Shopify SEO Expert: The Smartest Move Your Irish Business Can Make

Let’s talk turkey for a sec.

You’ve launched a new Shopify store.

You’ve picked a clean theme, added some nice product shots, written your descriptions, even tossed in a discount code for good measure.

It looks great.

Like something you’d proudly show your mum.

You hit publish and expect the traffic to roll in.

But instead?

Nothing.

No visitors.

No sales.

Just you, checking your site stats like you're watching paint dry.

Now, before you start thinking Shopify is broken or the internet hates you, let’s get something clear.

The store isn’t the problem.

The visibility is.

Your Shopify store is a billboard in the middle of the Wicklow Mountains

Without Shopify SEO, your shiny new online shop is basically invisible.

It’s like setting up a gorgeous shop front in a ghost town.

You need Google to notice you.

And not just notice you — rank you.

That’s how people find you.

That’s how customers land on your page before they ever hear of your brand.

SEO = showing up when people are ready to buy

And here’s the beauty of it.

SEO doesn’t chase people.

It attracts them.

If someone searches “best vegan candles in Dublin” and you sell vegan candles and your site is SEO optimised?

Boom. You show up.

You didn’t have to run an ad. You didn’t have to go viral. You didn’t have to do a TikTok dance in your living room.

Google sent them.

Because it trusts you enough to put you in front of buyers.

Why most Irish businesses flop at Shopify SEO

Here’s what I see every day from local Irish businesses using Shopify:

  • Product descriptions copied from suppliers (Google hates this)

  • Category pages with zero content (Google doesn't know what they're about)

  • Slow load times (customers bounce faster than you can say “cart abandoned”)

  • No structured data (you’re missing key technical SEO that helps you rank in rich snippets)

  • Keyword stuffing (like shoving 15 buzzwords into one sentence and hoping for the best)

  • No blog or content strategy (you’re not helping Google connect your products to real search queries)

  • Poor mobile optimisation (and guess what? Most people shop from their phone now)

This isn’t your fault.

Shopify says it’s SEO friendly.

But let me tell you — it’s about 60% of the way there.

The rest?

That’s where a Shopify SEO expert steps in.

What a Shopify SEO expert actually does for your business

Not just some surface-level tinkering.

Not just installing an SEO app and calling it a day.

A proper Shopify SEO expert will:

  • Audit every inch of your site: URLs, code, speed, structure, content, and more

  • Fix SEO roadblocks like duplicate content, missing alt text, and bloated code

  • Optimise product titles and descriptions so they speak to searchers AND convert

  • Create internal links that boost navigation and SEO rankings at the same time

  • Plan a content strategy that targets high-intent keywords (the kind that lead to sales)

  • Build backlinks from trusted Irish websites, boosting your authority in Google’s eyes

  • Track your results so you know exactly what’s working and where your growth is coming from

You’re not just hiring someone to “do your SEO”.

You’re bringing on a strategic partner.

Someone who knows what works for Irish customers, understands local SEO, and knows exactly how to make Shopify sing for search engines.

What you get out of it

Let’s make it plain and simple.

When you hire a Shopify SEO expert, you can expect:

  • More qualified traffic

  • Higher search rankings

  • Better product visibility

  • Increased conversion rates

  • A stronger, healthier site that performs better across the board

SEO isn’t about magic tricks.

It’s about showing up consistently in front of people who are already looking for what you sell.

It’s your most powerful long-term growth channel — especially if you don’t want to burn money on ads every month.

Why I care (and why I’m bloody good at this)

I’m Alessandro.

I run HelloDigital.ie.

And I’ve helped Irish small businesses go from zero to showing up first on Google with just a few months of SEO work.

I’m not here to baffle you with jargon or tech speak.

I’m here to help you get traffic that actually converts.

I treat every store like it’s my own — because your success is literally my reputation.

You won’t get cookie-cutter reports or fluff-packed strategy.

You’ll get straight-talking, ROI-focused SEO built for real Irish businesses using Shopify.

No BS. No shortcuts. Just results.

Ready to turn your Shopify store from a ghost town to a buzzing high street?

Then working with a Shopify SEO expert isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

You built something great.

Now let’s make sure people actually see it.

So, Is SEO Even Worth It on Shopify?

Short answer? Yes.

Long answer? A screaming-into-the-void-of-Google kind of YES.

But here’s where most people get it wrong.

They hear Shopify is SEO friendly and assume it means they’re all set.

Sorted. Job done. Time for a pint.

But let’s unpack that...

Because SEO friendly does not mean SEO optimised.

It’s like buying a pre-built flat-pack wardrobe.

Sure, the bits are there.

But unless you grab a screwdriver, follow the instructions, and tighten every last bolt, it’s gonna collapse the moment you breathe near it.

Shopify gives you the frame.

The bones.

But if you want to rank, if you want sales, if you want that sweet stream of organic traffic?

You’ve got work to do.

What makes Shopify less than perfect for SEO?

Let’s break down a few common SEO hiccups Shopify throws at you from day one:

1. Messy URL structure

Shopify auto-generates URLs like this:
yourstore.com/collections/all/products/red-handbag-2024

That’s bloated.

And Google? It’s picky about clean, readable URLs.

Plus, Shopify automatically creates duplicate URLs for the same product under different collections.

If left unchecked, that confuses search engines and splits your ranking power like a soggy scone.

2. Limited control over technical SEO

Want to edit your robots.txt file? Tough luck.

Need full control of your sitemaps? Not happening.

Shopify lets you change some things.

But the core technical SEO features?

They’re locked down tighter than your granny’s biscuit tin.

That’s why you need workarounds.

And someone who knows how to navigate Shopify’s quirks without breaking things.

3. Speed issues

A slow site is a dead site.

And Shopify themes are packed with unnecessary code, scripts, and apps that bloat your page load times.

It’s like dragging a shopping trolley full of bricks up a hill.

We fix that by compressing images, streamlining your theme, and killing off anything that slows things down.

4. No content by default

A lot of Shopify stores launch with:

  • No blog

  • No keyword-targeted landing pages

  • No product content beyond “Black hoodie. Soft. Size M.”

That’s a missed opportunity the size of Galway Bay.

Content is what gets you found.

A good SEO strategy turns your product pages and blogs into magnets for traffic — and wallets.

5. Duplicate content

Shopify creates duplicates by default for:

  • Product pages across multiple collections

  • Collection filters and tags

  • Sorting options

And Google?

It hates duplicates more than cats hate baths.

If you don’t clean that mess up with canonical tags and internal linking, your site can get penalised or just ignored altogether.

Think of SEO on Shopify like this...

Imagine Shopify gives you a bicycle.

Nice frame. Fancy handlebars. Cool basket.

But… no wheels.

No chain.

No brakes.

You could coast downhill with it and pray for the best.

Or you could call in a Shopify SEO expert who builds the wheels, tightens the chain, oils the gears — and teaches you how to pop wheelies while riding it through the busiest market in Dublin.

That’s what Shopify SEO does.

It takes your store from existing to performing.

What happens when you get SEO right on Shopify?

Let’s take one of my recent clients.

A startup based in Cork selling Irish-made skincare products.

They had:

  • A gorgeous store

  • Great branding

  • Fantastic products

But no SEO.

No organic traffic. Just the odd sale through Instagram.

I worked on:

  • Fixing duplicate content issues

  • Writing killer product page copy packed with buyer keywords

  • Speeding up their site by 2 full seconds

  • Publishing SEO-rich blogs that answered real skincare questions

  • Building local backlinks from Irish health and wellness blogs

Three months later?

They were ranking on page one for “natural Irish skincare”, getting over 3,000 visitors per month without spending a cent on ads.

Sales doubled.

All from SEO.

Shopify SEO isn’t optional. It’s essential.

It’s not just about ranking.

It’s about:

  • Showing up for the right searches

  • Bringing in people ready to buy

  • Making your Shopify site work 24/7 without you lifting a finger

Without it, your site’s invisible.

With it?

You’re the first name people see when they need what you sell.

Want to skip the guesswork and get a Shopify SEO strategy that actually works?

That’s why I’m here.

I'm not just some SEO nerd ticking boxes.

I'm the person who helps Irish businesses turn Shopify from an online shop into a money-making machine.

Let’s make sure when someone Googles what you offer — you’re right there, ready to sell.

What Does a Shopify SEO Expert Even Do?

First off — no, we don’t just tweak a few meta tags and send you an invoice.

This isn’t pretend work.

We’re not just “optimising your site” like it’s a magic wand.

A proper Shopify SEO expert takes your store apart like a mechanic under the bonnet of a 20-year-old Corolla — then rebuilds it to run like a Lamborghini.

Here’s what we actually do. Line by line. No fluff.

1. Full Shopify SEO Audit

Think of this like an NCT for your site.

Before we touch a thing, we do a full SEO audit. Meaning, I scan your Shopify store from top to bottom:

  • Site structure

  • Indexing issues

  • Page speed

  • Core Web Vitals

  • Mobile usability

  • Duplicate content

  • Crawl errors

  • Keyword usage

  • Image optimisation

  • Technical SEO (yep, all the scary bits)

We flag what’s working, what’s holding you back, and what needs fixing yesterday.

No guesswork. No hocus pocus. Just cold hard data.

2. Fixing Technical SEO Problems

This is the stuff under the hood.

You might never see it.

But Google definitely does.

And it cares a lot.

A proper Shopify SEO expert will:

  • Redirect broken links so people don’t land on error pages

  • Add canonical tags to sort out duplicate product and collection URLs

  • Compress bloated images that slow your load times

  • Strip unnecessary scripts and apps that mess with performance

  • Make sure your structured data is clean so Google understands your site

  • Audit your theme’s code for any clunky or outdated bits

And we’ll keep your sitemap squeaky clean so Google crawls and indexes your pages efficiently.

Think of this as deep cleaning your store’s foundation.

3. Proper Keyword Research (Not Just Guessing)

Keyword research is where the magic happens.

We don’t just pick a few words and cross our fingers.

We use actual data to find out:

  • What your potential customers are searching for

  • How competitive those searches are

  • Which keywords will bring in traffic and sales

We look for buyer intent keywords.

The kind that say “I’m ready to buy now”, not just “I’m having a nose around”.

For example:

  • “Handmade candles Ireland” = intent to buy

  • “Are candles bad for dogs” = curiosity, maybe blog-worthy, but not sales-ready

We match these keywords with your products, collections, and blog content.

And we make sure you’re ranking for terms that matter — not just traffic for the sake of it.

4. On-Page Optimisation

This is where most Shopify stores fall flat.

Your product pages and collections need more than nice photos and prices.

A Shopify SEO expert will:

  • Write compelling, keyword-rich product titles and meta descriptions

  • Optimise headers and subheaders to help Google understand the content

  • Add structured product data (price, availability, ratings) for rich snippets

  • Ensure product variants and filters aren’t creating duplicate pages

  • Add internal links between related products and blog content

  • Improve image names and alt tags for SEO and accessibility

Basically, we turn every product page into a mini sales machine and a Google-friendly page.

5. Internal Linking Strategy

Let’s say someone lands on your blog post about “Best Irish skincare for sensitive skin”.

That post should link to:

  • Your collection of skincare for sensitive skin

  • Specific products mentioned in the post

  • Other related blog content to keep users on site

That’s internal linking done right.

It helps users navigate. It keeps them engaged. And it tells Google your site is well-structured.

Most Shopify stores ignore this.

A Shopify SEO expert makes it part of your growth engine.

6. Backlink Building (The Right Way)

This isn’t about dodgy PBNs or spammy blog comments.

We build high-quality backlinks from real Irish sites and relevant blogs in your niche.

That means:

  • Outreach to local bloggers

  • Submitting to trusted Irish business directories

  • Creating content others want to reference

  • Digital PR campaigns to get you featured in media

Backlinks are one of Google’s top ranking factors.

Without them, your store is basically whispering into the void.

We make sure you’re shouting — and people are linking.

7. Content Strategy That Drives Sales

Blog posts aren’t just for SEO padding.

A real strategy connects your content to your products.

So instead of writing “5 Fun Things to Do in Kerry” (unless you sell surfboards there), you’re writing things like:

  • “How to Choose the Right Moisturiser for Irish Skin”

  • “Best Winter Hoodies for Dublin Weather”

  • “Why Handmade Soap Makes the Perfect Gift for Irish Mums”

Then you link those blogs to actual product pages.

That content doesn’t just bring traffic.

It brings people who are already halfway to buying.

8. Monthly Reporting (The Real Kind)

You’ll get:

  • Keyword rankings

  • Traffic breakdowns

  • Sales from organic search

  • Technical fixes completed

  • Action steps for the next month

None of that vague “you’re doing great” nonsense.

You’ll know what we did, what worked, and what’s next.

Think of your Shopify SEO expert as your marketing GPS

You know where you want to go: More traffic. More sales. Less stress.

We map the route.

We tell you which turns to take.

And when the road changes? We re-route, keep going, and make sure you don’t stall.

That’s not busy work.

That’s what gets you from being invisible on Google to being the store people actually find when they need what you sell.

How Much Does a Shopify SEO Expert Cost?

Right, let’s talk brass tacks.

You’re here because you want results.

More traffic. More orders. More money in the bank.

But before you go hiring someone off the back of a LinkedIn post or a cousin’s recommendation, you need to know what kind of investment you’re looking at.

And yeah — SEO is an investment.

Not a cost.

Not a splurge.

A smart, money-making move that keeps giving long after the work is done.

So, how much does it actually cost to hire a Shopify SEO expert in Ireland?

🎯 Freelancer Rates in Ireland

If you’re hiring a freelance SEO consultant (like yours truly), you can expect:

  • Basic Monthly SEO (for smaller stores): €500 to €900

  • Mid-range SEO Services (for growing businesses): €1000 to €1500

  • Full-Service Packages (strategy, content, backlinks, reporting): €1500 to €2500+

Freelancers are ideal if you want someone flexible, hands-on, and more affordable than a big agency.

You’re often working directly with the expert — not an account manager who’s never touched a Shopify backend in their life.

🏢 Agency Rates in Ireland

Going the agency route?

You’re looking at:

  • Starter Packages: €1000 to €1500 per month (basic on-page and site audits)

  • Growth Packages: €2000 to €3000 per month (includes content, backlinks, strategy)

  • Enterprise or Large Store Plans: €3000+ monthly (for high-volume ecom stores with major competition)

Agencies bring bigger teams, project managers, and usually a wider skill set — but you’re often one of many clients. The good ones are great. The average ones will just send monthly reports and hope for the best.

🔎 One-Off SEO Audits for Shopify

Want someone to go through your site with a fine-tooth comb?

You can book a one-off SEO audit, which usually includes:

  • Full technical check-up

  • SEO health score

  • Keyword analysis

  • Priority action list

Typical price range in Ireland:

  • Freelancer SEO audit: €300 to €800

  • Agency SEO audit: €600 to €1200+

Some audits are just a PDF and a smile. Others come with a live call, walkthrough, and a clear action plan.

Ask what’s included before you pay — or you’ll end up with 30 pages of SEO gobbledygook and no idea what to do with it.

🧠 What’s Actually Worth Paying For?

Don’t just throw money at “SEO” and hope for the best.

Make sure whoever you hire is offering real value.

Here’s what you should be getting:

✅ A proper SEO strategy
✅ Regular reporting (that makes sense)
✅ Keyword research for your niche
✅ Page-by-page optimisation (aka on-page SEO)
✅ Speed improvements
✅ Clear wins tracked over time (rankings, traffic, leads, sales)

And if they mention “rank you #1 on Google in 30 days” — run.

That’s not SEO. That’s nonsense.

💸 Is it worth the cost?

Let’s say you sell hand-poured soy candles made in Galway.

Your average order is €40.

If proper SEO brings you:

  • 300 extra visitors a month

  • A 3 percent conversion rate

  • That’s 9 extra sales

  • That’s €360 in extra monthly revenue

  • That’s just the first month — traffic compounds over time

After 3 to 6 months of SEO?

You could be making thousands more every month.

From people who found you organically, not from ads.

No constant spending. Just consistent income.

🍀 Small business tip from me to you:

If you’re a startup or solo founder in Ireland, don’t get scared off by the big price tags.

You don’t always need a €3k-a-month agency.

A good freelancer who knows Shopify, knows SEO, and actually gives a damn about your results can deliver way more impact — and for less.

Someone like, oh I don’t know… me? 😉

If you want a custom SEO quote based on your store, traffic goals, and budget — I can do that.

Zero pressure. No “book now or miss out” rubbish.

Just straight talk, clear pricing, and a plan that fits your business.

Because one good month of SEO?

Can bring in enough customers to cover it five times over.

How Much Do SEO Experts Charge?

Ah, the golden question.

And the honest answer?

It really depends.

Hiring an SEO expert is a bit like hiring a builder.

You can find someone who’ll do it for €100.

And you can find someone who’ll do it for €10,000.

The difference?

One’s going to give you a decent site that ranks.

The other might leave you with a smoking heap of keywords, broken links and no results.

Let’s break it all down so you know exactly what to expect before you start throwing money at someone promising “SEO magic”.

🕒 Hourly Rates

Some SEO experts (especially freelancers or consultants) charge by the hour.

This usually includes strategy calls, technical fixes, training sessions, or ad hoc support.

In Ireland, you're typically looking at:

  • Entry-Level SEO Help: €50 to €75 per hour

  • Experienced SEO Consultants: €75 to €150 per hour

  • Specialists in Shopify or Ecommerce SEO: €100 to €200 per hour

Hourly SEO works well if you’ve got a specific task in mind.

Maybe you need someone to fix your sitemap.

Or review a handful of product pages.

But if you want long-term growth?

It’s better to get a retainer or project-based package (more on that next).

📦 Monthly Retainers

This is the most common model.

You pay a fixed monthly fee for ongoing SEO work — strategy, implementation, content, links, tracking, the lot.

For Irish businesses, here’s what you can expect:

  • Basic Retainer (small site): €500 to €900/month

  • Mid-Tier (established local businesses): €1000 to €2000/month

  • Advanced SEO (national brands or ecommerce): €2000 to €5000+/month

This is where SEO becomes a part of your marketing engine.

Not just a one-off fix.

You’ll get regular optimisation, content planning, backlink building, reporting — and someone who’s actually watching your site’s performance.

If you’re serious about growth, this is where the magic happens.

🛠️ Project-Based Pricing

Sometimes you don’t need ongoing SEO — you just want something fixed.

You might want:

  • A full technical audit

  • Keyword research + content strategy

  • Shopify SEO overhaul before a relaunch

  • Product page optimisation for a seasonal push

Expect to pay:

  • Mini SEO Projects: €300 to €800

  • Site Audits (with action plan): €500 to €1200

  • Full Shopify SEO setup (one-off): €1000 to €3000+

This works great for businesses just getting started — or for stores that want to make sure they’re not sitting on SEO issues that are dragging them down.

❌ Why Cheap SEO Costs You More in the End

You’ve probably seen them.

“Guaranteed #1 on Google in 7 days”

“€99 for full SEO package”

“SEO for Fiverr!”

Here’s the problem.

Cheap SEO usually means:

  • Automated backlinks from spammy sites

  • Copy-paste keyword stuffing

  • Zero research or strategy

  • Possibly even penalties from Google down the line

It’s like buying knockoff Ray-Bans from a dodgy stall on Moore Street.

They look fine at first.

But then it rains… and suddenly you’re squinting through one cracked lens wondering where it all went wrong.

Good SEO takes time, skill, experience — and actual care for your site.

It’s not about “tricking” Google.

It’s about building something that deserves to rank.

💡 So what should you budget for SEO?

If you’re:

  • A local Irish business with a Shopify store

  • Getting under 5k visitors/month

  • Not ranking for the keywords that matter

  • Relying too much on ads or social for traffic

Then a €800 to €1500 per month budget with the right freelancer or small agency can work absolute wonders.

It’s enough for ongoing optimisation, content creation, link building and monthly reviews — without overkill.

Want something smaller?

Start with an SEO audit. Then scale.

Want something bigger?

Let’s build you a full ecommerce SEO engine.

The point is: you’re not buying hours.

You’re buying results.

A properly optimised Shopify store will keep bringing in sales long after the SEO work is done.

And compared to the cost of running ads every month?

SEO is the only marketing spend that gets cheaper over time — and keeps paying off like compound interest.

Need help figuring out the right price for your store and goals?

I can give you a free quote, no strings, just straight-up advice.

Because good SEO isn’t cheap.

But bad SEO?

That’s very expensive.

Can I Do SEO in Shopify?

Look, I get it.

You’ve just set up your Shopify store.

You’re motivated. You’re scrappy. You’ve watched a few YouTube tutorials.

And now you’re wondering…

“Do I really need to hire an SEO expert?”

And the honest answer?

No.

You can absolutely do SEO on Shopify yourself.

Shopify even gives you some built-in tools to help with that.

But here’s the part they don’t tell you...

Shopify SEO is technically possible - but practically? It’s a time-sink.

Let’s look at what it actually takes to do SEO properly on your own.

You’ll need to:

  • Understand how search engines work (not just what a keyword is, but how Google crawls, indexes and ranks pages)

  • Learn keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Ubersuggest

  • Optimise each product page, collection page, and blog post with proper on-page SEO techniques

  • Set up your Shopify site's technical SEO — canonical tags, robots.txt settings, XML sitemap, structured data markup

  • Speed up your site (most themes are bloated with code and slow as a wet week)

  • Build backlinks from trusted Irish or niche websites (this is harder than it looks)

  • Keep up with Google’s algorithm updates — there were over 800 last year alone

  • Monitor and measure results with tools like Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and third-party rank trackers

All while running your business, serving customers, managing stock, doing the marketing, running ads, fixing your checkout bugs, and keeping your mental health intact.

Sound like a full-time job?

Because it is.

Shopify’s “SEO-Friendly” Setup Isn’t Enough on Its Own

Shopify gives you the basics:

  • Customisable title tags and meta descriptions

  • Clean URLs

  • SSL for security

  • Mobile-friendly themes

Nice, right?

But that’s just the start.

SEO is so much more than ticking a few boxes.

You’ve got to:

  • Avoid duplicate content issues caused by Shopify’s default collection and product URL setup

  • Create a clear site structure that helps both users and search engines

  • Fix slow load times that affect rankings and conversion rates

  • Write SEO-optimised copy for every product and page

  • Use schema markup to qualify for rich results in Google

  • Build topical authority through blogging and internal linking

  • Earn backlinks through content promotion and PR

All of this takes time, strategy, consistency — and a good understanding of how SEO actually works behind the scenes.

SEO Isn’t Set and Forget

One of the biggest myths?

That SEO is something you do once and then never touch again.

Nope.

Search trends change.

Competitors update their sites.

Google updates its algorithm weekly (sometimes daily).

If you’re not maintaining your SEO?

You’re falling behind.

Which means that blog post you optimised 6 months ago?

Could be totally outdated today.

Or worse — not ranking at all.

So should you DIY or hire help?

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Do you have 5 to 10 hours a week you can commit consistently to SEO tasks?

  • Are you confident writing keyword-optimised content without sounding robotic or copy-pasting from ChatGPT?

  • Do you know how to diagnose and fix technical SEO problems in Shopify’s backend?

  • Are you comfortable managing Google Search Console, tracking rankings, and adjusting your strategy based on data?

If the answer is no to most of these — and you’re already swamped just running your store — then it makes more sense to bring in a pro.

Because your time is valuable.

And if you're spending it watching SEO tutorials instead of growing your business?

You're losing money twice.

How a Shopify SEO expert saves you time (and earns you more)

While you're:

  • Managing orders

  • Helping customers

  • Launching new products

  • Thinking up your next marketing campaign

Your SEO expert is:

  • Tracking your keyword rankings

  • Updating your product pages

  • Building your backlink profile

  • Monitoring your site for issues

  • Planning out your content calendar

  • Making sure Google knows your store exists and deserves to rank

It’s like having a silent growth engine running in the background while you focus on the stuff you’re actually good at.

Can you do SEO on Shopify?

Absolutely.

Should you?

If you’ve got the time, the energy, the tools, and the patience — go for it.

But if you’d rather not waste six months “learning SEO” only to realise you’ve been targeting the wrong keywords the whole time?

Then skip the DIY headaches.

Hire someone who knows the ropes.

Someone who’s done this for dozens of Shopify stores before yours.

Someone who actually cares about results, not just rankings.

Like me.

🧰 DIY Shopify SEO Checklist (for When You’re Not Ready to Hire… Yet)

Not quite ready to bring in a pro? No problem.

Here’s a no-nonsense checklist of things you can do right now to get your Shopify store a bit more Google-friendly.

🔍 Keyword Basics

✅ Make a list of what your ideal customer might search for
✅ Use free tools like Ubersuggest or Google Trends to check search volume
✅ Avoid vague terms like “shop” — go for things like “handmade candles Ireland”
✅ Sprinkle those keywords into product titles, meta descriptions and H1 headings

📄 On-Page Optimisation

✅ Write unique titles and meta descriptions for every page
✅ Add your target keyword into the first 100 words of your product descriptions
✅ Use H1, H2, H3 tags properly (like your school essays — heading, subheading, sub-subheading)
✅ Include alt text for every image (Google can’t see pictures unless you describe them)

🏗 Site Structure

✅ Use short, clean URLs (avoid long strings of numbers or gibberish)
✅ Organise collections and products logically — like you would in a real shop
✅ Link between related products and collections to help Google (and customers) explore your site

🚀 Speed + Mobile

✅ Compress images with a free tool like TinyPNG
✅ Uninstall any unused Shopify apps
✅ Test your site speed on PageSpeed Insights
✅ Make sure your store looks and works well on mobile (more than half of your traffic will come from phones)

✍️ Blog Content

✅ Write one blog post a month targeting real questions (start with “how to” and “best [product] in Ireland”)
✅ Link to your products in every blog
✅ Use tools like AlsoAsked or AnswerThePublic for ideas
✅ Keep it simple — write like you're talking to a customer, not your old Leaving Cert English teacher

🧹 Technical Quick Wins

✅ Set your preferred domain (with or without www — just pick one)
✅ Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console
✅ Check for broken links with a free tool like Screaming Frog (limit is free up to 500 URLs)
✅ Add canonical tags to avoid duplicate product URLs (Shopify does this automatically in most themes)

📈 Track Your Progress

✅ Set up Google Search Console
✅ Connect Google Analytics (or GA4 if you're feeling brave)
✅ Track keyword rankings with a free tool like SERP Robot
✅ Celebrate small wins — ranking from page 10 to page 3 is progress!

👀 Need a hand?

This checklist will get your Shopify store into better shape than most.

But if you’re hitting roadblocks, getting stuck, or just want someone to tell you exactly what to do?

That’s what I’m here for.

📞 Book a free SEO strategy session and I’ll walk you through your next best moves — no pressure, just honest advice.

Why Hire Me as Your Shopify SEO Expert?

You’ve got options.

Loads of people out there offering “SEO services”.

Some are agencies.

Some are freelancers.

Some are just winging it with a shiny website and a vague promise to “get you on Google”.

But here’s what sets me apart.

🧠 I actually know Shopify - inside and out

Not all SEO is created equal.

And not all platforms work the same way.

Shopify has its own quirks, limitations, and technical oddities. Like:

  • Default duplicate URLs from collections

  • Limited access to core SEO files

  • Theme bloat that slows things down

  • URL structures you can’t always change

  • SEO apps that conflict with each other

  • Content indexing issues with tags and filters

If your SEO expert doesn’t understand these Shopify-specific issues, you’ll end up spending money on fixes that don’t fix anything.

I specialise in Shopify SEO.

I know where the pitfalls are. I know what works. I know what to avoid.

So you’re not paying me to learn on the job.

You’re paying me to get it right the first time.

🇮🇪 I work with Irish businesses like yours

From small retailers in Limerick to artisan makers in Kerry to ecommerce brands scaling in Dublin — I’ve worked with all sorts of Irish businesses.

I understand:

  • Local search intent

  • Irish buyer behaviour

  • How to rank for both local and national terms

  • What content actually drives action in this market

  • How to build links from Irish domains and local sources

It’s not just about getting traffic.

It’s about getting the right kind of traffic.

That’s the kind that lands, clicks around, and buys.

💬 I don’t speak SEO gibberish

Look, I could drown you in terms like canonicalisation, CTR manipulation and schema validation.

But that’s not helpful.

You don’t need more jargon.

You need answers.

You need to know:

  • Why your site isn’t ranking

  • What we’re going to do about it

  • How long it’ll take

  • What results to expect

  • What each part of the process actually means for your business

I explain everything in plain English. Like we’re sitting down over a cuppa. No tech waffle. Just straight-up guidance.

📊 I focus on the metrics that actually matter

Some SEO providers love vanity metrics.

They’ll show you:

  • "You’ve moved from page 9 to page 5!"

  • "You’ve got 200 more impressions!"

  • "Your domain authority went up by 2!"

That’s nice.

But none of that pays your bills.

Here’s what I track:

  • More clicks from the right searches

  • More visits to high-converting pages

  • More sales from organic traffic

  • More leads from local search

Because at the end of the day, your Shopify store isn’t a digital museum.

It’s a shop.

And ecommerce SEO should help you sell.

🛠 I help you avoid the mistakes that kill ecommerce growth

When Shopify store owners try SEO alone — or worse, hire the wrong person — here’s what often goes wrong:

  • They target keywords that bring traffic but no buyers

  • They slow down their store with bloated apps and image files

  • They duplicate content across collections and ruin rankings

  • They forget internal linking, so Google can’t crawl the site properly

  • They waste months on blogs that rank for nothing

I help you avoid all of that.

I step in, assess where you’re at, fix what’s broken, and build a plan that works for your store — not someone else’s.

💥 I make your Shopify store both Google-ready and customer-friendly

You don’t want to just “rank”.

You want to rank and convert.

There’s no point being on page one if your pages don’t make people stick around and click “Add to Cart”.

That’s why I balance both:

  • Search engine optimisation: So you show up in Google

  • Conversion optimisation: So that traffic turns into orders

Every piece of SEO I do is designed to boost both your visibility and your sales.

That’s the sweet spot.

In short?

When you hire me, you’re getting:

✅ A Shopify SEO expert who knows the platform
✅ A consultant who understands Irish small businesses
✅ A partner who actually cares if your store makes money
✅ A results-first approach — without the BS
✅ Clear plans. Clear pricing. Clear communication.

I’m not here to tick boxes.

I’m here to make your Shopify store the go-to choice in your niche — whether you sell handmade candles, dog collars, or Irish-designed fashion.

Want to chat through your store and see if we’re a good fit?

No pressure. No sales pitch. Just a real conversation.

Because when your SEO works?

Your Shopify store doesn’t just exist.

It grows.

Real Talk: Shopify SEO Isn’t Magic — But It Is a Sales Machine

Let’s keep it 100 for a second.

SEO is not magic.

It’s not a “press this button and watch the sales pour in” kind of thing.

It’s not instant.

It’s not glamorous.

And it won’t turn your Shopify store into the next ASOS overnight.

But when it’s done properly?

It’s like quietly adding a second sales team to your store.

One that:

  • Works 24 hours a day

  • Never asks for a raise

  • Doesn’t call in sick

  • Never takes holidays

  • Doesn’t send passive-aggressive messages about the office kettle

  • Doesn’t need motivation because it’s always working behind the scenes

What SEO really does for your business

🧲 It attracts people who are already looking for what you sell

Unlike social media or ads — where you’re interrupting people — SEO targets users when they’re actively searching.

They type “best vegan skincare Ireland” into Google.

And if your site is optimised?

You show up.

That means higher-quality traffic.

People with intent.

People who are ready to buy — not just scroll.

🧠 It turns your Shopify site into a long-term asset

Paid ads disappear the second your budget dries up.

But SEO?

It compounds.

You’re building equity in your content, your rankings, and your backlinks.

Your visibility grows over time.

It’s the difference between renting visibility (ads) and owning it (SEO).

And when done right, it reduces your reliance on ad spend altogether.

📈 It brings you sales while you sleep

The beauty of SEO is that once your store starts ranking?

The traffic doesn’t stop.

Even if:

  • You’re off on the school run

  • You’re at a market stall in Galway

  • You’re asleep in bed

Your SEO optimised Shopify site is working.

Answering questions.

Showing up in search.

Turning curious Googlers into real customers.

It’s like having a second storefront — one that runs 24/7 without you having to unlock it every morning.

So no, it’s not magic.

But it feels like it when the results start coming in.

When your Shopify store shows up ahead of your competitors.

When you stop relying on ads to drive every sale.

When your traffic chart climbs higher every month — and your Stripe notifications start sounding like applause.

That’s not luck.

That’s good SEO.

If you’re serious about growing your store, Shopify SEO isn’t optional anymore.

It’s the difference between a shop that exists and a shop that thrives.

You’ve done the hard bit.

You built the store. You found your niche. You’ve got something worth selling.

Now let’s make sure people actually see it.

I’ll help you turn your site into the top result when your ideal customer searches.

No fluff. No shortcuts.

Just results.

Need help turning your Shopify site into a 24/7 sales machine?

Let’s make it happen.

Because while SEO might not be magic — it’s the next best thing when it’s done right.

FAQs: Shopify SEO Questions from Irish Business Owners

You’ve got questions.

The kind Google doesn’t always answer clearly.

So here’s the no-nonsense, straight-talking FAQs — built for Irish Shopify store owners who just want results, not riddles.

Is SEO worth it on Shopify?

Absolutely — if you want long-term growth without being shackled to ads forever.

Here’s the thing: Shopify doesn’t magically bring traffic.

Just launching your store won’t get you seen.

But SEO? It puts you in front of people already searching for what you sell.

It helps:

  • Drive targeted traffic to your products

  • Boost visibility without relying on Meta or Google Ads

  • Lower your cost per acquisition over time

SEO works around the clock.

Once you rank — especially for high-intent, product-related searches — you don’t pay every time someone clicks.

You’re building an asset, not renting space.

So if you're in this for more than a quick flash sale?

Yes, SEO is 100 percent worth it.

How much does a Shopify SEO expert cost?

It varies — but here’s what you’ll typically see in Ireland:

  • One-off Shopify SEO audit: €300 to €800

  • Monthly freelance SEO consultant: €800 to €1500

  • Specialised ecomm SEO agency: €1500 to €3000+ per month

The cost depends on:

  • Size of your store (10 products or 1000?)

  • Your current SEO state (brand new or years of SEO mess?)

  • How competitive your niche is

  • Whether you need local SEO, content strategy, backlink building, or the full works

Pro tip: don’t just go by price.

Go by track record, clarity, and someone who understands Shopify inside out.

How much do SEO experts charge?

There are a few pricing models out there:

💶 Hourly

  • Freelancers: €50 to €150 per hour

  • Best for small jobs, consultations, or audits

💼 Monthly Retainer

  • Freelancers or solo consultants: €500 to €1500/month

  • Small to mid-size agencies: €1500 to €3000/month

  • Ongoing SEO support: content, link building, optimisation, reporting

📦 Fixed-Price Projects

  • SEO setup for new Shopify stores: €800 to €2500

  • Content strategy and blog planning: €300 to €1000

Avoid anyone offering “full SEO” for €99 or promising #1 rankings overnight.

That’s like hiring a plumber from Wish.

Can I do SEO in Shopify myself?

You can — and Shopify makes it easier than most platforms — but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Here’s what you’d need to learn and manage:

  • Keyword research

  • On-page optimisation

  • Site speed improvements

  • Internal linking

  • Schema markup

  • Duplicate URL fixes

  • Content writing

  • Backlink outreach

  • Google Search Console setup

  • Analytics tracking

  • Staying up to date with Google’s constant algorithm changes

If you’ve got time, technical confidence, and patience?

Go for it.

But if you’d rather spend that time growing your business, managing stock, and making sales?

Then let someone else (like me 👋) handle the SEO.

How long does Shopify SEO take to work?

SEO results usually take 3 to 6 months — sometimes faster, sometimes longer depending on your store's condition.

Why?

Because Google is cautious.

It needs to crawl your site, process changes, monitor user behaviour and compare your content against the competition.

It’s a bit like trying to get into a packed nightclub with a new outfit and no guest list — Google’s the bouncer.

But once you’re in?

You’re in.

You’ll start seeing:

  • Pages moving up the rankings

  • More clicks from organic search

  • Higher conversion rates as traffic quality improves

And unlike paid ads, once you earn those rankings, you don’t keep paying to stay there.

What’s the first step to getting started with Shopify SEO?

Book an SEO audit.

You wouldn’t start fixing your house without knowing if there’s a leak in the roof or damp in the walls.

Same with SEO.

An SEO audit helps you:

  • Find technical issues you didn’t know were hurting your rankings

  • Discover which pages are performing (and which ones are dead weight)

  • Understand what keywords you should actually be targeting

  • Get a clear list of what needs fixing first for the biggest impact

It’s the roadmap before the road trip.

No SEO audit = wasted time and money on things that might not move the needle.

Do I need a blog on my Shopify store?

Yes — if you want long-term organic traffic and want to rank for more than just product names.

A blog helps you:

  • Target long tail keywords like “best moisturiser for Irish skin” or “what to wear to a summer wedding in Galway”

  • Build trust with your audience

  • Get more content indexed by Google

  • Create internal links to your collections and products

  • Earn backlinks more naturally (especially if you post useful, helpful guides)

No blog = fewer entry points to your site.

And remember: blogs sell, silently.

They educate people before the pitch — so by the time they land on your product, they’re ready to buy.

Got a question that’s not answered here?

Pop me a message and I’ll add it to the list — or answer it directly.

Because when it comes to SEO and Shopify, there’s no such thing as a silly question. Just missed opportunities.

Want Your Shopify Site to Actually Show Up in Google - Right When It Matters?

You’ve done the hard work.

You’ve built your Shopify store.

You’ve added your products.

You’ve picked your colours, fine-tuned your checkout, and maybe even got your first few sales.

Now it’s time to take it from a hidden gem to a high-performing machine that shows up when people are searching — and buys when they land.

That’s what I do.

📍 I help Irish businesses like yours get seen, get clicks, and get sales

Not vanity traffic.

Not bots.

Not vague impressions that make your Google Search Console look busy but don’t convert.

I help:

  • Startups looking to get found online for the first time

  • Local businesses who want to rank in their town, county, or across Ireland

  • Ecommerce brands ready to scale without wasting a fortune on ads

  • Solo founders and shop owners who want someone in their corner that actually explains things clearly and gets results

This isn’t a “set it and forget it” service.

This is a partnership.

We work together.

You tell me where you want your business to go — and I build the SEO engine that gets you there.

🛠 Here’s what happens when we work together:

✅ Your site starts showing up for product searches with intent
✅ Your traffic goes up — and not just numbers, but targeted visitors
✅ Your customers find you without needing to scroll through three pages of search results
✅ Your Shopify store becomes more discoverable, more trustworthy, and more profitable
✅ Your brand starts to stick — not just with Google, but with people

Whether you're selling jewellery in Galway, eco-friendly skincare from Kerry, or handmade furniture in Dublin — SEO is what puts your store on the map.

And the best time to start?

Was yesterday.

The second-best time?

Now.

Ready to get started?

Let’s have a quick chat.

  • No pressure

  • No jargon

  • No fluff-filled presentations

Just a clear look at your store, what’s holding you back, and how we can fix it — fast.

Whether you need a full SEO overhaul or just want to start with a quick audit — I’ve got options for every stage of growth.

Your Shopify SEO expert is right here.

Helping Irish brands show up, stand out, and sell more.

Let’s make your store famous — one search result at a time.

Let’s Get Your Shopify Store Ranking Where It Belongs — At the Top

You’ve made it this far, which tells me one thing — you’re serious about growing your store.

You don’t want to just be online.

You want your Shopify site to get found, clicked, and bought from.

You want real results — not marketing speak.

So here’s your move:

👉 Book your FREE Shopify SEO strategy call with me.

We’ll:

  • Review your current site

  • Pinpoint what’s working (and what’s not)

  • Find quick wins to boost your traffic

  • Map out a plan to turn your store into a sales machine

No pressure. No pushy sales pitch. Just smart advice based on where you are right now.

Because SEO isn’t just for big brands with giant budgets.

It’s for Irish businesses like yours — ready to get seen by more of the right people.

I’m here when you’re ready.

Let’s grow your store together.

📞 Ready to chat?
Book your FREE strategy session today 👉 https://calendly.com/alessandro-hellodigital/30min

Alessandro Boscolo-Conway

Hey, I'm Alessandro Boscolo-Conway! I'm an SEO and digital marketer and founder of Hello Digital. My mission is to help business owners like you grow your business with SEO and digital marketing!

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