time on Your Shopify Store
Increase user dwell time by creating high-quality, engaging content, optimizing site usage, using internal linking, and encouraging user interaction.
Wrapping Up All the Shopify SEO Steps
Mastering Shopify SEO involves a strategic combination of technical optimizations, keyword research, content creation, and user engagement. Following these 15 steps can significantly improve your Shopify store’s visibility in search results and drive organic traffic.
Hire Shopify Developers for an Effective SEO Strategy
While these steps provide a solid foundation, creating an effective SEO strategy is an ongoing process. You should consider hiring Shopify developers and marketers with expertise to handle your specific SEO requirements and challenges. With their assistance, you can aim for the top position in search engine results and maximize your Shopify store’s potential.