When dealing with e-commerce sites, it can be difficult to achieve search engine optimization (SEO). This is because most e-commerce sites don’t have a lot of unique, relevant content to generate keywords. Often these sites are simply product and navigational pages with duplicate content. Without searchable content, ranking high on searches can be nearly impossible. So how do you get a higher SEO on your e-commerce sites? An article by Adam Thompson, senior partner at RYP Marketing, gives 5 simple techniques to increase your e-commerce SEO.

His first tip is to write category descriptions. On many e-commerce sites, optimization focuses on keywords from category pages. Thompson points out, however, that most category pages are mostly images and links with little to no descriptions. One way to fix this is to write descriptions or introductory copy for each category that can be displayed before or after the product listings.

Another tip for increasing keyword-targeted content is to write expert product reviews. Writing and publishing reviews that include images, video, detailed product testing and analysis, and other value-added content that shoppers might find useful is a great way to generate searchable content.

Thompson provides other tips, as well as examples of how these tips have been successful. Read the full article to see how you can increase your e-commerce SEO.

Most small-business sites are works in progress – constantly being revised, improved, and updated. So invariably, something is always missing. But some pages are so important that not having them could hurt your bottom line, cost you clients, and even turn away business. A few of the essential pages for a website are: contact us, about us, “gimme” or sign up for more information, site map, and privacy policy/terms and conditions page. 

A website privacy policy, (also know as – terms and conditions or disclosure statement) is often forgotten, but is essential, since it servers a multitude of functions. It is meant to inform the website visitor about what information might be collected on a website, how it will be used, to whom it will be disclosed and other privacy-related issues. Posting a website privacy policy is a sign to the visiting population that you understand privacy concerns and have built your website with this and them in mind. It shows you value open communication about privacy and are willing to articulate and stand by your privacy practices.

This type of statement can help make visitors to your website feel more comfortable and secure. Not only that, but many companies now require a privacy policy before they do business with you. So it might be time to post one.  The Better Business Bureau has a good sample privacy notice on its site for reference. A privacy policy doesn’t have to be prominent in your web design, but should be visible on all pages. Most people look for a link to it from the bottom footer of websites along with your site map.

It’s no secret…We depend on voices of authority for guidance before buying practically anything, and today’s consumers have a wealth of information and choices available at their fingertips. To help buyers make the leap from curious browsers to loyal customers, here’s what they want to know:

• You represent a trusted brand
• You are a knowledgeable advisor and a go-to source of information
• You have your customers best interests at heart

Case Study:

Bell Rock Growers is the pet industry’s pioneer grower and supplier of green nutrition products. The company was the first to distribute live wheat grass to pet stores nationally. Along the way, they realized there was a serious information gap with pet owners.  Many considered wheat grass to be a fun novelty item, but didn’t fully understand the health benefits of including it in their pets’ diets.

To help educate retailers and customers and support sales, Bell Rock Growers worked with Parallel Interactive to develop and market an eBook on the benefits of wheat grass for pets. Key messages from the eBook on the power of green nutrition are also included in their website, ads, press releases, media interviews, trade show booth, store displays, product catalogs, and packaging.   To date, the eBook has received over eleven thousand downloads from Bell Rock Growers’ website, coverage in national trade and consumer magazines and is used as a selling tool with online dealers.

Bell Rock Growers’ marquee product, Live Pet Grass®, has become a leading cat SKU (stock-keeping unit) with major retailers.  They’ve since extended the Pet Greens® products to include a popular line of dog and cat treats and an earth-friendly therapeutic grooming line, all made with nutrient-rich wheat grass.

Want to learn more about the value of thought leadership? Check out the following articles: Why Thought Leadership is Your Most Valuable Asset and Do’s and Don’ts of Thought Leadership Building

In its simplest form, eCommerce, is where doing business meets the Internet. While individual companies and whole industries continue to move toward online eCommerce at their own pace, collectively the future dictates the Internet be integrated, institutionalized and accommodated. ATG, a trusted specialist in eCommerce, has created Optimizing the eCommerece Experience, to help you maximize your eCommerce efforts as you integrate your online and offline sales channels.