SEO for online stores: the basics that actually move rankings
Search engine optimisation brings visitors who are already looking for what you sell, without paying for every click. For online stores, a handful of basics do most of the work.
Research what buyers search
Find the words buyers use for your products, including longer phrases like “waterproof hiking boots for women”. These are often easier to rank for and convert better.
Optimise category and product pages
- A unique, descriptive page title and meta description for each page.
- Original product descriptions, not the manufacturer’s copy used by every other store.
- Clear headings, descriptive image file names and alt text.
Fix technical issues
Make sure your site loads quickly, works well on mobile, has a sitemap submitted in Google Search Console and has no broken pages or duplicate content.
Build helpful content
Guides, comparisons and how-to articles answer questions buyers have before they purchase. They attract visitors and give you pages to link to your products from.
Earn links
Links from relevant, trustworthy websites tell Google your store is credible. Supplier pages, local directories, partnerships and genuinely useful content are good places to start.
Be patient and measure
SEO usually takes a few months to show clear movement. Track rankings, organic traffic and organic sales in Search Console and analytics, and keep improving the pages that are close to page one.
