Ranking high in search results is no small feat, especially in eCommerce. Your competitors are also busy making their online stores attractive and doing everything possible to get customers to visit. So how are you to compete?
This is where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in. Think of SEO as the magic ingredient that helps potential customers discover your BigCommerce store amongst a sea of online retailers. But with so much conflicting information, learning about SEO essentials can feel overwhelming for busy business owners like you.
Fear not! This blog post will equip you with the must-know SEO essentials to optimize your BigCommerce store and climb the search engine rankings ladder. We’ll break down key concepts, explore actionable tips, and guide you toward achieving greater online visibility for your store.
Crawlability and Content: The Foundation of SEO Essentials
Imagine your BigCommerce store as a hidden gem – if search engines can’t find it, customers can’t visit it. It stays hidden, and no one will know how good your products or services are.
What you need is website crawlability. Search engines rely on crawlers, or software bots, to discover and index website content. SEO essentials start with ensuring your BigCommerce store is crawlable, and search engines can easily access and understand your product pages, blog posts, and other content.
Here’s where you can take action:
Sitemap
A sitemap is a roadmap for search engine crawlers, guiding them to all the essential pages on your BigCommerce store. Luckily, BigCommerce automatically generates a sitemap for you, but make sure it’s submitted to search engines like Google Search Console.
Content is king (and queen)
High-quality, informative, and engaging content is essential for SEO. Create product descriptions beyond basic details, incorporate relevant keywords, and provide valuable information for potential customers.
And while you’re at it, get a copywriter. See, a copywriter puts all the information about your wares in a compelling manner that makes people want to buy.
By prioritizing crawlability and content creation, you’re laying a solid foundation for your SEO essentials strategy.
Optimizing for Search Intent: Know What Customers Are Looking For
Search engines are constantly working to deliver the most relevant results to user queries. This is where understanding search intent becomes crucial. SEO essentials involve optimizing your content for keywords and the purpose behind those keywords.
For example, if someone searches for “running shoes,” they might be in the browsing stage, simply looking for information on different running shoe types. However, searching for “best running shoes for flat feet” indicates a purchase-ready customer.
Here’s how to optimize for search intent:
Keyword research
Conduct keyword research to identify relevant terms your target audience is searching for. Consider using long-tail keywords that are more specific and indicate higher purchase intent.
Content tailoring
Craft content that addresses the specific needs and intent behind different search queries. For example, a blog post on “best running shoes for flat feet” would provide in-depth product comparisons and buying guides.
By optimizing for search intent, you’re ensuring your BigCommerce store shows up for the right searches at the right time.
Additional SEO Essentials for BigCommerce Retailers
While crawlability, content, and search intent form the core of SEO essentials, there are other factors to consider:
On-page optimization
Optimize product titles, meta descriptions, and image alt tags with relevant keywords.
Technical SEO
Ensure your BigCommerce store has fast loading speeds and a mobile-friendly design.
Link building
Acquire backlinks (links from other websites) to your store to boost your website authority.
Analytics and tracking
Utilize website analytics tools to track your SEO performance and identify areas for improvement.
SEO is an ongoing process. By consistently implementing these SEO essentials and staying updated on the latest trends, you can propel your BigCommerce store toward greater online visibility and organic traffic growth.
Climb the Search Engine Rankings: Your BigCommerce SEO Action Plan
Feeling overwhelmed by the world of SEO? You don’t have to go it alone.
Epic is your one-stop shop for BigCommerce, including comprehensive SEO services. Our team of experts can handle everything from keyword research and on-page optimization to link building and ongoing SEO monitoring.
