The Importance of SEO for eCommerce Success
In today’s competitive online marketplace, simply having an eCommerce store is not enough. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the driving force behind successful online stores, helping them rank higher on search engines like Google. This increases visibility, organic traffic, and, ultimately, sales. For eCommerce, SEO is critical for long-term growth and sustainability.
Is SEO Worth It for eCommerce?
Absolutely! SEO is a long-term investment that drives organic traffic to your online store without needing to spend a cent on paid advertising. While it takes time to see results, the return on investment (ROI) is substantial. eCommerce stores that implement SEO effectively attract high-quality leads, improve brand visibility, and drive long-term growth.
Benefits of eCommerce SEO:
- Organic Traffic: SEO helps your store rank higher, leading to more clicks from search engine users.
- Cost-Effective: Unlike paid ads, SEO brings in traffic without paying ad spend to various advertising platforms.
- Higher Conversion Rates: Organic visitors are more likely to trust and convert into customers.
- Long-Term Results: SEO efforts compound over time, making it a sustainable growth strategy.
How Much Does eCommerce SEO Cost?
The cost of eCommerce SEO can vary depending on several factors, including the size of your store, the competitiveness of your industry, and the services required. On average, businesses may expect to invest between $500 to $5,000 per month for SEO services.
Factors Influencing eCommerce SEO Costs:
- Keyword Difficulty: High-competition keywords require more effort and resources.
- Content Creation: Regular blog posts, product descriptions, and landing pages need optimisation.
- Technical SEO: Fixing site architecture, improving loading speed, and enhancing mobile-friendliness.
Best SEO-Friendly eCommerce Platforms
Choosing the right platform is crucial for optimising your eCommerce website for search engines. Below is a list of the top 15 eCommerce platforms known for their SEO capabilities.
Ecommerce Platforms Overview-
| Platform | SEO Strengths | Notable Features | Best For |
| Shopify | Built-in SEO features | Easy integration with SEO tools | Small to mid-sized businesses |
| WooCommerce | WordPress SEO plugins available | Flexible SEO customisation | Content-heavy stores |
| BigCommerce | Robust SEO features | Server-side rendering, fast speeds | Large online stores |
| Wix | Beginner-friendly SEO | Drag-and-drop, easy customisation | Small stores |
| Magento | Advanced SEO customisation | Highly scalable | Enterprise-level eCommerce stores |
| Squarespace | Basic SEO features | Easy to use for beginners | Creative businesses |
| PrestaShop | SEO-friendly customisation | Extensive plugins for SEO Optimisation | Budget-conscious entrepreneurs |
| Weebly | Simple SEO setup | Drag-and-drop functionality | Small businesses |
| Volusion | On-page SEO tools | Quick page loading speeds | Small eCommerce businesses |
| 3dcart | Built-in SEO tools | Social media integration | Small to medium-sized stores |
| OpenCart | SEO extensions | Open-source and highly customisable | Tech-savvy entrepreneurs |
| Salesforce Commerce Cloud | Enterprise-level SEO tools | Deep integrations with CRM and analytics | Large enterprise-level companies |
| Big Cartel | Basic SEO features | Simple SEO settings | Small creatives or artists selling products |
| Shift4Shop | Built-in SEO and marketing tools | Mobile-optimised | Mid-sized businesses |
| Ecwid | Easy integration with WordPress and SEO tools | Affordable, scalable | Small stores looking for growth |
Which eCommerce Platform is Best for SEO?
When it comes to choosing an eCommerce platform, SEO features should be a top priority. Here’s a comparison of the most popular platforms for SEO:
Shopify vs. WordPress (WooCommerce) SEO Comparison-
| Feature | Shopify | WordPress (WooCommerce) |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly, no coding required | Requires technical skills and plugins |
| SEO Flexibility | Limited customisation options | Highly flexible with plugins (e.g., Yoast) |
| Performance | Fast load speeds, server-side hosting | Performance depends on the hosting provider |
| Mobile Optimisation | Mobile-optimised out of the box | Depends on theme and plugins |
| URL Structure | Rigid, less customisable | Fully customisable |
| Cost | Fixed monthly fee (starting at $29) | Hosting and plugin costs vary |
| Best For | Small to mid-sized stores | Content-heavy sites, large stores |
Shopify vs. BigCommerce SEO Comparison-
| Feature | Shopify | BigCommerce |
| Ease of Use | Simple and intuitive interface | Slightly more complex than Shopify |
| SEO Flexibility | Decent SEO tools, limited URL control | Advanced SEO features, better URL control |
| Performance | Fast load speeds, optimised for eCommerce | Excellent server-side rendering, very fast |
| Mobile Optimisation | Mobile-ready themes and features | Highly optimised for mobile performance |
| URL Structure | Limited customisation | More flexible URL structure |
| Cost | Starts at $29/month | Starts at $29.95/month |
| Best For | Small to mid-sized businesses | Larger, enterprise-level stores |
Shopify vs. Wix SEO Comparison-
| Feature | Shopify | Wix |
| Ease of Use | Simple, intuitive, no coding required | Drag-and-drop interface, easy for beginners |
| SEO Flexibility | Decent SEO features, limited customisation | Basic SEO tools, fewer advanced features |
| Performance | Fast load speeds, reliable | Slower page speeds may impact SEO |
| Mobile Optimisation | Mobile-ready themes and tools | Mobile-optimized but slower than Shopify |
| URL Structure | Limited control | Limited control, less SEO-friendly |
| Cost | Starts at $29/month | Starts at $14/month |
| Best For | Small to mid-sized businesses | Small businesses or beginners |
Common SEO Issues on BigCommerce
While BigCommerce is known for its robust SEO features, it has some limitations:
- Lack of Flexibility: Fewer customisation options compared to platforms like WooCommerce.
- Complexity for Beginners: BigCommerce can be harder for beginners to navigate when it comes to SEO.
Common SEO Issues on Shopify
Shopify is known for its ease of use, but there are challenges:
- Limited URL Structure Customisation: Shopify enforces a rigid URL structure that may impact your SEO strategy.
- Duplicate Content: Shopify’s system can create duplicate content, which needs to be managed properly.
Common SEO Issues on WordPress (WooCommerce)
- Plugin Overload: WordPress requires multiple plugins for effective SEO, which can slow down site performance.
- Maintenance: Frequent updates and maintenance are required to keep your WooCommerce store optimised.
Common SEO Issues on Wix eCommerce
- Limited Advanced SEO: Wix’s built-in SEO features are great for beginners, but lack the advanced customisation needed for larger stores.
- Slower Page Speeds: Wix stores can suffer from slower page loading times, impacting SEO performance.
Is SEO Worth it on Shopify?
Yes! Shopify’s built-in SEO features and easy-to-use platform make it an ideal choice for small to mid-sized businesses. With the right strategies, Shopify stores can rank high on search engines and attract organic traffic.
Is SEO Worth it on BigCommerce?
For larger stores, BigCommerce provides powerful SEO tools that help optimise site speed, structure, and on-page SEO elements. While it’s more complex than Shopify, the long-term benefits for larger businesses make it a worthwhile investment.
Is SEO Worth it on WordPress?
WordPress (WooCommerce) remains a popular choice for SEO due to its flexibility. Its extensive range of SEO plugins (like Yoast SEO) and customisable structure allow businesses to optimise every aspect of their online store for search engines.
Is SEO Worth it on Wix eCommerce?
While Wix may not be the best option for large stores, it is suitable for small businesses looking for an affordable and user-friendly platform. Wix’s SEO Wiz tool provides step-by-step guidance, making it worth considering for beginners.
Which SEO Strategies Work Best for eCommerce?
The key to successful eCommerce SEO lies in a well-rounded strategy. Here are some of the most effective techniques:
- Keyword Research: Identify high-converting keywords related to your products.
- On-Page Optimisation: Optimise product pages with keyword-rich titles, descriptions, and meta tags.
- Technical SEO: Improve site speed, mobile responsiveness, and fix crawl errors.
- Content Marketing: Create engaging blog posts and product guides to attract organic traffic.
- Backlink Building: Earn high-quality backlinks from reputable websites to boost your authority.
- User Experience (UX): Focus on a clean, easy-to-navigate website to enhance the user experience and improve rankings.
At Crunchy Digital, we implement these strategies to help eCommerce stores thrive in the competitive online market.
Conclusion-
SEO is essential for the long-term success of any e-commerce business. By choosing the right platform, implementing effective strategies, and optimising for both on-page and technical SEO, your store can enjoy sustained organic growth. Whether you’re using Shopify, WordPress, BigCommerce, or Wix, make sure your SEO efforts align with your business goals. Let Crunchy Digital be your partner in this journey, guiding your e-commerce store to new heights with the power of SEO.
Contact our team for an in-depth look at your eCommerce store’s SEO stance and a tailored plan to improve your business’s online visibility.