Opencart SEO 2017: Best Practices for Optimizing Your Online Store

Introduction

In today’s competitive online marketplace, having a well-optimized website is crucial for success. Opencart, a popular open-source e-commerce platform, provides a solid foundation for building an online store. However, to drive organic traffic and increase your website’s visibility, it is essential to implement effective SEO strategies.

This article will guide you through the best practices for Opencart SEO in 2017. We will cover various aspects such as keyword research, on-page optimization, technical SEO, and link building. By following these recommendations, you can improve your Opencart store’s search engine rankings and attract more potential customers.

1. Keyword Research

One of the first steps in any SEO strategy is conducting thorough keyword research. By identifying the right keywords, you can better understand your target audience’s search intent and optimize your website accordingly. Here are some tips for effective keyword research:

1.1 Understand Your Target Audience

To select the most relevant keywords for your Opencart store, it is essential to understand your target audience. Consider their demographics, interests, and preferences. Put yourself in their shoes and think about the terms they would use to search for products or services similar to what you offer.

1.2 Use Keyword Research Tools

There are several keyword research tools available that can help you identify popular and relevant keywords for your Opencart store. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Moz Keyword Explorer provide valuable insights into search volume, competition, and related keywords. Utilize these tools to find the most suitable keywords for your website.

1.3 Focus on Long-Tail Keywords

While targeting broad keywords may seem appealing, long-tail keywords often yield better results. These are more specific and usually have lower competition. For example, instead of targeting “shoes,” consider optimizing for “running shoes for women.” Long-tail keywords can attract highly targeted traffic and increase the chances of conversions.

1.4 Analyze Competitor Keywords

Another useful strategy is to analyze the keywords your competitors are targeting. This can give you insights into their SEO strategies and help you identify potential opportunities. Tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs allow you to analyze your competitors’ organic keywords and identify gaps in your own keyword targeting.

By conducting comprehensive keyword research and understanding your target audience, you can optimize your Opencart store for the right keywords. This will lay a strong foundation for the rest of your SEO efforts.

Stay tuned for the second part of this article, where we will delve deeper into on-page optimization techniques for Opencart SEO in 2017.

Opencart SEO 2017: Best Practices for Optimizing Your Online Store (Part 2)

2. On-Page Optimization

On-page optimization plays a crucial role in improving your Opencart store’s visibility in search engine results. It involves optimizing various elements on your website to make it more search engine-friendly. Here are some key on-page optimization practices for Opencart SEO in 2017:

2.1 Optimize Page Titles and Meta Descriptions

Page titles and meta descriptions are HTML tags that provide concise summaries of your webpages. They appear in search engine results and influence click-through rates. Ensure that each page of your Opencart store has a unique and descriptive title and meta description that includes relevant keywords. Use Opencart’s built-in SEO-friendly URLs to optimize your page URLs as well.

2.2 Create High-Quality, Unique Content

High-quality, unique content is essential for both users and search engines. Ensure that each product page and category page on your Opencart store has unique and informative content. Include relevant keywords naturally within the content, but avoid keyword stuffing. Aim to provide valuable information to your visitors and answer their queries.

2.3 Optimize Images and Alt Text

Images are an integral part of any e-commerce website. Optimize your product images by compressing them for faster loading times. Assign descriptive file names and use alt text to provide search engines with context about the image content. Alt text also helps visually impaired users understand the images through screen readers.

2.4 Improve Website Speed

Website speed is a crucial ranking factor and affects user experience. Optimize your Opencart store’s speed by reducing server response time, leveraging browser caching, minimizing CSS and JavaScript files, and optimizing image sizes. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary optimizations.

2.5 Implement Structured Data Markup

Structured data markup, also known as schema markup, helps search engines understand the content on your website better. It provides additional context about your products, reviews, prices, and more. Implement schema markup on your Opencart store to enhance search engine visibility and potentially have your listings appear with rich snippets in search results.

By implementing these on-page optimization techniques, you can improve your Opencart store’s visibility, user experience, and search engine rankings. Remember to regularly monitor your website’s performance and make necessary adjustments to stay ahead of the competition.

In conclusion, Opencart SEO in 2017 requires a comprehensive approach that includes keyword research, on-page optimization, technical SEO, and link building. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can optimize your Opencart store for improved organic visibility and attract more potential customers. Stay updated with the latest SEO trends and adapt your strategies accordingly to stay ahead in the ever-evolving online marketplace.