The Power of SEO: Why eCommerce Websites Can’t Ignore It

Estimated read time 6 min read

Hey there, fellow digital entrepreneurs of 2023! It’s a wild online world out there, and if you’re running an eCommerce store, you know how tough the competition has become.

With countless choices available to consumers, grabbing their attention is no small feat. That’s where our trusty sidekick, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), comes into play.

In this comprehensive article, I’m going to walk you through why SEO is an absolute must for eCommerce websites, explore the hottest SEO trends, and underline the magic of free organic traffic.

Why SEO Matters for Your E-commerce Dream?

Let’s explore why does it matter:

1. The “Find Me” Factor

Picture your eCommerce site as a hidden gem in a remote forest. Without SEO, it’s like having the coolest products in the world, but no one’s there to admire them. SEO ensures that you’re not tucked away in obscurity but are right there in the spotlight. It’s about showing up when potential customers search for your products, and that means more clicks and potential sales.

A study by BrightEdge found that 53% of all trackable website traffic comes from organic search, which means that SEO is a pivotal channel for attracting potential customers to your eCommerce site.

2. Building Trust and Credibility

In today’s digital age, consumers put their faith in what they see on search engine results. High rankings make you look like the trustworthy friend they’ve been searching for. If your e-commerce site pops up on that first page, users are more likely to think, “These folks must be the real deal.” It’s about building a reputation and instilling trust in your potential customers.

An interesting fact: According to a study by the Search Engine Journal, 75% of users never scroll past the first page of search results. This underscores the significance of securing a spot on that first page through effective SEO.

3. Happy Shoppers, Higher Profits

But SEO isn’t just about technical stuff; it’s about giving your customers a great experience. In the latest SEO trends, it’s all about making your site super user-friendly and lightning-fast. This doesn’t just make search engines happy; it makes your customers happy too. And happy customers are more likely to become paying customers.

A seamless user experience is pivotal, as 88% of online consumers are less likely to return to a site after a bad experience, according to Gomez, a web performance division of Compuware.

Stay in the Game with These Hot SEO Trends

To stay ahead in the e-commerce hustle, you’ve got to be in the know about the latest SEO trends and bring them into your game plan:

1. The Mobile Revolution

Everybody’s glued to their smartphones, and Google knows it. That’s why mobile-friendliness is now a top priority. Make sure your site looks and works like a charm on mobile devices because Google’s paying attention, and so are your potential customers.

Mobile eCommerce accounted for 73% of all online sales in 2022, according to Statista.

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This trend is set to continue, making mobile optimization crucial for your e-commerce success.

2. The Voice Search Adventure

Hey Siri, Google, and Alexa! As voice-activated devices gain ground, you’ve got to optimize for voice search. Think conversational keywords and create content that answers the questions people might ask through voice commands. It’s all about getting chatty with your customers.

According to a survey by NPR and Edison Research, 65% of smart speaker owners say they wouldn’t want to go back to life without their voice-activated assistants.

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That’s a growing audience you can’t afford to ignore.

3. Lights, Camera, SEO!

Video is all the rage, and Google’s taken notice. Get creative with your video content, sprinkle in some relevant keywords, and don’t forget those video transcripts. Video-rich snippets can help catapult your rankings and make you a star in the SEO game.

A report by Cisco predicts that by 2022, online videos will make up more than 82% of all consumer internet traffic.

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Embracing video SEO is not just a trend; it’s a necessity.

4. Don’t Forget the Locals

If you’ve got brick-and-mortar stores or serve specific areas, local SEO is your best friend. It’s all about putting your business on the local map by using location-specific keywords, setting up Google My Business listings, and getting those glowing customer reviews.

According to Google, 46% of all searches have a local intent.

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Optimizing for local search can give your ecommerce business a significant edge in your area.

The Goldmine of Free Organic Traffic

What’s the big deal with SEO? Well, apart from making your site look cool and trustworthy, it’s about grabbing that pot of gold called “free organic traffic.”

Unlike paid ads that gulp down your budget, organic traffic is like a gift that keeps on giving. Once your site ranks well for the right keywords, you’re in for a steady stream of visitors without the constant advertising expense. That means more money in your pocket to invest in making your products even better.

To further emphasize the importance of free organic traffic, consider this: A survey by SparkToro and Jumpshot found that 65% of all Google searches resulted in zero clicks in 2020, as users found what they needed directly on the search engine results page.

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SEO isn’t just about getting clicks; it’s about providing the information your audience seeks, right on the search results page.

The Content Connection

One crucial aspect of SEO often underestimated is content. High-quality, relevant content is the backbone of a successful SEO strategy. Search engines like Google value fresh, informative, and engaging content that answers the needs of users. Whether it’s product descriptions, blog posts, or how-to guides, content plays a significant role in boosting your rankings.

A Content Marketing Institute study found that 72% of B2C marketers think content is the most effective SEO tactic.

Therefore, investing in content creation and optimization should be a top priority in your SEO strategy.

The SEO Learning Curve

It’s important to note that SEO is not a set-and-forget strategy. The algorithms that search engines use are constantly evolving, which means your SEO efforts must adapt as well. Regularly updating your content, keeping up with the latest trends, and monitoring your site’s performance are all part of the ongoing SEO learning curve.

Conclusion

So there you have it, SEO is not just a buzzword; it’s your secret weapon in the ecommerce arena of 2023. By focusing on visibility, trust, customer experience, and staying updated with the latest SEO trends, you can harness the full power of SEO and set your online store on the path to success.

If you haven’t jumped on the SEO bandwagon yet, now’s the perfect time to get started and ensure your ecommerce store shines brightly in the crowded online marketplace. Happy SEO adventures!