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The e-commerce market in 2020
These days, with the e-commerce market being fiercely competitive, SEO for online stores has become one of the most important tools for attracting customers and increasing sales. According to research, more than 70% of users start their product searches in search engines such as Google. If your store is not on the first page of the search results, there is a strong chance that potential customers will pick your competition instead.
SEO for online stores is not only about greater visibility in Google. It is also about building trust among customers, who tend to choose the sites that hold the top positions. On top of that, a well optimized online store means a better user experience, which translates into higher conversion rates.
In this article you will learn how to run effective SEO for your online store, what steps to take to increase its visibility in search engines, and why it pays to invest in professional SEO services. We will also share practical tips that will help you achieve better results.
1. The basics of SEO for online stores
SEO for online stores differs somewhat from traditional SEO because of the specifics of the e-commerce sector. Online stores have to compete not only for user attention, but also for high positions in the search results for thousands of products. Here are the key elements to pay attention to:
Technical optimization of the store
- Page load speed: Online stores that load slowly lose customers. According to Google, pages should load within 2 to 3 seconds. Tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights will help you identify performance problems.
- Responsiveness: Most users browse online stores on mobile devices. Make sure your store is fully responsive and works correctly on smartphones and tablets.
- Security: An SSL certificate is the absolute minimum. Stores without HTTPS are flagged as unsafe, which discourages customers from buying.
Content optimization
- Unique product descriptions: Avoid copying descriptions from manufacturers. Write your own, unique content that is search engine friendly and engaging for customers.
- Keywords: Choose the right key phrases for every category and product. Remember to use them naturally, both in the descriptions and in the metadata.
Site structure
- Friendly URLs: Avoid long, complicated URLs. They should be short, readable, and contain keywords.
- Categories and tags: Build a logical structure of categories and subcategories to make navigation easier for users and for search engine crawlers alike.
2. SEO strategies for online stores
SEO for online stores calls for a comprehensive approach. Here are a few proven strategies that will help you achieve better results:
Content marketing
Creating valuable content such as blogs, guides, or product reviews is an excellent way to attract new customers. Good content not only brings in organic traffic, it also builds trust and positions you as an expert in your field.
Link building
Earning links from reputable websites is one of the most effective ways to improve your search rankings. Work with influencers, publish guest posts on blogs, or use industry directories.
Optimization for local search
If you run a store that delivers to specific regions, it is worth investing in local SEO. Register your store in Google Business Profile and keep an eye on positive customer reviews.
3. SEO audit: why it is essential
Before you start any SEO work, it is worth running an SEO audit. It is a process that lets you identify technical errors, weak spots, and areas that need improvement. Here is what to look at during an audit:
- Indexing errors: Check that all pages are indexed correctly by Google.
- Duplicate content: Avoid repeating product descriptions, which can hurt your rankings.
- 404 errors: Remove or redirect pages that no longer work.
You can run an SEO audit yourself using tools such as Screaming Frog or Ahrefs, or hand it over to professionals. You can read more about SEO audits on our SEO audits page.
4. Tools for analyzing and monitoring results
To run effective SEO for an online store, it pays to use tools that help you monitor results and make the necessary corrections. Here are a few recommended options:
- Google Analytics: Lets you track site traffic, analyze user behavior, and measure conversion rates.
- Google Search Console: An essential tool for monitoring search positions, spotting indexing errors, and analyzing organic traffic.
- Ahrefs: Ideal for competitor analysis, tracking inbound links, and keyword research.
5. Case study: effective SEO for a clothing store
A real life example: a clothing store that increased its organic traffic by 150% within 6 months after adopting a comprehensive SEO strategy. The key actions included:
- Technical optimization: Better page load speed and responsiveness.
- Creating unique content: Launching a blog with fashion advice along with unique product descriptions.
- Link building: Working with influencers and publishing guest posts on industry blogs.
6. Summary
SEO for online stores is a process that takes time, knowledge, and consistency. The benefits it brings, however, are invaluable, from more organic traffic to higher conversion rates. If you want your store to hold the top positions in search engines, it is worth investing in professional SEO services.
Do you have questions or need help with SEO for your store? Contact us today and book a consultation!
