Shopify is a popular e-commerce platform that has over 4.6 million stores. It’s famous for flexible settings that allow you to build a business site quickly.
However, creating a page here is not enough to succeed. You have to make it visible. For that purpose, you should focus on your SEO strategy.
We will tell you about some advanced techniques that go beyond the basics and actually bring results. So, stay tuned!
Why SEO Matters for Shopify?
Tons of retail sites are fighting for visibility now. It’s pretty hard to distinguish yourself from everyone else.
So, a proper SEO strategy is a must for running a successful Shopify store. It can transform your online business completely. Here are some reasons why it is so important.
More Organic Traffic
Organic traffic is a consistent way of attracting visitors to your Shopify store. Basically, you appear higher in results by adjusting your store for audience searches. This high visibility brings in potential customers without the need for costly ad campaigns.
Higher Credibility
Top rankings don’t just give you more visitors. They also help you establish credibility. Customers tend to trust businesses that appear prominently in search results and deliver relevant content. SEO practices help you show users that your site is trustworthy.
Precise Targeting
SEO can also help you target the right audience. By using the right phrases and keywords, you can match the intent of users. That way, you can reach those who will actually purchase not just browse through your offerings.
ROI Improvements
SEO is very different from paid advertising which stops delivering results as soon as you stop paying. This approach gives you more long-term benefits. Once your Shopify store starts ranking, it will give you a steady flow of traffic. Regular updates to your SEO strategy ensure these results compound over time.
Top SEO Techniques for Shopify
You already know why SEO is so important for running a Shopify store. It’s the best way to ensure sustainable traffic and conversion.
Now, you probably want to know how to achieve that. What makes the best SEO strategy? Basic techniques may not be enough, so we gathered some advanced methods that actually work. Check them out below.
Optimize for Long-Tail Keywords
The first effective tactic is the incorporation of long-tail keywords. Yes, they might have lower search volumes. However, they usually bring higher conversion rates because they are more specific than standard keywords.
How do you optimize your page for them?
Start by identifying the specific phrases your audience uses when looking for products or info. You can do that with the help of
- Keyword tools;
- Google autocomplete;
- Competitor analysis;
- FAQs and customer review evaluation.
After you find these keywords, include them naturally in your materials. Put a bigger emphasis on titles and descriptions to help people find your offerings easily. Also, incorporate them in your meta tags and posts.
Create Content-Rich Product Pages
Next, you need to create outstanding product pages rich with content. They should offer valuable information and visuals that ensure a positive shopping experience.
Here are some things you can do to capture buyers’ attention.
First, avoid generic descriptions or those provided by manufacturers. Try to create engaging copies that highlight the value and main features of your products. Use bullet points or concise sections to showcase what makes your product special. Concentrate on benefits that solve customer problems or improve their lifestyle.
Remember that visuals are extremely important as well. So, use quality images and videos to showcase your items from different angles. Here are a few tips to follow:
- Include close-ups to highlight textures or small details;
- Show the product in use;
- Use a basic background for primary images and lifestyle shots for secondary ones.
Also, incorporate interactive features to let people explore your product in detail.
Plus, we recommend adding sections with feedback, FAQs, and rating. Social proof is a powerful motivator. So, highlight those pieces that mention specific features or positive experiences.
Use Schema Markup
Another great technique is schema markup. It is a form of structured data that helps browsers understand your content better. Using it for your Shopify store will boost product visibility and improve CTRs.
There are different types of schema markup you can use for Shopify, like
- Product (displays price, availability, and reviews);
- Review (highlights customer ratings and feedback);
- FAQ (provides answers to common questions);
- Breadcrumb (defines your site’s hierarchy);
- Organization (displays brand details);
- Event (promotes sales and events).
You can manually adjust it on the platform. Just go to your Shopify admin panel and open the “Edit Code” section. Find the relevant Liquid files and add JSON-LD code to them. Check if it’s working properly with the help of Google’s Rich Results Test or Schema Markup Validator.
Internal Linking
The next technique we want to highlight is internal linking. It lets you guide your visitors to important pages on your site. Plus, these links connect pages within your store, which allows search engines to crawl and index them more efficiently.
Identify pages on your Shopify store that already perform well. Use them to link to less-visited or new pages. Make sure that the anchor text is descriptive and keyword-rich.
Place these internal links naturally within the content where they add value. Your Shopify store should have a clear and logical structure. It goes in this order:
- Homepage;
- Category pages;
- Product pages.
Make sure category pages link to relevant product ones, and vice versa. Also, you can display “Related Products” or “Shop the Collection” sections on product pages. These are perfect for creating contextual internal links.
Optimize for Mobile Search
Another critical strategy is mobile optimization, as most people rely on their phones today. Your site should perform equally well in the mobile version to keep high rankings.
First, you can use the responsive themes Shopify offers. Choose an option designed for mobile usability. Also, make sure to optimize the site speed for mobile through
- Image compression;
- Lazy loading;
- Apps and scripts minimization;
- Fast hosting service, etc.
Next, simplify the menu and navigation and optimize for voice search. Include the long-tail keywords and schema markup we mentioned above for that.
Plus, you should concentrate on mobile SEO basics. Make sure your meta titles and descriptions fit within mobile search display limits. Use concise headings to make your content scannable on smaller screens. Plus, try to use phrases specific to different regions to adjust your page to certain locations.
Build Quality Backlinks
We definitely cannot miss out on quality backlinks. They come from authoritative sites, which demonstrates that your pages are trustworthy as well. It eventually leads to higher rankings and more visitors.
Here are some things you should do to earn these links:
- Create quality and link bait content (infographics, original research, guides, etc.);
- Write guest posts for blogs in your niche;
- Establish connections with bloggers and influencers (collaborations, co-promotions, etc.);
- Find broken links and suggest your materials as a replacement;
- Use resource pages for pitching your content;
- Submit your site to reputable industry directories.
No matter which tactic you choose, focus only on sources relevant to your Shopify store. Use only ethical practices and avoid spammy links.
Conduct a Technical SEO Audit
Another important strategy is regular technical SEO audits. They ensure your Shopify store operates smoothly and ranks competitively.
How to conduct it?
Start with crawling your website. Check for broken links or orphaned pages you might have. You can use tools like Screaming Frog or SEMrush for that purpose. Make sure to fix these problems right away and avoid duplicating content across URLs.
Next, you should check indexing and analyze your site structure. Make sure that all important pages are indexed and submit an updated XML sitemap to the Search Console. To ensure easy navigation, optimize your
- Menu;
- Category pages;
- Internal links, etc.
Plus, you need to evaluate HTTPS implementation and review structured data. Check if your Shopify store uses HTTPS across all pages. Also, make sure all essential schema types are present.
Last, don’t forget to analyze your backlink profile and monitor your site for security. Check for any toxic links and regularly update your apps to ensure proper protection.
Multilingual SEO
Shopify is a global platform. So, we recommend focusing on multilingual SEO as well if you want to sell worldwide. You have to adjust your content and site structure for that purpose.
Here are some tips:
- Translate your materials while maintaining cultural nuances;
- Create content that addresses specific region needs and preferences;
- Use hreflang tags to ensure users see the version in their language;
- Optimize URLs to a specific language;
- Do a keyword research for each region;
- Get backlinks from local websites;
- Use local hostings.
All of these activities will give you access to new markets which usually leads to more profits.
Conclusion
The e-commerce niche is really competitive, and it becomes harder to excel in it. That’s why you should shift your focus to the online presence of your Shopify store. A strong SEO strategy is what you need.
Relevant content, quality links, and proper structure are your keys to success. Hope that you found something useful in our guide. Combine the SEO techniques we described and enjoy the results!
