Want your Shopify store to rank higher on Google and AI search tools?
Before anything else, get your site in shape:
Pick the right keywords
Make sure your site structure makes sense
Tidy up product pages with proper meta titles, descriptions and image alt text
Shopify comes with built-in tools that help with SEO.
Turn on SSL
Stick to mobile-friendly themes
Add structured data to help search engines read your site better
The more eyes on your store, the better.
Share useful posts on social media
Work with creators and influencers
Write blog content that people want to read
Get other trusted sites to link back to you.
Focus on high-quality backlinks
Track what’s working using GA4 and Search Console
The takeaway: Keep your content clear, your updates regular, and your SEO tools switched on. Over time, that’s what gets results.
Just getting started with Shopify SEO? Whether you’re setting up a new store or want to give an old one a boost, follow this simple plan.
Use Ubersuggest, SEMrush or Google Keyword Planner.
Look for the exact phrases people in Ireland type when they search for your products
Focus on long-tail keywords (= longer search queries with 3 or more words) with clear buying intent, like “buy handmade candles Ireland”
Make it easy for people and search engines to move around your site.
Keep the path simple: Home → Category → Product
Use short, clear URLs with relevant keywords
Create a sitemap and add it to Google Search Console
Small changes can help your pages show up more.
Add keywords to page titles and meta descriptions on every product and collection
Add keywords to your headers (H1s, H2s, H3s...) and throughout your page copy naturally
Use alt text for every image
Link between related products and blogs
There’s a lot you can do with what Shopify already gives you.
Turn on SSL to keep things secure
Choose a fast theme to speed up your site
Use a schema app to add structured data for products, reviews and FAQs
Don’t just sell — help.
Write blog posts that answer real questions
Add FAQs, product tips and how-to guides made for Irish buyers
Share these posts on social media and in your emails
The more trusted sites that link to you, the better.
Work with local bloggers or suppliers
Add your site to Irish business directories
Share useful stuff like guides or infographics to earn links
You can’t improve what you don’t track.
Use Google Search Console to spot keyword and crawl issues
Check Shopify and GA4 to see what’s converting
Review things monthly and tweak the pages that aren’t doing well
Pro tip: SEO isn’t something you set once and forget. Take time to quickly review and check your store about once a month to make sure everything is working properly and nothing important has been missed. Even small tweaks, like changing a title or speeding up a page, can lead to better rankings and more sales.
Want your Shopify store to show up on Google? You're not alone.
Most ecommerce business owners in Ireland don’t have the time to learn every detail of SEO.
The good news? You don’t have to. You just need to get the basics right and stick with them.
Whether you’re launching your first shop or giving your current one a lift, this guide will walk you through the steps.
Let’s keep it simple. Here's where to start.
If no one’s searching for what you’re selling, you won’t get found.
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs to find the search terms people use, like “mens leather wallet Ireland”
Make your menu clear and simple
Keep URLs short and clean (no random numbers or symbols)
Shopify already gives you a solid base to work with.
Add custom meta tags, like titles and descriptions, for each page
Write clear alt text for every image (example: “red cotton baby blanket folded in box”)
Make sure SSL is turned on so your site shows as secure
Use your blog to post helpful content with keywords your customers are typing in
Search engines prefer sites that stay up to date.
Update product pages if anything changes, like new photos, sizes, materials
Reuse popular blog topics with new insights or customer tips
Swap old photos with newer ones that load faster and have better alt text
Push your content out through the right channels.
Share your bestsellers on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest
Work with Irish creators or small business pages in your niche
The more your site gets mentioned, the more trust it builds and that helps rankings
If you don’t check your results, you’re guessing.
Use Search Console to spot broken links and page errors
Use GA4 and Shopify Analytics to see what people are clicking and buying
Keep an eye on slow pages. Page speed affects your spot in search results
Quick tip: Structured data helps your products stand out on Google. Add this through apps or built-in settings, and your listings might show reviews, prices or stock levels right in search results, which can help more people click through.
Shopify SEO means making your online shop easier to find in search engines like Google, Bing and tools powered by AI, like ChatGPT or Perplexity AI.
It helps people find your products through regular search results without paying for ads.
When done well, it brings in more visitors, builds trust in your brand, and helps you make more sales by showing up when someone’s searching for what you sell.
If your store isn’t showing up in search results, people won’t find you, even if your products are exactly what they're looking for.
Good Shopify SEO:
Helps your store show up for the right search terms
Makes it easier for Google to read your site and product pages
Brings in people who are ready to buy, not just browsing
Bottom line: SEO helps more of the right people find your shop and turn into customers.
This guide breaks down what matters for getting your store seen.
You’ll learn:
The basics of Shopify SEO, like keywords, layout, content and links
What’s new in SEO for ecommerce in 2025
Straightforward steps to improve your store’s visibility and bring in steady traffic
Once you get these core steps right, every page on your site has a better chance of showing up in search and AI-powered tools.
SEO means helping your Shopify store show up in search results on sites like Google and Bing.
It works by matching your content and layout with what people are searching for.
Put simply, it helps the right people find your products and makes it easier to turn search traffic into customers.
This is where it all begins. You need to know what your customers are typing into search before they find your store.
For Irish store owners, this means:
Using tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest or Ahrefs
Finding high-intent search terms, the kind people use when they’re ready to buy
Targeting both short phrases (like “linen tote bag”) and longer ones (like “buy linen tote bag Ireland”)
Once you’ve got your list, work those keywords into your product titles, descriptions and blog posts.
This helps search engines know what each page is about and gives you a better shot at showing up in the right results.
There are three key parts to Shopify SEO. Each one plays a role in helping your store get seen and trusted.
This is about what’s on your site. It covers things like:
Product titles and descriptions
Meta tags and headings
Internal links and keyword use
Example: Adding the phrase “eco-friendly candles” to a product title and image alt text.
This what happens behind the scenes. It affects how well your site works and how search engines read it. Technical SEO looks at things like:
Page speed
Mobile layout
Site structure and sitemaps
Example: Compressing product photos or switching on Shopify’s SSL to keep your site secure.
This is about how others see your site. It helps build trust and authority from the outside. It includes:
Backlinks from other websites
Brand mentions
Social media activity
Example: A local blogger linking to your store in a gift guide.
Search habits are changing fast. Search engines now rely more on AI to decide what shows up first.
To stay ahead in 2025, Shopify store owners in Ireland should keep an eye on these key trends:
Better answers, not just keywords. AI tools and search engines are focusing more on helpful content that answers your customers' questions clearly.
Structured data matters more. Adding rich data (like reviews, prices or stock levels) helps your products stand out in search results.
Site speed and mobile layout stay important. Slow sites still lose rankings. Clean, fast and mobile-friendly wins.
Local signals help local buyers find you. Listings in Irish directories, local content and backlinks from other Irish websites can give your store an edge.
Search is happening outside Google. People are now using platforms like TikTok, Pinterest and even AI tools to search for products — not just Google. Your content should work there too.
The takeaway: SEO is no longer just about matching search terms. It’s about being useful, trustworthy and easy to find everywhere your buyers are looking.
Most people now shop from their phones or tablets — over 70 percent, in fact.
Google also ranks your site based on how it works on mobile first, not desktop.
Use a responsive Shopify theme that adjusts to any screen
Test how your site loads and looks on both Android and iPhone
Make sure images resize neatly and buttons are easy to tap
Getting this right helps your store rank better and makes it easier for people to buy.
Search engines now pay attention to how people use your site — not just what’s on it.
If visitors leave too quickly or struggle to find what they need, your rankings can drop.
To improve UX on your Shopify store:
Keep pages fast to load
Use simple menus and clear product categories
Add sharp images and short videos to keep people interested
The better the experience, the longer they stay and that helps your store rank higher.
Search engines and AI tools prefer content that’s clear, useful and up to date.
To keep your store in good shape:
Refresh product descriptions and blog posts regularly
Use long-tail keywords that match what your customers are searching for
Post new blogs that answer your customers' questions, like product care tips or updates in your niche
Keeping your content fresh shows search engines that your store is active and worth ranking.
More store owners are now using AI to speed up everyday SEO tasks, like writing product descriptions or filling in image alt text.
In 2025, using AI the right way can help you work faster and stay ahead.
Try tools like Shopify Magic or ChatGPT to write product copy or metadata
Always check the output to make sure it sounds right for your brand
Use automation to save time, but keep humans in the loop for quality and accuracy
AI can help you scale, but the final say should still be yours.
Shopify SEO in 2025 is about more than keywords.
Search engines now look for proof that your store is reliable and that you know your stuff. This comes from Google’s E-E-A-T signals (= experience, expertise, authority and trust).
Add an author bio or brand story page
Show customer reviews and display trust badges
Write helpful guides that show your knowledge in your niche
When people trust your brand, they’re more likely to buy and your rankings get a boost too.
Quick reminder: SEO in 2025 is shaped by mobile-first sites, smart use of AI and giving users a great experience. Keep up with these shifts and your store stays visible where and when it matters.
Want better rankings and happier customers? Start with how your store is set up.
Search engines need a clear structure to understand your content. Shoppers need simple paths to find what they want.
Keep your site layout clean and easy to follow
Use clear menus and categories
Stick to mobile-friendly themes that work well on any screen
Get the basics right and you’ll improve both SEO and the way people experience your store.
Your store’s structure sets the tone for how well it performs in search.
Google needs to understand how your pages connect. A clear layout shows which pages matter most and helps spread ranking power across your site.
For your customers, it means they find what they’re looking for faster, which can lead to more sales and fewer drop-offs.
A clear layout helps both search engines and shoppers find their way around your site.
Start with your main categories.
Example: “Men”, “Women”, “Accessories”. Then add subcategories to narrow it down.
Example: “Women → Dresses → Summer Collection”
Stick to 5 to 7 top-level menu items
Use labels that make sense, like “Shop All”, “About Us” or “Blog”
Add a search bar to help customers find products fast
Keep them short and easy to read (example = yourstore.com/products/blue-running-shoes)
Add keywords where it feels natural
Avoid random numbers or letters that don’t explain what the page is about
Breadcrumbs show where someone is on your site
They help users move around easily
They also boost internal links and can improve how you show up in search results
Choose a responsive Shopify theme
Test on different devices and browsers
Remember, Google uses the mobile version of your site first
Shopify creates a sitemap for you at yourstore.com/sitemap.xml
Check regularly for broken or redirected links
This keeps your site easy to crawl and index
Quick tip: If customers can’t find what they need in three clicks, your layout might be too deep. Keep it simple so nothing gets buried.
A tidy layout makes all the difference.
When your menus, URLs and pages are well organised, it’s easier for shoppers to find what they need and easier for Google to scan your site.
Keep things simple, clear and logical. That way, your customers stay longer and your pages rank better.
A well-organised store helps people find what they need and helps search engines understand your content.
Tell shoppers exactly what they’ll find.
Say “Men’s Shoes” instead of just “Products”
Keep labels short and keyword-friendly
Group similar items under clear paths.
Example: Home → Lighting → Table Lamps
This makes it easier for shoppers to browse and for Google to map your pages.
Stick to 5 to 7 top-level menu items.
Too many options can confuse people and water down your Shopify SEO.
Place it at the top of every page.
Helps users find products fast
Reduces bounce rate, which can help rankings
Breadcrumbs show the path back through your store.
Example: Home > Women > Dresses > Summer Collection
They help users and give Google more context
Example: yourstore.com/products/leather-wallet
Use hyphens, not underscores
Add keywords where it fits naturally
Run regular link checks with tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs.
Broken links make your site harder to use and harder to crawl.
Test on phones and tablets.
Dropdowns, filters and buttons should all be easy to use
If it’s hard to tap, people leave
Shopify gives you one at yourstore.com/sitemap.xml.
Add it to Google Search Console to make sure your pages get indexed.
Ask a friend or customer to try finding a product. If it takes more than three clicks from the homepage, tidy things up.
Quick tip: Every product should be reachable within three clicks. It keeps your store simple, clean and search-friendly.
Want better rankings and more sales? Start with content.
Good content helps search engines understand your pages and gives shoppers a reason to stay.
Use the keywords your customers are searching for
Write clear, engaging product descriptions
Keep your content fresh and well organised
This helps bring in the right visitors and turns more of them into customers.
Keywords help your pages get found, but only if they match how people search.
Add target phrases like “Ecommerce SEO” or “Shopify SEO tips” in your product titles, headings and descriptions
Focus on keywords with clear intent, like “buy handmade candles online” instead of just “candles”
Write for people, not just search engines. Avoid stuffing in too many keywords
Quick tip: Use Shopify’s Search Engine Listing Preview to make sure your keywords show up in your page titles and meta descriptions.
A good product description should do more than list details. It should help sell the item.
Highlight what makes it stand out, like “handmade”, “eco-friendly” or “fast shipping”
Use short paragraphs and bullet points so it’s easy to scan
Add clear calls to action like “Add to Cart” or “See all colours”
AI tip: Search engines may pull from your descriptions for summaries, so keep them clear, factual and focused on the benefits.
Strong visuals help people buy and help your pages rank.
Use clear, high-quality images
Name files clearly, like handmade-soy-candle-shopify.jpg
Add alt text that includes keywords naturally, like “handmade soy candle for Shopify store”
Compress your images with tools like TinyPNG to keep your site fast. Speed matters for SEO.
Bonus tip: Add lifestyle shots to show products in use. This keeps people on the page longer, which helps with search visibility.
Meta titles and descriptions are what shoppers see first in search results. They help people decide whether to click.
Keep meta titles short and unique (under 60 characters)
Write clear, inviting descriptions (under 155 characters)
Include your main keyword early in both
Example: Handmade Soy Candles – Eco-Friendly Gifts for Any Room | YourStore
This helps search engines understand your page and makes your link more appealing to potential buyers.
Fresh content helps your store stay relevant in search.
Refresh product descriptions, blog posts and category pages every few months
Add new keywords, tips or seasonal info where it makes sense
Remove products you no longer sell or any outdated details
AI tip: Keeping your content current can boost your chances of showing up in AI-powered summaries like SGE or Bing Copilot.
Helpful blog content shows search engines that your store knows its stuff, and that boosts your chances of ranking higher.
Write posts that answer customer questions, like “How to pick the right candle scent for each room”
Link to your product pages or collections from inside the post
Use everyday keywords like “best candles for gifts” or “soy wax vs paraffin”
Example post idea: 5 Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Scented Candles Online
The more useful your blog is to shoppers, the more visibility and trust you’ll earn.
More than half of Shopify traffic comes from mobile devices.
Use responsive themes and preview all content on mobile before publishing.
Keep paragraphs short (1–3 lines).
Use large buttons and clear CTAs for easy tapping.
Reminder: Google uses mobile-first indexing, so your mobile experience determines your overall rankings.
You can’t improve what you don’t measure.
Use Google Analytics and Search Console to track traffic, sales and keyword performance
Look at which product pages or blog posts bring in the most visitors. Then use a similar format elsewhere
Use Shopify Analytics to see how people browse and buy on your site
Keep checking in regularly so you know what to improve and what to double down on.
Building trust with your customers helps boost your search visibility. It’s part of what Google looks for in ranking sites.
Reply to product reviews and blog comments
Ask for feedback after a purchase and show customer testimonials
Add Q&A sections on product pages to answer common questions before people buy
Key takeaway: Good content isn’t about cramming in keywords. It’s about being useful and trustworthy. Keep your pages fresh, focused on your buyers, and backed by data for better SEO results.
Behind the scenes, your store needs to run smoothly for both shoppers and search engines.
The goal is fast pages, mobile-friendly design, and clean code that search engines can read with no issues.
When your site loads quickly and works well on all devices, your Shopify SEO has a solid base to grow from.
Shoppers won’t wait, and search engines notice when your site is slow.
Use a lightweight Shopify theme built for speed
Limit the number of apps and avoid bulky third-party scripts
Compress images with tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim
Let Shopify’s built-in CDN handle fast global delivery
Pro tip: Aim for a PageSpeed Insights score of 85 or higher on both mobile and desktop. Faster pages mean better rankings and fewer lost sales.
A secure store protects your customers and helps you rank higher.
Make sure your SSL certificate is active. Shopify includes it for free.
Redirect all traffic from HTTP to HTTPS so your links stay consistent
This keeps customer data safe and avoids duplicate versions of your pages
AI tip: Secure sites are more likely to show up in Google rankings and AI-generated search summaries.
Your sitemap helps search engines and AI tools read your store properly.
Shopify creates one for you at yourstore.com/sitemap.xml.
Submit it to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools
Re-submit it any time you add or remove key pages
Make sure it only includes live, important URLs
Why it matters: A clean sitemap speeds up indexing and helps search engines understand your site structure more clearly.
Large images slow down your site and affect rankings. Keep them light and well-labelled.
Resize before uploading (= no bigger than 2000px wide)
Use WebP format to reduce file size without losing quality (ideally no more than 100kb)
Add descriptive alt text that clearly explains what’s in the image
Example alt text: “Hand-poured soy candles in glass jars on wooden shelf”
Alt text like this helps search engines understand the image and improves accessibility for all users.
If you change or remove a page, don’t leave visitors and Google hanging.
Set up a 301 redirect to send traffic from the old page to the new one
In Shopify, go to Online Store → Navigation → View URL Redirects
Avoid redirect chains. One clean redirect is enough.
Pro tip: Keep a simple log of redirects so you can track changes and make sure key product pages stay live and easy to find.
6. Keep URLs clean and descriptive
Simple, tidy URLs are easier for people to read and easier for search engines to rank.
Use lowercase letters and hyphens
Skip random numbers or extra symbols
Add keywords where they fit naturally
Bad example:
/product?id=12345Good example:
/products/handmade-leather-wallet
Clean URLs help your store look more trustworthy and get found more easily.
Most of your visitors shop on their phones, so your store needs to work perfectly on mobile.
Use a mobile-friendly Shopify theme
Check for layout issues and button spacing using manual testing and PageSpeed Insights
Test your store on different phones and tablets to make sure everything loads and works smoothly
AI tip: Google uses your mobile version first when ranking and reading your site, so mobile performance isn’t just a nice-to-have.
Broken links frustrate shoppers and hurt your Shopify SEO.
Run monthly link checks using Ahrefs, Semrush or Screaming Frog
Fix or redirect any broken URLs right away
Don’t leave dead ends. They make your store look unkept.
Pro tip: Set up a custom 404 page with links to popular products or a search bar. It helps keep visitors on your site even if something goes missing.
Ongoing testing keeps your store fast, smooth and search-friendly.
Use Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to monitor loading speed
Review Core Web Vitals like LCP, CLS and FID. They show how your site performs for real users.
Set up alerts in Google Search Console for crawl issues or indexing errors
Key metric: Aim for your pages to load in under 2.5 seconds. It’s better for shoppers and for rankings.
Technical SEO is your store’s foundation. A fast, secure, and well-structured site helps search engines do their job and builds trust with every visitor.
Shopify comes with handy SEO tools already built in — no coding or extra plugins needed.
Shopify built-in SEO tools include:
Editable meta titles and descriptions
Automatic sitemaps
Clean, crawlable URLs
Mobile-friendly themes
SSL for secure browsing
These built-in features give you a good starting point to help your Shopify store show up in search results and attract the right traffic and sales.
Shopify lets you update your page titles and meta descriptions without any coding.
Go to Online Store → Preferences → Search Engine Listing Preview
Add keywords your customers might search for, like “gift ideas for candle lovers” or “eco-friendly skincare Ireland”
Keep titles under 60 characters and meta descriptions under 155
Example:
Title: Eco-Friendly Skincare Products – Shop Natural Beauty Essentials
Meta Description: Discover natural skincare products made in Ireland. Shop eco-friendly creams, oils and cleansers that your skin will love.
Clear, keyword-rich meta tags help your pages stand out in search results and bring in more clicks.
Shopify sets up clean, SEO-friendly URLs by default, and you can tweak them to make them even better.
Edit the URL under the Search Engine Listing section on any product or page
Keep it short and clear, like /products/organic-coffee-beans
Avoid capital letters, symbols or extra words that don’t help
Pro tip: Include your main keyword where it fits naturally and stay consistent with your format across the site. Clean URLs help shoppers and search engines find your products faster.
Shopify lets you add alt text to every image. Alt text for images boosts accessibility and helps with SEO on Shopify.
Use clear, keyword-friendly descriptions under 125 characters (example = “Organic cotton tote bag with long handles”).
Compress large images to improve loading speed. Use Shopify’s built-in optimisation or apps like Crush.pics.
AI tip: Google Image Search and AI crawlers use alt text to understand what’s in your product photos, so keep it descriptive and accurate.
Shopify’s themes are built to work on any screen, which is key for rankings and conversions.
Pick a responsive theme from the Shopify Theme Store and test how it looks using the theme editor.
Why it matters: Most of your traffic comes from mobile. A smooth mobile experience helps your store rank better and keeps shoppers from bouncing.
Every Shopify store comes with a free SSL certificate.
HTTPS keeps customer data safe and boosts trust with both shoppers and search engines. It’s also a confirmed Google ranking factor.
Pro tip: Make sure all pages redirect from HTTP to HTTPS so you don’t end up with duplicate versions of your site.
Shopify creates and updates your sitemap automatically — no setup or plugin needed.
You’ll find it at yourstore.com/sitemap.xml
Submit it to Google Search Console to help search engines find and index your pages faster.
AI benefit: A structured sitemap makes it easier for AI tools and search bots to crawl your store efficiently.
Shopify’s built-in blog lets you create helpful content that supports your products and improves your SEO.
Share guides, tips and answers to common customer questions.
Link back to related product pages to strengthen internal SEO.
Consistent blogging helps your store rank for long-tail keywords and builds trust with your audience.
Example post: “How to Choose the Right Scented Candle for Each Room in Your Home”
That kind of post supports your product, includes keywords naturally, and helps shoppers make informed decisions when buying your products.
Shopify makes it simple to link your store with social platforms to boost reach and engagement.
Connect to Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok
Add social sharing buttons to product pages
Enable rich previews using Open Graph for better click-throughs
Share blog content and products directly from your dashboard
SEO tip: While social signals don’t directly affect rankings, engagement and backlinks from social posts can build trust and improve your visibility in AI-powered search.
When you change or remove a product URL, Shopify lets you set up a 301 redirect — no extra tools needed.
Go to Online Store → Navigation → View URL Redirects
Use short, relevant URLs for the new page
Prevents broken links and keeps your SEO value intact
Pro tip: Redirect old product pages to the closest matching item or category so shoppers still land somewhere useful.
10. App integrations for advanced SEO
Shopify’s App Store has tools to help you go beyond the basics.
Popular options include:
Plug in SEO for quick SEO checks and keyword tracking
Smart SEO to automate meta tags and structured data
Schema Plus for SEO for adding rich product details with advanced schema
Pick apps with good reviews, clear privacy policies, and low impact on site speed.
Key takeaway: Shopify’s built-in SEO tools give you a solid start, but you still need to customise your content, update it regularly, and stay consistent to stay visible in AI-driven search.
Shopify gives you good SEO tools straight out of the box.
Use built-in features like editable meta tags, clean URLs, mobile-friendly themes, image alt text and a blog to improve how your store shows up in search.
You don’t need extra plugins. Just make the most of what’s already there to drive more traffic and sales.
Shopify lets you edit the title and meta description for every product, collection, and page — no coding needed.
Add your main keyword naturally (e.g., “organic skincare gift set” or “eco-friendly home decor”)
Keep titles under 60 characters and meta descriptions under 155
Update regularly to match seasonal products or new campaigns
AI search tip: Clear, keyword-rich meta tags increase your chances of showing up in AI-generated summaries and featured results.
Alt text helps search engines and shoppers understand what’s in your product photos.
Keep it short and clear
Include a relevant keyword naturally
Focus on what’s shown in the image (example = “Sustainable bamboo sunglasses with case”)
Alt text improves your chances of showing up in image results and makes your store more accessible to all users.
Pro tip: Descriptive alt text helps AI tools like Google Lens and SGE better match your products to visual searches.
Shopify gives you clean URLs by default. You just need to keep them clear and focused.
Use short, descriptive URLs (under 60 characters)
Include a keyword where it fits naturally
Avoid random numbers, capital letters, or filler words like “and” or “the”
Good example:
/products/vegan-leather-bagBad example:
/product?id=1234
Simple URLs make it easier for search engines to crawl your store and easier for shoppers to trust what they’re clicking.
All Shopify themes are built to work on phones and tablets, but it’s still worth checking.
Preview your site on different devices to make sure everything looks and works right
Use large buttons, clear menus, and keep pop-ups to a minimum
Make sure checkout and product pages are easy to use on smaller screens
SEO tip: Google ranks your store based on its mobile version first, so a smooth mobile experience isn’t optional.
Every Shopify store comes with a free SSL certificate.
HTTPS keeps customer data safe
Secure sites are more trusted by shoppers
Google gives a ranking boost to HTTPS pages
Bonus: Show the lock icon or “Secure Checkout” badge on key pages to build trust and help boost conversions.
Shopify makes it easy to connect your store with social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest.
Sync your product catalogue for shoppable posts
Share new arrivals or promotions straight from your Shopify dashboard
Use social engagement to drive traffic and build trust
AI insight: A strong social presence helps increase brand mentions, which can improve your visibility in AI-generated search results.
Shopify includes a blog feature so you can create useful content without extra tools.
Write posts that answer customer questions or offer product tips
Link to related products or collections to support SEO
Refresh older posts to keep them relevant and up to date
Pro tip: Add simple FAQs or how-to sections to your posts to help your content show up in AI-powered search results.
Customer reviews add real, keyword-rich content to your product pages without extra effort.
Enable product reviews to keep pages fresh
Highlight verified reviews to build trust and boost conversions
The more feedback, the more helpful your pages look to both shoppers and search engines
SEO bonus: With structured data, reviews can show up as star ratings in Google results, making your listings stand out.
Shopify’s App Store has tools to help you go beyond the basics.
Plug in SEO checks for keyword gaps and common SEO issues
Smart SEO auto-fills meta tags and image alt text
Schema Plus for SEO adds structured data for rich snippets
Reminder: Stick to apps you actually need. Too many can slow down your store and affect performance.
Shopify takes care of the technical setup for you.
Your sitemap is available at yourstore.com/sitemap.xml
Your robots.txt file is at yourstore.com/robots.txt
Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console to speed up indexing
A clean setup helps search engines and AI tools find and crawl your pages more efficiently.
Key takeaway: Shopify’s built-in SEO tools give you a solid base. Customise your titles, meta tags, images and blog content and use apps where needed to make your store easier to find, easier to use and more likely to convert.
Structured data (or schema) helps search engines understand what’s on your page.
When added to product, review or FAQ pages, it can show extra info in search, like star ratings, prices or stock levels.
These rich snippets make your listings more visible in both Google and AI-powered search results and can lead to more clicks and more sales.
Schema markup tells search engines exactly what’s on your page, like a product, review, or FAQ.
Use JSON-LD format (that’s what Google prefers)
Shopify includes some basic schema by default
You can enhance it manually or with apps like Smart SEO or Schema Plus
Add schema to:
Product pages
FAQs
Reviews
Breadcrumbs
Rich results like star ratings, price, and stock info help your listings stand out and bring in more clicks, especially in AI-driven search.
Product schema example:
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Product",
"name": "Handmade Soy Candle",
"image": "https://yourstore.com/images/soy-candle.jpg",
"description": "Eco-friendly handmade soy candle with lavender scent.",
"sku": "CNDL123",
"brand": "YourStore",
"offers": {
"@type": "Offer",
"priceCurrency": "EUR",
"price": "24.99",
"availability": "https://schema.org/InStock"
}
}
Rich results often show details like product name, price, availability and reviews, but only if your info is complete and consistent.
Use Shopify’s built-in product fields to fill in name, price, SKU, and stock status
Make sure these details appear in both your product page and the structured data
Check regularly that prices and availability are accurate and up to date
AI search benefit: Clean, consistent product data helps Google and AI tools show your products with the right info in shopping results and AI-generated answers.
Schema for reviews lets your product listings show star ratings and review counts in search, which can boost clicks and build trust.
Use apps like Shopify Product Reviews or Judge.me to add review markup automatically
Make sure the review text is visible on the page. Hidden content won’t count.
Include fields like average rating and total number of reviews
Rating schema example:
"aggregateRating": {
"@type": "AggregateRating",
"ratingValue": "4.8",
"reviewCount": "56"
}
Review stars in search results can increase click-through rates and help your store stand out in both Google and AI-powered shopping results.
FAQ schema helps your Q&As show up directly in search results and AI-generated answers.
Pick common questions your customers ask, like “How long does shipping take?”
Keep it simple: aim for 3—5 Q&As per page
Use JSON-LD format to mark them up
FAQ schema example:
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "FAQPage",
"mainEntity": [{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Do you ship internationally?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Yes, we offer worldwide shipping with tracking on all orders."
}
}]
}
Adding FAQ schema gives your answers a better shot at appearing in AI summaries and featured snippets, helping your store get seen first.
Breadcrumbs help shoppers see where they are and help search engines understand your store’s structure.
Add breadcrumb markup to all product and collection pages
Most Shopify themes include it, but always double-check using Google’s Rich Results Test
Make sure each breadcrumb step links to the correct page
Breadcrumb schema example:
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "BreadcrumbList",
"itemListElement": [{
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 1,
"name": "Home",
"item": "https://yourstore.com"
}, {
"@type": "ListItem",
"position": 2,
"name": "Candles",
"item": "https://yourstore.com/collections/candles"
}]
}
Breadcrumb schema improves how your listings appear in search and strengthens internal links for better crawlability.
Before going live, make sure your schema works properly.
Use these free tools from Google:
Rich Results Test
They’ll show which types of schema are active and flag any errors you need to fix.
AI search benefit: Validated schema helps search engines and AI tools understand your content, making it more likely to show up with rich snippets and featured answers.
Your structured data should always match what’s on your site.
Re-test your schema after making product updates or switching themes
If you’re using apps, make sure they follow the latest schema.org guidelines
Outdated or incorrect data can cause rich results to disappear or show the wrong info
Key takeaway: Structured data is one of the easiest ways to help your store stand out in both search results and AI summaries.
Keeping your product, review, FAQ and breadcrumb schema up to date helps your store show up more clearly in search, which means more people find you, click through, and feel confident buying from you.
Want more people visiting your store? It takes a mix of content, promotion and tracking.
Use blog posts and helpful product content to boost SEO
Share your products on social media where your customers spend time
Partner with creators or influencers who speak to your audience
Track what’s working using tools like Shopify Analytics and Google Search Console
The more consistent you are, the more your audience grows, and the more likely they are to buy.
Social media is a quick way to get more eyes on your products and bring qualified traffic to your store.
Set up business profiles on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and TikTok
Share lifestyle photos, product videos and behind-the-scenes clips to drive interest
Use shoppable posts or Shopify’s social tools to make buying easy
Add clear calls to action like “Shop Now” or “View Collection” in every post
Example: Post a product carousel on Instagram with the caption: “Eco-friendly candles that look good and smell even better. Handcrafted with care. Tap to shop.”
AI insight: Brand mentions and social engagement are picked up by Google and Bing’s AI systems — and can help build trust around your store.
Good content brings steady traffic and helps your store show up in both search and AI tools.
Write blog posts, product tips, and how-to guides that match what your customers are searching for
Answer common questions like “How to care for handmade jewellery” or “Best candle scents for relaxation”
Use different formats, like short articles, videos, infographics, and FAQs
Link to your product and collection pages to guide readers back into your store
Pro tip: Use AnswerThePublic or Google’s People Also Ask to find the questions people are already asking and build your content around those.
Influencers can help you reach new customers and build trust fast.
Look for creators whose followers match your target customer
Send samples or set up affiliate deals for genuine promotion
Ask for honest content, like product reviews, unboxings or short videos
Track results using discount codes, UTM links or Shopify Collabs
Example: Work with a local eco-focused creator to review your Sustainable Home Collection in a short TikTok video.
AI benefit: Mentions from trusted influencers can boost your off-page SEO and help AI tools recognise your brand as more credible.
Email is still one of the best ways to bring shoppers back and drive repeat traffic.
Offer a sign-up discount or exclusive content to grow your list
Send targeted emails with new arrivals, restocks or helpful blog posts
Use tools like Shopify Email, Klaviyo or Omnisend to automate and track performance
Pro tip: Personalised emails lead to more clicks and help build steady, returning traffic, which supports your store’s SEO over time.
Paid ads can give your store a short-term boost while your SEO builds over time.
Run retargeting ads for shoppers who left without buying
Use Google Shopping Ads to get your products into search results
Test Facebook and Instagram ads to reach new, lookalike audiences
Track your ROAS and adjust your campaigns based on what converts
AI insight: Paid traffic won’t directly impact your rankings, but it can grow your brand presence, which may lead to more organic mentions in AI-powered search.
You can’t grow what you don’t measure. Regular tracking helps you understand what’s working and what needs fixing.
Use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to see how visitors behave and where they drop off
Connect Google Search Console to find out which search terms bring traffic
Use Shopify Analytics to track best-selling products and where your traffic comes from
Set clear goals like organic sessions, click-through rate (CTR), and conversion rate
Pro tip: Check your analytics monthly. Refresh pages that aren’t performing with stronger keywords, better images, or clearer offers.
Staying active with your audience keeps people coming back and builds trust over time.
Reply to comments, questions and DMs quickly
Share user-generated content (UGC) from your customers
Run giveaways or simple contests to grow reach and reward loyal followers
The more engaged your audience, the longer they stay, which helps with brand visibility in both search and AI-powered tools.
Key takeaway: Growing traffic isn’t just about SEO. It’s about building real connections. When you combine content, social sharing, influencer partnerships and regular monitoring and tracking, you build a store that people can find, trust and come back to, whether through Google or AI-driven search.
Social media and content marketing go hand in hand with SEO.
When you share useful content across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, you:
Drive more traffic to your store
Build trust with your audience
Earn backlinks that support your search rankings
It’s not just about posting. It’s about posting with purpose. That’s what helps your store grow.
Pick the platforms where your customers already spend time and where your content fits best.
Instagram & TikTok – Great for visuals, product demos and short videos
Facebook – Good for building a loyal audience and running targeted ads
Pinterest – Works well for lifestyle content and product discovery
YouTube – Ideal for how-to videos, unboxings and product explainers
Pro tip: Connect your Shopify store to these platforms using built-in social integrations. These integrations make it easy to share content and create shoppable posts that link directly to your products.
People remember stories more than sales pitches.
Share how your brand started, behind-the-scenes moments, or real customer reviews
Use short-form videos like Reels, TikToks or Shorts to show your products in everyday use
Write blog posts that answer buyer questions while using keywords your audience searches for
Example: If you sell eco-friendly apparel, post a video like “How We Make Sustainable Cotton Tees (and Why It Matters)”. It tells your story while helping your store show up in search.
Staying active keeps your store top of mind and builds credibility over time.
Aim for 3 to 5 posts per week
Mix it up: share product highlights, tips, customer stories, and behind-the-scenes content
Use tools like Meta Business Suite or Later to schedule posts through Shopify
AI benefit: Consistent posting boosts engagement and that can help AI tools see your brand as more trusted and reliable.
Hashtags help more people discover your content, especially those outside your current following.
Mix broad tags like #ShopifyStore or #OnlineShopping with niche ones like #EcoFriendlyClothing or #HandmadeCandles
Use tools like Hashtagify or RiteTag to find what’s trending in your space
Stick to 5–10 relevant hashtags per post for the best reach without looking spammy
Pro tip: Create a branded hashtag for your store. It makes it easier to track user-generated content and builds a sense of community around your brand.
Showing up and interacting builds trust and keeps people coming back.
Reply to comments, messages and reviews quickly
Repost user-generated content to show appreciation
Use polls, Q&As and stickers to start conversations and keep engagement high
SEO advantage: The more your audience interacts with your content, the more likely they are to search for your brand and that helps boost visibility in both traditional and AI-powered search.
Influencer partnerships are a smart way to grow your reach and build trust.
Work with micro-influencers (5K–50K followers) for better engagement
Use discount codes or affiliate links to track what’s working
Ask for story-led content that feels real, not overly promotional
Example: If you sell skincare, partner with a beauty creator to post a video like “My Favourite Natural Skincare Finds from Independent Online Stores.”
Mentions from trusted creators signal credibility, helping your brand show up more often in search and AI-generated results.
Keep an eye on what’s working so you can do more of it and cut what’s not.
Use tools like Meta Insights, TikTok Analytics and YouTube Studio to check engagement
Track referral traffic and sales with Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
Look at click-through rates from social links to see what drives action
Pro tip: Turn your best content into new formats, like repurposing a top-performing Instagram post into a blog article or email. It saves time and keeps your message working harder.
Your blog and your social channels should work together — not in silos.
Post SEO-friendly blog content on your Shopify site
Share that content across Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and more
Use internal links in blog posts to send readers to your products
Encourage followers to join your email list to stay in the loop
A joined-up content and social strategy helps more people find your store through both Google and AI-powered search.
Key takeaway: Social media and content marketing drive long-term traffic and build trust. Stay consistent, keep it useful, and focus on connecting with your audience. That’s what grows your brand and boosts your visibility over time.
Working with influencers is a smart way to grow your reach and boost your SEO.
When you team up with creators who align with your brand, you:
Reach new audiences
Build trust through high-quality content
Earn backlinks that support your search rankings
Whether you’re targeting Google or AI-powered search tools, influencer content helps your store get noticed and remembered.
It’s not about follower count. It’s about the right fit.
Look for micro-influencers (5K–50K followers) with engaged, niche audiences
Make sure their style, tone and values match your brand
Use tools like Upfluence, HypeAuditor or Social Blade to check audience data
Example: If you sell eco-friendly skincare, partner with creators focused on sustainable living — not just general beauty content.
Google and Bing’s AI systems value relevance and brand alignment more than reach. The right match helps your store show up in search results and AI answers.
The best influencer partnerships start with genuine connection — not cold pitches.
Follow and engage with their content before reaching out
Leave thoughtful comments or share posts to show you’re paying attention
Skip the copy-paste DMs. Personalise your message.
Pro tip: Send a short, clear email explaining why your product fits their content and why their audience would care. Keep it friendly, not salesy.
Gifting products is a simple way to start working with influencers.
Send them something from your store with a short, personal note
Let them share honest feedback in their own voice
Include a promo code or trackable link so you can measure results
When influencers mention your brand or link to your store, those backlinks help boost your search visibility.
Set clear terms so everyone knows what’s expected.
Agree on how many posts, stories, or videos will be shared
Outline timelines, content guidelines, and if needed, a review process
Make sure it’s clear how and where your store will be linked
Example: One TikTok video and one Instagram story within two weeks of receiving the product, tagging @YourBrand and linking to your Shopify store.
Let influencers tell your story in a way that feels natural to them.
Avoid word-for-word scripts. Genuine reactions perform better.
Share simple guidelines (like key features, hashtags, or links)
Encourage personal touches like unboxings or first impressions
AI search tip: Authentic, high-engagement posts are more likely to get noticed and referenced by AI-powered search engines.
Don’t just guess. Measure what’s working.
Use UTM links to track referral traffic in Google Analytics
Monitor sales from promo codes or affiliate links
Try Shopify apps like Collabs, Refersion, or Affiliatly to manage campaigns
Look at key metrics: engagement rate, conversion rate, and cost per acquisition (CPA)
Example KPI: Aim for at least a 3x ROI from each influencer partnership. If it’s working, scale it. If not, tweak your approach.
Reach more potential customers by spreading your content across multiple platforms.
Instagram & TikTok: Great for short-form video, Reels, and quick product highlights
YouTube: Ideal for in-depth demos, reviews, and tutorials
Blogs & Podcasts: Provide lasting backlinks and rich, SEO-friendly mentions
Pro tip: If an influencer has a blog, ask them to include a nofollow or dofollow link to your Shopify store. It helps build long-term search visibility.
Get more mileage from every collaboration.
Repost influencer content on your social channels (always give credit)
Add quotes or videos to your homepage, product pages, or testimonials
Create reels or carousels like “As seen on…” to build trust
Use strong CTAs to drive traffic back to your store
Repurposing influencer content adds fresh material, which helps build topical authority and improve engagement signals in search.
The best influencer results come from relationships — not one-off posts.
Stay in touch with your top-performing partners
Offer repeat campaigns, exclusive perks, or ambassador roles
Give early access to new products or launches
Feature them on your blog as part of your brand story
Ongoing mentions from trusted creators help build consistent off-page signals, which AI search engines pick up as signs of brand authority.
Key takeaway: Influencer marketing can power your SEO when it’s built on relevance, trust, and clear outcomes. Build relationships that grow with your store and help your brand stay visible, credible, and clickable in search.
Analytics tools show you what’s driving results and where to improve.
Track traffic sources, conversions, and user behaviour to:
See how people find your store
Identify which pages bring in the most sales
Optimise what’s underperforming
Strengthen your visibility in both search and AI-powered results
Quick summary: Use data to guide decisions, not guesswork. Your SEO grows faster when you know what’s working.
GA4 shows you how people find and move through your store.
Track where traffic comes from and which pages keep people engaged
See how long visitors stay, where they drop off, and what they buy
Measure full conversion paths from landing page to checkout
Spot your best-selling products and double down on what works
Pro tip: Build a custom GA4 dashboard with the metrics that matter most: organic traffic, conversion rate, and average order value (AOV).
Google Search Console shows how your store performs in search.
Track keyword impressions, clicks, and CTR
Spot indexing issues or broken links
Monitor how rankings change after updates
AI search insight: Consistent performance in GSC helps search engines and AI tools see your content as trustworthy and relevant.
Shopify’s built-in analytics shows how your store is performing day to day.
Track total sales, returning customer rate, and top traffic sources
Spot where people drop off in the checkout process
Combine with GA4 to link SEO performance to sales and revenue
Pro tip: Check the Sales by Traffic Source report to see which channels (like search, social, or email) bring in the most valuable customers.
Understanding what visitors do on your site helps you improve both design and content.
Use tools like Hotjar or Microsoft Clarity to watch heatmaps and recordings
See where people stop scrolling or leave their cart
Adjust your layout and calls to action what people actually do on your website — not guesswork
A smoother user experience keeps people on your site longer, which can help improve your search visibility.
Look at how blog posts, product pages, and guides are working for your store.
Track which blog posts bring in the most search traffic
Check how long people stay on the page and whether they go on to buy
Update or improve content that’s getting less traffic over time
Example targets:
Organic click-through rate: 5% or higher
Time on page: at least 90 seconds
Bounce rate: under 55%
Looking at your data regularly helps you stay ahead of changes.
Compare traffic and keyword performance month over month
Check mobile vs. desktop results to guide UX improvements
Use tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Ubersuggest to find new keywords to target
Staying up to date with search trends keeps your store visible, especially as customer behaviour and AI-driven search results change.
Choose a few key metrics to measure your progress over time. For most Shopify stores, this includes:
Growth in organic traffic
Keyword ranking changes
Sales from organic search
Conversion rate (CVR)
Average order value (AOV)
Check these each month and compare them to previous quarters to see what’s improving and where to focus next.
Tracking is only useful if you do something with it.
Find your 10 best-performing pages and apply what works elsewhere
Update weaker pages with better keywords, images, or clearer messaging
Fix technical issues flagged in tools like Google Search Console
Share what you learn with your team so everyone’s working toward the same goals
Pro tip: Create a simple monthly SEO report with traffic, rankings, and areas for improvement. Even a short summary helps keep things on track.
The value of SEO analytics comes from action. Use what you learn to make targeted updates that keep your Shopify store visible, relevant, and ready for both traditional and AI-driven search.
After covering the essentials, take your Shopify SEO further with advanced tactics.
Strengthen your site’s authority through link building, improve visibility with structured data, and use SEO tools to spot new opportunities and stay ahead of competitors in both traditional and AI-powered search.
Backlinks from trusted websites help search engines see your store as more credible.
Reach out to blogs or directories in your niche for guest posts.
Create useful content, like guides or infographics, that others want to link to.
Offer testimonials to suppliers, apps, or partners (they often link back to your store).
Use tools like Ahrefs or Semrush to find where your competitors get links and look for similar opportunities.
Pro tip: Focus on getting links from websites with a Domain Rating (DR) over 50. They carry more SEO weight.
Backlinks help AI tools understand your store’s relevance and trustworthiness, which can improve your chances of being featured in AI answers.
Content clusters help search engines understand how your pages are connected and show that your store has depth on a topic.
Pick a key topic (e.g. “sustainable home decor”).
Create related blog posts or guides (e.g. “How to style eco-friendly candles” or “Best gifts for minimalists”).
Link them all back to a main pillar page, like your core product guide or collection.
Use natural anchor text like “see our full guide to sustainable living” rather than generic links.
Clusters make it easier for Google and AI tools to understand your content, helping you rank for more keywords and appear in relevant answers.
Structured data (schema markup) helps Google and AI tools understand your content and unlocks rich results like star ratings or product details.
Add Article schema to blog posts to boost visibility in search.
Use Review schema to show customer ratings for products.
Include Organisation schema to highlight your logo, contact info, and social links.
Add Breadcrumb schema to make your site’s structure clearer to search engines.
Tool tip: Apps like Schema Plus for SEO or JSON-LD for SEO can handle schema across your site automatically. Just make sure the data they generate is accurate.
Schema works well when applied correctly on specific pages. It doesn't help SEO or AI SEO when applied inconsistently or without a strategy.
With AI tools and voice assistants becoming more common, shoppers are searching in a more natural, conversational way (= think questions, not keywords).
Target long-tail keywords that sound like questions your customers might ask, (example = “What’s the best Shopify theme for fast page speed?”)
Add short Q&A sections to product pages and blog posts.
Write in a clear, conversational tone that answers questions directly.
Example:
Q: How can I boost my Shopify store’s SEO quickly?
A: Start by improving your page speed, writing clear product descriptions with relevant keywords, and adding structured data to key pages.
This approach helps your content appear in voice search, featured snippets, and AI-generated answers.
Core Web Vitals are performance signals Google uses to measure how fast and stable your Shopify store feels to users.
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or Lighthouse to test your store’s performance.
Optimise large images and third-party scripts to reduce load time.
Enable lazy loading so images only load when needed.
Remove or defer any unused code that slows your site down.
Target metrics to aim for:
LCP (Largest Contentful Paint): under 2.5 seconds
CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift): under 0.1
INP (Interaction to Next Paint): under 100 ms
A fast, stable store keeps shoppers engaged, and that sends the right signals to both traditional search engines and AI-powered crawlers.
Save time and improve results by using professional SEO tools to track, audit, and optimise your Shopify store.
Ahrefs / Semrush: Track keywords, find backlink opportunities, and run full site audits.
Google Search Console: Monitor how your pages appear in search and fix indexing issues.
Screaming Frog: Spot broken links, slow pages, and technical SEO issues.
Surfer SEO: Optimise blog posts and product pages with keyword suggestions.
ChatGPT / Claude: Generate SEO-focused drafts for product descriptions or blog outlines. Then edit for your brand’s tone.
Pro tip: Use automation tools (like Shopify apps or bulk editors) to handle routine tasks, such as image compression or updating meta tags, so you can focus on strategy.
See what’s working for other stores in your niche and use it to improve your own.
Use tools like SpyFu or Ubersuggest to check which keywords your competitors rank for.
Look at where they’re getting backlinks and aim to earn links from similar sites.
Study the types of content they use (like videos, guides, or product comparisons) and note what gets the most visibility.
AI search tip: Keeping tabs on competitors helps you spot content gaps, stay relevant, and adapt to how AI search tools surface results.
AI tools can help speed up everyday SEO tasks without sacrificing quality.
Draft meta descriptions, image alt text, and FAQs using tools like ChatGPT.
Use AI to summarise SEO reports and spot patterns more quickly.
Automate redirects, image optimisation, and tagging with apps or Shopify Flow.
Always check AI-generated content for tone, accuracy, and relevance, especially with Google’s focus on helpful content created by humans and for humans.
Key takeaway: Advanced Shopify SEO means working smarter. Use automation and AI to scale your efforts while still focusing on useful content, high-quality links, and structured data that builds long-term visibility.
Backlinks are links from other websites that lead to your Shopify store.
Earning high-quality backlinks helps build your store’s authority, improve Google rankings, and increase your visibility in AI-powered search results, because search engines see those links as a sign your content is trusted and worth showing.
The best backlinks come from content that’s genuinely useful and worth sharing.
Create detailed guides, research pieces, or infographics that others in your industry will want to reference.
Examples:
A blog post like “Shopify SEO Trends for 2025: What Store Owners Should Know”
A comparison article such as “Shopify vs. WooCommerce: Which Is Better for SEO?”
Pro tip: Focus on creating “linkable assets” = content that answers your customers' questions or offers something unique.
Manual outreach is still one of the most effective ways to build backlinks.
Find blogs, directories, or media sites that are relevant to your niche.
Offer a guest post, a helpful resource, or an expert quote.
Keep outreach emails short and personalised and explain how your content adds value.
Example outreach line:
“Hi [Name],
I just published a practical guide on Shopify SEO for store owners.
Since your audience is focused on ecommerce strategy, would you be open to linking to it as a helpful resource in your article on store optimisation?”
Backlinks from sites in your niche carry more SEO value than general high-authority links.
Public relations can help you earn high-quality backlinks and more visibility.
Share newsworthy updates, such as new product launches, eco-friendly packaging, or community projects.
Join platforms like HARO or Qwoted to offer expert insights to journalists.
Set up alerts with Mention, Ahrefs, or Google Alerts to track when your brand is mentioned online.
If someone mentions your brand but doesn’t link to your site, reach out and ask them to add a link.
Pro tip: Unlinked mentions are low-hanging fruit — often the quickest way to earn valuable backlinks.
Join forums, subreddits, and online groups where your ideal customers spend time.
Contribute helpful advice and share links to useful resources, like blog posts or guides — not sales pages.
Look for opportunities in Shopify communities, niche Discord servers, or threads like r/Shopify and r/SmallBusiness.
Caution: Don’t spam. Only share links when they genuinely help the conversation.
Local partnerships can boost your SEO and bring in qualified traffic.
Team up with nearby or like-minded brands, for example, a handmade soap store linking to an eco candle shop.
Exchange backlinks through blog features, local directories, or co-branded promotions.
List your Shopify store on Google Business Profile and relevant local directories to strengthen local SEO.
AI insight: Local backlinks and citations help AI search systems understand your brand location and relevance, increasing your visibility in local search results.
Sharing your content on social platforms helps more people discover and link to it.
Post blog articles and product guides on LinkedIn, X, Pinterest, TikTok, or wherever your audience spends time.
Tag relevant experts or brands to increase the chance of shares or mentions.
Break down blog posts into smaller pieces, like quotes, short videos, or image carousels, to extend your reach.
Pro tip: Include your most valuable links in post captions and bio sections where possible.
Knowing who links to your store and how helps you stay in control of your SEO performance.
Use Ahrefs, Moz, or Semrush to:
Monitor new and lost backlinks
Check which websites link to you (referring domains)
Review anchor text variety
Spot any spammy links
If you find low-quality or suspicious links, use Google Search Console’s disavow tool to avoid SEO issues.
Key metrics to track:
Growth in referring domains (month over month)
Domain Rating (DR) trend
Ratio of backlinks to referring domains
A healthy backlink profile tells search engines that your store is trustworthy, which can improve visibility in both organic and AI-powered results.
Look at what’s working for other stores in your niche.
Use Ahrefs or SpyFu to find websites that link to your competitors.
Focus on high-quality, relevant sites
Check what content earned them backlinks (e.g., guides, reviews, tools)
Then create something better, more up to date, more useful, or more visual, and politely reach out to suggest your version as a helpful alternative.
Example: If a competitor’s blog post on “Shopify SEO Tips” earned backlinks from industry blogs, publish a clearer, updated version with images or data. Then ask those same sites to consider linking to yours instead.
Keep an eye on what’s working so you can do more of it.
Use Google Analytics (GA4) to track referral traffic from new backlinks
Add UTM tags to links for clearer tracking
Watch keyword rankings after earning new links
An increase in high-quality backlinks often leads to better keyword rankings within 2–6 weeks.
Key takeaway: Link building isn’t about chasing numbers. Focus on earning backlinks from trusted, relevant sources that genuinely strengthen your store’s authority for both traditional SEO and AI-driven search results.
SEO tools help you find the right keywords, track performance, fix technical issues, and monitor backlinks.
They make it easier to improve your visibility in Google, Bing, and AI-powered search results and help you focus on what’s actually working.
See how your Shopify site performs on Google.
Find out which keywords and pages bring in traffic
Fix indexing errors, mobile issues, and Core Web Vitals problems
Submit your sitemap.xml so Google can crawl your site properly
Track CTR and update meta titles or descriptions as needed
AI search tip: Helps Google’s AI tools (like SGE) understand your content and structure more accurately.
Understand how visitors interact with your Shopify store.
Track where traffic comes from and which channels drive sales
Find your best-performing products and landing pages
Spot where users drop off in the buying journey
Set up events for key actions like add-to-cart and checkout
Pro tip: Connect GA4 with Shopify Analytics to get a full view of how SEO drives revenue.
Research keywords and see what’s working for other stores in your niche.
Find long-tail keywords with buying intent
See which pages bring traffic to your competitors
Track your rankings over time
Run site audits to catch SEO and technical issues
AI search tip: Look for keyword themes — not just single terms — to help your content match how AI tools understand topics.
See who’s linking to your store (and your competitors) and find new link opportunities.
Monitor new and lost backlinks
Check domain quality with DR (Domain Rating)
Discover what content gets the most links in your niche
Find gaps in your backlink profile compared to competitors
Pro tip: Focus on links from relevant blogs, online magazines, or directories — not just sites with high domain authority.
Check how well your site is performing in terms of backlinks and on-page SEO.
Use Link Explorer to find sites that might link to you
Track your Domain Authority over time
Spot and remove harmful links
Review keyword optimisation scores for individual pages
SEO tip: Stores with a DA between 40–60 are well-positioned to grow through targeted link building.
Tidy up your product and blog content so it’s easier to read and rank.
Get real-time suggestions for titles, meta descriptions, and headings
Check keyword use and readability
Use it alongside your CMS or writing tool before publishing
Optimise descriptions so they’re clear, helpful, and focused on conversion
AI search tip: Well-structured pages are more likely to be summarised or featured by AI-powered search tools.
Quickly discover keyword opportunities for blog posts, product pages, and SEO planning.
Check how often people search for a term and how competitive it is
Explore long-tail keywords and related topics
Identify seasonal trends and popular search themes
Filter by location to suit your store’s target market
Pro tip: Start with Ubersuggest to explore ideas, then validate them in Ahrefs or SEMrush for deeper insights.
See which keywords your competitors rank for and where you have room to grow.
Find the organic and paid keywords other stores are using
Spot gaps in their content that you can cover
Learn from high-performing ad headlines and descriptions
Compare keyword overlap with your own store
AI search tip: Understanding competitor keywords can help you target real customer questions and improve your chances of showing up in AI-powered results.
Find errors that might hurt your Shopify store’s SEO or user experience.
Spot broken links, duplicate pages, or missing titles
Find redirect chains and slow-loading pages
Export crawl reports to fix problems faster
Connect with GA4 and Search Console for a full picture
Pro tip: Run a scan every month so your site stays easy to crawl for both search engines and AI tools.
Discover what people are searching for so you can create content they actually want.
See common questions and phrases based on Google autocomplete
Use ideas for blog posts, FAQs, or product page content
Focus on long-tail, conversational searches that match how real people talk
Great for voice search and AI answers
Example: If you sell candles, you might find “why do soy candles burn longer?” — perfect for a helpful blog post that can bring in search traffic and backlinks.
Use these apps to save time and keep your store SEO-friendly:
Plug in SEO flags missing meta tags, slow pages, and other basic issues
Smart SEO fills in alt text, meta descriptions, and structured data automatically
Schema Plus for SEO adds rich results like star ratings and product details in search
TinyIMG compresses images to speed up your store without hurting quality
Pro tip: Only use what you need. Too many apps can slow down your site and hurt rankings.
The right tools help you stay on top of SEO without doing everything manually.
Track keywords, check your backlinks, fix technical issues, and update content based on data. That’s what gets results in both regular and AI-powered search.
Shopify SEO isn’t a quick fix. It’s a long-term strategy.
Clear site structure, relevant keywords, fast performance, and consistent content help you earn trust from both search engines and shoppers.
That trust leads to higher rankings, more qualified traffic, and steady growth across traditional and AI-powered search.
Shopify SEO doesn’t have to be complex.
It’s about making your store easy to find, trustworthy to visit, and useful for both customers and search engines.
Start with the essentials:
Use keywords that match what your customers are actually searching for.
Structure your site clearly from URLs to navigation.
Make the most of Shopify’s built-in tools: meta tags, alt text, HTTPS, and mobile-friendly themes.
Then extend your reach:
Publish helpful blog content and share it on the platforms your audience uses.
Work with creators who genuinely connect with your brand.
Use Google Analytics and Search Console to see what’s working and what needs adjusting.
With steady, thoughtful work, your store can:
Rank higher across Google, Bing, and AI-powered search tools.
Bring in more organic traffic and convert more visitors.
Build long-term authority and trust in your niche.
SEO isn’t a one-off task. It’s something you build over time.
Keep improving, keep publishing, and keep your content helpful and relevant.
That’s what earns attention from search engines and loyalty from customers.
Running an online store in Ireland comes with unique opportunities and a few challenges when it comes to SEO.
Whether you sell locally or ship worldwide, getting your Shopify store seen by the right audience starts with a strong local strategy.
Use keywords that reflect how Irish customers actually search.
Include local modifiers such as “Ireland,” “Dublin,” or “Cork” where relevant (for example, “buy handmade candles Ireland”).
If you serve multiple regions, create location-specific pages or delivery info sections to match local search intent.
Even for online-first stores, a verified Google Business Profile helps build local trust.
Add your business address, contact info, and links to your Shopify store.
Encourage customers to leave reviews. They improve visibility in Google Maps and local search panels.
Add your Shopify shop to local directories.
These directories create valuable local backlinks that strengthen your site’s authority and help search engines confirm your business location.
Collaborate with Irish creators, suppliers, or small business networks.
Cross-promotions, blog features, and joint campaigns can earn high-quality backlinks while boosting brand recognition at home.
Ireland has one of the highest smartphone usage rates in Europe.
Ensure your Shopify theme loads quickly, your checkout is smooth, and all pages are easy to browse on mobile devices.
Use Google Analytics 4 and Search Console to filter traffic and keyword data by region.
Track which pages attract Irish visitors and tailor your marketing around what performs best locally.
Key takeaway: Shopify SEO in Ireland isn’t just about ranking globally. I t’s about being discoverable to the customers who are most likely to buy from you. A localised approach builds trust, drives relevant traffic, and helps your business stand out in Ireland’s growing ecommerce market.
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is how you help your Shopify store show up in search results on Google, Bing, and other search engines. It’s about using the right keywords, structuring your pages clearly, and making your site easy to understand for both people and search engines.
Good SEO helps more customers find your products, increases traffic, and improves your visibility in traditional and AI-powered search tools.
Think about what your customers type into Google when they’re looking for your products. Start with simple phrases that describe what you sell.
Use tools like Ubersuggest, Semrush, or Ahrefs to find related keywords, especially ones with clear buying intent. Look for terms your audience is already searching for.
Once you have your list, use those keywords naturally in product titles, descriptions, blog posts, and meta tags to help your store appear in the right search results.
A simple, organised site makes it easier for both customers and search engines to find what they need.
Clear navigation, short and readable URLs, and links between related pages help visitors move through your store and help Google understand how your content fits together.
Good structure also supports your technical SEO, so your products and collections are more likely to rank in search results.
A good SEO checklist for your Shopify store should cover:
Keyword research – Find the terms your customers actually search for
On-page SEO – Optimise titles, meta descriptions, and product content
Technical SEO – Improve site speed, mobile design, and structured data
Content – Publish helpful blog posts, FAQs, and how-to guides
Backlinks – Earn links from trusted sites to build authority
These areas work together to improve your visibility and keep your store competitive in search.
Focus on practical steps like:
Improving site speed and mobile experience for better rankings and user retention
Writing clear, keyword-rich product descriptions to match what buyers are searching for
Adding structured data (schema) to qualify for rich results like reviews and pricing
Earning backlinks from relevant, trusted sites to build authority
These actions help your store appear higher in search results and stand out in AI-generated answers.
Alessandro Boscolo Conway — Hello Digital
I'm a Dublin-based freelance SEO and digital marketing consultant with over 20 years of experience, including time on Google Ireland’s Search Quality team.
I run Hello Digital, a consultancy that helps startups and small businesses across Ireland grow online through clear strategy, expert delivery, and practical support.
I've worked with over 50 Irish companies to improve their visibility, generate better leads, and grow sustainably through SEO and digital marketing.
I'm a certified Google Partner and a trusted advisor to e-commerce brands, local services, and fast-growing startups.
Based in Dublin, 20+ years of experience
Former Googler, certified Google Partner, SEO strategist, and performance marketer
Trusted by 50+ Irish startups, e-commerce brands, and local businesses
Knowing how to optimise your store is a great first step, but real growth comes from applying it strategically and consistently.
If you’re ready to:
Increase visibility in Google and AI-powered search
Attract more qualified traffic
Turn search into consistent sales
…I can help.
Whether you’re:
Launching a new Shopify store and want to start strong
Fixing technical issues that affect your rankings
Or scaling your reach with advanced SEO strategies
I offer hands-on Shopify SEO support to help you achieve your store’s goals, from audits and keyword research to content planning, technical optimisation, and link building.
Let’s make your store easier to find and faster to grow.
Book your free consultation today, and we’ll build a clear, practical SEO plan that works for your business.