In This Article
Shopify does have some built-in Search Engine Optimization factors, but that does not mean that the job is over for you. Shopify offers structured snippets, meta descriptions, meta titles, hreflang tags, etc., by default, especially when using a well-maintained and reputable theme.
If you change the theme, fiddle with the layout, or install an arbitrary app, you can break something important. And if you wish to grow through Google search, you can't afford to.
This guide describes the key SEO settings to check in the Shopify store – explained in simple words and examples. No unnecessary information is provided.
Let's get to it.
1. Structured Snippets
Structured data (also called schema) helps Google understand what’s on your page — such as product details, FAQs, and your brand info. If it’s missing or broken, you’ll miss out on features like star ratings in search results.
What to check?
Product Schema
Showing price, reviews, and in-stock status within Google search. These help in grabbing more clicks.
This exists in most good Shopify themes. But if you switched your theme or built one custom, make sure to check your product URLs with the Rich Results Test.
If it's missing, request a developer to fix it.
FAQ Schema
Let your FAQ content pop directly in the Google results. This not only extends your SERP (Search Engine Results Page) real estate but also answers some of those frequently asked customer queries right from the search page.
Only works if you’ve used proper markup. Test your FAQ page. If it doesn’t show up, it’s not set up right.
Organization Schema
Allows telling Google things such as your brand name, logo, contact information, and social media links.
This helps your Knowledge Panel show up when people search your brand name.
This is especially relevant to branded searches and to improving your Knowledge Panel in Google. To find the organisation schema, check your homepage using the Google Rich Results Test.
2. Write Good Meta Titles and Descriptions
The meta description is the snippet that appears directly below the title of your page in the search results. Ideally, the description should be brief yet captivating, and must include the appropriate keywords without becoming artificial or spammy.
What to do?
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Shorten them to 160 characters or fewer.
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Write something clear and useful.
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Also, don’t copy-paste the same text across every page.
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Natural use of keywords - not robotically!
Example for a product:
"Lightweight brown travel backpack with USB port - ideal for daily commutes and weekend getaways, crafted with the finest materials."
Where to add it in Shopify:
You can set meta descriptions for every page and product via the Shopify admin-just edit the “Search engine listing preview” section at the bottom of any product, collection, or page. For professional support, hire a Shopify SEO agency to audit and optimise your meta tags.
3. Add Collection Page Descriptions
Collection pages - think "Summer Dresses", or "Running Shoes" - are more than product lists. Google reads them, too.
Add a short paragraph above or below your product grid. Explain what the collection is about, who it’s for, and what problems it solves.
Example for a "Sustainable Clothing" collection:
Our sustainable clothing line includes dresses, shirts, and accessories that will last, made from eco-friendly fabrics and produced ethically.
4. Write Alt Text for Images
Alt text is simply a description of what an image depicts. It helps sites that are visually impaired and tells Google what an image is about.
How to Write Good Alt Text:
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Specifically: "Men's navy running shoes with white soles"
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Avoid keyword stuffing: Don’t write “shoes men buy sale free shipping.”
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All products and images used for decoration need to contain alt text.
Example "Do"
“Women’s beige linen summer dress on a mannequin.”
Don’t
“dress product photo image sale buy.”
You can add/edit alt text for every image in the Shopify admin for a particular product or in the section labelled "Files."
5. Use a Blog to Build SEO Over Time
Blog posts are an excellent way to:
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Answer customer questions
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Build authority in your niche
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Link back to your products
Posts such as:
“5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Backpack for Travel”
“Which fabrics are best for Indian summers?”
Link your blog posts to relevant products and collections, and group them into tags or categories. Take, for example, Allbirds and Gymshark, where educational uses of blogs are combined with traffic generation, as opposed to pure commercial use.
Final Thoughts
Having great SEO set up on your Shopify store is not just about checkboxes; it’s actually about helping Google understand your store and enabling people to find what they need.
If you are simply beginning, then focus on this SEO checklist:
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Structured Data
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Meta descriptions
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Collection descriptions
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Alt text
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Informative Blog Content
Get those right, and you’ll start seeing some results.
Need some assistance?
Our team of Shopify experts at Seventh Triangle specialises in all things SEO optimization. Explore service: Shopify SEO
