Are you starting a new ecommerce business and looking for a checklist to SEO proof your business to success, we know and we see that Checklists are one of the easiest and best ways to plan and succeed on any strategy, overcome any problems and achieve goals. So we decided to create a 100 Point Ecommerce SEO Checklist for you and your business divided into various sections to achieve the success for your ecommerce business with continuous effort and tracking.
“SEO in 2024 demands a keen understanding of user intent, AI integration, and immersive content. Future-proof your strategy or risk being left behind.”
Amiit Sharma
On-Page Foundation SEO
1. Keyword Research
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Identify primary and long-tail keywords specific to products.
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Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to find relevant keywords and their search volume.
2. Title Tags
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Include primary keywords in title tags.
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Ensure each title is unique and under 60 characters.
3. Meta Description
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Write compelling meta descriptions with primary keywords
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Write compelling meta descriptions with primary keywords
4.Header Tags (H1, H2, H3)
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Use primary keywords in H1 tags and secondary keywords in H2 and H3 tags
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Ensure proper hierarchy and structure.
5. Product Descriptions
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Write unique, informative, and engaging product descriptions.
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Include primary and long-tail keywords naturally.
6. Image Optimization
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Use descriptive file names with keywords for images.
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Add alt text with primary or secondary keywords.
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Compress images for faster loading
7. URL Structure
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Create clean, keyword-rich URLs.
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Use hyphens to separate words for better readability.
8. Internal Linking
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Link related products and categories to each other
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Use keyword-rich anchor text for internal links
9. Mobile Optimization
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Ensure the website is mobile-friendly.
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Test the site's mobile performance using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test
10. Canonical Tags
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Use canonical tags to avoid duplicate content issues
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Link to the primary version of the page.
11. Schema Markup
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Implement product schema to enhance search engine understanding.
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Add review, price, and availability schemas for rich snippets
12. Load Time Optimization
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Minimize JavaScript and CSS.
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Use efficient caching and a Content Delivery Network (CDN).
13. Breadcrumb Navigation
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Implement breadcrumbs for easy navigation
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Use structured data to enhance breadcrumb visibility in search engines.
Off-Page SEO
14. Backlink Building
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Focus on acquiring high-quality backlinks from reputable websites
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Use guest blogging, influencer outreach, and partnerships
15. Social Signals
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Engage actively on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Share relevant, high-quality content to increase visibility and traffic
16. Online Reviews and Ratings
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Encourage customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, and industry-specific review sites.
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Monitor and respond to reviews to build trust and credibility.
17. Influencer Marketing
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Collaborate with influencers in your niche to increase brand exposure.
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Use influencer content to generate backlinks and social signals.
18. Press Releases
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Distribute press releases for significant business updates or product launches.
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Gain visibility and backlinks from news websites.
19. Forum Participation
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Engage in relevant forums and communities.
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Provide value, answer questions, and subtly promote your products with links.
Technical SEO
20. XML Sitemap
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Create and submit an XML sitemap to Google and Bing.
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Ensure the sitemap includes all relevant pages.
21. Robots.txt
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Configure the robots.txt file to control search engine crawling.
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Block unwanted pages and ensure important pages are crawlable.
22. Site Structure
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Build a logical, user-friendly site structure.
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Use siloing to group related content and enhance relevance.
23. SSL Certificate
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- Ensure the site is HTTPS secured with a valid SSL certificate.
24. 301 Redirects
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Use 301 redirects to handle URL changes or removed products.
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Maintain link equity and avoid broken links.
25. 404 Error Pages
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Create custom 404 error pages with helpful navigation options.
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Direct users back to the main site to minimize bounce rates.
26. Canonicalization
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Ensure canonical tags are correctly implemented to address duplicate content issues.
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Use rel="canonical" to indicate the preferred version of a page.
27. AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages)
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Implement AMP to enhance mobile loading speed.
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Provide a faster and smoother mobile user experience.
28. Structured Data Testing
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Regularly test structured data using Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool.
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Ensure structured data is correctly implemented.
29. Page Speed Insights
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Use Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to identify speed improvement areas.
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Make necessary adjustments to optimize loading times.
Content Marketing
30. Blog Posts
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Regularly publish blog posts with relevant keywords.
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Provide valuable content that addresses customer pain points and interests.
31. Guest Blogging
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Write guest posts for industry-related websites.
32. Publish Case Studies
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Create detailed case studies highlighting successful customer stories.
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Showcase the benefits and unique selling points of your products.
33. Video Content
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Produce product demos, tutorials, and customer testimonials.
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Optimize video titles, descriptions, and tags with relevant keywords.
34. Infographics
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Design informative infographics to explain complex concepts or data.
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Share infographics on social media and relevant blogs for backlinks.
35. Whitepapers and Ebooks
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Offer in-depth guides, whitepapers, or ebooks in exchange for email sign-ups.
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Use these resources to establish authority and generate leads.
36. Content Updates
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Regularly update existing content to keep it relevant and fresh.
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Add new information, refresh outdated data, and revise keywords as needed.
37. User-Generated Content
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Encourage customers to share their photos, reviews, or testimonials.
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Feature user-generated content on your site and social media channels.
38. Content Calendar
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Develop a content calendar to plan and schedule content production.
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Ensure consistency in publishing high-quality content.
39. Local SEO
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Optimize for local searches
40. including "near me" queries and local keywords
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Claim and optimize your Google My Business listing.
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Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) consistency across all platforms.
User Experience (UX)
41. Responsive Design
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Ensure your website is responsive and adapts to various devices and screen sizes.
42. Intuitive Navigation
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Implement a clear and user-friendly navigation menu.
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Use categories and filters to help users find products quickly.
43. Search Functionality
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Provide a robust search feature with autocomplete and filtering options.
44. Customer Journey Mapping
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Design your website to guide users seamlessly from landing pages to checkout.
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Minimize steps and make critical actions (like add to cart) prominent.
45. Readability
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Use a clean design with readable fonts and ample white space.
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Break up text into short paragraphs and bullet points.
46. Call to Action (CTA)
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Place strong CTAs on product pages, blog posts, and landing pages.
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Use action-oriented language that encourages users to take the next step.
47. Checkout Process
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Simplify the checkout process to reduce friction and cart abandonment.
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Offer guest checkout options and multiple payment methods.
48. Customer Support
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Provide easy access to customer support through live chat, email, or phone.
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Ensure prompt responses to customer inquiries.
Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
49. A/B Testing
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Regularly conduct A/B tests on landing pages, product pages, and CTAs.
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Analyze performance to optimize for higher conversions.
50. Heatmaps
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Use heatmap tools like Hotjar or Crazy Egg to understand user interactions.
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Identify areas of improvement for better user engagement
51. Exit-Intent Popups
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Implement exit-intent popups to capture leads before they leave.
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Offer discounts or incentives to encourage conversions.
52. Customer Reviews and Testimonials
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Display reviews and testimonials prominently on your site.
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Use them to build trust and credibility.
53. Trust Badges
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Display trust badges and security seals on checkout pages.
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Make users feel secure about sharing their payment information.
54. Discount Codes and Promotions
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Offer special deals, discount codes, and limited-time promotions.
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Use these to create
55. Loyalty Programs
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Implement a customer loyalty program to reward repeat customers.
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Promote it across your website to enhance customer retention.
56. Personalization
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Use personalization techniques to recommend products based on user behavior.
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Enhance user experience by showing relevant content and offers.
57. Email Marketing
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Capture email addresses through sign-up forms and lead magnets.
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Send personalized emails with product recommendations and promotions.
58. Cart Abandonment Emails
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Send automated emails to users who abandon their carts.
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Include incentives to encourage them to complete their purchases.
Analytics
59. Google Analytics
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Set up and regularly review Google Analytics to track site performance.
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Monitor key metrics like traffic, bounce rate, and conversion rate
60. Search Console
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Use Google Search Console to monitor search performance and identify issues.
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Submit sitemaps and check for errors or indexing problems.
61. Rank Tracking
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Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz to track keyword rankings.
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Monitor changes and adjust strategies accordingly.
62. Heatmaps and Session Recordings
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Use tools like Hotjar to analyze heatmaps and session recordings.
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Identify user behavior patterns and optimize site elements accordingly.
63. Event Tracking
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Implement event tracking in Google Analytics to monitor specific user actions.
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Track actions like button clicks, form submissions, and video plays.
64. UTM Parameters
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Set up goals in Google Analytics to measure specific actions like sign-ups or purchases
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Monitor goal completions to assess performance.
65. Goal Setting
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Use UTM parameters in your URLs to track the source of traffic and campaigns.
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Analyze the effectiveness of marketing activities.
66. Competitor Analysis
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Use tools to analyze competitor strategies and their keyword rankings.
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Identify opportunities and gaps in your own strategy.
Local SEO
67. Local Citations
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Ensure consistent and accurate business information across local directories.
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Use platforms like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Yellow Pages.
68. Google My Business
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Optimize your Google My Business profile with accurate information, images, and reviews.
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Ensure it reflects your brand accurately.
69. Local Backlinks
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Acquire backlinks from - local websites, blogs, and news outlets
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Build relationships with local businesses and community organizations.
70. Local Content
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Create content that addresses local events, news, or topics relevant to your location.
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Use local keywords to enhance relevance in local searches.
71. NAP Consistency
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Ensure that your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) details are consistent across all online platforms.
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Correct discrepancies to improve local search ranking.
72. Local Reviews
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Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google and other local review sites.
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Respond to reviews promptly and professionally.
Social Media Strategy
73. Social Profiles
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Create and optimize profiles on major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
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Use the same branding elements (logos, descriptions) across all profiles.
74. Social Sharing Buttons
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Add social sharing buttons to product pages, blog posts, and other content.
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Make it easy for users to share your content with their networks
75. Engagement
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Actively engage with followers by responding to comments, messages, and mentions.
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Post regularly with a mix of promotional and value-driven content.
76. Social Media Ads
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Run targeted ad campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
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Experiment with different ad formats like carousel ads, video ads, and product ads.
77. User-Generated Content (UGC)
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Encourage followers to share their experiences and tag your brand.
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Repost UGC to build community and authenticity.
78. Social Contests and Giveaways
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Organize contests and giveaways to boost engagement and attract new followers.
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Promote these events across your social media channels.
Advanced SEO
79. Voice Search Optimization
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Optimize your content for voice search by using natural language and conversational phrases.
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Answer common questions and include FAQ sections.
80. Featured Snippets
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Aim to get your content featured in Google’s Answer Box.
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Answer questions concisely and use lists, tables, and bullet points.
81. Long-Form Content
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Create long-form, comprehensive guides and articles.
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Provide in-depth information to establish authority and improve dwell time.
82. Content Clusters
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Build content clusters around core topics.
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Link interrelated articles to pillar content to enhance topical authority.
83. E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
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Establish E-A-T by showcasing credentials, obtaining positive reviews, and ensuring high-quality content.
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Build author pages that highlight expertise and credibility.
84. Link Building Campaigns
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Plan and execute systematic link building campaigns.
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Focus on acquiring links from high-authority domains relevant to your niche.
85. Video SEO
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Optimize titles, descriptions, and tags of videos to improve visibility.
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Create transcriptions and subtitles for better accessibility and SEO benefits.
86. Podcasts and Webinars
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Host webinars and podcasts to engage with your audience.
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Optimize landing pages for these events with targeted keywords.
87. International SEO
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Configure hreflang tags if you target multiple languages or countries.
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Create content tailored to different regions and languages.
Security & Compliance
88. GDPR Compliance
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Ensure your website complies with GDPR regulations if you serve EU customers.
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Implement cookie consent banners and privacy policies.
89. Data Privacy
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Create and maintain a clear privacy policy.
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Inform users about data collection practices and ensure their data is secure.
90. Secure Payments
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Use trusted payment gateways and ensure secure transactions.
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Display security certifications and badges to assure customers.
91. Regular Security Audits
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Conduct frequent security audits to identify and fix vulnerabilities.
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Use tools to monitor and protect against malware and hacking attempts.
Competition Tracking
92. Competitor Content Analysis
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Regularly analyze competitor content strategies.
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Identify gaps in their content that you can capitalize on.
93. Ad Tracking
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Monitor competitors' advertising campaigns.
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Use tools to analyze their ad spend and strategies.
94. Product Pricing Analysis
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Track competitors’ product pricing.
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Use tools to analyze their ad spend and strategies.
Few more ideas
95. Customer Feedback Loop
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Implement systems to collect customer feedback.
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Use insights to improve products and user experience.
96. Affiliate Programs
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Create and manage an affiliate program to increase reach and sales.
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Monitor the performance of affiliates and adjust strategies as needed.
97. Seasonal SEO
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Plan SEO strategies around important shopping seasons like Black Friday, Christmas and other relevant holidays or events.
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Create seasonal content and promotions to capture increased search traffic.
98. Web Accessibility
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Ensure your website meets accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
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Make your site usable for people with disabilities through appropriate design elements.
99. Voice of the Customer (VoC)
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Collect and analyze VoC data to understand customer needs and preferences.
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Use this data to refine product descriptions, website design, and marketing tactics.
100. Regular Audits and Updates
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Perform SEO audits regularly to identify and fix issues.
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Stay updated with the latest SEO trends and algorithm changes to adapt strategies accordingly.
Table of Contents
By following this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure that your e-commerce business is well-optimized for search engines and offers an excellent user experience. This multi-faceted approach will help boost your rankings on Google and Meta, increase organic traffic, and ultimately enhance your online sales and visibility