Ecommerce SEO Trends to Watch in 2024: Staying Ahead of the Curve

Voice search optimisation: the future of ecommerce SEO

Voice search is becoming a big deal in the world of ecommerce. With the rise of smart speakers like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home, more people are using voice commands to search for products online. In fact, it’s estimated that by the end of this year, 55% of households will own a smart speaker. This means ecommerce businesses need to optimise their websites for voice search to stay ahead.

To do this, focus on natural language and long-tail keywords. People speak differently than they type, so your content should reflect that. For example, instead of targeting “best gardening tools,” you might target “what are the best gardening tools to buy?” This approach can help you capture more voice search traffic and improve your overall SEO.

Mobile-first indexing: why it matters more than ever

Google’s mobile-first indexing means the search engine primarily uses the mobile version of a site for ranking and indexing. With more people shopping on their phones, this shift makes sense. In fact, mobile ecommerce sales are expected to account for 72.9% of total ecommerce sales this year. So, if your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re missing out on a huge chunk of potential customers.

To ensure your site is ready for mobile-first indexing, focus on responsive design. This means your site should look and function well on all devices, from desktops to smartphones. Also, pay attention to page load speed. A slow site can frustrate users and hurt your rankings. Tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights can help you identify and fix issues.

Content is still king: creating valuable content for ecommerce

Content remains a crucial part of any SEO strategy. High-quality, relevant content can help you rank higher in search results and attract more visitors to your site. For ecommerce businesses, this means creating product descriptions, blog posts, and other content that provides value to your customers.

For example, if you run a foodservice wholesale business, you might create blog posts about the latest food trends or tips for running a successful restaurant. This not only helps with SEO but also positions you as an authority in your industry. Remember to use keywords naturally and avoid keyword stuffing, as this can hurt your rankings.

Local SEO: reaching customers in your area

Local SEO is essential for businesses that serve specific geographic areas. This includes everything from retail stores to foodservice businesses. By optimising your site for local search, you can attract more customers from your area and improve your overall SEO.

Start by claiming and optimising your Google My Business listing. This can help you appear in local search results and on Google Maps. Also, include local keywords in your content, such as the name of your city or neighbourhood. For example, if you run a building supplies store in Manchester, you might target keywords like “Manchester building supplies” or “building supplies in Manchester.”

Video content: engaging your audience and boosting SEO

Video content is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s a great way to engage your audience and boost your SEO. In fact, it’s estimated that by the end of this year, 82% of all internet traffic will be video. For ecommerce businesses, this means creating product videos, tutorials, and other video content that provides value to your customers.

For example, if you run an automotive parts ecommerce project, you might create videos showing how to install different parts or showcasing new products. This not only helps with SEO but also provides valuable information to your customers. Remember to optimise your videos with relevant keywords and include transcripts to make them more accessible.

User experience (UX): the key to higher rankings

User experience (UX) is a critical factor in SEO. Google wants to provide the best possible experience for its users, so sites that offer a great UX are more likely to rank higher. This means focusing on things like site speed, navigation, and overall design.

For example, if you run a health and wellness ecommerce project, make sure your site is easy to navigate and that products are easy to find. Also, pay attention to site speed, as a slow site can frustrate users and hurt your rankings. Tools like Google’s Lighthouse can help you identify and fix UX issues.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning: the future of SEO

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are changing the way we approach SEO. These technologies can help you analyse data, identify trends, and optimise your site more effectively. For example, AI-powered tools can help you identify the best keywords to target or analyse your competitors’ strategies.

For ecommerce businesses, this means staying up-to-date with the latest AI and machine learning tools and techniques. For example, if you run a B2B wholesale business, you might use AI to analyse customer data and identify trends that can help you improve your SEO strategy. This can help you stay ahead of the competition and attract more customers.

Social media can play a significant role in your SEO strategy. While social signals (likes, shares, etc.) don’t directly impact your rankings, they can help drive traffic to your site and improve your overall online presence. For ecommerce businesses, this means integrating social media into your SEO strategy.

For example, if you run a homewares and furniture ecommerce project, you might use social media to showcase new products or share customer reviews. This can help drive traffic to your site and improve your overall SEO. Remember to include social sharing buttons on your site to make it easy for visitors to share your content.

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For more information on how to stay ahead of the curve with your ecommerce SEO strategy, contact iWeb today. Our team of experts can help you navigate the ever-changing world of SEO and ensure your site is optimised for success. Let’s work together to transform your digital presence and achieve your business goals.