SEO And Web Design: How Designing Impacts SEO (+ Tips To Improve)

Picture this: You’ve just crafted a stunning E-commerce website, putting the user first in every design decision. But when you eagerly check search engine results, your website is nowhere to be found. On the flip side, you could have gone all out optimizing your site, and hooray! It’s ranking on the first page. But hold on, as soon as a visitor lands on your site, they’re met with a clunky mess that’s impossible to navigate. Naturally, their first instinct is to bolt!

The solution is to find the right balance b/w SEO and web design. In this post, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about SEO website design, along with some top-notch SEO practices to help you strike that balance between the two.

Let’s begin!

What Is SEO Website Design?

SEO website design is the way to make your E-commerce website visible on search engines and give shoppers a good experience. SEO and website design are often seen as two different things, but they are actually very connected. SEO involves optimizing your website so that it appears higher in search results when people search for specific keywords. Website design is about making your website look good and be easy to use.

A good SEO website design will use both SEO and website design principles to create a site that is both visible on search engines and enjoyable for shoppers.

Why Is SEO-Friendly Web Design Important?

An SEO-friendly website design offers a plethora of benefits that you definitely don’t want to miss:

Search Engine Visibility: Google Search Engine has a 95.45% market share in India. A website that is optimized for search engines is more likely to be discovered by users. When your site ranks higher in search results, it becomes more visible to potential visitors. This increased visibility can lead to more organic traffic and, subsequently, more opportunities for conversions.

User Experience: Many aspects of SEO-friendly design, such as fast loading times, mobile responsiveness, and intuitive navigation, also contribute to a positive user experience. When users have a good experience on your site, they’re more likely to stay longer, explore more pages, and return in the future. In fact, 88% of first time visitors are less likely to return to your website, if they have a bad user experience.

Higher Conversion Rates: Effective SEO strategies often align with good design practices, such as clear calls to action (CTAs) and user-friendly layouts. When your site is designed with both users and search engines in mind, it can lead to higher conversion rates, whether that means making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or completing another desired action.

Competitive Advantage: In today’s digital landscape, competition is fierce. SEO-friendly design gives you an edge by ensuring your site meets the standards that search engines value. This can help you outrank competitors and attract more organic traffic, ultimately boosting your online presence.

Long-Term Benefits: SEO is a long-term strategy that continues to deliver results over time. When you invest in SEO-friendly design, you’re making an investment in the future success of your website. Well-optimized sites can maintain their visibility and rankings, even as algorithms and trends evolve.

Cost-Effectiveness: While there may be initial costs associated with optimizing your site for SEO, the long-term benefits often outweigh these expenses. Compared to other forms of online advertising, maintaining a high-quality, SEO-friendly website can be a cost-effective way to drive consistent, targeted traffic.

Cross-Device Compatibility: With the increasing use of mobile devices, having a responsive design that works seamlessly across various screen sizes is essential. An SEO-friendly website is more likely to provide a positive experience on both desktop and mobile devices, catering to a broader audience.

Now that we understand how crucial it is to have a website design that’s good for SEO, let’s look at some effective tips to make your website really impressive.

BONUS: Boost your website’s traffic and conversions with our exclusive E-commerce SEO checklist!

Best Practices To Follow For SEO-friendly Web Design

In the fiercely competitive E-commerce space, standing out is essential. To rise above the rest, here are the SEO website design best practices to follow:

Take Care Of The Fundamentals

DOMAIN NAME & HOSTING

Your domain name is your online identity, and choosing the right one is crucial for branding and SEO. Aim for a domain name that aligns with your business and incorporates relevant keywords. Additionally, opt for a reputable hosting provider to ensure your website performs optimally, offering a seamless browsing experience to visitors.

Example: For an E-commerce website selling handmade jewellery, an ideal domain name could be “craftedgems.com,” which not only represents the brand but also incorporates the relevant keyword “gems.”

ProTip: Don’t opt for a domain name that is too long, complicated, or irrelevant to your business, such as “TheBestOnlineStoreforJewelryBySaraAndMike.com.

One brilliant example here would be that of Lenskart, an eyewear retail chain. The domain name, lenskart.com, is relevant to the product niche, unique, and brandable.

Choose SEO friendly domain name

Source: Lenskart

CRAWLING AND ACCESSIBILITY

To make sure search engines can find your online store, it must be accessible to their crawlers. Use a robot.txt file and XML sitemap to help search engine bots navigate and index your site effectively. Additionally, conduct regular accessibility checks to ensure people visiting your site, including those with disabilities, can access your content effortlessly.

INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE AND STRUCTURING OF WEBSITE

A well-organized information architecture is the backbone of an E-commerce site. Create clear and intuitive categories and subcategories for your products, enabling visitors to navigate through your products with ease. This logical structure doesn’t just make it easier for users but also helps search engines grasp your website’s structure, which can boost how well you rank.

ProTip: Organize your E-commerce site with clear and intuitive categories and subcategories, like “Electronics > Smartphones > Android Phones” for an electronics store. However, be careful not to overwhelm shoppers with too many categories and subcategories that make navigation confusing and convoluted.

Here’s an example from The Souled Store, a leading apparel brand:

Information architecture of the website

Source: The souled store

URL STRUCTURE

Keep your URL structure concise, descriptive, and user-friendly. Short, keyword-rich URLs are more likely to attract clicks and improve search engine rankings. Ensure your URLs reflect the content of each page accurately, making it easier for both shoppers and search engines to understand your site’s organization.

ProTip: Optimize your URLs with relevant keywords, making them descriptive and user-friendly, such as “outdoor-furniture/wooden-patio-chairs” for a furniture E-commerce website. Don’t use generic and meaningless URLs, like “product123” or “item456,” as they provide no context to shoppers or search engines.

Example of good and bad URLs

Mobile-Friendly Design

In June 2023, 75.06% of all online traffic came from mobile in India. This goes on to show that having a mobile-friendly E-commerce website is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. Responsive design guarantees that your website adjusts smoothly to different screen sizes and devices. Search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites, which can lead to better rankings in mobile search results, higher traffic, and improved user engagement.

Let’s take the example of the famous E-commerce giant, Nykaa. Here’s what their desktop version looks like.

Example of website design

Source: Nykaa

This is what their mobile-optimized version looks like, with easy navigation:

Example of mobile optimized website

Source: Nykaa App

Quick Tips:

  • Thumb-Friendly Navigation: Optimize your mobile navigation by placing essential menu items and buttons within easy reach of the user’s thumb. This reduces the need for excessive scrolling and enhances usability.
  • Streamlined Checkout Process: Make buying on mobile easier by reducing the steps and info needed. Let people check out as guests and use mobile-friendly payments for quicker purchases.
  • Clear Call-to-Action Buttons: Use prominent and easily tappable call-to-action buttons throughout your E-commerce site. Clearly label buttons such as “Add to Cart,” “Buy Now,” and “Checkout” to guide shoppers seamlessly through the buying journey.

Improve Page Speed

Nobody likes a slow-loading website, including search engines. The speed at which your webpage loads is really important for how it ranks in search results. Making your E-commerce site faster is a must-do. The ideal load speed is typically 2-3 seconds. Compress images, reduce HTTP requests, and minify code to decrease loading times.

A quicker website makes users happier and lowers bounce rates, potentially boosting your search engine rankings. In fact, the chance of a bounce increases by 32% when a page load time goes from one to three seconds.

ProTip: Implement lazy loading for images and videos, loading content as shoppers scroll down the page, reducing initial load time. You can also limit the number of web fonts and use font subsets to reduce the impact on loading speed.

Make Website Navigation Simple

A well-designed and intuitive navigation system is critical for E-commerce websites. Create a clear and organized menu structure that allows shoppers to find products effortlessly. Don’t give shoppers too many choices all at once, and make sure important pages are easy to find from anywhere on the site.

Let’s take an example of an E-commerce website. Here’s what a bad architecture would look like:

  • Home
  • Shop Now
  • Our Products
  • Deals & Discounts
  • New Arrivals
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
  • About Our Company
  • FAQs
  • Services
  • Portfolio
  • Gallery
  • Terms & Conditions

Now, here’s what a great website optimized for an easy navigation (and some juicy traffic) would look like:

  • Home
  • Shop by Category
  • Electronics
  • Smartphones
  • Laptops
  • Accessories
  • Fashion
  • Men’s Clothing
  • Women’s Clothing
  • Shoes
  • Home & Living
  • Furniture
  • Home Decor
  • Kitchen Essentials
  • Beauty & Personal Care
  • Skincare
  • Haircare
  • Makeup
  • Special Offers
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Notice how, in the former, the lack of clear categories makes it challenging for shoppers to know where to find the products they are interested in, leading to a negative user experience and potentially lost sales.

Improve Readability

High-quality and easily readable content is essential for your product descriptions and other site elements. Ensure that your content is clear, concise, and free from grammatical errors. Engaging and informative content not only helps customers make informed decisions but also positively influences search engine rankings.

It’s crucial to select a font size, typeface, and color palette that optimize legibility and make your content easily digestible. Consider a sans-serif typeface for a modern, clean look, and aim for a font size that’s comfortable to read on various devices.

The color scheme you choose can also affect readability. Ensure a high contrast between text and background to avoid eye strain. Dark text on a light background or vice versa often works well. Keep in mind that consistent typography and a coherent color palette create a more visually appealing and professional impression.

For example, see how wonderfully Juicy Chemistry, a skincare brand, has laid out its core values here.

Improve readability of the website

Source: Juicy Chemistry

Here’s another example from The House of Masaba, a premium lifestyle brand. Notice how the product description is to the point, and covers everything a buyer would like to know about the product.

Provide correct information about the product

Source: House of Masaba

ProTip: Maintain consistent fonts, colours, and styles throughout the website for a cohesive and user-friendly experience.

Target Right Keywords

Perform comprehensive keyword research to pinpoint the most pertinent and effective keywords for your E-commerce site. Concentrate on longer phrases that match your products and what customers are looking for. Integrate these keywords smoothly into your product names, descriptions, and metadata to make sure your site is well-tuned for the right search queries.

Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

  • Long-Tail Keyword Optimization: Target long-tail keywords specific to your products. For example, instead of just “shoes,” optimize for “comfortable running shoes for women” or “stylish leather boots for men.” Long-tail keywords attract more targeted traffic and have a higher chance of conversion.
  • Keyword Mapping for Product Categories: Implement a keyword mapping strategy that aligns relevant keywords with specific product category pages. This ensures that each page targets unique keywords and enhances the overall keyword diversity of your website.
  • User-Intent-Based Keywords: Optimize your content with keywords that align with user intent. Understand what shoppers are searching for and create content that directly addresses their needs, preferences, and pain points.
  • Competitor Keyword Analysis: Conduct thorough keyword research and analyze the keywords used by your competitors. Identify high-value, low-competition keywords that can give your website a competitive edge.
  • Seasonal and Trending Keywords: Stay updated with industry trends and seasonal changes. Incorporate trending keywords into your content and product descriptions to attract seasonal shoppers and capitalize on current demands.

Optimize Images

ALT TAGS

Using descriptive alt tags for your images serves two essential purposes. First, it provides context for visually impaired shoppers, improving website accessibility. Second, search engines rely on alt tags to understand the content of images, potentially leading to higher rankings in image search results.

Here are some examples of good versus bad alt tags.

IMAGE FILE NAMES

Renaming your image files with relevant keywords can have a positive impact on SEO. Avoid generic filenames like “image1.jpg” and instead use descriptive file names that reflect the image’s content. This practice can make your images more discoverable and enhance your site’s overall SEO.

SEO optimize your image file name

SEO Optimize Metadata

Create distinct and captivating meta titles and descriptions for every page on your online store. Well-optimized metadata helps search engines understand the relevance of your content, potentially leading to higher rankings. Additionally, well-written meta descriptions can encourage shoppers to click through to your site, improving click-through rates and organic traffic.

Here’s an example of how Sugar Cosmetics ensures that the person looking for a long-lasting lipstick would find their product by highlighting the same in their meta description.

SEO optimize meta data

Source: Sugar Cosmetics on Google Search

When it comes to meta titles, while it is great to have a short and crisp meta title, it is also important to ensure they are specific, descriptive, and include important details about the products. Here are some examples:

ProTip: Don’t use duplicate or generic meta tags across multiple pages, missing the opportunity to differentiate your pages in search results. Remember, the more unique the content, the more chances of ranking higher on the SERPs.

Make Sure Pages Are Indexed

Ensure that all important pages of your E-commerce website are correctly indexed by search engines. Apply the “noindex” tag to pages you don’t want showing up in search results. This is useful for pages with the same content or pages that show search results within your website. Regularly check for any indexation issues and address them promptly to maximize your site’s visibility.

Here are a few simple tips you can put into action:

  • Canonical URLs: Use canonical URLs to avoid duplicate content problems and consolidate similar product pages under a single preferred URL for better indexation.
  • Structured Data Markup: Add structured data markup (e.g., Schema.org) to product pages for detailed information, improving the chances of rich snippets and better indexation.
  • Avoid Flash and JavaScript: Minimize Flash and JavaScript usage for critical content. Employ HTML for essential components to guarantee effective content crawling and indexing by search engines.
  • Internal Linking Strategy: Develop a strategic internal linking structure, interconnecting relevant product pages and categories to help search engine crawlers discover and index all essential pages.

Follow Web Accessibility Guidelines

Adhering to web accessibility guidelines is not only a moral imperative but also crucial for SEO and user experience. Make sure your website is accessible to all shoppers, including those with disabilities. This not only enhances inclusivity but also reflects positively on search engine rankings.

Wondering where to begin? This can help:

  • Alternative Text (Alt Text) for Images: Provide descriptive and meaningful alt text for all images, including product images and graphics. This helps visually impaired shoppers understand the content of the images through screen readers.
  • Accessible Forms: Design forms with proper labels, fieldsets, and legends. Ensure that form elements are easily navigable and usable with keyboard inputs, making it convenient for shoppers with mobility impairments.
  • Consistent and Intuitive Navigation: Create a clear and consistent navigation structure with intuitive labels. shoppers should easily understand where they are on the website and how to navigate to different sections using keyboard navigation.
  • Accessible Color Contrast: Ensure that text and background colors have sufficient contrast to make the content readable for shoppers with visual impairments. Use tools to check color contrast ratios and make adjustments as needed.
  • Keyboard Accessibility: Test the website’s functionality using only a keyboard, without relying on a mouse. Make sure all interactive elements, such as buttons and links, are easily accessible and operable through keyboard navigation.
  • Captioned Videos and Transcripts: Include closed captions for all videos and provide text transcripts for audio content. This ensures that shoppers with hearing impairments can access the information without relying on audio alone
  • Text-to-Speech Compatibility: Make sure all content, including product descriptions, blog posts, and important announcements, can be easily accessed using screen readers or text-to-speech software.

Practice Internal Linking

Internal linking is a powerful SEO strategy that improves site navigation and search engine understanding of your website’s content structure. Link related product pages and relevant content within your site to guide shoppers to valuable information and improve overall user experience.

For example, notice how Myntra provides a “View Similar” button on all their products. This then leads the user to similar products on the same page, ensuring that the user gets a chance to look at other products. Genius!

Interlink website pages for SEO

Source: Myntra

ProTip: Don’t overstuff pages with excessive internal links or use irrelevant anchor text, which can confuse shoppers and negatively impact SEO.

Kartify: The One-stop Solution To Build A Robust E-commerce Website

With Kartify’s E-commerce platform, you can build SEO-friendly website designs and watch your digital presence and sales skyrocket! We’ve already helped over 200+ D2C brands level up their online game. The best part? Kartify seamlessly integrates with 50+ third-party tools, making managing your E-commerce business a breeze. Plus, our support team is there for you every step of the way, from migration to beyond. You get complete control over your store’s look and feel with our highly customizable, mobile-responsive platform. Rest easy knowing your store and customer data are secure with our top-notch data security measures.

Ready to take your E-commerce game to the next level? Kartify has got your back! Talk to us today.

SEO And Web Design: How Designing Impacts SEO (+ Tips To Improve)

Written by
Tanpreet Kaur
Category
Warehousing
Published on
Aug 31, 2023
Written by
Tanpreet Kaur
Category
Warehousing
Published on
April 5, 2024

Picture this: You’ve just crafted a stunning E-commerce website, putting the user first in every design decision. But when you eagerly check search engine results, your website is nowhere to be found. On the flip side, you could have gone all out optimizing your site, and hooray! It’s ranking on the first page. But hold on, as soon as a visitor lands on your site, they’re met with a clunky mess that’s impossible to navigate. Naturally, their first instinct is to bolt!

The solution is to find the right balance b/w SEO and web design. In this post, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about SEO website design, along with some top-notch SEO practices to help you strike that balance between the two.

Let’s begin!

What Is SEO Website Design?

SEO website design is the way to make your E-commerce website visible on search engines and give shoppers a good experience. SEO and website design are often seen as two different things, but they are actually very connected. SEO involves optimizing your website so that it appears higher in search results when people search for specific keywords. Website design is about making your website look good and be easy to use.

A good SEO website design will use both SEO and website design principles to create a site that is both visible on search engines and enjoyable for shoppers.

Why Is SEO-Friendly Web Design Important?

An SEO-friendly website design offers a plethora of benefits that you definitely don’t want to miss:

Search Engine Visibility: Google Search Engine has a 95.45% market share in India. A website that is optimized for search engines is more likely to be discovered by users. When your site ranks higher in search results, it becomes more visible to potential visitors. This increased visibility can lead to more organic traffic and, subsequently, more opportunities for conversions.

User Experience: Many aspects of SEO-friendly design, such as fast loading times, mobile responsiveness, and intuitive navigation, also contribute to a positive user experience. When users have a good experience on your site, they’re more likely to stay longer, explore more pages, and return in the future. In fact, 88% of first time visitors are less likely to return to your website, if they have a bad user experience.

Higher Conversion Rates: Effective SEO strategies often align with good design practices, such as clear calls to action (CTAs) and user-friendly layouts. When your site is designed with both users and search engines in mind, it can lead to higher conversion rates, whether that means making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or completing another desired action.

Competitive Advantage: In today’s digital landscape, competition is fierce. SEO-friendly design gives you an edge by ensuring your site meets the standards that search engines value. This can help you outrank competitors and attract more organic traffic, ultimately boosting your online presence.

Long-Term Benefits: SEO is a long-term strategy that continues to deliver results over time. When you invest in SEO-friendly design, you’re making an investment in the future success of your website. Well-optimized sites can maintain their visibility and rankings, even as algorithms and trends evolve.

Cost-Effectiveness: While there may be initial costs associated with optimizing your site for SEO, the long-term benefits often outweigh these expenses. Compared to other forms of online advertising, maintaining a high-quality, SEO-friendly website can be a cost-effective way to drive consistent, targeted traffic.

Cross-Device Compatibility: With the increasing use of mobile devices, having a responsive design that works seamlessly across various screen sizes is essential. An SEO-friendly website is more likely to provide a positive experience on both desktop and mobile devices, catering to a broader audience.

Now that we understand how crucial it is to have a website design that’s good for SEO, let’s look at some effective tips to make your website really impressive.

BONUS: Boost your website’s traffic and conversions with our exclusive E-commerce SEO checklist!

Best Practices To Follow For SEO-friendly Web Design

In the fiercely competitive E-commerce space, standing out is essential. To rise above the rest, here are the SEO website design best practices to follow:

Take Care Of The Fundamentals

DOMAIN NAME & HOSTING

Your domain name is your online identity, and choosing the right one is crucial for branding and SEO. Aim for a domain name that aligns with your business and incorporates relevant keywords. Additionally, opt for a reputable hosting provider to ensure your website performs optimally, offering a seamless browsing experience to visitors.

Example: For an E-commerce website selling handmade jewellery, an ideal domain name could be “craftedgems.com,” which not only represents the brand but also incorporates the relevant keyword “gems.”

ProTip: Don’t opt for a domain name that is too long, complicated, or irrelevant to your business, such as “TheBestOnlineStoreforJewelryBySaraAndMike.com.

One brilliant example here would be that of Lenskart, an eyewear retail chain. The domain name, lenskart.com, is relevant to the product niche, unique, and brandable.

Choose SEO friendly domain name

Source: Lenskart

CRAWLING AND ACCESSIBILITY

To make sure search engines can find your online store, it must be accessible to their crawlers. Use a robot.txt file and XML sitemap to help search engine bots navigate and index your site effectively. Additionally, conduct regular accessibility checks to ensure people visiting your site, including those with disabilities, can access your content effortlessly.

INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE AND STRUCTURING OF WEBSITE

A well-organized information architecture is the backbone of an E-commerce site. Create clear and intuitive categories and subcategories for your products, enabling visitors to navigate through your products with ease. This logical structure doesn’t just make it easier for users but also helps search engines grasp your website’s structure, which can boost how well you rank.

ProTip: Organize your E-commerce site with clear and intuitive categories and subcategories, like “Electronics > Smartphones > Android Phones” for an electronics store. However, be careful not to overwhelm shoppers with too many categories and subcategories that make navigation confusing and convoluted.

Here’s an example from The Souled Store, a leading apparel brand:

Information architecture of the website

Source: The souled store

URL STRUCTURE

Keep your URL structure concise, descriptive, and user-friendly. Short, keyword-rich URLs are more likely to attract clicks and improve search engine rankings. Ensure your URLs reflect the content of each page accurately, making it easier for both shoppers and search engines to understand your site’s organization.

ProTip: Optimize your URLs with relevant keywords, making them descriptive and user-friendly, such as “outdoor-furniture/wooden-patio-chairs” for a furniture E-commerce website. Don’t use generic and meaningless URLs, like “product123” or “item456,” as they provide no context to shoppers or search engines.

Example of good and bad URLs

Mobile-Friendly Design

In June 2023, 75.06% of all online traffic came from mobile in India. This goes on to show that having a mobile-friendly E-commerce website is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. Responsive design guarantees that your website adjusts smoothly to different screen sizes and devices. Search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites, which can lead to better rankings in mobile search results, higher traffic, and improved user engagement.

Let’s take the example of the famous E-commerce giant, Nykaa. Here’s what their desktop version looks like.

Example of website design

Source: Nykaa

This is what their mobile-optimized version looks like, with easy navigation:

Example of mobile optimized website

Source: Nykaa App

Quick Tips:

  • Thumb-Friendly Navigation: Optimize your mobile navigation by placing essential menu items and buttons within easy reach of the user’s thumb. This reduces the need for excessive scrolling and enhances usability.
  • Streamlined Checkout Process: Make buying on mobile easier by reducing the steps and info needed. Let people check out as guests and use mobile-friendly payments for quicker purchases.
  • Clear Call-to-Action Buttons: Use prominent and easily tappable call-to-action buttons throughout your E-commerce site. Clearly label buttons such as “Add to Cart,” “Buy Now,” and “Checkout” to guide shoppers seamlessly through the buying journey.

Improve Page Speed

Nobody likes a slow-loading website, including search engines. The speed at which your webpage loads is really important for how it ranks in search results. Making your E-commerce site faster is a must-do. The ideal load speed is typically 2-3 seconds. Compress images, reduce HTTP requests, and minify code to decrease loading times.

A quicker website makes users happier and lowers bounce rates, potentially boosting your search engine rankings. In fact, the chance of a bounce increases by 32% when a page load time goes from one to three seconds.

ProTip: Implement lazy loading for images and videos, loading content as shoppers scroll down the page, reducing initial load time. You can also limit the number of web fonts and use font subsets to reduce the impact on loading speed.

Make Website Navigation Simple

A well-designed and intuitive navigation system is critical for E-commerce websites. Create a clear and organized menu structure that allows shoppers to find products effortlessly. Don’t give shoppers too many choices all at once, and make sure important pages are easy to find from anywhere on the site.

Let’s take an example of an E-commerce website. Here’s what a bad architecture would look like:

  • Home
  • Shop Now
  • Our Products
  • Deals & Discounts
  • New Arrivals
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
  • About Our Company
  • FAQs
  • Services
  • Portfolio
  • Gallery
  • Terms & Conditions

Now, here’s what a great website optimized for an easy navigation (and some juicy traffic) would look like:

  • Home
  • Shop by Category
  • Electronics
  • Smartphones
  • Laptops
  • Accessories
  • Fashion
  • Men’s Clothing
  • Women’s Clothing
  • Shoes
  • Home & Living
  • Furniture
  • Home Decor
  • Kitchen Essentials
  • Beauty & Personal Care
  • Skincare
  • Haircare
  • Makeup
  • Special Offers
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Notice how, in the former, the lack of clear categories makes it challenging for shoppers to know where to find the products they are interested in, leading to a negative user experience and potentially lost sales.

Improve Readability

High-quality and easily readable content is essential for your product descriptions and other site elements. Ensure that your content is clear, concise, and free from grammatical errors. Engaging and informative content not only helps customers make informed decisions but also positively influences search engine rankings.

It’s crucial to select a font size, typeface, and color palette that optimize legibility and make your content easily digestible. Consider a sans-serif typeface for a modern, clean look, and aim for a font size that’s comfortable to read on various devices.

The color scheme you choose can also affect readability. Ensure a high contrast between text and background to avoid eye strain. Dark text on a light background or vice versa often works well. Keep in mind that consistent typography and a coherent color palette create a more visually appealing and professional impression.

For example, see how wonderfully Juicy Chemistry, a skincare brand, has laid out its core values here.

Improve readability of the website

Source: Juicy Chemistry

Here’s another example from The House of Masaba, a premium lifestyle brand. Notice how the product description is to the point, and covers everything a buyer would like to know about the product.

Provide correct information about the product

Source: House of Masaba

ProTip: Maintain consistent fonts, colours, and styles throughout the website for a cohesive and user-friendly experience.

Target Right Keywords

Perform comprehensive keyword research to pinpoint the most pertinent and effective keywords for your E-commerce site. Concentrate on longer phrases that match your products and what customers are looking for. Integrate these keywords smoothly into your product names, descriptions, and metadata to make sure your site is well-tuned for the right search queries.

Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

  • Long-Tail Keyword Optimization: Target long-tail keywords specific to your products. For example, instead of just “shoes,” optimize for “comfortable running shoes for women” or “stylish leather boots for men.” Long-tail keywords attract more targeted traffic and have a higher chance of conversion.
  • Keyword Mapping for Product Categories: Implement a keyword mapping strategy that aligns relevant keywords with specific product category pages. This ensures that each page targets unique keywords and enhances the overall keyword diversity of your website.
  • User-Intent-Based Keywords: Optimize your content with keywords that align with user intent. Understand what shoppers are searching for and create content that directly addresses their needs, preferences, and pain points.
  • Competitor Keyword Analysis: Conduct thorough keyword research and analyze the keywords used by your competitors. Identify high-value, low-competition keywords that can give your website a competitive edge.
  • Seasonal and Trending Keywords: Stay updated with industry trends and seasonal changes. Incorporate trending keywords into your content and product descriptions to attract seasonal shoppers and capitalize on current demands.

Optimize Images

ALT TAGS

Using descriptive alt tags for your images serves two essential purposes. First, it provides context for visually impaired shoppers, improving website accessibility. Second, search engines rely on alt tags to understand the content of images, potentially leading to higher rankings in image search results.

Here are some examples of good versus bad alt tags.

IMAGE FILE NAMES

Renaming your image files with relevant keywords can have a positive impact on SEO. Avoid generic filenames like “image1.jpg” and instead use descriptive file names that reflect the image’s content. This practice can make your images more discoverable and enhance your site’s overall SEO.

SEO optimize your image file name

SEO Optimize Metadata

Create distinct and captivating meta titles and descriptions for every page on your online store. Well-optimized metadata helps search engines understand the relevance of your content, potentially leading to higher rankings. Additionally, well-written meta descriptions can encourage shoppers to click through to your site, improving click-through rates and organic traffic.

Here’s an example of how Sugar Cosmetics ensures that the person looking for a long-lasting lipstick would find their product by highlighting the same in their meta description.

SEO optimize meta data

Source: Sugar Cosmetics on Google Search

When it comes to meta titles, while it is great to have a short and crisp meta title, it is also important to ensure they are specific, descriptive, and include important details about the products. Here are some examples:

ProTip: Don’t use duplicate or generic meta tags across multiple pages, missing the opportunity to differentiate your pages in search results. Remember, the more unique the content, the more chances of ranking higher on the SERPs.

Make Sure Pages Are Indexed

Ensure that all important pages of your E-commerce website are correctly indexed by search engines. Apply the “noindex” tag to pages you don’t want showing up in search results. This is useful for pages with the same content or pages that show search results within your website. Regularly check for any indexation issues and address them promptly to maximize your site’s visibility.

Here are a few simple tips you can put into action:

  • Canonical URLs: Use canonical URLs to avoid duplicate content problems and consolidate similar product pages under a single preferred URL for better indexation.
  • Structured Data Markup: Add structured data markup (e.g., Schema.org) to product pages for detailed information, improving the chances of rich snippets and better indexation.
  • Avoid Flash and JavaScript: Minimize Flash and JavaScript usage for critical content. Employ HTML for essential components to guarantee effective content crawling and indexing by search engines.
  • Internal Linking Strategy: Develop a strategic internal linking structure, interconnecting relevant product pages and categories to help search engine crawlers discover and index all essential pages.

Follow Web Accessibility Guidelines

Adhering to web accessibility guidelines is not only a moral imperative but also crucial for SEO and user experience. Make sure your website is accessible to all shoppers, including those with disabilities. This not only enhances inclusivity but also reflects positively on search engine rankings.

Wondering where to begin? This can help:

  • Alternative Text (Alt Text) for Images: Provide descriptive and meaningful alt text for all images, including product images and graphics. This helps visually impaired shoppers understand the content of the images through screen readers.
  • Accessible Forms: Design forms with proper labels, fieldsets, and legends. Ensure that form elements are easily navigable and usable with keyboard inputs, making it convenient for shoppers with mobility impairments.
  • Consistent and Intuitive Navigation: Create a clear and consistent navigation structure with intuitive labels. shoppers should easily understand where they are on the website and how to navigate to different sections using keyboard navigation.
  • Accessible Color Contrast: Ensure that text and background colors have sufficient contrast to make the content readable for shoppers with visual impairments. Use tools to check color contrast ratios and make adjustments as needed.
  • Keyboard Accessibility: Test the website’s functionality using only a keyboard, without relying on a mouse. Make sure all interactive elements, such as buttons and links, are easily accessible and operable through keyboard navigation.
  • Captioned Videos and Transcripts: Include closed captions for all videos and provide text transcripts for audio content. This ensures that shoppers with hearing impairments can access the information without relying on audio alone
  • Text-to-Speech Compatibility: Make sure all content, including product descriptions, blog posts, and important announcements, can be easily accessed using screen readers or text-to-speech software.

Practice Internal Linking

Internal linking is a powerful SEO strategy that improves site navigation and search engine understanding of your website’s content structure. Link related product pages and relevant content within your site to guide shoppers to valuable information and improve overall user experience.

For example, notice how Myntra provides a “View Similar” button on all their products. This then leads the user to similar products on the same page, ensuring that the user gets a chance to look at other products. Genius!

Interlink website pages for SEO

Source: Myntra

ProTip: Don’t overstuff pages with excessive internal links or use irrelevant anchor text, which can confuse shoppers and negatively impact SEO.

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