Ecommerce: Looking to improve our SEO

Started by serrahmiles, 02-18-2020, 16:57:29

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serrahmilesTopic starter

I work for an Ecommerce company, we're a small marketing team, we sell the same products as other websites at different prices, and different shipping rates.

We're getting a lot of SEO competition from Amazon, so looking to improve our rankings with link building to improve our rankings

Our on page SEO is good - we have many developers on the team who can make changes to the website. Our Site Speed is also quite good. We're also improving our conversion rate using tools such as Visual Website Optimiser

We're also looking to improve or possibly outsource our SEO, however we're not sure if the ROI will be there - as we're already doing the following link building steps below according to our research

* FINDING UNLINKED BRAND MENTIONS
We're using SEMRush to find this information. We've been actively sending outreach emails to websites that have unlinked mentions of our brand.. So far, only 1 link is approved after many months of sending emails. Some are also asking for payment for the link.

So far:
39 Requests Sent to convert mentions to backlinks
1 Approved Active

* FORUM/BLOG POSTING ON WEBSITES IN OUR INDUSTRY
We've been posting to forum/blogging websites related to our business, links are mostly no follow. This method is straightforward, with a high success rate

So far:
174 Blog/forum posts created
131 Approved Active

* REDDIT POSTS AND REDDIT REPLIES
We're finding existing posts that mention categories that we sell in, and reply. We are still building up our karma on Reddit so we can initially insert our link. We're using the same account/email address to create these, so we feel that there's some risk here if our account gets banned

So far:
5 Reddit Posts and Replies

* QUESTION & ANSWER WEBSITES - EG. QUORA
We use Q&A sites like Quora to diversify our backlink profile and drive traffic. Links are mostly nofollow, we stick to questions that are in our industry. We're using the same Quora account, and feel our account could be shut down

So far:
33 Q/A Posts (mostly Quora)

* BUSINESS DIRECTORY LISTINGS
We tried to stick to local listings (same country as our store) this looked like a no brainer, we've completed 69 listings so far, with about 80% approval rate. No payments have been required

So far:
69 Listings
57 Active (approx)

* GUEST POSTING
We don't haven't done any guest posting yet, we don't have good writing resources. We're open to ideas here

So far:
0 listings

We feel we're too dependent on these strategies, however from reading various forums, we still feel that active link building is the most proactive way to build rankings. What other strategies do you recommend for our link building that will effectively ramp up our rankings? Thanks in advance for your help!
  •  


jawadsatti

#1
Improving the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) of your ecommerce website is crucial for increasing visibility, driving organic traffic, and ultimately boosting sales. Here are some key strategies and tips to help you enhance your ecommerce SEO:

1. **Keyword Research**:
   - Identify relevant keywords and phrases related to your products or services. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to find keywords with good search volume and low competition.
   - Focus on long-tail keywords that are specific to your products, as they often convert better.

2. **On-Page Optimization**:
   - Optimize product pages:
     - Include your target keywords in product titles, descriptions, and meta tags.
     - Write unique and informative product descriptions.
     - Use high-quality images and add alt text to them.
   - Create SEO-friendly URLs that include the product name or keyword.
   - Ensure fast page loading times for a better user experience.

3. **Mobile Optimization**:
   - Make sure your website is responsive and mobile-friendly, as Google gives preference to mobile-friendly sites in search rankings.

4. **Site Structure and Navigation**:
   - Organize your website into clear categories and subcategories.
   - Use breadcrumb navigation to help users and search engines understand your site's structure.
   - Create an XML sitemap and submit it to Google Search Console to help search engines index your site more effectively.

5. **User Experience (UX)**:
   - Provide a seamless and user-friendly shopping experience to reduce bounce rates.
   - Ensure that your website is easy to navigate and that product pages are easily accessible.
   - Improve site speed and loading times to keep visitors engaged.

6. **High-Quality Content**:
   - Create valuable content, such as blog posts, buying guides, and product reviews, to attract and engage users.
   - Content should be informative, relevant, and well-researched.

7. **Link Building**:
   - Build high-quality backlinks from reputable websites in your industry.
   - Guest posting, influencer outreach, and content marketing can help acquire backlinks.

8. **Local SEO**:
   - If you have a physical store, optimize for local search by creating a Google My Business profile and ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information across the web.

9. **Social Media**:
   - Promote your products on social media platforms to increase brand visibility and drive traffic to your ecommerce site.

10. **Monitoring and Analytics**:
    - Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your website's performance.
    - Monitor keyword rankings, organic traffic, and user behavior to make data-driven improvements.

11. **Technical SEO**:
    - Address technical issues like broken links, duplicate content, and crawl errors promptly.
    - Implement HTTPS for secure connections.
    - Ensure proper use of canonical tags and schema markup for products.

12. **Regular Updates**:
    - Keep your product listings and website content up to date.
    - Monitor and adapt to changes in search engine algorithms and SEO best practices.

13. **User Reviews and Ratings**:
    - Encourage customers to leave reviews and ratings for your products. User-generated content can improve search rankings and build trust with potential buyers.

14. **Structured Data Markup**:
    - Implement schema markup to provide search engines with structured information about your products. This can lead to rich snippets in search results, which can improve click-through rates.

15. **Product Variations**:
    - If you offer products with different variations (e.g., sizes, colors), optimize each variation's page for relevant keywords to capture a wider audience.

16. **Internal Linking**:
    - Use internal links to connect related products, categories, and content. This helps users navigate your site and distributes link authority.

17. **404 Error Pages**:
    - Customize your 404 error pages to guide users back to relevant sections of your site and reduce bounce rates.

18. **Canonicalization**:
    - Implement canonical tags to prevent duplicate content issues, especially if you have similar products with minor differences.

19. **Product Image SEO**:
    - Optimize image file names and alt text with relevant keywords to enhance the visibility of your products in image search results.

20. **Secure Payment Methods**:
    - Ensure that your payment gateway is secure and trustworthy to instill confidence in customers.

21. **International SEO**:
    - If you sell products internationally, use hreflang tags to indicate language and regional targeting.

22. **Competitor Analysis**:
    - Study the SEO strategies of your competitors to identify opportunities and gaps in your own approach.

23. **Content Syndication**:
    - Share your content on other platforms, such as industry-related forums or guest posts on relevant websites, to increase exposure and backlinks.

24. **Monitor and Optimize for Conversions**:
    - Continuously analyze your conversion rates and make adjustments to your website and product pages to improve the user experience and encourage more sales.

25. **Voice Search Optimization**:
    - With the increasing use of voice-activated devices, consider optimizing your content for voice search queries by providing concise and natural-sounding answers to common questions related to your products.

26. **Local Link Building**:
    - Build relationships with local businesses and seek opportunities for local link building, which can help improve your site's visibility in local search results.

27. **Regular Content Updates**:
    - Keep your blog and content pages fresh by updating them regularly with new information, trends, and product releases.

28. **Mobile App Optimization**:
    - If you have a mobile app, optimize it for app store search (ASO) to increase downloads and user engagement.

29. **AI and Automation**:
    - Consider using AI tools and automation to streamline your SEO efforts, such as for keyword research, content optimization, and performance tracking.

30. **HTTPS and Security**:
    - Ensure your website is secure with an SSL certificate (HTTPS), as this is a ranking factor, and it also builds trust with users.

Certainly, here are some additional advanced tips to further enhance your ecommerce SEO efforts:

31. **Structured Data and Rich Snippets**:
    - Implement various types of structured data (schema markup) to provide search engines with detailed information about your products, reviews, pricing, and availability. Rich snippets can make your search results stand out and improve click-through rates.

32. **Video Content**:
    - Create product demonstration videos, tutorials, or video reviews. Videos can help engage users and improve your website's search rankings, especially if hosted on platforms like YouTube.

33. **User-Generated Content**:
    - Encourage customers to create and share content related to your products, such as images, videos, and reviews. This user-generated content can add authenticity and provide valuable SEO signals.

34. **Voice Search Optimization**:
    - Optimize your content for voice search queries by answering conversational questions and providing concise, natural-language responses.

35. **A/B Testing**:
    - Conduct A/B tests on product pages, headlines, CTAs (Call to Actions), and other elements to determine what resonates best with your audience and improves conversion rates.

36. **Content Silos**:
    - Organize your website content into logical silos or clusters. This helps search engines understand the thematic relevance of your pages and can improve rankings for target keywords.

37. **AI-Powered SEO Tools**:
    - Leverage AI-powered SEO tools for advanced keyword research, content optimization, and competitive analysis. These tools can provide insights and recommendations for improving your SEO strategy.

38. **User-Intent Optimization**:
    - Understand the user intent behind specific search queries and create content that directly addresses those intents. This can improve the relevance of your content and lead to higher rankings.

39. **International SEO**:
    - If you're targeting international markets, consider using hreflang tags to specify language and regional targeting. Additionally, use geotargeting settings in Google Search Console.

40. **404 Error Page Optimization**:
    - Customize your 404 error pages to not only guide users back to relevant sections of your site but also offer related products or content to keep users engaged.

41. **Influencer Marketing**:
    - Collaborate with influencers in your niche to promote your products. Influencer endorsements can boost brand visibility and drive traffic to your ecommerce site.

42. **Advanced Analytics**:
    - Implement advanced tracking and analytics solutions to gain deeper insights into user behavior, conversion paths, and the performance of specific products or categories.

43. **Local SEO Optimization**:
    - Optimize your Google My Business profile for local search results. Encourage customers to leave reviews and provide accurate location information.

44. **Content Gap Analysis**:
    - Identify content gaps in your niche by analyzing what topics or keywords competitors are ranking for but you are not. Create high-quality content to fill those gaps.

45. **Voice Search Optimization**:
    - Optimize your content for voice search queries by providing clear and concise answers to common questions related to your products or industry.

46. **Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP)**:
    - Implement AMP for your product and category pages to improve mobile page loading times and potentially receive preferential treatment in mobile search results.

47. **Seasonal and Holiday SEO**:
    - Plan and execute seasonal and holiday-specific SEO campaigns to capitalize on increased search volume during peak shopping periods.

48. **Local SEO Landing Pages**:
    - If you have physical stores in multiple locations, create individual landing pages for each location to improve local search visibility.

49. **Content Pruning and Cleanup**:
    - Periodically review and clean up outdated or low-quality content on your website. This can help improve the overall quality and relevance of your site, which can positively impact SEO.

50. **Semantic SEO**:
    - Utilize semantic SEO techniques by incorporating synonyms and related terms naturally within your content. This can help your pages rank for a broader range of keywords and better match user search intent.

51. **User-Generated Content Integration**:
    - Integrate user-generated content, such as reviews and testimonials, into product pages. This not only provides valuable social proof but can also boost your SEO rankings as fresh content is added.

52. **HTTPS Migration**:
    - If you haven't already, migrate your entire website to HTTPS. Google gives preference to secure websites, and this can positively impact your search rankings.

53. **AI-Powered Chatbots**:
    - Implement AI-powered chatbots to enhance the user experience. These bots can assist customers with product recommendations, answer queries, and guide them through the purchasing process, leading to higher conversions.

54. **Dynamic XML Sitemaps**:
    - Create dynamic XML sitemaps that automatically update as new products or content are added to your site. This ensures that search engines quickly discover and index new pages.

55. **Competitive Analysis**:
    - Continuously analyze the SEO strategies of your top competitors. Identify what keywords they are targeting, which backlinks they have acquired, and how their content strategy differs from yours.

56. **Voice Search Optimization**:
    - Research and incorporate conversational, long-tail keywords that align with voice search queries. Voice search is becoming increasingly popular with the rise of virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa.

57. **Local Link Building**:
    - Build local citations and backlinks from authoritative local websites and directories. This is particularly important for businesses with physical locations.

58. **Structured Data for Local Businesses**:
    - Use structured data to mark up local business information, such as opening hours, contact details, and customer reviews, to enhance your local SEO presence.

59. **Internationalization and Localization**:
    - If you serve international markets, consider offering multiple language options and localized content. Ensure that your hreflang tags are correctly implemented.

60. **Content Syndication and Guest Posting**:
    - Share your high-quality content on relevant industry websites and blogs through guest posting or content syndication. This can help build backlinks and establish your authority in your niche.

61. **Voice Search Optimization**:
    - Optimize your content to answer common voice search queries in a natural language format. Voice search is growing in popularity, so optimizing for it is essential.

62. **Monitor Core Web Vitals**:
    - Pay attention to Core Web Vitals metrics like page speed, mobile-friendliness, and user experience. Google uses these factors as ranking signals, and they can significantly impact your SEO performance.

63. **Dynamic SEO**:
    - Utilize dynamic SEO techniques that adapt to user behavior and preferences, such as personalized product recommendations and content based on user interactions.

64. **User Retention Strategies**:
    - Implement strategies to retain existing customers, such as loyalty programs, email marketing, and personalized product recommendations, as repeat customers can be more valuable in the long run.
  •  


JanviArora

Hi @serrahmiles,

Guest posting, forum posting, Q/A, reddit these offpage activities are really good to improve your keyword performance, but your link building success ratio is not that much. I would like to suggest you keep doing these activities continue with using keyword variation technique.

Aprat from these activities, I reccomend you product listing (Search list on Search Engine), competitor's link building (use Ahrefs tool), and contetextual link (Medium, Tumblr, wordpress etc.). Make sure your anchor text for your money keyword and their defferent variation, also use anchor text for relevant question based keywords (Use answer the public tool to find out the question based keywords).
For more information on SEO, check out our organic seo services company
  •  

SEO.Ninja

1. Keyword research to find the types of keywords customers are searching.
2. Site architecture based on your keyword research.
3. On-Page SEO through strategic keyword optimization in meta tags and content.
4. Technical SEO to help ensure search engines can crawl your site efficiently.

mariajonas

What about social sharing? What about working for brand popularity? The activities that you already do are common for every niche. To get ROI, you have to work an extra mile and see what works best for you. At the beginning, you may try PPC Ads to see user's response too. You may start with Facebook Marketing too.

As you have mentioned, your competition is with Amazon, you already know how tough the competition is.
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  •  


John - Smith

@serrahmiles
can you share those business listing sites? and make sure the on-page is optimized!