If you’re looking to start an ecommerce business or improve your existing one, you know that optimizing your site for search engines is critical. However, with so many ecommerce platforms available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your business’s SEO needs. That’s where this comprehensive ecommerce SEO guide comes in. We’ll delve into the key factors to consider when choosing the best ecommerce platform for SEO, and provide insights into the best options available.
So, which ecommerce platform is best for SEO? The answer will depend on several factors, including your budget, the level of customization you need, and your SEO goals. Some of the most popular ecommerce platforms for SEO include Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce.
Each platform offers its unique features and benefits, from customizable themes to built-in SEO capabilities. With our guide’s help, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for when evaluating ecommerce platforms for SEO.
Whether you’re new to ecommerce SEO or looking to improve your current strategy, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools to set your business up for long-term success.
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Table of Contents
8 Key eCommerce Platform Features for SEO
If you’re planning to create an online store, it’s crucial to choose an ecommerce platform with proper SEO features. This will help you avoid complications in the future if you need to make structural changes to your site. However, selecting an appropriate ecommerce platform can be challenging without knowing what to look for or having enough SEO knowledge. It’s also worth noting that some companies claim their platforms are SEO-friendly when they are actually quite the opposite. Here are eight most important ecommerce platform features for SEO.
1. A URL structure that is well-optimized and easy to navigate
Ecommerce platforms often generate URLs that are difficult for search engines to comprehend, especially on product and dynamically generated pages. Nonetheless, URLs remain critical for SEO because they inform search engines about the page’s content and serve as a path for search engines to find the page.
An ideal SEO-friendly ecommerce platform should enable you to effortlessly edit URLs for products, categories, and other pages on your site. Moreover, the platform should offer a simple 301 redirection option to redirect from the old URL to the new one.
2. Customizable Title Tags, Meta Descriptions, URLs, and Header Tags
It’s essential to have the option to customize Title Tags, Meta Descriptions, URLs, and Header Tags (H1, H2, etc.) for your website’s pages, including home, product, and collection pages. One of the most important features of an ecommerce platform for SEO is the ability to customize URLs. This allows you to optimize your URLs with relevant keywords and make them more search engine-friendly.
If your ecommerce platform lacks this feature, you’ll find it challenging to manage your website’s display on Google. Title tags and meta descriptions are critical because they allow you to add your targeted keywords strategically. Moreover, these fields serve as a “call to action,” persuading searchers to click on your listing over others.
3. An internal search feature that is robust
Ecommerce platforms frequently provide visitors with the ability to perform internal searches to locate products or categories they haven’t seen while browsing the online store. However, many internal search engines are inadequate, resulting in poor or no search results for simple queries. A reliable ecommerce platform should produce precise results when users search for products, categories, SKU numbers, or other vital descriptors used to filter through items.
4. Appropriate indexation of internal search results pages
From an SEO perspective, it’s crucial that an ecommerce platform provides control over displaying internal search results pages on external search engines, and how they appear on these engines. This requires the ability to modify individual internal search results pages, such as title tags, meta descriptions, and content. Although internal search results pages are useful for SEO, as they contain information based on user searches, it’s not advisable to index all these pages on Google, Bing, and other major search engines as they may contain thin and duplicate content.
5. Optimizing Ecommerce Websites for Mobile Devices
To keep up with the competition and provide customers with a great shopping experience, it is important to ensure that your online store is mobile-friendly. A top-notch ecommerce platform offers various options to optimize your website for mobile devices, such as responsive design for a mobile app. However, it is also important to ensure that the platform can handle duplicate content issues that may arise when displaying content on both the website’s root domain and the mobile site. An SEO-friendly ecommerce platform should have features such as rel=canonical tags, notification to Google Webmaster Tools, and a mobile XML sitemap to prevent these issues. If the platform does not have these features automatically built-in, the ecommerce support team should be able to assist in addressing the problem.
6. High speed and performance
Site speed plays a crucial role in the search engine optimization (SEO) of your ecommerce website. The speed at which your website pages load affects the user experience and can impact the website’s search engine rankings. If your website loads slowly, potential customers may get frustrated and abandon your site, leading to a higher bounce rate. Therefore, it is important to choose an ecommerce platform that offers fast page load times and minimal downtime.
When selecting an ecommerce platform, consider the platform’s optimization for speed and performance. The platform should have the ability to optimize images, compress files, and cache data to minimize load times. A well-optimized platform can help to reduce the time it takes for your pages to load, which can lead to improved search engine rankings and better user experiences.
7. User-Friendly Navigation is important for Ecommerce SEO
User-friendly navigation is a critical aspect of a successful ecommerce site, both in terms of user experience and SEO. Navigation menus should be clear, concise, and easy to use, with clear labels and organized categories. The site structure should be well-organized and logical, with a hierarchy of pages that can be easily navigated. A well-structured site can help search engines crawl and index your pages more efficiently, making it easier for them to understand the content and context of your site. Effective internal linking is also essential, as it helps distribute link equity throughout your site, improving the overall SEO performance. Ensure that your ecommerce platform provides easy-to-use tools for managing navigation menus and internal linking and that it allows for customization to fit your unique business needs.
8. A technically proficient team and excellent customer support
To successfully implement the SEO strategies mentioned, it is crucial to work closely with the support team of your chosen ecommerce platform. Since each platform is unique, even experienced developers and SEO professionals may require assistance from the platform’s technical team to customize and set up the online store properly. Before contacting an ecommerce company, it is essential to discuss expectations and review available resources. A limited platform functionality and an unhelpful technical team can lead to an online store being nearly invisible on search engines, despite being up and running.
Best eCommerce Platform for SEO
When it comes to running an online store, choosing the best ecommerce platform for SEO can make all the difference in terms of your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. The platform you choose can have a significant impact on your website’s visibility in search results, as well as how easily you can optimize your content for search engines. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top ecommerce platforms for SEO, and help you determine which one is the best fit for your business.
In the world of online retail, an eCommerce platform is a crucial component that provides the necessary software application to manage the website, sales, marketing, and operations of an online business. Online merchants can choose from two types of eCommerce platforms, namely open-source and hosted shopping carts, to establish and run their online store.
Open-Source eCommerce Platforms
Open-source eCommerce platforms are software applications that provide online retailers with the flexibility to access and modify the source code to meet their unique needs. This open-source nature enables businesses to customize the design and functionality of their online store, making it highly customizable. WooCommerce is a widely used open-source eCommerce platform that offers extensive customization options.
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free, open-source ecommerce platform that is built as a plugin for WordPress. Because it is built on the WordPress platform, it has access to a wide range of SEO plugins and tools that can help you optimize your store for search engines. WooCommerce also has a number of built-in SEO features, including customizable URLs, meta tags, and descriptions.
Hosted eCommerce Platforms
Hosted eCommerce platforms are a type of shopping cart solution that provides users with a complete package to build an online store without needing to worry about infrastructure-related issues. Typically, these platforms offer various pricing tiers based on the additional features needed, and users pay a subscription fee. Using a hosted platform is easy to maintain, and the setup and management of the platform require no coding skills or technical knowledge. In a highly competitive environment, where customer experience and product distribution speed are critical, using a hosted platform enables users to create an online store quickly and efficiently.
Shopify
Shopify is a popular ecommerce platform that is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive app store. One of the biggest advantages of Shopify is that it is built with ecommerce SEO in mind. It has a number of built-in features that make it easy to optimize your store for search engines, including customizable meta tags and descriptions, mobile-friendly themes, and fast loading speeds. Additionally, Shopify integrates with a number of SEO apps that can help you further optimize your content.
Magneto
Magento is an open-source ecommerce platform that is known for its scalability and flexibility. It is a powerful platform that is capable of handling large stores with complex product catalogs. One of the advantages of Magento is that it has a number of built-in SEO features, including customizable URLs and meta tags, as well as a built-in sitemap generator. Additionally, there are a number of SEO plugins and extensions available for Magento that can help you further optimize your store.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is an ecommerce platform that is designed for businesses of all sizes. It has a number of built-in SEO features, including customizable URLs and meta tags, as well as mobile-friendly themes and fast loading speeds. Additionally, BigCommerce integrates with a number of SEO apps and tools that can help you optimize your content and improve your search rankings.
Best eCommerce Platform Based on Statista
As of 2023, WooCommerce had the highest global market share of all ecommerce software platforms, with a percentage of 39. This means that a significant number of online businesses use WooCommerce to manage their websites, marketing, sales, and operations.
Stay up-to-date with the latest ecommerce statistics by checking out the latest update from Statista:
Best eCommerce platform for small businesses
Starting an ecommerce business can be a daunting task, but choosing the right ecommerce platform can make all the difference. For small businesses, finding a platform that is affordable, easy to use, and has strong ecommerce SEO capabilities is essential.
One of the best ecommerce platforms for small businesses is Shopify. With over a million businesses using the platform, Shopify is a popular choice for its user-friendly interface, customizable templates, and built-in SEO features. The platform also offers a variety of affordable pricing plans, starting at just $29 per month, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.
Another strong contender for small businesses is WooCommerce. This ecommerce plugin for WordPress is free to use and offers a wide range of customization options, including themes and plugins. WooCommerce is also highly flexible, allowing businesses to choose their own hosting and payment gateway options. Additionally, as it is a plugin, WooCommerce integrates seamlessly with WordPress, which is known for its strong ecommerce SEO capabilities.
When it comes to ecommerce SEO, both Shopify and WooCommerce offer a range of features to help small businesses improve their search engine rankings. These include customizable meta tags, URL structures, and sitemaps, as well as options for adding alt tags to images and optimizing product descriptions.
Ultimately, the best ecommerce platform for your small business will depend on your unique needs and goals. However, by considering factors such as cost, ease of use, and ecommerce SEO capabilities, you can make an informed decision and set your business up for success online.
Tips for optimizing your eCommerce store for SEO
Here are some tips to optimize your ecommerce store for search engines, which will help you attract more potential customers to your website and increase your chances of making a sale. With a few simple tweaks and adjustments, you can make your store stand out from the competition and rank higher in search engine results pages. Get ready to take your online business to the next level with these game-changing SEO strategies!
- Optimize Product Descriptions: Make sure your product descriptions are unique, detailed, and include relevant keywords. Avoid using manufacturer descriptions, as these are often duplicated on other websites and won’t help you stand out in search engine results.
- Use High-Quality Images: High-quality images not only improve the user experience but also help your products stand out in search engine results. Make sure your images are optimized for web use and include descriptive file names and alt tags.
- Integrate Social Media: Social media can help improve your ecommerce SEO by increasing your online presence and driving traffic to your website. Make sure to include social media sharing buttons on your product pages, and actively engage with your followers to build brand awareness and loyalty.
- Utilize Internal Linking: Internal linking refers to linking between pages on your own website. This can help search engines understand the structure of your site and the relationships between your content. Make sure to link to relevant product pages and use descriptive anchor text.
- Monitor Your Site Speed: Site speed is a crucial factor in SEO, as faster-loading sites tend to rank higher in search engine results. Make sure your website is optimized for speed and performance, with fast page load times and minimal downtime.
By implementing these tips, you can help optimize your eCommerce store for search engines and attract more potential customers to your website.
Expert Ecommerce SEO Services from SiteWise
If you’re looking to improve your ecommerce site’s search engine rankings, the SiteWise team is here to help. Our team of SEO experts has years of experience working with ecommerce businesses of all sizes, and we know what it takes to drive more traffic, leads, and sales to your site.
Our ecommerce SEO services are tailored to your unique needs and goals. We start by conducting a thorough audit of your site to identify areas for improvement, including technical issues, content gaps, and keyword opportunities. From there, we work with you to develop a comprehensive SEO strategy that includes on-page optimization, link building, and content creation.
One of the key benefits of working with the SiteWise team is our focus on data-driven results. We use the latest tools and analytics to track your site’s performance and make data-backed decisions to continually improve your SEO efforts.
In addition to our SEO services, we also offer ecommerce website design and development, conversion rate optimization, and other digital marketing services to help you grow your business online.
Don’t settle for mediocre search engine rankings and lost sales. Let the SiteWise team help you take your ecommerce site to the next level with our expert ecommerce SEO services. Contact us today to learn more.
Conclusion of the best platform for SEO ecommerce
Each of these ecommerce platforms has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to SEO. When choosing the best platform for your business, it’s important to consider factors such as your budget, the size of your store, and the level of customization you require. By selecting the right platform and optimizing your content, you can improve your search engine rankings and drive more traffic to your online store.
Selecting the right ecommerce platform for your business can make a significant impact on your SEO efforts and overall success. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to SEO, and it’s important to consider factors such as budget, customization, and scalability when making your choice. By choosing the right platform and optimizing your content effectively, you can improve your search engine rankings, attract more traffic to your site, and ultimately drive more sales. Don’t underestimate the importance of ecommerce platform selection in your SEO strategy, and take the time to carefully evaluate your options to ensure you make the best decision for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions about ecommerce SEO
What is an ecommerce platform?
An ecommerce platform is a software application that allows businesses to set up an online store and sell products or services over the internet.
What are some popular ecommerce platforms for SEO?
Some popular ecommerce platforms for SEO include Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce.
How do ecommerce platforms affect SEO?
Ecommerce platforms can affect SEO in a number of ways, including the ease of optimization, the speed and performance of the site, and the ability to customize URLs, meta tags, and other important elements.
Can I switch ecommerce platforms without affecting my SEO?
Switching ecommerce platforms can potentially affect your SEO, but it is possible to minimize the impact by taking certain steps, such as setting up proper redirects and ensuring that your new platform has the same or better SEO capabilities as your old one.
Do I need technical expertise to optimize my ecommerce platform for SEO?
While technical expertise can be helpful, it is not always necessary to optimize your ecommerce platform for SEO. Many platforms have built-in SEO features and easy-to-use tools that can help you improve your search engine rankings without requiring advanced technical skills.
How long does it take to see results from SEO on an ecommerce platform?
The time it takes to see results from SEO on an ecommerce platform can vary depending on a number of factors, including the competitiveness of your industry, the quality of your content, and the strength of your backlink profile. In general, it can take several months or longer to see significant improvements in your search engine rankings.
