Running a Shopify store is a bit like managing a bustling little shop in a busy marketplace. You’ve got your products, your storefront, and a sea of potential customers. But how do you make sure people can find your store among all the others? That's where SEO comes in, and, more specifically, finding the right keywords.
In this post, we're going to chat about how you can find profitable SEO keywords for your Shopify store. We’ll cover everything from understanding what makes a good keyword, to tools you can use, and strategies you might consider. Let’s get started!
What Makes a Keyword Profitable?
Before jumping into the search for keywords, it’s helpful to know what makes one valuable. Not all keywords are created equal. Some might bring in lots of visitors, while others may attract those ready to make a purchase.
Here are a few things to consider when deciding if a keyword is worth your time:
- Search Volume: How many people are searching for this keyword each month? High search volume is generally good, but it can also mean more competition.
- Relevance: Does the keyword align well with what you’re selling? If you sell handmade candles, “luxury cars” won’t do you much good.
- Competition: How many other sites are trying to rank for this keyword? High competition can be tough to beat, especially if big brands are involved.
- Commercial Intent: Are people searching for this keyword ready to buy? Words like “buy” or “discount” can indicate strong buying intent.
Balancing these factors helps you choose the best keywords that bring not only traffic but also sales.
Using Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner is a popular tool for finding keywords. It’s free and offers insights straight from the search engine giant itself. But how do you use it effectively for your Shopify store?
First, you’ll need to set up a Google Ads account, which is free. Don’t worry, you don’t have to run any ads. Once you're in, navigate to the Keyword Planner tool. You can start by entering a product or service related to your store.
Here’s a simple process:
- Enter a few seed keywords related to your product.
- Look at the keyword suggestions and check the search volume and competition for each.
- Save the keywords that have a good balance of high volume and low competition.
This tool can be a great starting point for finding keywords that might work well for your business.
Exploring Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are phrases that are generally longer and more specific than your average keyword. They might not have the same search volume as more general terms, but they often have less competition and higher conversion rates.
For example, instead of targeting “candles,” you might aim for “handmade soy candles in lavender scent.” These keywords can attract people who know exactly what they’re looking for, meaning they may be closer to making a purchase.
To find long-tail keywords:
- Use tools like Answer the Public or Ubersuggest to see what questions people are asking.
- Check out forums or social media groups related to your niche for common phrases and questions.
- Leverage Google’s “People also ask” and “Searches related to” sections for inspiration.
Long-tail keywords can be a powerful part of your SEO strategy, especially if you’re in a competitive market.
Analyzing Competitor Keywords
Keeping an eye on what your competitors are up to can offer valuable insights. By analyzing the keywords they're targeting, you might discover opportunities you hadn’t thought of.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Identify your main competitors. These could be other Shopify stores or websites that rank well for your target keywords.
- Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to see what keywords your competitors are ranking for.
- Look for keywords they rank well for but don’t have a lot of competition.
This strategy can help you find keywords you might have overlooked and give you a competitive edge.
Leveraging Google Trends
Google Trends is a fantastic tool for seeing how search interest changes over time. This can be especially useful for identifying seasonal trends or emerging interests in your niche.
Here’s how you can use it:
- Type in a keyword related to your product.
- Set the location to your target market.
- Look at the interest over time to see if it’s increasing or decreasing.
You can also compare multiple keywords to see which one might be more popular. This insight can help you adjust your strategy based on what’s currently trending.
Utilizing Shopify’s Built-in SEO Tools
Shopify itself has some handy features that can help with your SEO efforts. While they might not replace dedicated tools, they can be a great addition to your strategy.
Here’s what you can do:
- Optimize Your Product Pages: Use your chosen keywords in product titles, descriptions, and meta tags.
- Use Alt Text: Add relevant keywords to your image alt text to help search engines understand your content.
- Create Blog Content: Write blog posts around your keywords to attract more visitors and establish authority in your niche.
These built-in tools can help enhance your Shopify store’s visibility without needing to invest in additional software.
Keyword Research Tools to Consider
There are several tools out there besides Google Keyword Planner that can help you find profitable keywords for your Shopify store. Each has its unique features and benefits.
- Ahrefs: Known for its detailed backlink data, Ahrefs also offers robust keyword research capabilities.
- SEMrush: A versatile tool that provides keyword suggestions, competitor analysis, and SEO audits.
- Ubersuggest: Offers keyword suggestions, search volume data, and a user-friendly interface.
These tools often come with free trials, so you can test them out and see which fits your needs best.
Creating a Keyword Strategy
Once you've gathered your keywords, it’s time to create a strategy for how to use them effectively. A well-thought-out plan can guide your SEO efforts and help maximize your results.
Consider these steps:
- Categorize Your Keywords: Group them by theme or product type to keep your content organized.
- Prioritize High-Value Keywords: Focus on those that have the best balance of volume, relevance, and competition.
- Plan Your Content: Decide where each keyword will be used, whether in product descriptions, blog posts, or category pages.
Having a clear strategy ensures that your content remains focused and aligned with your business goals.
Monitoring and Adjusting Your Strategy
SEO isn’t a one-and-done deal. It requires ongoing monitoring and adjustments to stay effective. Keywords that work today might not be as valuable tomorrow, so it’s important to keep an eye on your performance.
Here’s how you can stay on top of things:
- Track Your Rankings: Use tools like Google Search Console to see how your keywords are performing.
- Analyze Your Traffic: Check your website analytics to see which keywords are driving the most traffic and conversions.
- Adjust as Needed: If a keyword isn’t performing well, don’t be afraid to try new ones.
By monitoring your strategy and making adjustments as needed, you can ensure that your SEO efforts continue to bring in profitable results.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right SEO keywords for your Shopify store involves a mix of research, analysis, and a bit of creativity. By understanding what makes a keyword profitable, utilizing the right tools, and creating a solid strategy, you can attract more visitors and, hopefully, turn them into loyal customers.
If you’re looking for a bit of extra help with your SEO efforts, I’d recommend checking out Pattern. We specialize in helping ecommerce brands and SaaS startups grow by driving more traffic from Google and converting that traffic into paying customers. Unlike most SEO agencies, we focus on results and make sure every dollar you invest delivers real ROI. Our team understands how SEO fits into a broader performance marketing system, ensuring that your business grows effectively.