Your Ultimate Guide to Planning an SEO-Optimised Shopify Website

In the dynamic world of e-commerce, a well-executed SEO strategy is the key to unlocking success for your retail website.

For North East, UK, businesses aiming to stand out and attract local customers, a meticulously planned 12-month roadmap is essential. In this guide, we'll walk you through the crucial steps to take, the considerations to keep in mind, and the strategies to implement for a thriving SEO retail website project.

Month 1-2: Research and Analysis

Keyword Research:

• Identify relevant keywords with a focus on North East-specific terms.
• Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to understand search volumes and competition.

Competitor Analysis:

• Analyse successful local retail websites for insights into their SEO strategies.
• Identify gaps and opportunities in the market.

Define Goals and Metrics:

• Clearly outline your website's goals (e.g., increased traffic, higher conversion rates).
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for tracking success.

Month 3-4: Website Optimisation

Technical SEO:

• Ensure your Shopify website is technically sound, with fast loading times and mobile responsiveness.
• Optimise URL structures, meta tags, and header tags.

Content Optimisation:

• Develop high-quality, engaging content that aligns with your keywords.
• Regularly update and refresh content to maintain relevance.

Local SEO:

• Optimise your Google My Business listing for local searches.
• Encourage and respond to customer reviews.

Month 5-6: Link Building

Local Link Building:

• Acquire backlinks from North East and UK based businesses and directories.
• Collaborate with local influencers and bloggers for outreach.

Internal Linking:

• Implement a robust internal linking structure for improved navigation and SEO.

Month 7-8: Content Marketing

Blogging:

• Develop a content calendar for regular blog posts related to your products, industry trends, and local happenings.
• Promote your blog content through social media channels.

Video Content:

• Leverage video content for product demonstrations, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Month 9-10: E-commerce Optimisation

Product Page Optimisation:

• Optimise product titles, descriptions, and images.
• Implement customer reviews and ratings.

User Experience (UX):

• Enhance the overall user experience with a focus on easy navigation and a seamless checkout process.

Month 11-12: Analytics and Refinement

Analytics Review:

• Regularly review Google Analytics and other tracking tools to assess performance against established KPIs.
• Identify areas for improvement and adjust strategies accordingly.

Social Media Integration:

• Integrate social media channels to amplify your online presence.
• Engage with customers through social platforms.

By meticulously planning your SEO retail website project over 12 months, you set the stage for long-term success in the North East retail market.

Regularly revisit and refine your strategies to adapt to evolving trends and customer behaviours. With a well-optimized Shopify site and a robust SEO plan, your business is poised to attract and retain customers in the competitive North East market.