Did you know that 90% of shoppers leave if a website takes too long to load? This shows how important speed is for SEO and user experience. BigCommerce, started in 2009, is a top name in ecommerce. It offers strong SEO tools to boost search visibility and improve SEO on BigCommerce sites.
These tools help both small startups and big companies perform well on search engines. But is BigCommerce really good for SEO?
Key Takeaways
- BigCommerce includes built-in SEO tools to enhance search visibility.
- Every BigCommerce store comes with a free SSL certificate, positively impacting SEO.
- SEO-friendly URLs are automatically generated for store pages.
- A content delivery network (CDN) reduces load times to improve user experience and SEO.
- Structured data (schema markup) is included to increase click-through rates.
- Proper keyword research is essential for improving SEO on BigCommerce.
- Third-party apps may be required for advanced SEO, impacting cost and complexity.
BigCommerce SEO Features
BigCommerce has a wide range of SEO tools to help your site get more visible online. These BigCommerce SEO features are great for both new and experienced marketers. They make sure your site is well-optimized for search engines.
SEO-Friendly URLs
SEO-friendly URLs are key for on-page SEO. BigCommerce lets you create URLs that are easy to read and have the right keywords. This helps search engines find your pages better and makes it easier for users to navigate.
Unique URLs and Duplicate Content Management
Having unique URLs for each page is important to avoid getting penalized for duplicate content. BigCommerce makes sure each URL is unique and adds canonical tags. This helps keep your site’s integrity and boosts your SEO.
Automatic 301 Redirects and URL Rewrites
BigCommerce makes it easy to keep your site relevant and links intact with automatic 301 redirects and URL rewrites. When you change product names or categories, the URLs update automatically. This stops broken links and keeps your SEO value.
Content Delivery Network (CDN)
A fast website is good for both users and SEO. BigCommerce uses a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to make pages load faster. It delivers content from servers near the user, making your site faster and more accessible. Google also likes fast sites, so this helps your rankings.
| Feature | Benefit | SEO Impact |
|---|---|---|
| SEO-Friendly URLs | Clean and keyword-rich URLs | Improves indexing and search result relevance |
| Unique URLs & Canonical Tags | Avoids duplicate content penalties | Enhances website integrity |
| Automatic 301 Redirects | Maintains link integrity | Preserves accumulated SEO value |
| Content Delivery Network (CDN) | Faster page load times | Boosts search engine rankings |
Pros and Cons of BigCommerce for SEO
BigCommerce is a top choice in the eCommerce world. Yet, it’s key to know its good and bad sides, mainly for SEO. Its tools can really help a store show up in search results. But, some limits might need extra costs or custom fixes.
Pros
BigCommerce shines with its strong SEO tools. It lets users tweak title tags, meta-descriptions, and URLs, which is vital for SEO. It also has cool features like 301 redirects and sitemaps for better navigation and search engine crawling.
- No transaction fees on any pricing plans, which is a big plus for stores with thin margins.
- It has detailed analytics and reports, like real-time sales stats, for smarter marketing.
- It works with a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to speed up pages, which is good for search rankings.
- Features to remind customers about unfinished purchases can increase sales.
Cons
But, BigCommerce has some SEO downsides. Its hosted nature means less control over server settings. This can make it hard to get custom solutions.
- It has basic blogging tools compared to platforms like WordPress.
- Customizing complex URLs can be tough, sometimes needing extra third-party tools.
- Premium themes cost between $150 to $300, adding to setup costs.
- You still have to handle content and blogging but companies like Lifted Websites and DIAP Media handle that for you
Knowing both the good and bad of BigCommerce SEO helps store owners decide. The platform is easy to use and has many features. But, big stores might need special SEO plans and custom setups.
Best SEO Practices for BigCommerce Stores
To make your BigCommerce store shine, you need a solid SEO plan. This includes keyword research, content marketing, and more. These steps will help your store succeed.
Keyword Research
Keyword research is key to a strong SEO strategy. It helps you know what your customers search for. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find valuable keywords. Also, check what your competitors are using to find new chances.
Optimize Product Pages
Make your product pages stand out by using unique titles and meta descriptions. Google now lets you write longer meta descriptions, up to 320 characters. Add high-quality images, SEO keywords, and structured data to boost visibility.
Reviews and star ratings on product pages can also help. They make your pages more attractive in search results.
Page Speed Optimization
Page speed is very important for SEO. A Content Delivery Network (CDN) can make your site load faster. Google looks at page speed when ranking sites.
Try to keep your First Input Delay (FID) under 100 milliseconds. Also, make sure the Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) loads in under three seconds. Lazy loading images can also speed up your site.
Content Marketing
Content marketing is great for getting more visitors and being seen as an expert. Use different types of content like blog posts, guides, infographics, and videos. This variety meets user needs at every stage of their journey.
Use targeted keywords in your content to help search engines understand it better. Link to other pages on your site to keep visitors interested. Also, linking to other sites can make your brand more credible. Don’t forget about voice search optimization as more people use voice-activated tools.
Following these SEO tips for BigCommerce can improve your site’s visibility. This leads to more traffic and higher sales.
| SEO Practice | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Meta Description Length | Keep under 160 characters |
| Page Title Length | 60-65 characters is optimal |
| First Input Delay (FID) | Less than 100 milliseconds |
| Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) | Under 3 seconds |
| Structured Data | Enhance visibility with star ratings and reviews |
| Mobile-First Indexing | Focus on mobile optimization |
Conclusion
BigCommerce is a top-notch e-commerce platform with strong SEO tools. It helps businesses get more online visibility. Features like customizable URLs and automated image optimization are key for better search rankings.
For example, Spiceology saw a 233% revenue jump. This shows BigCommerce’s SEO power. It also has tools for keyword research and Google Analytics, making SEO easier.
BigCommerce also helps manage duplicate content and improves site speed. This is important for keeping search engines happy. It’s also great for mobile users, as more people shop online with their phones.
While BigCommerce has many benefits, it’s important to keep working on SEO. This includes using keywords and creating good content. By doing this, businesses can get more traffic and engage with customers better.
This review shows BigCommerce can really help with search engine success. It’s a great tool for businesses wanting to improve their online presence.
If you need help or want a BigCommerce SEO agency like Lifted Websites or DIAP Media to handle it for you contact our team for help.
