Navigating the world of eCommerce SEO can be tricky. To make things easier, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you optimise your online store for better search engine performance. Let's dive in!
Which eCommerce platform is best for SEO?
Choosing the right eCommerce platform is crucial for SEO. Here are some top contenders:
- Shopify: User-friendly, with built-in SEO features and a variety of SEO apps.
- WooCommerce: Highly customisable and integrates seamlessly with WordPress.
- Magento: Robust and scalable, ideal for larger businesses.
- BigCommerce: Good out-of-the-box SEO features and flexibility.
Each platform has its strengths, so your choice should depend on your specific needs and technical expertise.
What are the best practices around product filters?
Proper use of product filters can enhance user experience and SEO. Here are some tips:
- Avoid duplicate content: Ensure filtered pages don’t create duplicate content issues.
- Use canonical tags: Direct search engines to the main version of the page.
- Noindex thin pages: Prevent low-content filtered pages from being indexed.
- Optimise for keywords: Include relevant keywords in filter options and descriptions.
What to do when a product is discontinued?
Handling discontinued products correctly is essential to maintain SEO value. Consider these options:
- 301 redirects: Redirect the old product URL to a related product or category page.
- Notify customers: Update the product page with a note about its discontinuation and suggest alternatives.
- Remove internal links: Ensure links to the discontinued product are removed from your site.
- Keep the page live: If the product had high traffic or backlinks, keep the page but update it with relevant content.
Best apps for eCommerce SEO
Leveraging the right tools can significantly improve your SEO efforts. Here are some recommended apps:
- Yoast SEO (for WooCommerce): Comprehensive SEO tool for WordPress users.
- SEO Booster (for Shopify): Automates SEO tasks and optimises your store.
- Screaming Frog: Excellent for technical SEO audits.
- Ahrefs: Great for keyword research, competitor analysis, and backlink tracking.
How to organise products
Proper organisation of products enhances user experience and SEO. Follow these tips:
- Logical categories: Group products into clear, logical categories and subcategories.
- Descriptive titles: Use clear and descriptive titles for products and categories.
- Breadcrumb navigation: Implement breadcrumb navigation to improve site structure and SEO.
- Internal linking: Link related products and categories to help users and search engines navigate your site.
What to have in the main menu for an eCommerce site
Your main menu should be user-friendly and SEO-optimised. Include the following:
- Primary categories: Display main product categories prominently.
- Search bar: Ensure it's easily accessible for users to find products quickly.
- Special offers: Highlight sales, new arrivals, or bestsellers.
- Contact information: Include links to customer service and contact details.
- About us: Provide a link to your company’s story and values.
Which schema to use for product and category pages
Using the right schema markup can enhance your site's visibility in search results. Implement these schemas:
- Product schema: For individual product pages, include price, availability, reviews, and other relevant details.
- Breadcrumb schema: Helps search engines understand the structure of your site.
- Category schema: Although not as common, providing structured data for categories can improve their relevance in search results.
What to do if you've had 0 sales in 3 months
A lack of sales can be disheartening, but there are steps you can take to turn things around:
- Audit your site: Check for technical issues, poor user experience, or slow load times.
- Improve product pages: Ensure descriptions are compelling, images are high quality, and CTAs are clear.
- Boost your marketing: Invest in SEO, PPC, social media, and email marketing to drive traffic.
- Analyse competition: Look at what competitors are doing and identify areas for improvement.
- Gather feedback: Ask visitors and customers for feedback to identify and address potential issues.
By following these tips and continuously refining your approach, you can improve your eCommerce SEO and increase sales. Happy selling!