Comprehensive guide to e-commerce search engine optimization - Guest writer: Jussi Viljanen

Comprehensive guide to e-commerce search engine optimization - Guest writer: Jussi Viljanen

Search engine optimization (SEO) for online stores is a key part of digital customer acquisition, and it can systematically improve the organic visibility of online shops on Google and other search engines. In this article, SEO consultant Jussi Viljanen discusses how search engine optimization is carried out in online stores, what its main areas are - and how the choice of e-commerce platform can affect the success of the entire optimization.

Comprehensive guide to e-commerce search engine optimization - Guest writer: Jussi Viljanen

Comprehensive guide to e-commerce search engine optimization - Guest writer: Jussi Viljanen

Search engine optimization (SEO) for online stores is a key part of digital customer acquisition, and it can systematically improve the organic visibility of online shops on Google and other search engines. In this article, SEO consultant Jussi Viljanen discusses how search engine optimization is carried out in online stores, what its main areas are - and how the choice of e-commerce platform can affect the success of the entire optimization.

Jussi Viljanen

SEO consultant

5

min read

5.5.2025

E-commerce search engine optimization guide
E-commerce search engine optimization guide
E-commerce search engine optimization guide

SEO Expert Tips for E-commerce Search Engine Optimization

This article is part of the AI Commerce e-commerce platform's three-part series on search engine optimization for online shops. The article was written by SEO consultant Jussi Viljanen.

Second part: Search Engine Optimization for E-commerce Product Pages

The Importance of Search Engine Optimization for Online Shops

E-commerce and shopping online is part of today's consumers' everyday life. According to the domestic e-commerce payment service Paytrail's, 2025 report, even 90% of Finns reported making purchases online in the last 28 days. 

Knowing that most of these buyers start their purchasing processes through search engines, the role of SEO in e-commerce becomes very significant. If you are not visible in search engines, you miss out on the best customer traffic.

Search engine optimization and the resulting organic traffic offer several significant advantages for online shops:

  • Cost-effectiveness: Compared to paid advertising, SEO provides long-term visibility without paying separately for visitors

  • Continuity: A well-optimized online shop can receive traffic continuously and for a long time

  • Ready-to-buy customers: SEO reaches customers precisely when they are searching for products and are ready to buy

  • Scalability: The more traffic you receive and for a longer duration, the lower the cost per customer

  • Trust: Organic search results often evoke more trust than paid advertisements

SEO Expert Tips for E-commerce Search Engine Optimization

This article is part of the AI Commerce e-commerce platform's three-part series on search engine optimization for online shops. The article was written by SEO consultant Jussi Viljanen.

Second part: Search Engine Optimization for E-commerce Product Pages

The Importance of Search Engine Optimization for Online Shops

E-commerce and shopping online is part of today's consumers' everyday life. According to the domestic e-commerce payment service Paytrail's, 2025 report, even 90% of Finns reported making purchases online in the last 28 days. 

Knowing that most of these buyers start their purchasing processes through search engines, the role of SEO in e-commerce becomes very significant. If you are not visible in search engines, you miss out on the best customer traffic.

Search engine optimization and the resulting organic traffic offer several significant advantages for online shops:

  • Cost-effectiveness: Compared to paid advertising, SEO provides long-term visibility without paying separately for visitors

  • Continuity: A well-optimized online shop can receive traffic continuously and for a long time

  • Ready-to-buy customers: SEO reaches customers precisely when they are searching for products and are ready to buy

  • Scalability: The more traffic you receive and for a longer duration, the lower the cost per customer

  • Trust: Organic search results often evoke more trust than paid advertisements

SEO Expert Tips for E-commerce Search Engine Optimization

This article is part of the AI Commerce e-commerce platform's three-part series on search engine optimization for online shops. The article was written by SEO consultant Jussi Viljanen.

Second part: Search Engine Optimization for E-commerce Product Pages

The Importance of Search Engine Optimization for Online Shops

E-commerce and shopping online is part of today's consumers' everyday life. According to the domestic e-commerce payment service Paytrail's, 2025 report, even 90% of Finns reported making purchases online in the last 28 days. 

Knowing that most of these buyers start their purchasing processes through search engines, the role of SEO in e-commerce becomes very significant. If you are not visible in search engines, you miss out on the best customer traffic.

Search engine optimization and the resulting organic traffic offer several significant advantages for online shops:

  • Cost-effectiveness: Compared to paid advertising, SEO provides long-term visibility without paying separately for visitors

  • Continuity: A well-optimized online shop can receive traffic continuously and for a long time

  • Ready-to-buy customers: SEO reaches customers precisely when they are searching for products and are ready to buy

  • Scalability: The more traffic you receive and for a longer duration, the lower the cost per customer

  • Trust: Organic search results often evoke more trust than paid advertisements

Where can the online store appear in Google search results?

The Google search results page is full of opportunities for online stores. Nowadays, it is much more than just a traditional list of links to different sites. 

Visibility can be gained from many different elements through which you can reach customers.

Organic search results

Traditional organic search results are still the core of search results in Finland and a good way to get traffic to a web store. Organic search results are the usual links to different pages that Google shows based on its own algorithm and what pages it sees as the best fit for different search terms.

The search results page itself and organic results can vary depending on the type of content. Google displays organic results slightly differently depending on whether it is a product page, a category page, a blog post, or something else. 

 Googlen orgaaniset hakutulokset

How to enrich your own search results?

Organic results do not necessarily have to be just boring links. By enriching them with different information, such as product price information, reviews, availability, and others, your own results can become much more visible, informative, and distinctive.

Getting enriched results requires adding structured data to the web store pages, i.e., Schema markup. Schema is HTML code that can be added to any page. With Schema, various information about the content can directly communicate with the search engine without the search engine having to figure out what each part of the page means.

By using, for example, Product Schema markup on product pages, you can provide different information about products and obtain enriched search results. There are several different schemas for various purposes.

In a highly competitive market, it is advisable to utilize all available means. This way, you can stand out from competitors and increase visitors to your own online store.

Googlen rikastetut hakutulokset

Image search

Google's image search is often an overlooked place, but especially for online stores, it is an important and highly potential source of traffic and visibility. By optimizing the product images of the online store, the images can rank high in image search and come up specifically for those customers who start looking for information and products by viewing images.

Google also displays image search in its own section, but it also boosts image search results among the usual search results. By ensuring that your product images are of high quality, have appropriate file names, alt texts, and are structured correctly on the page, you can improve your visibility in image search and direct traffic straight to your product pages.

Googlen kuvahaku tulokset

Product listings

Among the search results, Google often highlights product listings, where you can showcase your product with the product image, name, price information, and, for example, review information. This element is similar to the search results page as seen in Google Shopping ads. The only difference is that you do not pay separately for these spots, but rather receive them organically.

When your product pages are well-structured with diverse and clear information and make use of schema markup or structured data, you can get your products into this section. 

The entire section is visually very distinctive and eye-catching among the search results, making it an effective place to attract visitors to your product pages.

Googlen tuotelistaukset

Video results

Google continues to show more and more videos, especially YouTube videos, in search results. An online store can indirectly gain visibility this way and highlight its brand and company. 

The online store can, for example, create demonstration videos, comparisons, or instruction videos about its products that can become part of the search results.

People also ask - section

Almost all search results have a "People also ask" or "People Also Ask" section, where Google shows anticipated or previously asked questions related to the topic. By clicking on a question, you get an answer extracted from some website. This website could be your online store if it thoroughly addresses and answers questions that concern customers.

By addressing recurring questions in this section within the online store's blog articles or elsewhere, there is a good opportunity to be part of this section as well. By adding frequently asked questions, or FAQ sections, to your content, you also improve the chances of getting your content into this section.

Googlen ihmiset kysyvät myös osio

Paid advertisements

Although paid advertisements, or Google Ads, are not directly part of search engine optimization (SEO), they are an essential part of a comprehensive digital marketing strategy and a way to quickly gain visibility at the top of Google's search results page. 

SEO focuses on organic (free) traffic, but paid advertising can also provide a way to increase sales. Often, coordinating search engine optimization with advertising is a good and effective strategy for online stores.

Google Ads mainokset hakutuloksissa

The Google search results page is full of opportunities for online stores. Nowadays, it is much more than just a traditional list of links to different sites. 

Visibility can be gained from many different elements through which you can reach customers.

Organic search results

Traditional organic search results are still the core of search results in Finland and a good way to get traffic to a web store. Organic search results are the usual links to different pages that Google shows based on its own algorithm and what pages it sees as the best fit for different search terms.

The search results page itself and organic results can vary depending on the type of content. Google displays organic results slightly differently depending on whether it is a product page, a category page, a blog post, or something else. 

 Googlen orgaaniset hakutulokset

How to enrich your own search results?

Organic results do not necessarily have to be just boring links. By enriching them with different information, such as product price information, reviews, availability, and others, your own results can become much more visible, informative, and distinctive.

Getting enriched results requires adding structured data to the web store pages, i.e., Schema markup. Schema is HTML code that can be added to any page. With Schema, various information about the content can directly communicate with the search engine without the search engine having to figure out what each part of the page means.

By using, for example, Product Schema markup on product pages, you can provide different information about products and obtain enriched search results. There are several different schemas for various purposes.

In a highly competitive market, it is advisable to utilize all available means. This way, you can stand out from competitors and increase visitors to your own online store.

Googlen rikastetut hakutulokset

Image search

Google's image search is often an overlooked place, but especially for online stores, it is an important and highly potential source of traffic and visibility. By optimizing the product images of the online store, the images can rank high in image search and come up specifically for those customers who start looking for information and products by viewing images.

Google also displays image search in its own section, but it also boosts image search results among the usual search results. By ensuring that your product images are of high quality, have appropriate file names, alt texts, and are structured correctly on the page, you can improve your visibility in image search and direct traffic straight to your product pages.

Googlen kuvahaku tulokset

Product listings

Among the search results, Google often highlights product listings, where you can showcase your product with the product image, name, price information, and, for example, review information. This element is similar to the search results page as seen in Google Shopping ads. The only difference is that you do not pay separately for these spots, but rather receive them organically.

When your product pages are well-structured with diverse and clear information and make use of schema markup or structured data, you can get your products into this section. 

The entire section is visually very distinctive and eye-catching among the search results, making it an effective place to attract visitors to your product pages.

Googlen tuotelistaukset

Video results

Google continues to show more and more videos, especially YouTube videos, in search results. An online store can indirectly gain visibility this way and highlight its brand and company. 

The online store can, for example, create demonstration videos, comparisons, or instruction videos about its products that can become part of the search results.

People also ask - section

Almost all search results have a "People also ask" or "People Also Ask" section, where Google shows anticipated or previously asked questions related to the topic. By clicking on a question, you get an answer extracted from some website. This website could be your online store if it thoroughly addresses and answers questions that concern customers.

By addressing recurring questions in this section within the online store's blog articles or elsewhere, there is a good opportunity to be part of this section as well. By adding frequently asked questions, or FAQ sections, to your content, you also improve the chances of getting your content into this section.

Googlen ihmiset kysyvät myös osio

Paid advertisements

Although paid advertisements, or Google Ads, are not directly part of search engine optimization (SEO), they are an essential part of a comprehensive digital marketing strategy and a way to quickly gain visibility at the top of Google's search results page. 

SEO focuses on organic (free) traffic, but paid advertising can also provide a way to increase sales. Often, coordinating search engine optimization with advertising is a good and effective strategy for online stores.

Google Ads mainokset hakutuloksissa

The Google search results page is full of opportunities for online stores. Nowadays, it is much more than just a traditional list of links to different sites. 

Visibility can be gained from many different elements through which you can reach customers.

Organic search results

Traditional organic search results are still the core of search results in Finland and a good way to get traffic to a web store. Organic search results are the usual links to different pages that Google shows based on its own algorithm and what pages it sees as the best fit for different search terms.

The search results page itself and organic results can vary depending on the type of content. Google displays organic results slightly differently depending on whether it is a product page, a category page, a blog post, or something else. 

 Googlen orgaaniset hakutulokset

How to enrich your own search results?

Organic results do not necessarily have to be just boring links. By enriching them with different information, such as product price information, reviews, availability, and others, your own results can become much more visible, informative, and distinctive.

Getting enriched results requires adding structured data to the web store pages, i.e., Schema markup. Schema is HTML code that can be added to any page. With Schema, various information about the content can directly communicate with the search engine without the search engine having to figure out what each part of the page means.

By using, for example, Product Schema markup on product pages, you can provide different information about products and obtain enriched search results. There are several different schemas for various purposes.

In a highly competitive market, it is advisable to utilize all available means. This way, you can stand out from competitors and increase visitors to your own online store.

Googlen rikastetut hakutulokset

Image search

Google's image search is often an overlooked place, but especially for online stores, it is an important and highly potential source of traffic and visibility. By optimizing the product images of the online store, the images can rank high in image search and come up specifically for those customers who start looking for information and products by viewing images.

Google also displays image search in its own section, but it also boosts image search results among the usual search results. By ensuring that your product images are of high quality, have appropriate file names, alt texts, and are structured correctly on the page, you can improve your visibility in image search and direct traffic straight to your product pages.

Googlen kuvahaku tulokset

Product listings

Among the search results, Google often highlights product listings, where you can showcase your product with the product image, name, price information, and, for example, review information. This element is similar to the search results page as seen in Google Shopping ads. The only difference is that you do not pay separately for these spots, but rather receive them organically.

When your product pages are well-structured with diverse and clear information and make use of schema markup or structured data, you can get your products into this section. 

The entire section is visually very distinctive and eye-catching among the search results, making it an effective place to attract visitors to your product pages.

Googlen tuotelistaukset

Video results

Google continues to show more and more videos, especially YouTube videos, in search results. An online store can indirectly gain visibility this way and highlight its brand and company. 

The online store can, for example, create demonstration videos, comparisons, or instruction videos about its products that can become part of the search results.

People also ask - section

Almost all search results have a "People also ask" or "People Also Ask" section, where Google shows anticipated or previously asked questions related to the topic. By clicking on a question, you get an answer extracted from some website. This website could be your online store if it thoroughly addresses and answers questions that concern customers.

By addressing recurring questions in this section within the online store's blog articles or elsewhere, there is a good opportunity to be part of this section as well. By adding frequently asked questions, or FAQ sections, to your content, you also improve the chances of getting your content into this section.

Googlen ihmiset kysyvät myös osio

Paid advertisements

Although paid advertisements, or Google Ads, are not directly part of search engine optimization (SEO), they are an essential part of a comprehensive digital marketing strategy and a way to quickly gain visibility at the top of Google's search results page. 

SEO focuses on organic (free) traffic, but paid advertising can also provide a way to increase sales. Often, coordinating search engine optimization with advertising is a good and effective strategy for online stores.

Google Ads mainokset hakutuloksissa

Aspects of e-commerce SEO

E-commerce SEO, like all search engine optimization, is based on three main components:

  • Internal optimization: refers to optimizing the content of the e-commerce site for both search engines and users

  • Technical optimization: refers to ensuring the technical functionality and search engine friendliness of the e-commerce site

  • External optimization: refers to the external signals of the e-commerce site, such as links and mentions from other sites

Each of these components is important if the rankings of the e-commerce site in Google and other search engines are to be sustainably improved. A strong technical foundation, quality content targeted at the right keywords, and especially a more comprehensive link profile compared to competitors form a whole that has excellent chances of succeeding.

Next, let's go through the most important factors affecting each component in more detail.

E-commerce SEO, like all search engine optimization, is based on three main components:

  • Internal optimization: refers to optimizing the content of the e-commerce site for both search engines and users

  • Technical optimization: refers to ensuring the technical functionality and search engine friendliness of the e-commerce site

  • External optimization: refers to the external signals of the e-commerce site, such as links and mentions from other sites

Each of these components is important if the rankings of the e-commerce site in Google and other search engines are to be sustainably improved. A strong technical foundation, quality content targeted at the right keywords, and especially a more comprehensive link profile compared to competitors form a whole that has excellent chances of succeeding.

Next, let's go through the most important factors affecting each component in more detail.

E-commerce SEO, like all search engine optimization, is based on three main components:

  • Internal optimization: refers to optimizing the content of the e-commerce site for both search engines and users

  • Technical optimization: refers to ensuring the technical functionality and search engine friendliness of the e-commerce site

  • External optimization: refers to the external signals of the e-commerce site, such as links and mentions from other sites

Each of these components is important if the rankings of the e-commerce site in Google and other search engines are to be sustainably improved. A strong technical foundation, quality content targeted at the right keywords, and especially a more comprehensive link profile compared to competitors form a whole that has excellent chances of succeeding.

Next, let's go through the most important factors affecting each component in more detail.

Ensure visibility with the right keywords

Keywords are the cornerstone of search engine optimization and the foundation of online store visibility. Keywords refer to the search terms that potential customers use to find your products and services in search engines. 

Identifying the right keywords and strategically using them on your website largely determines whether customers will find your online store. A successful keyword strategy is based on careful research, analysis, and continuous optimization.

Keyword Research

Keyword research forms the foundation for search engine optimization. It helps you discover which search terms potential customers use to find your products. Keyword research, among other things:

  • Reveals what terms potential customers are using

  • Helps find search terms that competitors have not yet exploited

  • Allows for the creation of a fact-based SEO strategy - no guesses

  • Guides content creation for the online store at various stages of the buying process

It is advisable to choose one main keyword for each page of the online store, but also to include variations of the keyword, synonyms, and semantically related terms.

Investing in keyword research is worthwhile, and there are several tools available for this purpose. You can find some comprehensive paid tools, but there are also free ones that can help you get a good start.

AI applications can also assist in finding suitable terms, phrases, and perspectives to use in your content.

Paid Tools:

  • Semrush

  • Ahrefs

  • Moz

  • SE Ranking

Free Tools:

  • Google's keyword suggestions

  • Google Search Console

  • Google Keyword Planner

  • Google Trends

Popular AI Applications:

  • ChatGPT

  • Claude

  • Google Gemini

  • Perplexity

Content Plan Based on Keyword Research

Based on keyword research, the entire content plan for the online store can be tailored. Effective search engine optimization combined with effective content marketing takes into account the customer’s buying journey and the different stages of customers along it. 

Not all potential customers are equally ready to buy, as some are just looking for information, comparing prices, while others may be ready to make a purchase right away. Keyword research provides valuable information on what customers at different stages are searching for in search engines. Based on this, different types of content can be created for the online store, such as:

  • Product Pages: Targeted at specific product searches, such as "iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB"

  • Category Pages: Reaching more general product category searches, such as "smartphones" or "women's winter jackets"

  • Blogs and Articles: Ideal for informative keywords and awareness stage seekers

  • Guides: Suitable for more complex topics and "how-to" questions

  • FAQ Pages: Targeting direct questions

  • Comparison Pages: Answering "vs." and "best" type searches

Ready-to-buy customers often search for typical terms related to product and category pages. However, successful online stores also create quality articles and guides, which can convert less willing buyers into purchasers. 

Keywords are the cornerstone of search engine optimization and the foundation of online store visibility. Keywords refer to the search terms that potential customers use to find your products and services in search engines. 

Identifying the right keywords and strategically using them on your website largely determines whether customers will find your online store. A successful keyword strategy is based on careful research, analysis, and continuous optimization.

Keyword Research

Keyword research forms the foundation for search engine optimization. It helps you discover which search terms potential customers use to find your products. Keyword research, among other things:

  • Reveals what terms potential customers are using

  • Helps find search terms that competitors have not yet exploited

  • Allows for the creation of a fact-based SEO strategy - no guesses

  • Guides content creation for the online store at various stages of the buying process

It is advisable to choose one main keyword for each page of the online store, but also to include variations of the keyword, synonyms, and semantically related terms.

Investing in keyword research is worthwhile, and there are several tools available for this purpose. You can find some comprehensive paid tools, but there are also free ones that can help you get a good start.

AI applications can also assist in finding suitable terms, phrases, and perspectives to use in your content.

Paid Tools:

  • Semrush

  • Ahrefs

  • Moz

  • SE Ranking

Free Tools:

  • Google's keyword suggestions

  • Google Search Console

  • Google Keyword Planner

  • Google Trends

Popular AI Applications:

  • ChatGPT

  • Claude

  • Google Gemini

  • Perplexity

Content Plan Based on Keyword Research

Based on keyword research, the entire content plan for the online store can be tailored. Effective search engine optimization combined with effective content marketing takes into account the customer’s buying journey and the different stages of customers along it. 

Not all potential customers are equally ready to buy, as some are just looking for information, comparing prices, while others may be ready to make a purchase right away. Keyword research provides valuable information on what customers at different stages are searching for in search engines. Based on this, different types of content can be created for the online store, such as:

  • Product Pages: Targeted at specific product searches, such as "iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB"

  • Category Pages: Reaching more general product category searches, such as "smartphones" or "women's winter jackets"

  • Blogs and Articles: Ideal for informative keywords and awareness stage seekers

  • Guides: Suitable for more complex topics and "how-to" questions

  • FAQ Pages: Targeting direct questions

  • Comparison Pages: Answering "vs." and "best" type searches

Ready-to-buy customers often search for typical terms related to product and category pages. However, successful online stores also create quality articles and guides, which can convert less willing buyers into purchasers. 

Keywords are the cornerstone of search engine optimization and the foundation of online store visibility. Keywords refer to the search terms that potential customers use to find your products and services in search engines. 

Identifying the right keywords and strategically using them on your website largely determines whether customers will find your online store. A successful keyword strategy is based on careful research, analysis, and continuous optimization.

Keyword Research

Keyword research forms the foundation for search engine optimization. It helps you discover which search terms potential customers use to find your products. Keyword research, among other things:

  • Reveals what terms potential customers are using

  • Helps find search terms that competitors have not yet exploited

  • Allows for the creation of a fact-based SEO strategy - no guesses

  • Guides content creation for the online store at various stages of the buying process

It is advisable to choose one main keyword for each page of the online store, but also to include variations of the keyword, synonyms, and semantically related terms.

Investing in keyword research is worthwhile, and there are several tools available for this purpose. You can find some comprehensive paid tools, but there are also free ones that can help you get a good start.

AI applications can also assist in finding suitable terms, phrases, and perspectives to use in your content.

Paid Tools:

  • Semrush

  • Ahrefs

  • Moz

  • SE Ranking

Free Tools:

  • Google's keyword suggestions

  • Google Search Console

  • Google Keyword Planner

  • Google Trends

Popular AI Applications:

  • ChatGPT

  • Claude

  • Google Gemini

  • Perplexity

Content Plan Based on Keyword Research

Based on keyword research, the entire content plan for the online store can be tailored. Effective search engine optimization combined with effective content marketing takes into account the customer’s buying journey and the different stages of customers along it. 

Not all potential customers are equally ready to buy, as some are just looking for information, comparing prices, while others may be ready to make a purchase right away. Keyword research provides valuable information on what customers at different stages are searching for in search engines. Based on this, different types of content can be created for the online store, such as:

  • Product Pages: Targeted at specific product searches, such as "iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB"

  • Category Pages: Reaching more general product category searches, such as "smartphones" or "women's winter jackets"

  • Blogs and Articles: Ideal for informative keywords and awareness stage seekers

  • Guides: Suitable for more complex topics and "how-to" questions

  • FAQ Pages: Targeting direct questions

  • Comparison Pages: Answering "vs." and "best" type searches

Ready-to-buy customers often search for typical terms related to product and category pages. However, successful online stores also create quality articles and guides, which can convert less willing buyers into purchasers. 

Search engine optimization of product pages

Optimizing product pages can be crucial for an online store. After all, product pages are where the purchasing happens. By optimizing product pages, you can drive customers directly to those pages and improve their conversion rate.

As the online store grows, the number of product pages increases rapidly, so it's wise to create a clear strategy and process for their optimization.

Thorough product page optimization covers several elements, the most essential of which are:

  • Strategic use of keywords in the URL, meta title, H1 title, and description text

  • Unique, benefit-focused product descriptions, not copied content from manufacturers

  • Optimized, high-quality images and videos with appropriate alt texts

  • Utilizing schema markup to achieve rich search results

  • Customer reviews to ensure authenticity and continuously updated content

  • Effective internal linking to relevant products and categories

In optimizing product pages, it's important to consider not only search engines but also user experience. Clear product information, easy navigation, accurate pricing and availability information, as well as clear calls to action are essential elements for conversion.

Common mistakes to avoid in optimization include duplicate content, incomplete product descriptions, or poor-quality images that diminish both search engine visibility and user experience.

The Importance of Metadata

For product pages as well as other contents, metadata is one of the most important things to optimize. Metadata includes the page title visible on Google, also known as the Meta Title, and the description that follows it, the Meta Description.

Especially optimizing the meta title is important, as search engines draw big conclusions from it about what the page is about and what it relates to. The Meta Title is also visible to users, so it should be attractive enough to encourage customers to click on it and land on your site.

The single most important factor is to include the main keyword for the product page in the meta title. For products, this is often the product name. However, just the product name is often not enough or not optimal. The title can be expanded by adding a call to action or a value-creating factor that differentiates it from competitors.

You can add mentions in the Meta Title, for example, about free shipping, warranty periods, price, or promotions, or similar.

Meta Title ja Meta Description hakutuloksissa


Optimizing product pages can be crucial for an online store. After all, product pages are where the purchasing happens. By optimizing product pages, you can drive customers directly to those pages and improve their conversion rate.

As the online store grows, the number of product pages increases rapidly, so it's wise to create a clear strategy and process for their optimization.

Thorough product page optimization covers several elements, the most essential of which are:

  • Strategic use of keywords in the URL, meta title, H1 title, and description text

  • Unique, benefit-focused product descriptions, not copied content from manufacturers

  • Optimized, high-quality images and videos with appropriate alt texts

  • Utilizing schema markup to achieve rich search results

  • Customer reviews to ensure authenticity and continuously updated content

  • Effective internal linking to relevant products and categories

In optimizing product pages, it's important to consider not only search engines but also user experience. Clear product information, easy navigation, accurate pricing and availability information, as well as clear calls to action are essential elements for conversion.

Common mistakes to avoid in optimization include duplicate content, incomplete product descriptions, or poor-quality images that diminish both search engine visibility and user experience.

The Importance of Metadata

For product pages as well as other contents, metadata is one of the most important things to optimize. Metadata includes the page title visible on Google, also known as the Meta Title, and the description that follows it, the Meta Description.

Especially optimizing the meta title is important, as search engines draw big conclusions from it about what the page is about and what it relates to. The Meta Title is also visible to users, so it should be attractive enough to encourage customers to click on it and land on your site.

The single most important factor is to include the main keyword for the product page in the meta title. For products, this is often the product name. However, just the product name is often not enough or not optimal. The title can be expanded by adding a call to action or a value-creating factor that differentiates it from competitors.

You can add mentions in the Meta Title, for example, about free shipping, warranty periods, price, or promotions, or similar.

Meta Title ja Meta Description hakutuloksissa


Optimizing product pages can be crucial for an online store. After all, product pages are where the purchasing happens. By optimizing product pages, you can drive customers directly to those pages and improve their conversion rate.

As the online store grows, the number of product pages increases rapidly, so it's wise to create a clear strategy and process for their optimization.

Thorough product page optimization covers several elements, the most essential of which are:

  • Strategic use of keywords in the URL, meta title, H1 title, and description text

  • Unique, benefit-focused product descriptions, not copied content from manufacturers

  • Optimized, high-quality images and videos with appropriate alt texts

  • Utilizing schema markup to achieve rich search results

  • Customer reviews to ensure authenticity and continuously updated content

  • Effective internal linking to relevant products and categories

In optimizing product pages, it's important to consider not only search engines but also user experience. Clear product information, easy navigation, accurate pricing and availability information, as well as clear calls to action are essential elements for conversion.

Common mistakes to avoid in optimization include duplicate content, incomplete product descriptions, or poor-quality images that diminish both search engine visibility and user experience.

The Importance of Metadata

For product pages as well as other contents, metadata is one of the most important things to optimize. Metadata includes the page title visible on Google, also known as the Meta Title, and the description that follows it, the Meta Description.

Especially optimizing the meta title is important, as search engines draw big conclusions from it about what the page is about and what it relates to. The Meta Title is also visible to users, so it should be attractive enough to encourage customers to click on it and land on your site.

The single most important factor is to include the main keyword for the product page in the meta title. For products, this is often the product name. However, just the product name is often not enough or not optimal. The title can be expanded by adding a call to action or a value-creating factor that differentiates it from competitors.

You can add mentions in the Meta Title, for example, about free shipping, warranty periods, price, or promotions, or similar.

Meta Title ja Meta Description hakutuloksissa


Search engine optimization for category pages

On category pages, you can reach those customers who are searching for general product categories with various keywords. Such keywords can be, for example, “winter jackets”, “electric bikes”, “men's t-shirts”, or even more specific ones like “children's summer barefoot shoes”.  

On category pages, you help the customer find exactly the product they want. There are often more keywords related to product categories than product searches, and their search volumes are also larger. Thus, the potential traffic through these searches is greater.

Use of Keywords

Also use targeted keywords on category pages in the page’s most important places: in the URL, in the Meta Title, and in the H1 heading. Look for synonyms, variations, and semantically similar terms of the main keyword to include in the page content as well.

By covering a good number of relevant terms related to the topic, you increase relevance in the eyes of the search engine and improve the chances of ranking high in search results with multiple terms.

Avainsanan käyttö kategoriasivun meta titlessä

Product Listings and Filtering

The page should display enough relevant products. Ensure that only products suitable for the category are shown in the product listing, so that incorrect products do not mistakenly appear. 

Product listings are also content for the search engine, which gives it insight into the page's purpose and quality. However, if there are incorrect products among them, it may weaken the quality scores given by the search engine.

Also give users the opportunity to filter products and their characteristics. This improves the user experience, increases the time users spend on the page, and boosts overall activity on the site, which search engines also measure. The more engaged users generally are on the site, the better signal it sends to the search engine.

Content of the Category Page and Internal Linking

A generally effective structure for a category page is to start with a clear main heading, followed by a small paragraph, after which you provide a product listing and filtering. It is advisable to write a longer textual section at the bottom of the page under the product listing, where you provide more information about the products and answer user questions. 

It is often seen in online stores that category pages lack any text. Without textual content, it is difficult for category pages to rank on Google or other search engines, as the search engine may not have enough material to process in order to evaluate the page. The more you demonstrate that you are an expert on the topic, include relevant keywords, and keep the user reading the page, the better you serve both the search engine and the users.

Kategoriasivun sisältö ja rakenne

Textual content is also a great way to link internally to other relevant pages of the online store. Internal links are important for both search engines and users. 

By linking to other relevant pages, you signal the importance of those target pages to search engines and distribute the power brought by external links throughout the site. However, only link to pages that are definitely relevant to each other.

In the example image, Nummenpyörä, which utilizes the AI Commerce platform, has internally linked well from their city electric bike page to other relevant pages, such as various bike accessories and supplies.

Sisäiset linkit kategoriasivulla


On category pages, you can reach those customers who are searching for general product categories with various keywords. Such keywords can be, for example, “winter jackets”, “electric bikes”, “men's t-shirts”, or even more specific ones like “children's summer barefoot shoes”.  

On category pages, you help the customer find exactly the product they want. There are often more keywords related to product categories than product searches, and their search volumes are also larger. Thus, the potential traffic through these searches is greater.

Use of Keywords

Also use targeted keywords on category pages in the page’s most important places: in the URL, in the Meta Title, and in the H1 heading. Look for synonyms, variations, and semantically similar terms of the main keyword to include in the page content as well.

By covering a good number of relevant terms related to the topic, you increase relevance in the eyes of the search engine and improve the chances of ranking high in search results with multiple terms.

Avainsanan käyttö kategoriasivun meta titlessä

Product Listings and Filtering

The page should display enough relevant products. Ensure that only products suitable for the category are shown in the product listing, so that incorrect products do not mistakenly appear. 

Product listings are also content for the search engine, which gives it insight into the page's purpose and quality. However, if there are incorrect products among them, it may weaken the quality scores given by the search engine.

Also give users the opportunity to filter products and their characteristics. This improves the user experience, increases the time users spend on the page, and boosts overall activity on the site, which search engines also measure. The more engaged users generally are on the site, the better signal it sends to the search engine.

Content of the Category Page and Internal Linking

A generally effective structure for a category page is to start with a clear main heading, followed by a small paragraph, after which you provide a product listing and filtering. It is advisable to write a longer textual section at the bottom of the page under the product listing, where you provide more information about the products and answer user questions. 

It is often seen in online stores that category pages lack any text. Without textual content, it is difficult for category pages to rank on Google or other search engines, as the search engine may not have enough material to process in order to evaluate the page. The more you demonstrate that you are an expert on the topic, include relevant keywords, and keep the user reading the page, the better you serve both the search engine and the users.

Kategoriasivun sisältö ja rakenne

Textual content is also a great way to link internally to other relevant pages of the online store. Internal links are important for both search engines and users. 

By linking to other relevant pages, you signal the importance of those target pages to search engines and distribute the power brought by external links throughout the site. However, only link to pages that are definitely relevant to each other.

In the example image, Nummenpyörä, which utilizes the AI Commerce platform, has internally linked well from their city electric bike page to other relevant pages, such as various bike accessories and supplies.

Sisäiset linkit kategoriasivulla


On category pages, you can reach those customers who are searching for general product categories with various keywords. Such keywords can be, for example, “winter jackets”, “electric bikes”, “men's t-shirts”, or even more specific ones like “children's summer barefoot shoes”.  

On category pages, you help the customer find exactly the product they want. There are often more keywords related to product categories than product searches, and their search volumes are also larger. Thus, the potential traffic through these searches is greater.

Use of Keywords

Also use targeted keywords on category pages in the page’s most important places: in the URL, in the Meta Title, and in the H1 heading. Look for synonyms, variations, and semantically similar terms of the main keyword to include in the page content as well.

By covering a good number of relevant terms related to the topic, you increase relevance in the eyes of the search engine and improve the chances of ranking high in search results with multiple terms.

Avainsanan käyttö kategoriasivun meta titlessä

Product Listings and Filtering

The page should display enough relevant products. Ensure that only products suitable for the category are shown in the product listing, so that incorrect products do not mistakenly appear. 

Product listings are also content for the search engine, which gives it insight into the page's purpose and quality. However, if there are incorrect products among them, it may weaken the quality scores given by the search engine.

Also give users the opportunity to filter products and their characteristics. This improves the user experience, increases the time users spend on the page, and boosts overall activity on the site, which search engines also measure. The more engaged users generally are on the site, the better signal it sends to the search engine.

Content of the Category Page and Internal Linking

A generally effective structure for a category page is to start with a clear main heading, followed by a small paragraph, after which you provide a product listing and filtering. It is advisable to write a longer textual section at the bottom of the page under the product listing, where you provide more information about the products and answer user questions. 

It is often seen in online stores that category pages lack any text. Without textual content, it is difficult for category pages to rank on Google or other search engines, as the search engine may not have enough material to process in order to evaluate the page. The more you demonstrate that you are an expert on the topic, include relevant keywords, and keep the user reading the page, the better you serve both the search engine and the users.

Kategoriasivun sisältö ja rakenne

Textual content is also a great way to link internally to other relevant pages of the online store. Internal links are important for both search engines and users. 

By linking to other relevant pages, you signal the importance of those target pages to search engines and distribute the power brought by external links throughout the site. However, only link to pages that are definitely relevant to each other.

In the example image, Nummenpyörä, which utilizes the AI Commerce platform, has internally linked well from their city electric bike page to other relevant pages, such as various bike accessories and supplies.

Sisäiset linkit kategoriasivulla


Technical optimization of the online store

In technical SEO, it is ensured that the online store functions perfectly from both a technical standpoint, for users and search engines alike. Search engines appreciate online stores that are clearly and logically structured, pages load quickly, necessary protections are in place, and all functions, such as product filters, work smoothly and efficiently.

Search Engine Friendly URL Structure

The URL structure of the online store should be logical and hierarchical. This facilitates navigation on the site for both users and search engines and enhances understanding of the site's structure.

There are two successful methods for URL structures, both of which have evidence that they perform well in search engines.

1. Fully Hierarchical Structure:

Homepage: www.online-store-example.com/
Category: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/
Subcategory: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/mens-clothing/
Product Group: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/mens-clothing/shirts/
Product Page: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/mens-clothing/shirts/cotton-oxford-shirt-blue/

2. Products in Their Own Silos:

Homepage: www.online-store-example.com/
Category: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/
Subcategory: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/mens-clothing/
Product Group: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/mens-clothing/shirts/
Product Page: www.online-store-example.com/product/cotton-oxford-shirt-blue/

As illustrated by the examples, it is advisable to categorize product groups hierarchically from the main category downwards. Product pages can either be placed under their own /product/ folder or under the product category. 

Which option makes more sense depends heavily on the size and situation of the online store. If products clearly belong to a specific subcategory, they can be placed under that subcategory. If the online store has a lot of products, categories may increase and change; it is advisable to place products under the /product/ folder for clarity. 

Page Load Speed and Mobile Friendliness

The site's loading speed is one of the most important technical factors. Google emphasizes user experience more than ever, to which loading speed is fundamentally linked. No one enjoys being on a site where pages load slowly and moving from one page to another is cumbersome.

Google measures site performance using Core Web Vitals metrics, which evaluate:

  • Loading speed (Largest Contentful Paint)

  • Interactivity (First Input Delay)

  • Visual stability (Cumulative Layout Shift)

The speed of the online store also has a direct connection to conversion:

  • A 1-second delay in loading time can decrease conversions by 7%

  • A 3-second delay can lead to a 50% exit rate

  • 40% of users leave a site if it takes more than 3 seconds to load

You can analyze your online store's technical performance with the PageSpeed Insights tool or other similar services. Compared to other e-commerce platforms, AI Commerce has performed exceptionally well in this area, as loading speeds and technical metrics are at a very high level for many online stores. An example is Nummen Pyörä, which has excellent metrics.

Nummen Pyörä PageSpeed Insights raportti

Product Filtering and Duplicate Content

A particularly important technical SEO action for online stores is to check for possible duplicate content issues. These often arise from product filters that add parameters corresponding to the filter to the page URL. 

For example, in a clothing store, shirts could be filtered by color or size, resulting in the following additions to the URL:

exampleonlinestore.com/clothing/shirts/

exampleonlinestore.com/clothing/shirts/?size=m&color=blue

exampleonlinestore.com/clothing/shirts/?size=l&color=red

If the URL changes, it means that there is a completely new page. Technically, you are no longer on the same /shirts/ page. If parameter pages are not communicated correctly to search engines, there is a high risk that the search engine interprets all pages as duplicates of each other. Consequently, all pages compete with each other.

To resolve this issue, it is advisable to use a rel=canonical tag. When the parameter page has a canonical tag set to the actual /shirts/ page, it tells the search engine that the parameter page does not need to be listed separately in search results, and that the /shirts/ page is the official version of the page.

The HTML code of the page should include a mention like this:

<link rel="canonical" href="https://exampleonlinestore.com/clothing/shirts/" />

Google's Crawl Budget

Duplicate pages on a large scale affect Google's crawling. This determines how Google's bot goes through and evaluates web pages.

Google's bot now goes through all duplicate pages and uses its crawl budget, when it could just go through the actual /shirts/ page and save resources for reviewing other pages. This can delay the indexing of new pages and affect the overall opinion Google has of the site. 

Effective use of the crawl budget is one of the essential actions in technical SEO. This ensures that the site does not retain pages that Google continually reviews but for some reason do not receive visibility in search results. Google is also a business, and by making crawling and the site cost-effective for Google, it serves the site's ability to rank in search results.

In technical SEO, it is ensured that the online store functions perfectly from both a technical standpoint, for users and search engines alike. Search engines appreciate online stores that are clearly and logically structured, pages load quickly, necessary protections are in place, and all functions, such as product filters, work smoothly and efficiently.

Search Engine Friendly URL Structure

The URL structure of the online store should be logical and hierarchical. This facilitates navigation on the site for both users and search engines and enhances understanding of the site's structure.

There are two successful methods for URL structures, both of which have evidence that they perform well in search engines.

1. Fully Hierarchical Structure:

Homepage: www.online-store-example.com/
Category: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/
Subcategory: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/mens-clothing/
Product Group: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/mens-clothing/shirts/
Product Page: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/mens-clothing/shirts/cotton-oxford-shirt-blue/

2. Products in Their Own Silos:

Homepage: www.online-store-example.com/
Category: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/
Subcategory: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/mens-clothing/
Product Group: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/mens-clothing/shirts/
Product Page: www.online-store-example.com/product/cotton-oxford-shirt-blue/

As illustrated by the examples, it is advisable to categorize product groups hierarchically from the main category downwards. Product pages can either be placed under their own /product/ folder or under the product category. 

Which option makes more sense depends heavily on the size and situation of the online store. If products clearly belong to a specific subcategory, they can be placed under that subcategory. If the online store has a lot of products, categories may increase and change; it is advisable to place products under the /product/ folder for clarity. 

Page Load Speed and Mobile Friendliness

The site's loading speed is one of the most important technical factors. Google emphasizes user experience more than ever, to which loading speed is fundamentally linked. No one enjoys being on a site where pages load slowly and moving from one page to another is cumbersome.

Google measures site performance using Core Web Vitals metrics, which evaluate:

  • Loading speed (Largest Contentful Paint)

  • Interactivity (First Input Delay)

  • Visual stability (Cumulative Layout Shift)

The speed of the online store also has a direct connection to conversion:

  • A 1-second delay in loading time can decrease conversions by 7%

  • A 3-second delay can lead to a 50% exit rate

  • 40% of users leave a site if it takes more than 3 seconds to load

You can analyze your online store's technical performance with the PageSpeed Insights tool or other similar services. Compared to other e-commerce platforms, AI Commerce has performed exceptionally well in this area, as loading speeds and technical metrics are at a very high level for many online stores. An example is Nummen Pyörä, which has excellent metrics.

Nummen Pyörä PageSpeed Insights raportti

Product Filtering and Duplicate Content

A particularly important technical SEO action for online stores is to check for possible duplicate content issues. These often arise from product filters that add parameters corresponding to the filter to the page URL. 

For example, in a clothing store, shirts could be filtered by color or size, resulting in the following additions to the URL:

exampleonlinestore.com/clothing/shirts/

exampleonlinestore.com/clothing/shirts/?size=m&color=blue

exampleonlinestore.com/clothing/shirts/?size=l&color=red

If the URL changes, it means that there is a completely new page. Technically, you are no longer on the same /shirts/ page. If parameter pages are not communicated correctly to search engines, there is a high risk that the search engine interprets all pages as duplicates of each other. Consequently, all pages compete with each other.

To resolve this issue, it is advisable to use a rel=canonical tag. When the parameter page has a canonical tag set to the actual /shirts/ page, it tells the search engine that the parameter page does not need to be listed separately in search results, and that the /shirts/ page is the official version of the page.

The HTML code of the page should include a mention like this:

<link rel="canonical" href="https://exampleonlinestore.com/clothing/shirts/" />

Google's Crawl Budget

Duplicate pages on a large scale affect Google's crawling. This determines how Google's bot goes through and evaluates web pages.

Google's bot now goes through all duplicate pages and uses its crawl budget, when it could just go through the actual /shirts/ page and save resources for reviewing other pages. This can delay the indexing of new pages and affect the overall opinion Google has of the site. 

Effective use of the crawl budget is one of the essential actions in technical SEO. This ensures that the site does not retain pages that Google continually reviews but for some reason do not receive visibility in search results. Google is also a business, and by making crawling and the site cost-effective for Google, it serves the site's ability to rank in search results.

In technical SEO, it is ensured that the online store functions perfectly from both a technical standpoint, for users and search engines alike. Search engines appreciate online stores that are clearly and logically structured, pages load quickly, necessary protections are in place, and all functions, such as product filters, work smoothly and efficiently.

Search Engine Friendly URL Structure

The URL structure of the online store should be logical and hierarchical. This facilitates navigation on the site for both users and search engines and enhances understanding of the site's structure.

There are two successful methods for URL structures, both of which have evidence that they perform well in search engines.

1. Fully Hierarchical Structure:

Homepage: www.online-store-example.com/
Category: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/
Subcategory: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/mens-clothing/
Product Group: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/mens-clothing/shirts/
Product Page: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/mens-clothing/shirts/cotton-oxford-shirt-blue/

2. Products in Their Own Silos:

Homepage: www.online-store-example.com/
Category: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/
Subcategory: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/mens-clothing/
Product Group: www.online-store-example.com/clothing/mens-clothing/shirts/
Product Page: www.online-store-example.com/product/cotton-oxford-shirt-blue/

As illustrated by the examples, it is advisable to categorize product groups hierarchically from the main category downwards. Product pages can either be placed under their own /product/ folder or under the product category. 

Which option makes more sense depends heavily on the size and situation of the online store. If products clearly belong to a specific subcategory, they can be placed under that subcategory. If the online store has a lot of products, categories may increase and change; it is advisable to place products under the /product/ folder for clarity. 

Page Load Speed and Mobile Friendliness

The site's loading speed is one of the most important technical factors. Google emphasizes user experience more than ever, to which loading speed is fundamentally linked. No one enjoys being on a site where pages load slowly and moving from one page to another is cumbersome.

Google measures site performance using Core Web Vitals metrics, which evaluate:

  • Loading speed (Largest Contentful Paint)

  • Interactivity (First Input Delay)

  • Visual stability (Cumulative Layout Shift)

The speed of the online store also has a direct connection to conversion:

  • A 1-second delay in loading time can decrease conversions by 7%

  • A 3-second delay can lead to a 50% exit rate

  • 40% of users leave a site if it takes more than 3 seconds to load

You can analyze your online store's technical performance with the PageSpeed Insights tool or other similar services. Compared to other e-commerce platforms, AI Commerce has performed exceptionally well in this area, as loading speeds and technical metrics are at a very high level for many online stores. An example is Nummen Pyörä, which has excellent metrics.

Nummen Pyörä PageSpeed Insights raportti

Product Filtering and Duplicate Content

A particularly important technical SEO action for online stores is to check for possible duplicate content issues. These often arise from product filters that add parameters corresponding to the filter to the page URL. 

For example, in a clothing store, shirts could be filtered by color or size, resulting in the following additions to the URL:

exampleonlinestore.com/clothing/shirts/

exampleonlinestore.com/clothing/shirts/?size=m&color=blue

exampleonlinestore.com/clothing/shirts/?size=l&color=red

If the URL changes, it means that there is a completely new page. Technically, you are no longer on the same /shirts/ page. If parameter pages are not communicated correctly to search engines, there is a high risk that the search engine interprets all pages as duplicates of each other. Consequently, all pages compete with each other.

To resolve this issue, it is advisable to use a rel=canonical tag. When the parameter page has a canonical tag set to the actual /shirts/ page, it tells the search engine that the parameter page does not need to be listed separately in search results, and that the /shirts/ page is the official version of the page.

The HTML code of the page should include a mention like this:

<link rel="canonical" href="https://exampleonlinestore.com/clothing/shirts/" />

Google's Crawl Budget

Duplicate pages on a large scale affect Google's crawling. This determines how Google's bot goes through and evaluates web pages.

Google's bot now goes through all duplicate pages and uses its crawl budget, when it could just go through the actual /shirts/ page and save resources for reviewing other pages. This can delay the indexing of new pages and affect the overall opinion Google has of the site. 

Effective use of the crawl budget is one of the essential actions in technical SEO. This ensures that the site does not retain pages that Google continually reviews but for some reason do not receive visibility in search results. Google is also a business, and by making crawling and the site cost-effective for Google, it serves the site's ability to rank in search results.

External search engine optimization

External search engine optimization refers to which other sites link to your site and where your site and brand are mentioned on other sites. In particular, links are a very strong signal to search engines that helps sites rank better in search results.

Links coming from other sites serve as a validation mechanism for the search engine. If other sites link to a particular site, it demonstrates value and favor. The higher the quality and contextual relevance of the site the link comes from, the more value it adds to search engine optimization. So, it is not entirely the same from which site the link is received.

The amount of external links needed depends on the competitive landscape. If competitors have dozens or hundreds of links to important pages, you will probably need links as well, unless your content or other areas are significantly better than your competitor's.

It is important to combine the acquisition of external links, or backlinks, with smart internal linking. The power granted by external links can be distributed to other pages through your internal links.

How to build links for an online store?

High-quality links are not always easy to obtain, but here are the most effective ways to get them for yourself:

  • Extremely high-quality content, such as informative articles and studies that others want to share

  • Guest posts on other sites

  • Interviews and media collaborations

  • Influencer marketing and, for example, requesting product reviews on influencers' websites

  • Press releases and digital PR

  • Business directories and listings

  • Social media profiles

Links and mentions affect both traditional search engines like Google and Bing, but also the increasingly popular AI search engines. For instance, you can use the strategy of getting featured on those source sites that many language models and AIs use to gather data for developing their language models.

For example, Google's own AI Gemini uses content from the Reddit discussion platform to develop its language model. If your brand and site are mentioned relevantly on Reddit, it has a good chance of being included in the answers provided by Gemini, and gaining visibility through that.


External search engine optimization refers to which other sites link to your site and where your site and brand are mentioned on other sites. In particular, links are a very strong signal to search engines that helps sites rank better in search results.

Links coming from other sites serve as a validation mechanism for the search engine. If other sites link to a particular site, it demonstrates value and favor. The higher the quality and contextual relevance of the site the link comes from, the more value it adds to search engine optimization. So, it is not entirely the same from which site the link is received.

The amount of external links needed depends on the competitive landscape. If competitors have dozens or hundreds of links to important pages, you will probably need links as well, unless your content or other areas are significantly better than your competitor's.

It is important to combine the acquisition of external links, or backlinks, with smart internal linking. The power granted by external links can be distributed to other pages through your internal links.

How to build links for an online store?

High-quality links are not always easy to obtain, but here are the most effective ways to get them for yourself:

  • Extremely high-quality content, such as informative articles and studies that others want to share

  • Guest posts on other sites

  • Interviews and media collaborations

  • Influencer marketing and, for example, requesting product reviews on influencers' websites

  • Press releases and digital PR

  • Business directories and listings

  • Social media profiles

Links and mentions affect both traditional search engines like Google and Bing, but also the increasingly popular AI search engines. For instance, you can use the strategy of getting featured on those source sites that many language models and AIs use to gather data for developing their language models.

For example, Google's own AI Gemini uses content from the Reddit discussion platform to develop its language model. If your brand and site are mentioned relevantly on Reddit, it has a good chance of being included in the answers provided by Gemini, and gaining visibility through that.


External search engine optimization refers to which other sites link to your site and where your site and brand are mentioned on other sites. In particular, links are a very strong signal to search engines that helps sites rank better in search results.

Links coming from other sites serve as a validation mechanism for the search engine. If other sites link to a particular site, it demonstrates value and favor. The higher the quality and contextual relevance of the site the link comes from, the more value it adds to search engine optimization. So, it is not entirely the same from which site the link is received.

The amount of external links needed depends on the competitive landscape. If competitors have dozens or hundreds of links to important pages, you will probably need links as well, unless your content or other areas are significantly better than your competitor's.

It is important to combine the acquisition of external links, or backlinks, with smart internal linking. The power granted by external links can be distributed to other pages through your internal links.

How to build links for an online store?

High-quality links are not always easy to obtain, but here are the most effective ways to get them for yourself:

  • Extremely high-quality content, such as informative articles and studies that others want to share

  • Guest posts on other sites

  • Interviews and media collaborations

  • Influencer marketing and, for example, requesting product reviews on influencers' websites

  • Press releases and digital PR

  • Business directories and listings

  • Social media profiles

Links and mentions affect both traditional search engines like Google and Bing, but also the increasingly popular AI search engines. For instance, you can use the strategy of getting featured on those source sites that many language models and AIs use to gather data for developing their language models.

For example, Google's own AI Gemini uses content from the Reddit discussion platform to develop its language model. If your brand and site are mentioned relevantly on Reddit, it has a good chance of being included in the answers provided by Gemini, and gaining visibility through that.


The significance of the e-commerce platform for search engine optimization

The platform on which the online store operates can have surprisingly significant importance for search engine optimization, content management, and site maintenance. The platform forms the technical foundation upon which search engine optimization is built.

The platform affects, among other things, the following areas:

  • Site loading speed: The platform and its architecture determine the basic speed of the site, which is a significant factor for search engines.

  • Technical structure: The URL structure, site hierarchy, and responsiveness can be more easily managed on certain platforms.

  • Content management: How easily you can create and edit contents, add products, use schema markup, edit metadata, etc.

  • Indexability: The ability to manage the robots.txt file, XML, and HTML sitemaps.

  • Duplicate content management: How easily the platform enables the use of canonical tags and product filter management.

  • Mobile optimization: The platform’s responsiveness and mobile-friendliness.

  • Internationalization: Management of hreflang tags and multilingual content.

  • Integration of external tools: Implementation of Google Analytics, Search Console, and other SEO tools.

  • Functionality of other operations: The functionality of internal operations of the online store, such as the search function.

  • Customization options: On certain platforms, you can better and more easily customize the appearance of the store, page templates, and various elements.

The most used e-commerce platforms include WooCommerce, Shopify, and Wix. AI Commerce is a respectable alternative, especially due to its technical functionality and loading speeds, which provide excellent conditions for search engine optimization on this platform. Loading times under 100ms, among other factors, differentiate AI Commerce from many other platforms.

Choosing an e-commerce platform is a strategic decision that has long-term effects on both the general operation of the online store and search engine optimization. This should be considered right from the beginning when establishing the online store.

The platform on which the online store operates can have surprisingly significant importance for search engine optimization, content management, and site maintenance. The platform forms the technical foundation upon which search engine optimization is built.

The platform affects, among other things, the following areas:

  • Site loading speed: The platform and its architecture determine the basic speed of the site, which is a significant factor for search engines.

  • Technical structure: The URL structure, site hierarchy, and responsiveness can be more easily managed on certain platforms.

  • Content management: How easily you can create and edit contents, add products, use schema markup, edit metadata, etc.

  • Indexability: The ability to manage the robots.txt file, XML, and HTML sitemaps.

  • Duplicate content management: How easily the platform enables the use of canonical tags and product filter management.

  • Mobile optimization: The platform’s responsiveness and mobile-friendliness.

  • Internationalization: Management of hreflang tags and multilingual content.

  • Integration of external tools: Implementation of Google Analytics, Search Console, and other SEO tools.

  • Functionality of other operations: The functionality of internal operations of the online store, such as the search function.

  • Customization options: On certain platforms, you can better and more easily customize the appearance of the store, page templates, and various elements.

The most used e-commerce platforms include WooCommerce, Shopify, and Wix. AI Commerce is a respectable alternative, especially due to its technical functionality and loading speeds, which provide excellent conditions for search engine optimization on this platform. Loading times under 100ms, among other factors, differentiate AI Commerce from many other platforms.

Choosing an e-commerce platform is a strategic decision that has long-term effects on both the general operation of the online store and search engine optimization. This should be considered right from the beginning when establishing the online store.

The platform on which the online store operates can have surprisingly significant importance for search engine optimization, content management, and site maintenance. The platform forms the technical foundation upon which search engine optimization is built.

The platform affects, among other things, the following areas:

  • Site loading speed: The platform and its architecture determine the basic speed of the site, which is a significant factor for search engines.

  • Technical structure: The URL structure, site hierarchy, and responsiveness can be more easily managed on certain platforms.

  • Content management: How easily you can create and edit contents, add products, use schema markup, edit metadata, etc.

  • Indexability: The ability to manage the robots.txt file, XML, and HTML sitemaps.

  • Duplicate content management: How easily the platform enables the use of canonical tags and product filter management.

  • Mobile optimization: The platform’s responsiveness and mobile-friendliness.

  • Internationalization: Management of hreflang tags and multilingual content.

  • Integration of external tools: Implementation of Google Analytics, Search Console, and other SEO tools.

  • Functionality of other operations: The functionality of internal operations of the online store, such as the search function.

  • Customization options: On certain platforms, you can better and more easily customize the appearance of the store, page templates, and various elements.

The most used e-commerce platforms include WooCommerce, Shopify, and Wix. AI Commerce is a respectable alternative, especially due to its technical functionality and loading speeds, which provide excellent conditions for search engine optimization on this platform. Loading times under 100ms, among other factors, differentiate AI Commerce from many other platforms.

Choosing an e-commerce platform is a strategic decision that has long-term effects on both the general operation of the online store and search engine optimization. This should be considered right from the beginning when establishing the online store.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is e-commerce search engine optimization?
1. What is e-commerce search engine optimization?
1. What is e-commerce search engine optimization?
2. How quickly does search engine optimization for online stores yield results?
2. How quickly does search engine optimization for online stores yield results?
2. How quickly does search engine optimization for online stores yield results?
3. Does the e-commerce platform matter for search engine optimization?
3. Does the e-commerce platform matter for search engine optimization?
3. Does the e-commerce platform matter for search engine optimization?
Does the online store need search engine optimization?
Does the online store need search engine optimization?
Does the online store need search engine optimization?
5. How to start doing search engine optimization for an online store?
5. How to start doing search engine optimization for an online store?
5. How to start doing search engine optimization for an online store?

Jussi Viljanen

SEO consultant

Comprehensive search engine optimization strategies for increasing revenue and sales online.

info@jussiviljanen.com

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© 2025 AI Commerce. All rights reserved.