SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is an ever-evolving field. It's essential to understand how to optimize your Shopify store for high Google rankings. Although Google claims backlinks aren't a significant factor, experts agree they still hold considerable importance. A recent Google algorithm leak revealed that high-quality content, backlinks, and a robust site structure are crucial to achieving SEO success. This article will tell you how to use backlinks and other SEO tips to help your Shopify store get more sales.

Why Backlinks Still Matter

Many people in the SEO world already knew that backlinks were important. The Google algorithm leak just confirmed it. Backlinks are links from other websites to your website. They tell Google that your site is trustworthy and has valuable information.

Some people wonder if backlinks are still effective. The answer is yes! Backlinks remain a significant factor in Google's website ranking algorithm.

What the Google Algorithm Leak Means for SEO

The Google algorithm leak wasn't a surprise to SEO experts. It showed that Google looks at many things when ranking websites, including:

• Content is still king in the realm of SEO. High-quality, informative, engaging, and helpful content that people want to read and share is the key to inspiring and motivating your audience, and ultimately, boosting your site's SEO performance.

• Backlinks: Backlinks from reputable websites help enhance your site's authority and improve its ranking.

• Site Structure: A well-organized website is easier for Google to crawl and understand.

The leak also made it clear that Google is cracking down on black-hat SEO tactics, such as buying backlinks. These tactics may work in the short term, but they can ultimately harm your website.

How to Choose a Good SEO Agency

Choosing the right SEO agency can be tough. Here are some things to look for:

• Direct Communication: You should be able to talk directly to the senior SEO experts who will be working on your website.

• Customized Strategies: A reputable agency will develop a tailored SEO strategy that aligns with your unique business objectives.

• Quality Content: The agency should focus on creating high-quality content that is relevant to your audience.

• A Team of Specialists: A good agency should have specialists in different areas of SEO, like content creation, link building, and technical SEO.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

• Overpromising: Be wary of agencies that promise unrealistic results. SEO takes time and effort.

• Lack of Communication: If you can't get in touch with the people working on your website, that's a bad sign.

• One-Dimensional Approach: An agency that only focuses on one aspect of SEO may not be the best choice.

• Closers: It may be a red flag if the person doing the sales doesn't have intimate knowledge of case studies.

SEO Tips for E-commerce Brands

Here are some SEO tips that e-commerce brands can use to improve their search rankings:

1. Optimize Collection Pages: Add relevant keywords to your collection pages to help people find your products.

2. Create Varied Collections: Create distinct collections for the same product, each with its branding.

3. Utilize PR Link Building: Gain visibility for your brand by securing mentions on reputable websites, thereby earning valuable backlinks that enhance your online presence.

4. Optimize Product Variants: If you have products with different sizes or colors, create separate collection pages for each variant.

5. Stack Content Marketing: Create helpful content, such as blog posts and guides, that is relevant to your products and target audience.

Optimizing Collection Pages

Collection pages are a great starting point for optimizing your website for SEO. These pages list all of the products in a specific category. To maximize your collection pages, incorporate relevant keywords into the page title, description, and content.

For example, if you sell women's shoes, you might create a collection page for "women's running shoes." On that page, include keywords such as "women's running shoes," "best running shoes for women," and "buy women's running shoes online."

Creating Varied Collections

You can also create multiple collections for the same product, but branded in different ways. This can help you target different keywords and reach a wider audience.

For example, if you sell iPhone cases, you could create collections for "iPhone 14 cases," "iPhone 14 Pro cases," and "cute iPhone cases."

Using PR Link Building

PR link building is a method to increase your brand's visibility on reputable websites. This can help you earn valuable backlinks and improve your website's authority.

To do PR link building, you can:

• Send out press releases about your company or products.

• Reach out to journalists and bloggers who cover your industry.

• Offer to write guest posts for other websites.

Examples of Brands Doing SEO Well

Some e-commerce brands are excelling in SEO. These brands can be a great source of inspiration for your SEO strategy.

• Chewy: Chewy is an online retailer of pet food and supplies. They have established a strong SEO presence by creating a substantial amount of educational content about pets.

• Gymshark: Gymshark is a fitness apparel and accessories brand. They have built a strong SEO presence by creating workout plans and exercise guides.

• Catchmaster: They sell pest control products. They focused on optimizing collections and saw great results.

Is SEO Right for You?

SEO is not right for every business. If you are a small brand in an emerging category, SEO can be a great way to establish your presence. However, suppose you are a large brand in a competitive category. In that case, you may need to invest more in SEO to achieve the desired results.

Consider that if you spend much money on ads, people are likely to be searching for your brand. SEO helps them find you and become customers.

SEO Pricing: What to Expect

SEO pricing can vary depending on the agency and the services they offer. However, most e-commerce brands can expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,000 per month for SEO services.

Important Note: Be cautious of agencies that charge excessively low or excessively high fees. If an agency charges less than $1,500 per month, it may not be providing quality work. If an agency charges more than $5,000 per month, you may not be getting a good return on your investment.

Take Action Today

SEO is not a one-time task, but a continuous effort. It's a complex and ever-changing field, but it's essential for any e-commerce brand that wants to succeed online. By following the tips in this article and committing to ongoing SEO efforts, you can improve your website's search rankings and get more sales.

Ready to boost your Shopify store's visibility? Start optimizing your collection pages and building backlinks today!