Shopify SEO Guide

How does Shopify differ from other platforms for SEO?

Shopify stands out from other e-commerce platforms in several key ways when it comes to SEO:

  • Built-in SEO features: Shopify offers built-in SEO tools that simplify optimisation. Features like editable title tags, meta descriptions, and alt text are easy to use.
  • Mobile optimisation: Shopify themes are mobile-friendly, which is crucial as Google prioritises mobile-first indexing.
  • App integration: The Shopify App Store provides numerous SEO apps that can help improve site performance and rankings.
  • Fast loading times: Shopify is known for its fast loading times, an essential factor for both user experience and SEO.

What are the typical issues?

Despite its strengths, Shopify has some common SEO issues:

  • Duplicate content: Shopify can create duplicate content due to its structure, especially with product variants.
  • URL structure: The default URL structure includes unnecessary prefixes like /collections/ and /products/, which aren’t ideal for SEO.
  • Limited customisation: Compared to platforms like WordPress, Shopify has limitations in customising certain SEO aspects.
  • App dependency: Many advanced SEO features require third-party apps, which can add to costs.

How to do technical SEO for Shopify

To ensure your Shopify store is technically sound, follow these steps:

  • Optimise URLs: Use URL redirects to eliminate unnecessary prefixes and keep URLs short and descriptive.
  • Improve site speed: Compress images, use a fast theme, and minimise the use of heavy scripts.
  • Manage duplicate content: Use canonical tags to manage duplicate content and consider apps that handle duplicate URLs.
  • Create a sitemap: Ensure your XML sitemap is updated and submitted to Google Search Console.
  • Set up Google Analytics and Search Console: Monitor your site’s performance and identify issues quickly.

How to create a content strategy for Shopify

A strong content strategy can boost your Shopify SEO:

  • Identify target keywords: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find relevant keywords for your products.
  • Create high-quality content: Write detailed product descriptions, blog posts, and guides that provide value to your audience.
  • Utilise user-generated content: Encourage reviews and testimonials to build trust and add fresh content.
  • Regularly update content: Keep your content current to maintain relevance and improve rankings.

Why choose Shopify in the first place?

Shopify is a popular choice for several reasons:

  • Ease of use: It’s user-friendly, making it accessible even for those with limited technical skills.
  • Comprehensive e-commerce features: Shopify offers a wide range of features tailored for online stores.
  • Reliable hosting: Shopify handles hosting, security, and updates, reducing technical overhead.
  • Scalability: It can grow with your business, handling everything from small shops to large enterprises.

Do CMSs matter when it comes to SEO?

Yes, the CMS you choose impacts your SEO:

  • Flexibility and control: A good CMS allows you to customise URLs, meta tags, and other SEO elements.
  • Built-in features: Platforms like Shopify offer built-in SEO tools, but their limitations may require additional apps.
  • Performance: CMS performance affects site speed, mobile optimisation, and overall user experience.

How to link build for Shopify sites

Effective link building strategies for Shopify include:

  • Guest blogging: Write guest posts on relevant blogs to get backlinks.
  • Influencer partnerships: Collaborate with influencers to promote your products and gain backlinks.
  • Content marketing: Create valuable content that others want to link to, such as infographics, guides, and case studies.
  • Internal linking: Ensure your internal linking structure is strong to distribute link equity across your site.

How to edit code in Shopify

Editing code in Shopify can enhance your SEO:

  • Access the theme editor: Go to Online Store > Themes > Actions > Edit Code.
  • Edit HTML and CSS: Customise your site’s look and feel, and optimise elements like H1 tags and alt text.
  • Use Liquid: Shopify’s templating language, Liquid, allows for more advanced customisations.
  • Backup your theme: Always backup your theme before making significant changes to avoid losing work.

How has Shopify changed since it was created?

Since its launch, Shopify has evolved significantly:

  • Enhanced features: Continuous updates have introduced features like multi-currency support, better analytics, and improved mobile optimisation.
  • Expanded integrations: Shopify now integrates with a wide range of apps and third-party services, enhancing its functionality.
  • Increased scalability: Improvements have made it easier for larger businesses to use Shopify, with features that support high-volume sales and complex operations.
  • Improved SEO tools: Shopify’s SEO capabilities have been enhanced, making it easier to optimise your store for search engines.

I hope this Shopify SEO guide helps you optimise your store for better search engine performance. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

Back to blog