5 Common Ecommerce SEO Myths to Avoid

Introduction

Ecommerce businesses often rely on various strategies to improve their search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.
While there’s a wealth of advice available, not all of it is equally beneficial. In fact, some commonly dispensed
advice can be misleading or detrimental when misunderstood or misapplied. In this blog post, we’ll explore five
pieces of advice about ecommerce SEO that, while well-intentioned, can lead you down the wrong path if followed
blindly. We’ll shed light on why these notions can be problematic and suggest alternative approaches that can yield
more effective results.

1. Acquiring Your Keywords From Google Ads Keyword Planner

Google Ads Keyword Planner

One common misconception in the world of SEO is that the Google Ads Keyword Planner is the ultimate source for choosing keywords. While it’s true that this tool can provide valuable insights into search traffic, it’s essential to understand
its limitations. Many businesses make the mistake of relying solely on the Keyword Planner to identify their target
keywords. The problem with this approach is that it’s highly likely your competitors are doing the same.

Moreover, as the Google Ads Keyword Planner primarily caters to advertisers, it may not always align perfectly with the
specific needs of your SEO strategy. It often provides keywords with a commercial intent, which may not be the ideal fit
for your content-driven SEO efforts.

Instead of relying solely on the Google Ads Keyword Planner, consider diversifying your keyword research methods.
Explore niche-specific keyword tools and conduct competitive analysis to identify unique keyword opportunities that your
competitors may have overlooked. By incorporating a variety of keyword sources into your research, you can uncover
hidden gems that better align with your content and resonate with your target audience. This multifaceted approach will
not only help you stand out in the crowded ecommerce landscape but also ensure that your SEO strategy is finely tuned to
your specific objectives.

2. Content Is King

The phrase “Content is king” is a well-known mantra in the world of SEO, and for good reason. However, it’s often
misinterpreted as a mandate to churn out an endless stream of blog posts and articles stuffed with keywords. This
simplistic approach can be detrimental to your SEO efforts, as it neglects the importance of creating genuinely valuable
and engaging content.

In the ever-evolving landscape of SEO, search engines have become increasingly sophisticated in evaluating content
quality. Simply peppering your content with keywords no longer suffices to rank well in search results. Instead, search
engines prioritize content that provides real value to users.

Therefore, it’s crucial to take a user-centric approach to content creation. Start by thoroughly understanding your
target audience—grasp their needs, pain points, and preferences. Your content should be a solution to their problems, a
source of answers to their questions, and a provider of valuable insights. When you create content that truly resonates
with your audience, you not only boost your SEO but also enhance your brand’s authority and reputation in your niche.
Quality content remains at the heart of successful SEO, and it’s not just about keywords but about providing real value
to your users.

3. Prioritize Link Building

Link building is undoubtedly an essential aspect of SEO, but it’s crucial to avoid over-prioritizing it to the detriment
of other critical components of ecommerce SEO. Relying solely on link-building strategies can lead to neglecting other
crucial aspects of your online store’s SEO efforts.

Instead of fixating solely on link building, consider adopting a holistic SEO approach that takes into account a broader
spectrum of optimization strategies. While building quality backlinks is important, it should be part of a more
comprehensive strategy. Optimize your ecommerce website by targeting long-tail keywords that are highly relevant to your products or services. Ensure that out-of-stock product pages are seamlessly redirected to appropriate alternatives to
maintain a smooth user experience.

Moreover, keep your new product pages updated and SEO-friendly to maximize their visibility in search results. Don’t
forget to harness the power of user-generated content, such as product reviews, by optimizing them for SEO benefits.
Additionally, invest in improving your website’s technology to enhance its overall performance and user-friendliness.
Eliminate duplicate product descriptions and pages to avoid confusing search engines and users.

Consider exploring a variety of on-page and off-page SEO tactics to strengthen your overall SEO strategy. A well-rounded
approach will not only help you improve your website’s authority through backlinks but also enhance its overall quality,
user experience, and relevance in the eyes of both search engines and your target audience.

4. Eliminate User-Generated Content

While some ecommerce businesses may be inclined to view user-generated content (UGC) as a potential source of harm to
their websites, it’s vital to recognize the substantial benefits it can bring. UGC, in the form of user product reviews,
for example, can be a powerful and authentic source of content that not only adds value to your site but also plays a
crucial role in building trust with potential customers.

Rather than outrightly dismissing UGC due to potential challenges, consider a more nuanced approach. Embrace the
potential of UGC while also taking steps to mitigate associated risks. Encourage customers to contribute content and
moderate UGC to ensure its quality and authenticity. By leveraging positive reviews, testimonials, and user-generated
images, you can enhance your product pages and provide potential buyers with valuable insights and social proof.

User-generated content has the potential to go beyond just content creation; it can also play a pivotal role in
establishing credibility and fostering community engagement. When customers see that others have had positive
experiences with your products and are willing to share their thoughts, it can build a sense of trust and belonging.
Therefore, when managed effectively, UGC can be a valuable asset in strengthening your brand’s online presence and
customer relationships.

5. Emulate Your Competitors

While it’s natural to seek inspiration and insights from your competitors in the world of ecommerce, blindly copying
their strategies can lead to misguided efforts. It’s essential to remember that each ecommerce business is unique, with
its distinct set of strengths, weaknesses, and a target audience that may differ from your competitors’. What may have
worked wonders for one competitor might not necessarily yield the same results for your business, especially if they
were the first to market with a particular strategy.

Instead of simply mirroring your competitors, consider using their strategies as a valuable source of inspiration and
benchmarking. Take the time to analyze both their successes and failures to gain a deeper understanding of what works in
your industry. However, always tailor your approach to align with your specific business goals and the preferences of
your unique customer base.

To truly stand out in your niche and gain a competitive edge, focus on innovation and experimentation. Don’t be afraid
to explore new ideas and approaches that haven’t been ventured into before. By differentiating yourself from the
competition and creating a distinct identity within your market, you can position your ecommerce business for long-term
success and sustainable growth. Remember that while competitors can provide valuable insights, your path to success
should be uniquely your own.

Conclusion

In the world of ecommerce SEO, it’s crucial to approach advice with a critical eye and a deep understanding of your
business’s unique needs. While some common recommendations may have merit, blindly following them can lead you
astray. Acquiring keywords, creating valuable content, optimizing your website, embracing user-generated content,
and learning from competitors are all important aspects of ecommerce SEO. However, it’s essential to apply these
strategies judiciously and adapt them to your specific circumstances. By avoiding these common misconceptions and
taking a more nuanced approach, you can enhance your ecommerce SEO efforts and drive sustainable growth for your
online business.