Shopify SEO Complete Checklist

 

1. SEO Basics Checklist

1.1. Set Up Google Search Console

●      Tracks search performance, indexing issues, and site errors.

●      Verify your Shopify domain with Google for full access.

1.2. Set Up Bing Webmaster Tools

●      Bing handles ~15% of search traffic.

●      Create an account, verify your site to get indexed on Bing.

1.3. Submit Your Sitemap

●      Shopify auto-generates your sitemap: yourstore.com/sitemap.xml

●      Submit this URL to both GSC and Bing Webmaster Tools.

1.4. Set Up Google Analytics

●      Install GA4 to monitor visitor behavior and segment traffic sources.

●      Insert tracking ID via your Shopify admin.

1.5. Use SEO Tools

●      Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz, SurferSEO help with audits, tracking, and content.

●      Recommended Free: Screaming Frog, Google Keyword Planner.

1.6. Check Site Indexing

●      Use site:yourdomain.com in Google to see if your pages are indexed.

●      Remove password protection to allow indexing.

2. On-Page SEO Checklist

2.1. Keyword Research

●      Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush.

●      Identify buyer intent: informational, commercial, or transactional.

●      Map keywords to correct content types (blog, category, product page).

2.2. Optimize H1 Headings

●      Only one H1 per page (usually your page title).

●      Use your main keyword in it.

2.3. Write Compelling Title Tags

●      Include keywords up front.

●      Keep under 60 characters.

●      Entice clicks, not just rankings.

2.4. Optimize Meta Descriptions

●      Keep it under 155 characters.

●      Persuasive, includes target keyword.

2.5. Use Keywords in URLs

●      Short, clean, keyword-rich URLs.

●      Avoid numbers or messy strings (index.php?123=abc).

2.6. Use Descriptive Alt Text for Images

●      Helps SEO and accessibility.

●      Rename image files before upload.

2.7. Add Schema Markup

●      For products, reviews, blogs, FAQs.

●      Use apps like Schema Plus or manual JSON-LD code.

3. Content Optimization Checklist

3.1. Content Strategy

●      Answer customer questions.

●      Use “Answer the Public”, People Also Ask, Keywords Everywhere.

3.2. Format for Readability

●      Use TOC, bullets, subheadings.

●      1,000+ words where necessary but keep it useful.

3.3. Fix Duplicate Content

●      Write unique product descriptions.

●      Use rel=“canonical” if content must be repeated.

3.4. Specialized Landing Pages

●      Create collections or category pages optimized for niche keywords.

4. Technical SEO Checklist

4.1. Mobile Optimization

●      Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.

●      Shopify themes are responsive by default.

4.2. HTTPS/SSL Certificate

●      Enabled by default on Shopify — keep it.

4.3. Improve Site Speed

●      Use Google PageSpeed Insights.

●      Compress images, use fast themes.

4.4. Fix Broken Links

●      Redirect 404s via Shopify settings.

4.5. Internal Linking

●      Link between products, blogs, collections.

●      Improves crawlability and rankings.

4.6. Anchor Text Optimization

●      Mix exact, partial, branded, and descriptive anchor types.

4.7. Global Navigation Menu

●      Keep it consistent. Use dropdowns for large inventories.

4.8. Improve Core Web Vitals

●      Focus on LCP (<2.5s), FID (<100ms), CLS (<0.1).

5. Off-Page SEO (Link Building)

5.1. Competitor Backlink Analysis

●      Use Ahrefs or Moz Link Explorer to see where competitors get links.

5.2. Guest Posting

●      Pitch to blogs in your niche.

●      Search: “your niche” + “write for us”

5.3. Press Mentions

●      Use HARO, send products to journalists, pitch stories.

5.4. Reclaim Brand Mentions

●      Use tools like BrandMentions or Screaming Frog to find unlinked mentions.

6. Local SEO Checklist

6.1. Google Business Profile

●      Add accurate NAP (name, address, phone).

●      Use real location photos, update hours.

6.2. Directory Listings

●      Submit to Yelp, Facebook, Apple Maps, Bing, BBB, Foursquare, etc.

6.3. Contact Us Page

●      Include full NAP info, open hours.

6.4. City-Specific Landing Pages

●      Create unique content per location.

7. Bonus Tips for 2025

7.1. AI for Content

●      Use ChatGPT, Jasper, Shopify Magic to scale descriptions and ideas (don’t copy/paste).

7.2. Diversify Formats

●      Add images, YouTube videos, infographics to pages.

7.3. Leverage Influential Creators

●      Improve E-E-A-T by inviting qualified creators.

7.4. UX = SEO

●      Simplify navigation, speed up checkout, use high-res images.

8. Pre-Launch Optimization

8.1. Change Shopify Default Domain

●      Move from storename.myshopify.com to custom domain.

8.2. Setup Semrush + GA4 + GSC

●      All integrated to one Semrush dashboard.

●      Use Keyword Strategy Builder + On-Page SEO Checker.

9. Shopify-Specific Tips

9.1. Use Clean URLs

●      Avoid URLs with parameters like ?variant=123

9.2. Create Separate Product Pages

●      Make dedicated pages for color/size variants if keywords differ.

9.3. Install SEO Apps

●      Apps like Plug in SEO, SEO Manager, Smart SEO help automate checks.

Final 17-Step Shopify SEO Summary Checklist

Step	Task
1	Google Analytics Setup
2	Google Search Console
3	Submit Sitemap
4	Keyword Research
5	Track Keywords
6	Optimize Title Tags
7	Use Clean URLs
8	Use Internal Links
9	Build Navigation
10	Crawl Audit
11	Check Robots.txt
12	Crawl Sitemap
13	Canonical Linking
14	Review Structured Data
15	Lazy Load Images
16	Resolve JavaScript Indexation Issues
17	Use Index Coverage Report

In Details

SECTION 1: SEO Basics Setup Checklist

1. Set up Google Search Console (GSC)
   

○      Sign up and verify your Shopify domain.

○      Use GSC to monitor traffic, crawl errors, and performance.

2. Set up Bing Webmaster Tools
   

○      Don’t ignore Bing — it holds ~15% of US search traffic.

○      Submit your sitemap for indexing here too.

3. Submit a Sitemap
   

○      Shopify auto-generates this: yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml.

○      Submit to both GSC and Bing Webmaster Tools.

4. Set up Google Analytics (GA4)
   

○      Track user interactions, conversions, bounce rate, etc.

○      Add the GA4 tag manually or via Shopify integration.

5. Consider SEO Tools
   

○      Recommended: Semrush, Ahrefs, Moz, Screaming Frog.

○      Free tools: Keyword.io, Keyword Surfer, MozBar.

6. Ensure Your Site Is Indexed
   

○      Use site:yourdomain.com in Google.

○      If not visible: fix crawl blocks, remove password protections, and submit to GSC.

SECTION 2: On-Page SEO Checklist

7. Keyword Research
   

○      Use Semrush, Ahrefs, Moz for volume, difficulty, and intent.

○      Match keywords to correct content types (e.g., blog vs product page).

8. Heading Tag Optimization
   

○      One <h1> per page with primary keyword.

○      Use semantic <h2> and <h3> tags logically.

9. Title Tags
   

○      Max 60 characters.

○      Front-load your main keyword.

○      Make it click-worthy.

10. Meta Descriptions
    

●      Max 155–160 characters.

●      Include primary keyword and strong CTA.

●      Used for SERP snippets, so write persuasively.

11. SEO-Friendly URLs
    

●      Use keywords: /mens-running-shoes.

●      Avoid dynamic parameters like ?id=2345.

12. Descriptive Alt Text for Images
    

●      Improve accessibility and image SEO.

●      File names should be meaningful too (red-running-shoes.jpg).

13. Schema Markup
    

●      Add Product, Review, FAQ, Organization schemas.

●      Use Shopify apps like Schema Plus or manual JSON-LD code.

SECTION 3: Content SEO Checklist

14. Create a Content Marketing Strategy
    

●      Research pain points.

●      Use tools like Answer the Public or People Also Ask.

●      Blog for informational intent and internal linking.

15. Format Content for Readability
    

●      Use bullet points, FAQs, subheadings, jump links.

●      Ideal blog post: 1,200–1,800 words with scannable structure.

16. Fix Duplicate Content
    

●      Rewrite generic product descriptions.

●      Add canonical tags for filtered pages.

17. Create Specialized Landing Pages
    

●      Local pages, seasonal collections, or category-based SEO pages.

●      Target long-tail transactional and commercial queries.

SECTION 4: Technical SEO Checklist

18. Mobile-Friendliness
    

●      Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.

●      Use responsive themes from the Shopify Theme Store.

19. HTTPS Secure Domain
    

●      Required for Google trust and security.

●      Automatically included with Shopify SSL.

20. Site Speed Optimization
    

●      Use PageSpeed Insights.

●      Compress images, lazy load, remove unused JS.

21. Fix Broken Links
    

●      Use GSC or Screaming Frog to detect 404s.

●      Set up 301 redirects for removed products or blogs.

22. Internal Linking Strategy
    

●      Connect product pages to categories.

●      Use contextual links in blog posts for topical authority.

23. Optimize Anchor Text
    

●      Vary between exact, partial, branded, and related.

●      Avoid over-optimization.

24. Navigation Menu Optimization
    

●      Flat hierarchy: homepage → category → product.

●      Use footer and header links for crawl efficiency.

25. Improve Core Web Vitals
    

●      LCP: <2.5s, FID: <100ms, CLS: <0.1.

●      Prioritize performance and stable layout shifts.

SECTION 5: Off-Page SEO / Link Building

26. Analyze Competitor Backlinks
    

●      Use Ahrefs or Semrush to see backlink sources.

●      Understand what content earns links.

27. Write Guest Posts
    

●      Target niches related to your products.

●      Use search operators: "[niche]" + "write for us".

28. Secure Press Mentions
    

●      Use HARO or press releases to get media coverage.

●      Send samples to journalists.

29. Reclaim Brand Mentions
    

●      Use tools like Semrush’s Brand Monitor.

●      Turn unlinked mentions into backlinks.

SECTION 6: Local SEO Checklist (if applicable)

30. Google Business Profile
    

●      Optimize for name, category, hours, reviews, photos.

●      Especially powerful for in-person retail locations.

31. Local Directories
    

●      Top: Google, Yelp, Facebook, Apple Maps, BBB, Angi.

●      Ensure NAP consistency.

32. Contact Page SEO
    

●      Add business name, address, map, and opening hours.

●      Helps Google validate your business.

33. City-Specific Landing Pages
    

●      Write unique content for each location.

●      Avoid near-duplicate thin content.

SECTION 7: 2024–2025 Trends (SEO Future-Proofing)

34. Use AI for Content Drafting
    

●      Use ChatGPT or Jasper for first drafts and product descriptions.

●      Always human-edit for tone, accuracy, and EEAT.

35. Diversify Content Types
    

●      Videos, infographics, audio summaries.

●      Target image and video packs in SERPs.

36. Use Influential Creators
    

●      Boost trust via collaboration with niche experts or influencers.

●      Align with Google’s E-E-A-T updates.

37. Improve User Experience
    

●      Focus on site navigation, speed, checkout UX.

●      Better UX = lower bounce rate = higher SEO success.

Final Checklist Summary (Must-Do Actions)

Task	Description	Tools
Google Search Console	Track indexing, errors, rankings	GSC
Keyword Research	Search volume + intent	Semrush, Ahrefs
On-Page Optimization	Titles, meta, headers, schema	Shopify admin + JSON
Speed & Mobile	Performance tuning	PageSpeed, Lighthouse
Content Marketing	Blogs, landing pages, internal linking	Bloggle, Hemingway
Backlinks	Guest posts, unlinked mentions, skyscraper	Semrush, BuzzStream
Local SEO	GMB, directories, local pages	BrightLocal, GSC
Structured Data	Product, FAQ, Review schemas	Schema Plus, Webrex
User Experience	Core Web Vitals, mobile UX	GSC, GTmetrix