SEO Checklist for New Ecommerce Stores

Launching a new Shopify store is exciting, but build it and they will come does not apply to the internet. If you want people to find your products on Google, you need a solid SEO foundation from day one. Many new store owners overlook the technical side of SEO until they realize they aren't getting any traffic.

This checklist covers the essential steps every new store must take to ensure search engines can find, crawl, and rank your site.

Quick Answer

A new ecommerce store needs a mix of on-page content and technical health. Key steps include setting up Google Search Console, optimizing your title tags, and ensuring you have no broken links. Using an app like SC Easy Redirects is essential for new stores because it catches 404 errors that happen as you tweak your new site. By following a structured checklist, you ensure that search engines index your products correctly, leading to higher rankings and more organic sales.

Basics: The New Store SEO

What is Ecommerce SEO?

It is the process of making your online store more visible in search engine results. This includes the words you use on your pages and how your site is built.

Who is this checklist for?

• New Shopify store owners.

• Small businesses moving from physical to digital.

• Marketing managers launching a new brand.

Why SEO matters for new stores

• Free Traffic: Organic search is often the most cost-effective way to get customers.

• Trust: Ranking on the first page of Google builds immediate credibility.

• Long-term Growth: Unlike ads, SEO keeps working even when you stop spending money.

• Mobile Visibility: Most shoppers find new stores via mobile search; SEO ensures you show up there.

The New Store SEO Checklist

1. Technical Setup

• [ ] Connect Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools.

• [ ] Submit your sitemap (yourstore.com/sitemap.xml).

• [ ] Install SC Easy Redirects to track any 404 errors as you build your site.

2. Keyword Research

• [ ] Identify "Buying Intent" keywords for your products.

• [ ] Check competitor keywords using tools like Ahrefs or Ubersuggest.

• [ ] Map one main keyword to each product and collection page.

3. On-Page Optimization

• [ ] Write unique Meta Titles (under 60 characters).

• [ ] Write compelling Meta Descriptions (under 155 characters).

• [ ] Use H1 tags for product titles and H2 tags for subheadings.

• [ ] Optimize image Alt Text for accessibility and search.

4. Content and UX

• [ ] Write unique product descriptions (don't copy from manufacturers).

• [ ] Add a "Reviews" section to build social proof.

• [ ] Ensure your "About Us" and "Contact" pages are clear.

5. Link Health

• [ ] Check for broken internal links.

• [ ] Use SC Easy Redirects to fix any 404s that appear during your first month.

• [ ] Create a simple plan for getting external backlinks (guest posts, PR).

Summary

Building a store without SEO is like printing a magazine and not distributing it. Focus on technical health, unique content, and fixing broken links with SC Easy Redirects.

Start your SEO journey on the right foot - install SC Easy Redirects to monitor your new store’s health.