Can You Do SEO on Shopify? (Don’t Skip These 6 Simple Steps)

Shopify has become a go-to platform for e-commerce businesses, owing to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. But, creating a stunning online store is just half the battle. The other half? Getting found on search engines by your target audience. This is where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes into play.

So, can you do SEO on Shopify? Absolutely. Shopify, by default, is SEO-friendly, however, there’s still a need for store owners to implement certain strategies to maximize their visibility in search engine results. Here, we’ll walk through six simple steps that you shouldn’t skip when optimizing your Shopify store.

Step 1: Keyword Research – The Backbone of Your SEO Strategy

Know What Your Customers Are Searching For

Before you dive into optimizing, it’s crucial to perform keyword research. This involves identifying the terms and phrases your potential customers are using on search engines. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush can help you uncover these golden nuggets.

Focus on Long-Tail Keywords

Don’t just go for the most competitive keywords. Long-tail keywords, which are more specific phrases, have less competition and a higher conversion rate. For instance, instead of targeting “yoga mats,” go for “eco-friendly yoga mats for beginners.”

Step 2: On-Page SEO – Optimizing Your Content and Structure

Create Unique and Descriptive Titles and Descriptions

Each product page and collection on your Shopify store should have unique and searchable titles and meta descriptions. Make sure they include the keywords you’re targeting and accurately describe the page content.

Optimize Your Product Images

Rename your image files to include your target keywords (e.g., “red-velvet-cupcake-scented-candle.jpg”) and add descriptive alt text to each image. This not only helps search engines understand your images but also improves accessibility for users relying on screen readers.

Step 3: Site Architecture – Making Your Store Easy to Navigate

Simplify Your Site Structure

A well-organized website helps search engines crawl your pages more effectively. It also enhances the user experience. Make sure your main categories are easy to find and that each product is no more than three clicks away from the homepage.

Utilize Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are navigational aids that show where a user is on the site. They are also used by search engines to understand your site structure, so make sure they are enabled on your Shopify store.

Step 4: Technical SEO – The Behind-the-Scenes Tweaks

Ensure Your Site Is Mobile-Friendly

With mobile search overtaking desktop, a mobile-responsive design is a must. Shopify themes are generally mobile-friendly, but always check how your site looks on various devices and fix any issues.

Improve Your Site Speed

Site speed is a known ranking factor for Google. Compress images, use fast-loading themes, and remove any unnecessary apps that slow down your performance. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can help identify areas for improvement.

Step 5: Content Marketing – Attract, Engage, and Retain Customers

Start a Blog

Not only does creating valuable, engaging blog content show your expertise, but it also helps you rank for a broader range of keywords. Make sure your articles are focused on topics your audience cares about and optimized for SEO.

Leverage User-Generated Content

Reviews are incredibly powerful for SEO and conversion rates. Encourage your customers to leave product reviews, and make sure to display them prominently on your site.

Step 6: Link Building – Boosting Your Domain Authority

Build Internal Links

Internal linking helps search engines understand the structure and hierarchy of your website. Link related products or content together, and always aim to link back to your priority pages.

Obtain Quality Backlinks

Backlinks from reputable and relevant sites can significantly improve your site’s authority. Reach out to bloggers, influencers, and industry websites to see if there are opportunities for collaboration or to feature your products.

Additional Tips for Shopify SEO Success

  • Monitor Your Analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics and Shopify’s own analytics to track your traffic and SEO success.
  • Stay Updated on SEO Practices: SEO is an ever-evolving field. Stay informed about the latest trends and algorithm updates.
  • Maintain Your Store: Regularly update your content, fix broken links, and remove any outdated products.

By following these steps and keeping up with best practices, you can do effective SEO on your Shopify store, resulting in better search rankings, more traffic, and ultimately, more conversions.

Remember, SEO isn’t a one-time job; it’s an ongoing process. Dedicate time every month to review your SEO performance and optimize further where necessary. Happy optimizing!