Today we will be blogging about the reasons why all eCommerce websites need SEO (search engine optimization). When we accept a new eCommerce website project we always let them know that building the website is only the first step. Going forward (after the site is launched) the site must be optimized and promoted using tools of the trade. SEO targeting can be done in a variety of ways.
- Blogging (consistently)
- Guest bloggers
- Hiring a professional SEO team
- email marketing (newsletters)
- SEO (Optimizing the site pages for keywords)
- Pay per click ads (through Google)
- Adding valuable backlinks
- Social media
- YouTube
Top two pages of the SERPs
Time is a commodity today and none of us have time to spend looking for information. When searching for a product, it is common knowledge that we are most likely going to narrow our search to the first two SERPs (search engine results) pages. Knowing this, we urge all eCommerce website clients to spend time optimizing the eCommerce site for the SERPs. If your eCommerce site is older than two years it is a good idea to have the site re-designed. This will allow new smart technology to be implemented. Contact our design team.
Should I hire a professional SEO individual?
Yes … A team of SEO professionals will provide the best strategy and should be considered if the budget allows. They will develop a specific SEO strategy for your brand and implement this strategy moving forward. If this is not affordable you must consider doing this on your own.
Can I optimize my eCommerce site on my own?
Although all eCommerce websites need SEO, search engine optimization is a difficult medium to master. To help with this learning curve, there are video tutorials online. Begin by studying the video tutorials that explain how to optimize the eCommerce website. Optimize all images within the site. Continue learning the operation of your eCommerce store. The more you know, the more you will be able to do independently.
Additionally, you must also optimize the site’s content to meet your user’s wants and needs. Since the Google search engine ranks above Bing, Yahoo, and others, it is best to adapt your SEO strategy to follow Google’s requirements. Along with optimizing the on-page images and content, also add quality backlinks and profiles.
Choosing keywords for eCommerce optimization:
There are four types of keywords used for the search. The first keyword is known as an informational keyword. These keywords are most often searched for online. The second keyword is called transactional. A transactional keyword is a direct search for something the user is searching for. If a transactional keyword search is done, the visitor expects to find the item quickly and buy the item or move on.
The third keyword is called a navigational keyword. When users already know the name of the company or brand, they perform a navigational keyword search. It is usually easy to use this keyword search when a company is well-known. The fourth type of keyword is known as a commercial keyword search. These are keywords that are paid for. In other words, the website owner has decided to use a PAID keyword campaign strategy.
The importance of the call-to-action buttons:
it is important to remember to have a “call to action” button on every page of the site. This means the visitors will be able to quickly click on the button such as “buy now” and purchase the item in a hurry. No one today is going to spend a great deal of time searching. We are living in an environment where we want immediate gratification. It is just our new normal and we must adjust to compete.
Adding high-quality content is key to SEO success:
Each and every page of the website should be populated with high-quality content. This will provide a great UX (User Experience). https://www.tronebrandenergy.com/blog/10-examples-good-user-experience-ux for the user. Remember this, the more time the user stays on your site browsing the site, the more your site will be considered trustworthy and credible.
Understanding On-Page and Off-Page SEO:
On-Page SEO refers to the elements on your own website. The website technical setup, the quality, and functionality of the source code, the visual quality of pictures, and the user-friendliness of the website. Off-Page SEO is all about quality links added from other websites, social media connections, and other marketing strategies taking place outside your own website. As you slowly start to implement these SEO methods and your site gains visibility you will understand why eCommerce websites need SEO.
Keyword research for On-Page SEO:
The On-Page SEO technique requires you to add targeted keywords to your eCommerce site. These are the words your users are searching for. These targeted keywords can be found within the page titles, headings, and within the website source code. These On-Page keywords will now become a part of the Meta description on each page behind the scenes. Other targeted keywords for On-Page SEO can be used within the page content and added as alt tags to images.
Optimizing for Off-Page SEO
Understanding off-page SEO is a very important strategy for the future growth of your eCommerce website. Along with building your chances for success beyond your own site, off-page optimization will help your Google rank and boost your brand identity. As you continue building your site for the future you’ll soon be known to all as an authority website online. Here is a list of items to consider for off-page SEO. Building quality backlinks (crucial)
- Link Social Media accounts
- Guest posts add a new perspective
- Add video and royalty-free images
- Build good relationships with influencers
Adding quality backlinks for eCommerce SEO
The importance of adding quality backlinks to your website can’t be stressed enough. When we discuss backlinks we are also referring to “inbound links” or links added one way. The link is added from one website to another website. Google and other top search engines will reward you with a higher rank in the organic SERPs for adding these great backlinks.
Browse our “portfolio” to see examples of eCommerce sites completed recently.
Optimizing for Product and Category Pages:
Let’s face it, the products are the most important item on your eCommerce site. As you add products to your eCommerce website, optimize each product image and product description. Think out of the box. Users use the item name they are familiar with to search the web for a product. Rather than using only product descriptions provided, come up with your own unique description. This will increase interest, urging them to buy from you!
Don’t forget that the category pages as well help to improve on-page SEO. Categories should all be optimized to connect visitors with their products of interest. This will increase your chance to show up in the organic search results and ensures that your eCommerce site will stand out in the crowd of competitors.
Thanks for stopping by today and we wish all of you a safe and exciting Independence Day!
OWD News & Reviews:
A special congrats go to the staff at Full Circle Florida Mental Health. Their new site (just launched) is now available for visitors and clients.
Jean Holland-Rose
Chief Creative Officer & SEO Professional
