So, you have finally decided to take your business online. You are all ready with the resources and investment required to set up an e-commerce store on Shopify. But have you strategized about how to attract new customers to your Shopify store? It is probably the most overlooked but ultimately vital factor to consider. What’s the sense of investing a huge amount when you don’t get customers? Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid such unforeseeable situations, and the best one is to hire a Shopify SEO Expert. 

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the highest-result-yielding marketing strategies that focuses on organic traffic rather than on paid traffic. According to recent stats, organic Google search results contribute to around 43% of total e-commerce traffic. Surprisingly, eCommerce SEO  has the highest ROI at 1600% in comparison to paid search. As a productive and highly cost-effective way to attract new customers, most Shopify merchants hire professional Shopify SEO experts to rank their websites on top of the SERP (Search Engine Result Page). 

So, now that you understand what a Shopify SEO expert can do, the most challenging part is hiring them. There might be many concerns—how to find the best Shopify SEO Expert? How to evaluate their expertise? How much do they cost? To help you get answers to all your doubts, we have prepared this ultimate guide that will equip you with enough knowledge to make informed decisions. 

But before that, here are some Shopify SEO Statistics highlighting the need to hire SEO experts: 

• 87% of shoppers tend to start their search for the product online. (Source: Retail Dive)
• Online stores get more than 80% of successful sales. (Source: Shopify) 
• Shopify stores focusing on SEO tend to see a higher conversion rate, with organic traffic converting at 3.6%. (Source: Shopify)
• SEO professionals understand the importance of link building, with 42% dedicating equal time to creating both internal and external links. (Source: Databox)
• Mobile users are a major traffic driver to Shopify stores, with some data suggesting that as much as 79% of traffic comes from mobile devices. (Source: Shopifyandyou)

Who is a Shopify SEO Expert?

A Shopify SEO Expert is a skilled professional specializing in optimizing Shopify websites for search engines. Their goal is to increase visibility, attract more traffic, and boost conversions for online stores on the Shopify platform.

These experts understand the complexities of both Shopify’s platform and search engine algorithms. They use their expertise and experience to implement strategies to improve a site’s ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs). This includes keyword research, on-page SEO, technical SEO, and link building.

Shopify SEO experts also deeply understand e-commerce SEO, which involves unique challenges such as optimizing product pages, managing user reviews, and setting up product schema markup. By hiring a Shopify SEO expert, store owners can ensure their online store is easily discoverable by potential customers. 

Benefits of Hiring a Shopify SEO Expert

The advantages of hiring a Shopify SEO Expert aren’t just limited to increasing traffic on your e-commerce store. There’s more to the story! So, here are some extended benefits of hiring a Shopify SEO expert on your e-commerce business: 

1. Increased Online Presence and Traffic

If you’re worried about why your website isn’t getting anticipated online visibility, you should not take long to hire a Shopify SEO expert. They will significantly improve your website’s visibility on search engines. This is one of the key benefits of hiring such a specialist.

A Shopify SEO professional understands the obstacles preventing your website from achieving optimal results and will address these issues. This ensures that your store stands out when potential customers search for your products or related terms.

2. Enhanced User Experience

SEO is not just about keyword research and creating backlinks; it’s about elevating the overall user experience. A Shopify SEO expert will ensure your store is user-friendly, fast, and optimized for mobile devices.

These improvements make your website more attractive to both search engines and users, reducing bounce rates and increasing the amount of time spent on your site.

3. Boosted Conversion Rates

Enhanced user experience and increased traffic directly lead to higher conversion rates. An expert’s knack for aligning SEO strategies with user intent means that the traffic your site attracts is more likely to consist of individuals interested in your products and ready to make a purchase.

Moreover, optimizations like well-crafted product descriptions and persuasive call-to-action phrases can boost your conversion rates.

4. Cost-Effective Marketing

While SEO does involve an initial cost, it tends to be less expensive than many other marketing strategies over time. Unlike pay-per-click advertising, which stops driving traffic once you cease payments, the effects of a robust SEO strategy provide lasting benefits. A Shopify SEO expert ensures your investment is well-utilized by focusing on high-ROI techniques.

5. Competitive Edge

An SEO specialist can give you a significant edge over your competitors in the fiercely competitive e-commerce landscape. They can help you identify and target niche markets, optimize your products for trends ahead of your competitors, and stay on top of website technology and SEO trends.

How Can a Shopify SEO Expert Help Your E-Commerce Business?

So now that you know the benefits of hiring a Shopify SEO expert, here’s how they can help your business with their expertise: 

1. Tailored SEO Tactics

Every e-commerce platform is unique, and a Shopify SEO expert understands this. They craft SEO tactics that are tailored to your business’s specific goals and objectives. 

This might involve conducting a comprehensive audit of your site to identify existing problems, performing a competitive analysis (CA) to understand your market position, and formulating an adaptable SEO plan that grows alongside your business.

2. Enhancements in Technical SEO

Due to their complexity, the numerous technical aspects of SEO can be challenging and daunting for store owners to manage independently. 

An SEO expert can fine-tune the backend of your Shopify store. This includes enhancing the site’s structure, improving the site’s speed, ensuring your site is easily navigable, and incorporating structured data to aid search engines in better understanding your content.

3. Content Management

An SEO expert adjusts technical parameters and improves content for both search engines and users. This includes refining product descriptions, images, and other elements. 

The process involves optimizing keywords, crafting meta tags that spark user curiosity and drive clicks, and delivering content that brings value to your customers.

4. Ongoing Monitoring and Updates

SEO requires constant observation and modifications based on performance indicators. A Shopify SEO professional uses tools like Google Analytics and Ahrefs to track the effectiveness of implemented strategies, making necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance. 

Shopify SEO professionals stay updated with the latest search engine algorithms and best practices to keep your website competitive. They will inform you if your website needs a redesign to enhance performance, so you don’t have to worry about it.

Types of Shopify SEO Experts

When it comes to optimizing your Shopify store for search engines, there are several types of Shopify SEO experts you can consider. Each hiring option has its own set of pros and cons.

#1. Certified Shopify SEO Experts

These professionals generally hold certifications and demonstrate a proven track record in e-commerce SEO. They possess expertise in various areas, including keyword research, on-page optimization, technical SEO, content creation, and performance analytics.

• Pros: They deeply understand SEO strategies and stay current with the ever-evolving SEO landscape. They can craft personalized strategies that align with your specific business goals.
• Cons: Their services might be more expensive due to their high level of expertise and certification.

#2. Shopify SEO Agencies

These are companies that specialize in providing SEO services for Shopify stores. Apart from SEO, these Shopify app development companies offer comprehensive services, including Custom Shopify app development, Shopify migration, maintenance and support, Shopify theme development, Shopify dropshipping, and System integration.

• Pros: They have a team of experts, which means they can handle large projects and provide a wide range of services.
• Cons: They might not provide the same level of personalized service as an individual expert. Also, their services might be more expensive.

#3. Freelance Shopify SEO Experts

These are individuals who offer their SEO services on a freelance basis. They generally charge $15-$29 per hour. Although they are the most cost-effective option, they might not have the same level of expertise as a Shopify development agency. 

• Pros: They can provide a more personalized service, and their rates might be more affordable than those of agencies.
• Cons: They might not have the same resources as an agency, and their availability could be limited.

How Much Does a Shopify SEO Expert Cost?

The cost of hiring a Shopify SEO expert can vary significantly based on the level of service required. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $200 per hour. However, some experts may offer a fixed price for specific services.

For a basic package, the cost typically starts around $100 per month. If you require additional support or customization, prices may increase.

For small and midsize businesses (SMBs), a comprehensive Shopify SEO campaign should be $5,000 to $10,000 monthly. For enterprise-level Shopify SEO, where you compete against major brands, this can escalate to $20,000 to $30,000 or more monthly.

Investing in SEO may cost you time and effort, but its compounding effect makes organic traffic the best value-for-money channel to produce customers. 

How to Choose a Professional Shopify SEO Expert?

Choosing a Shopify SEO specialist is pivotal to elevate your business efforts. Here are some factors you should consider before choosing a Shopify SEO expert for your business: 

Evaluating their Background and Work History

Examining a prospective Shopify SEO expert’s background and work history is crucial to understanding their abilities. You should:

• Verify that their previous work aligns with your specific niche or industry. A specialist with experience in your sector is more likely to comprehend the unique prospects and hurdles.
• Ask for their portfolio, case studies, or instances of successful SEO projects they’ve managed. This will give you a glimpse into their tactics and the outcomes they’ve accomplished for other clients.

Checking Client Feedback and Reviews

Client feedback and reviews can assist you in your decision-making process. They can help you measure their dependability and reputation. You can contact the agency’s former clients if you have any queries or concerns about their experience.

Understanding their Knowledge of Your Industry

An SEO Expert who is well-versed in your industry will be better prepared to effectively optimize your eCommerce store. They should clearly understand your target audience and industry-specific SEO strategies.

Inquiring about their SEO Approach

They should understand their SEO strategy well, including keyword research, on-page optimization, and backlink strategies. A competent SEO specialist should be able to articulate their methodology in a way that aligns with your objectives.

Discussing Transparency and Reporting

Make sure they provide transparent reporting and regular updates on progress. Effective communication is much more essential for successful SEO collaboration than you might think.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Hiring a Shopify SEO Expert

To fully leverage the advantages of SEO optimization on Shopify, here are some common mistakes you should avoid: 

Overlooking Mobile Optimization

Making your store compatible with mobile devices is crucial for an enhanced user experience and improved ranking. Given Google’s preference for mobile-optimized websites, tailoring your site for mobile usage is essential.

Disregarding Technical SEO Issues

Overlooking technical SEO issues such as crawl errors, slow page speed, and broken links can obstruct your SEO efforts. These issues can also negatively affect the user experience and increase bounce rates.

Undervaluing Content Marketing

You might have surely heard that Content is King, and it holds true in digital marketing. It’s worth investing time and resources in crafting informative, engaging, and shareable content that aligns with your target audience’s interests. But if you overlook this requirement, you might not get the expected results. 

Concentrating Solely on Rankings

While securing high rankings is important, the ultimate objective is to boost revenue and conversions. Avoid becoming overly obsessed with rankings; instead, concentrate on the broader goal of expanding your business.

Best Practices to Follow While Hiring a Shopify SEO Expert

Before choosing a Shopify SEO expert, it is crucial to follow the best practices to ensure everything goes as expected. 

Frequent Updates and Open Dialogue

Keep the lines of communication open to stay updated about the progress and any potential issues. Regular updates ensure that everyone is aligned and ready to make necessary modifications.

Prioritize Long-term Relations

Collaborate with Shopify experts to ensure that SEO efforts are in sync with the overall business strategy. Engage a Shopify specialist who comprehends your brand ethos and long-term objectives to devise a plan that integrates smoothly into your business.

Tracking Progress and Outcomes

Monitor crucial metrics and performance indicators such as keyword ranking, organic traffic, and conversion rates. These factors will help you evaluate the efficacy of your SEO methods or strategies and make data-driven decisions.

Addressing Challenges and Making Revisions

Tackle any obstacles promptly and be receptive to making required modifications. SEO is a dynamic field, and your strategies may need to be upgraded and tweaked in line with search engine algorithms.

Conclusion

It is no wonder how important and effective SEO is for your e-commerce store. Improving your Shopify store’s SERP ranking requires a working strategy to follow. Hiring a Shopify SEO expert is crucial to achieve your business goals. Their expertise and experience help you create expected and measurable results.

As you move onto the next steps, remember that SEO is not a one-off task but a long-term commitment that strengthens your company’s technological base and market standing. With the right expert by your side, you can look forward to improved rankings and a robust online presence that effectively draws in and retains customers. 

FAQs

Does Shopify Offer SEO Services?

Yes, Shopify does offer SEO services. They provide resources to guide you through optimizing your store for search engines. Shopify also offers professional SEO services where you can work with SEO experts to reach more customers.

Is a Shopify Expert Worth It?

Hiring a Shopify expert can be beneficial if you want to expand your online presence. They bring valuable experience and skills to help set up, customize, and improve your store’s performance.

What is the Salary of a Shopify Expert?

The salary of a Shopify expert varies. In the United States, the average salary is around $34,846 per year. However, it can range from $29,408 to $39,877 per year or even higher, depending on the expert’s experience and skills.

How do I Choose a Shopify SEO Expert?

When choosing a Shopify expert, consider their professional experience, work portfolio, client testimonials, pricing, and communication style. It’s also important to clearly define your business needs and objectives to ensure you find an expert whose skills align with your specific requirements.