Shopify SEO Issues: Common Problems and Solutions

As more businesses move to e-commerce on Shopify, effectively optimizing stores for search has become crucial for growth. However, several technical SEO issues can undermine optimization efforts. This guide explores common Shopify SEO issues and how experts solve them.

Lack of Sitemaps

Sitemaps allow search engines to discover all pages on a site, especially dynamic ones. Shopify defaults don’t generate sitemaps for collections, products or blogs automatically. This results in crawlers missing significant portions of stores. Experts implement sitemap plugins and XML sitemaps, including images, to index the full scope.

Duplicate Content Issues

By default, product and collection pages have the same URL regardless of parameters like tags. This may lead to pages considered duplicates by Google and lowered rankings. Experts implement canonical URLs and rel=”canonical” tags on redundant pages to avoid such problems.

Slow Page Speeds

Heavy themes, large images and poorly optimized code can seriously impact load times. Shopify SEO plugins focus on minimizing asset sizes, lazy loading non-critical ones, enabling browser caching and implementing a content delivery network. AMP versions are also created for faster mobile indexing.

URL and Taxonomy Structure

URL paths like /products/name instead of /name directly impact usability and indexing. Experts advise optimized structures using tags and categories clearly reflecting intent for improved rankings. They also add missing indexes to enable product search within categories.

Lack of Internal Linking

Well-connected internal linking demonstrates site architecture, and keyword-optimized anchor text aids discovery. Experts analyze link profiles and create strategic internal linking between key sections, navigation menus, breadcrumbs, footers and within content.

Absence of Structured Data

Schema helps communicate rich site data like products, reviews, etc, to search engines. Experts implement appropriate Schemes like Product, Review, Breadcrumb, and Article, ensuring correct usage, tagging and positioning for rich snippets.

Issues with Redirects

Broken redirects from old URLs or after changing domain/page structure lead to double content issues. Experts troubleshoot and implement 301 redirects correctly along with canonical URLs, as redirects are critical for passing contextual link juice and trust.

On-Page Optimization Shortfalls

Basic on-page elements like compelling meta descriptions, headlines, images and copy are key. Experts conduct audits to enhance on-page with targeted keyword phrases in smarter ways, improving CTRs for searches. They ensure all text is unique, catering specifically to personas.

Inadequate Off-Page Activation

While on-page is covered, off-page elements are too often ignored. Experts implement comprehensive off-page link-building strategies incorporating quality, natural backlinks and citation building to drive authority, trust and visibility.

Lack of Conversion Rate Optimization

Even with high traffic, sales may remain low due to non-optimized user journeys. Experts analyze behaviour and implement CRO practices like optimizing forms, calls to action, reviewing solicitations and one-click purchases. A/B tests further improve designs, messaging and flows.

Poorly Executed PPC Management

Shopify PPC and Google Ads integration require advanced skills to realize full gains. Experts handle campaign structure, ad grouping/labelling, bid strategies, negative keyword lists and advanced matching types for successful performance.

Final Thoughts 

In summary, Shopify SEO plugins alone don’t suffice – dedicated experts comprehensively address technical and optimization issues, honing the complete online presence for elevated search performance. Their nuanced, collaborative approach is ideal for ambitious brands. If you are looking for Shopify SEO experts to help you with the same, then you can consider connecting with the SeedCart team and getting all the assistance you need. Good luck!