Shopify SEO Checklist: How to Optimise Your Store for Google (2025)

Running a Shopify store is one thing — getting it to rank on Google is another.

Shopify makes it easy to launch an online store quickly, but SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is what drives consistent, free, organic traffic that converts.

In this guide, we’ve created the ultimate Shopify SEO checklist for 2025 — covering every step you need to optimise your store for Google, improve your rankings, and grow your sales.

Whether you’re just launching or scaling an established store, this checklist ensures your Shopify SEO is set up for long-term success.

1. Start with Keyword Research

Find the Right Search Terms for Your Products

Before you optimise anything, you need to know what your customers are searching for.

✅ Checklist:

• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest to identify buyer-intent keywords.
• Target long-tail phrases such as “buy vegan candles UK” instead of just “candles.”
• Look at your competitors’ ranking keywords with Ahrefs Site Explorer or SEMRush.

🧠 Tip: Focus on a mix of category-level and product-level keywords for full coverage.

2. Optimise Page Titles & Meta Descriptions

Make Every Page Search-Friendly

Google uses your title tags and meta descriptions to understand your page content. They also influence click-through rates from search results.

✅ Checklist:

• Include your target keyword naturally in the title and meta.
• Keep titles under 60 characters and descriptions under 160.
• Write for humans — not just search engines.

Example:

<title>Buy Organic Coffee Beans Online | Free UK Delivery | YourBrand</title>

👉 Need help crafting the perfect on-page SEO? See our Expert SEO Services.

3. Optimise Your Shopify Site Structure

Logical Navigation = Better SEO

Google loves clean, intuitive site structures. A clear hierarchy helps search engines (and users) find your content easily.

✅ Checklist:

• Keep your structure simple: Homepage → Category → Product
• Use descriptive, keyword-rich URLs (e.g. /shop/organic-coffee-beans)
• Add internal links between related products and blog posts.
• Avoid “orphan pages” with no internal links.

🔗 Internal linking helps distribute link equity throughout your site and improves indexing speed.

4. Improve Your On-Page Content

Write Product Pages That Sell & Rank

Thin content won’t cut it in 2025. Each page should be informative, helpful, and written for both users and search engines.

✅ Checklist:

• Use at least 300–500 words per product page.
• Include features, benefits, FAQs, and usage tips.
• Add unique content — avoid duplicate manufacturer descriptions.
• Use H2 and H3 subheadings with secondary keywords.

🧠 Pro tip: Add an “Our Story” or “About This Product” section for emotional appeal — Google values context.

5. Image SEO

Turn Your Product Images into Ranking Assets

Shopify stores rely heavily on visuals — but large, unoptimised images can hurt performance.

✅ Checklist:

• Compress images before upload (TinyPNG, ShortPixel).
• Use descriptive filenames (e.g. handmade-candle-uk.jpg).
• Add keyword-rich alt text to every image.
• Implement lazy loading to improve Core Web Vitals.

📸 Google Images is a major traffic source — optimising here boosts both SEO and accessibility.

6. Optimise for Site Speed

Shopify Speed = Better Rankings

Speed matters. Google’s Core Web Vitals are a key ranking factor, and fast-loading pages reduce bounce rates and improve conversions.

✅ Checklist:

• Choose a lightweight Shopify theme.
• Remove unused apps and scripts.
• Use Shopify’s built-in caching and CDN.
• Test with PageSpeed Insights and fix high-impact issues.

⚡ We optimise site speed for every client through our Shopify Web Design Services.

7. Set Up Shopify Blog Content

Drive Organic Traffic Beyond Products

Blogging builds topical authority and attracts traffic for long-tail searches (like “best skincare routine for dry skin”).

✅ Checklist:

• Create a content calendar targeting informational keywords.
• Link to relevant products and collections in posts.
• Use your blog to answer buyer questions and comparisons.
• Optimise each post for readability and SEO (H1, H2s, internal links).

📈 Regular blogging can boost organic visibility and brand trust over time.

8. Technical SEO

Don’t Ignore the Backend Details

Shopify handles a lot of technical SEO, but a few tweaks can make a big difference.

✅ Checklist:

• Submit your sitemap.xml to Google Search Console.
• Set up canonical tags to avoid duplicate content.
• Add structured data (schema) for products and reviews.
• Use 301 redirects for deleted or changed URLs.

🧠 Pro tip: Check for crawl errors regularly using Google Search Console.

9. Link Building for Shopify

Build Authority the Right Way

Backlinks are still one of the top ranking factors. Earn links naturally by providing value.

✅ Checklist:

• Partner with influencers or bloggers in your niche.
• Get featured in industry roundups or gift guides.
• Submit your store to relevant directories.
• Create link-worthy content like guides and infographics.

🔗 Learn how our SEO team builds sustainable backlink strategies for Shopify stores.

10. Track, Measure & Improve

Data-Driven SEO Wins Every Time

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Use analytics to see which SEO tactics drive traffic and sales.

✅ Checklist:

• Connect Google Analytics 4 and Search Console.
• Track keyword positions using Ahrefs or SE Ranking.
• Set up conversion goals (add to cart, checkout, etc.).
• Review your data monthly and iterate.

📊 Regular performance reviews ensure your Shopify SEO stays future-proof and profitable.

Conclusion

Shopify gives you a great foundation — but SEO is what fuels growth.

By following this Shopify SEO checklist for 2025, you’ll be equipped to rank higher, attract better traffic, and drive more revenue from organic search.

If you’d prefer expert guidance, our Shopify SEO specialists can audit your store, fix performance issues, and build a long-term SEO strategy tailored to your business.

🟠 Book a Free Shopify SEO Consultation