Is SEO Important for Ecommerce

Is SEO Important for Ecommerce? Why Choose Website Ecommerce SEO?

Why is SEO Important for Ecommerce?

In the bustling website digital marketplace, where every website click can equate to a website sale, the importance of SEO for eCommerce cannot be overstated.

Picture this: a local store owner named Sarah, who once relied solely on foot traffic, decided to take her business online with a website. Within months, her website sales skyrocketed, not because of website paid ads, but due to her website investment in eCommerce SEO. A staggering 43% of her online traffic flowed organically from Google search results, and she enjoyed an ROI of 1,600% compared to her paid search efforts on her website.

This isn’t just Sarah’s story; it’s the narrative of countless eCommerce businesses that have harnessed the power of SEO for their website. If you’re still on the fence about its website significance, consider this: Google, the search behemoth, processes over 77,000 searches per second, with 49% of users using it to discover new products.

In this website article, we’ll delve deep into why SEO is not just important, but essential for eCommerce, from its role in driving profitability to its increasing importance in the face of platforms like Google Shopping for your website. So, whether you’re an established online retailer or just starting out, read on to discover the transformative important power of SEO for eCommerce on a website.

Why is SEO Important for Ecommerce? Here are Ten Reasons Why…

1. SEO Increases Your Profitability Which Makes It Important for Your Website and Products

In the bustling world of website digital commerce, the power of SEO is undeniable for a business website to improve. Imagine a website scenario where an online website store, amidst the vast ocean of competitors, manages to rise to the surface, catching the attention of potential website customers. This isn’t a mere stroke of luck but the result of a well-executed SEO strategy for a website.

According to a study from Zipdo, a staggering 43% of ecommerce traffic flows from organic Google search results. This means that almost half of the potential customers are directed to online stores without the store spending a dime on advertising. Such a robust statistic paves the way for ecommerce businesses to appreciate the profound impact of optimizing their web pages for search engines, especially Google.

Furthermore, the same study helps reveal that eCommerce SEO has an ROI of 1,600% compared to paid search. This is a testament to the genuine momentum that well-executed SEO strategies can generate. When you compare the cost-effectiveness of SEO with other marketing strategies, it’s clear that focusing on organic search optimization can yield immensely fruitful results, heavily outweighing the benefits of a paid search strategy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Organic Reach: 43% of ecommerce traffic is directed from organic Google search results.
  • High ROI: Ecommerce SEO boasts an astonishing 1,600% ROI compared to paid search.
Comparative Benefits:
  • Cost-Effective: Unlike paid advertising where you pay for every click or impression, search engine optimization requires an upfront investment with long-term benefits that helps.
  • Sustainability: While paid ads stop the moment you stop funding them, SEO efforts continue to bear fruit over time, making it more sustainable which helps.
  • SEO can help you drive more interested visitors to your product pages which is important for e-commerce.
  • A strategy that helps web retailers rank higher in search engine results driving brand awareness from e-commerce SEO.
  • The practice of improving organic rankings for online stores.
  • E-commerce stores will particularly benefit from SEO.
In conclusion, SEO not only increases the site visibility of your products but also ensures that the site traffic you receive is of high quality, leading to better site conversion rates and increased profitability. Investing in SEO is not just a choice; it’s a necessity for any ecommerce business aiming for long-term success with their site.

2. Ecommerce SEO is More Sustainable and Consistent Than Paid Ads

In the bustling world of digital marketing, where every click and impression counts, the sustainability and consistency of your marketing strategy can make or break your business. SEO, especially for eCommerce, stands out as a beacon of hope amidst the ever-fluctuating world of paid ads for websites.
Benefits of Ecommerce SEO:
  1. Long-Term Investment with High ROI: Once set up and optimized, SEO continues to attract organic traffic without additional costs for your websites in the rankings. The statistic that eCommerce SEO boasts an astonishing 1,600% ROI compared to paid search is a testament to its long-term profitability for your websites in the rankings.
  1. Consistent Traffic: 43% of eCommerce traffic flows from organic Google search results, ensuring a steady stream of potential customers for your websites in the rankings.
  1. Less Vulnerability to Market Changes: SEO remains relatively stable even when market conditions fluctuate.
  1. Building Trust and Credibility: Consumers often trust organic search results more than paid ads, leading to higher conversion rates for your websites.
Drawbacks of Relying Solely on Paid Ads:
  1. Continuous Financial Outlay: Paid ads require a consistent budget to maintain visibility with your websites.
  1. Vulnerable to Market Fluctuations: Ad costs can skyrocket based on market demand, competition, and platform changes for your websites.
  1. Less Trust from Consumers: Users often skip over ads in favor of organic results for ecommerce websites.
  1. Short-Term Visibility: Once the ad budget is exhausted, visibility drops immediately for e-commerce sellers with an e-commerce store.
In conclusion, while paid ads have their place in an eCommerce marketing strategy for an e-commerce business, relying solely on them is akin to building a castle on sand. SEO on a search engine provides a solid foundation, ensuring long-term sustainability and consistent traffic. As the digital marketplace becomes more saturated, the importance of a robust SEO strategy on a search engine cannot be overstated.

3. SEO Decreases Your Cost Per Acquisition, Customer Acquisition Costs, and Delivers an Increase Lead Quality

In the bustling world of e-commerce, every penny counts. The cost of acquiring a new customer, often referred to as the Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), is a crucial metric that businesses monitor closely. A lower CAC means you’re spending less to bring in each new customer, which in turn boosts profitability. So, how does SEO play into this equation on a search engine?
SEO’s Long-Term Value Over Paid Ads

Paid advertising, while effective in the short term, comes with a recurring cost. Every click on a paid ad incurs a charge, and the moment you stop funding these ads, the traffic they generate ceases. On the other hand, SEO, though requiring an initial investment on a search engine, continues to drive traffic long after that investment has been made on a search engine. A well-optimized website using keyword research best SEO tools for ecommerce can continue to rank high on search engine results pages (SERPs) for months or even years, continually drawing in organic traffic from keyword research on a search engine without the ongoing costs associated with pay-per-click advertising. This distinction is crucial for businesses aiming to reduce their CAC.

Benefits of SEO in Reducing CAC:
  1. Sustainability: Once you rank high on SERPs, you continue to get traffic without ongoing costs.
  1. Quality Leads: Organic search often attracts users genuinely interested in your products, leading to higher conversion rates.
  1. Reduced Dependency on Paid Channels: With a robust SEO strategy, businesses can reduce their reliance on costlier paid advertising channels.
The Power of Organic Search

A study by Lumar highlighted the potential of organic search in reducing CAC. It emphasized that while paid channels have their place in a marketing strategy, the rising costs and competition in paid digital channels can dent the ROI. SEO, with its focus on organic search, offers a more cost-effective alternative. By driving traffic through organic search instead of PPC, businesses can achieve better ROI and significantly reduce their CAC.


In conclusion, while both paid ads and SEO have their merits, the long-term benefits of SEO in reducing the cost per acquisition are undeniable. By focusing on organic growth through SEO, e-commerce businesses can ensure a steady stream of high-quality leads without the recurring costs of paid advertising. Continue reading to learn more about what is SEO in ecommerce.

4. SEO Increases the Effectiveness of All Marketing Channels

Imagine you’ve just launched a new product line on your ecommerce website. You’ve invested in paid advertising, social media campaigns, and even influencer partnerships. But what if I told you that the effectiveness of all these channels could be amplified with a robust SEO strategy?
1. SEO as the Backbone of Internet Marketing: SEO isn’t just about ranking higher on search engines; it’s about establishing your brand’s credibility and authority. When your website ranks high organically, it’s perceived as more trustworthy by users. This trust can spill over to other marketing channels. For instance, a user who sees your brand at the top of search results might be more inclined to click on your paid ad or engage with your social media post.
2. Synergy with Paid Advertising: According to WordStream, customers are 70% more likely to make a purchase from a retargeting ad. Moreover, when someone conducts a search after initially seeing a related display ad, the likelihood of them converting is 59%. This shows the intertwined relationship between SEO and paid advertising. A user’s search activity rises by 155% after being served a display ad, indicating that SEO and paid ads can work hand in hand to boost conversions.
3. Enhancing Brand Visibility Across Channels: SEO doesn’t just improve your visibility on search engines; it enhances your brand’s overall online presence. A strong SEO foundation means that your content is more likely to be shared on social media, your brand is more likely to be mentioned in blog posts, and your products are more likely to be recommended on forums and review sites.
Benefits of Integrating SEO with Other Channels:
  • Increased brand credibility and trust
  • Higher conversion rates from paid ads
  • Enhanced brand visibility and recognition
  • Improved user engagement across platforms
Key Statistics to Note:
  • 70% higher likelihood of purchase from retargeting ads
  • 59% conversion likelihood after seeing a related display ad
  • 155% rise in user search activity post display ad exposure
In conclusion, while each marketing channel has its unique strengths, integrating SEO into your overall strategy can amplify the effectiveness of all these channels. It’s like adding a turbocharger to your car’s engine; the performance boost is undeniable.

5. Search Engine Optimization is a Full Funnel Marketing Channel Where Your Site Can Reach Customers at Every Stage of the Sales Funnel Online

In the dynamic world of e-commerce, the customer journey is multifaceted. From the initial awareness stage to the final purchase decision, each touchpoint is crucial. SEO, unlike many other marketing strategies, caters to this entire journey, making it a full-funnel marketing channel.

Imagine Sarah, a young professional looking for sustainable fashion brands.

  • Top of the Funnel (Awareness): Her journey might start with a generic look up like “sustainable fashion brands.” At this stage, she’s just beginning to explore her options and become aware of the available brands.
  • Middle of the Funnel (Consideration): As she delves deeper and seeks more information, her searches become more specific, such as “organic cotton summer dresses.” Here, she’s considering her choices and comparing different products.
  • Bottom of the Funnel (Decision): Her final searches might be very product-specific or brand-oriented, like “eco-friendly footwear brands” or “Brand X sustainable shoes reviews.” At this stage, she’s close to making a purchase decision.
Each of these stages represents a different part of the sales funnel, and with a robust SEO strategy, businesses can reach Sarah at every step.
Benefits of SEO as a Full Funnel Marketing Channel:
  • Broad to Specific Targeting: From broad industry-related searches to specific product queries, SEO covers it all.
  • Customer Education: Through informative blog articles and content, businesses can educate potential customers during the awareness and consideration stages.
  • Higher Conversion Potential: As customers move down the funnel, well-optimized product pages and CTAs can drive conversions.
Impact on E-commerce Companies:
  • Increased Engagement: With content tailored for every stage, businesses witness higher engagement rates.
  • Better ROI: SEO, being organic, often results in a higher return on investment compared to paid channels.
  • Enhanced Customer Trust: Consistently appearing in search results builds credibility and trust among potential customers.
SEO plays a pivotal role in e-commerce, guiding potential customers through every stage of their buying journey. From creating initial awareness to influencing the final purchase decision, a well-optimized website can effectively engage and convert visitors. The effectiveness of SEO in e-commerce is evident in its ability to cater to customers at each funnel stage, ensuring that businesses can capture interest, nurture leads, and drive conversions consistently.

6. SEO Can Improve Your Reach and Is Growing Every Year in Importance

In the vast realm of internet marketing, the power of SEO in expanding your reach cannot be understated. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the significance of SEO in e-commerce sales has been steadily on the rise.
The Tale of Expanding Horizons
Consider the story of Alex, a budding entrepreneur who launched an online store selling handcrafted jewelry. In the initial days, her website saw minimal traffic, mostly from friends and family. However, as she began to invest in SEO, optimizing product descriptions, crafting engaging blog content, and building backlinks, her website’s reach expanded exponentially. Within a year, her site was attracting thousands of visitors from different parts of the world, all thanks to the power of SEO.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
According to a study from Zipdo, a staggering 43% of e-commerce traffic comes from organic Google searches. This statistic alone showcases the immense potential of SEO in driving traffic to e-commerce sites.

The increasing reliance on online shopping and the digital transformation of businesses underscore the growing importance of SEO. As consumers become more discerning in their online searches, the role of SEO in guiding them to the right products and services becomes even more crucial.

Key Takeaways:
  1. Organic Reach: SEO helps businesses tap into a vast audience without the need for paid advertising.
  1. Sustained Growth: With consistent SEO efforts, businesses can witness a steady increase in traffic and sales.
  1. Cost-Effective: Unlike paid campaigns that require continuous funding, SEO offers long-term results with a one-time investment.
  1. Adaptable: As algorithms evolve, businesses can tweak their SEO strategies to stay relevant and maintain their online visibility.
In conclusion, as the digital marketplace becomes increasingly competitive, the importance of SEO in expanding reach and driving sales cannot be ignored. For e-commerce companies, investing in SEO is not just a choice but a necessity to stay ahead in the game.

7. SEO Helps Increase the Value of Your Company Over Time

In the world of ecommerce, a company’s value isn’t just determined by its current sales or customer base. It’s also about its potential for future growth and sustainability. One of the most impactful ways to ensure this growth is through a robust SEO game plan. SEO not only drives organic traffic but also builds a brand’s online reputation, making it more attractive to potential buyers or investors.

Consider the story of Michael Jackness, an ecommerce entrepreneur who significantly increased the value of his business through SEO. When it came time to sell, his meticulous attention to search engine optimization paid off. His business fetched a much higher multiple than similar companies in the industry. Why? Because potential buyers recognized the long-term value of the organic traffic and the brand authority he had built. Watch Michael’s story here.

Benefits of SEO for Ecommerce Valuation:
  • Sustainable Traffic: Unlike paid ads, which stop the moment you stop paying, SEO provides a continuous stream of organic traffic. This consistent flow is a valuable asset for any business.
  • Brand Authority: A strong SEO presence means your brand is often the first thing customers see in search results. This top-of-mind awareness can translate to higher trust and, consequently, a higher company valuation.
Multiplier Effect in Ecommerce:
  • Higher Revenue Streams: With increased organic traffic comes higher transactions, leading to increased revenue without the added cost of acquiring customers through paid channels.
  • Attract Investors and Buyers: A business with a solid SEO foundation is more attractive to investors and potential buyers. They see the long-term potential and are willing to pay a premium for it.
In conclusion, while immediate transactions and profits are essential, forward-thinking ecommerce entrepreneurs should also focus on building long-term value. SEO is a powerful tool in this endeavor, ensuring that your business isn’t just profitable today, but also positioned for success in the future.

8. SEO creates a defensible moat that makes it harder for other competitors to compete with your business

In the competitive landscape of ecommerce, businesses are constantly vying for the top spot, trying to outdo each other in terms of product offerings, pricing, and marketing strategies. However, one of the most effective ways to secure a dominant position in the market is by building a defensible moat through SEO. When done right, SEO can create barriers that make it challenging for competitors to breach.

Imagine a medieval castle surrounded by a vast moat. The castle represents your ecommerce company, and the moat is your SEO game plan. The wider and deeper the moat, the harder it is for invaders (competitors) to approach and attack the castle. Similarly, a strong SEO presence means competitors will find it difficult to outrank you, ensuring you maintain a dominant position in the results.

Key Components of the SEO Moat:
  • High-Quality Content: Consistently producing top-notch content tailored to your target audience ensures that you remain relevant and authoritative in your niche.
  • Backlink Profile: A strong network of high-quality backlinks acts as a testament to your website’s credibility, making it harder for competitors to surpass you.
Benefits of a Strong SEO Moat in Ecommerce:
  • Sustained Organic Traffic: A dominant position in search results guarantees a steady flow of organic traffic, reducing dependency on paid advertising.
  • Increased Brand Loyalty: When clients consistently find you at the top of their searches, they’re more likely to trust and stick with your brand.
In conclusion, while contenders can replicate product offerings or undercut prices, replicating a well-established SEO game plan is a much more daunting task. Investing in SEO not only ensures short-term gains in terms of traffic and transactions but also solidifies your position in the market for the long haul.

9. Amazon the biggest ecommerce retailer in the world built their company off SEO and still to this day heavily focuses on SEO 

Amazon, the behemoth of ecommerce, stands as a testament to the power of SEO. From its inception, the company has harnessed the potential of search engine optimization to drive organic traffic, ensuring its listings appear prominently in search results. This game plan has been instrumental in Amazon’s meteoric rise, allowing it to capture a vast audience without the hefty advertising costs many contenders face.

Reflect on the early days of online shopping. Consumers were just beginning to trust online transactions, and Amazon was one of the pioneers. By leveraging SEO, Amazon ensured that when someone searched for a product online, their platform was among the top outcomes. This organic visibility played a pivotal role in establishing Amazon as the go-to online marketplace, a position it continues to hold.

Amazon’s SEO Focus:
  • Customer Reviews: Amazon was one of the first platforms to emphasize user reviews, understanding that they not only enhance user experience but also boost SEO through fresh, user-generated content.
  • Detailed Product Listings: Amazon’s detailed product pages, complete with specifications, images, and Q&A sections, are optimized for search engines, making them more likely to rank higher.
Cost Structure: Amazon vs. Google Shopping:
  • Amazon’s Fees: While Amazon offers a vast customer base, it comes at a cost. Sellers often face fees of up to 15% per sale, not including additional advertising costs.
  • Google Shopping’s Advantage: In contrast, Google Shopping provides a platform for product listings and comparisons without the hefty fees. While there are costs associated with Google Ads, the basic listing on Google Shopping is free, offering a more cost-effective avenue for many sellers.
In conclusion, while Amazon’s dominance in ecommerce is undeniable, its reliance on SEO underscores the game plan’s importance. However, as the ecommerce landscape evolves, platforms like Google Shopping are emerging as viable, cost-effective alternatives, further emphasizing the need for businesses to optimize their online presence.

10. Google Shopping is gaining market share and becoming more popular over time.

The ecommerce landscape is ever-evolving, and while many platforms vie for dominance, Google Shopping has been making significant strides. From a market share of 25% in 2019, it has surged to 36% in recent times, making it the second most popular e-commerce platform in the US. This growth isn’t just a fluke; it’s the result of a combination of factors that appeal to both shoppers and merchants.

For the everyday shopper, convenience is king. Google Shopping offers a seamless experience where users can compare prices, read reviews, and view products from various retailers all in one place. This ease of use, combined with the trust associated with the Google brand, has made it a go-to platform for many.

Key Features Driving Google Shopping’s Popularity:
  • Free Shipping Labels: An added incentive for shoppers, ensuring they get more value for their money.
  • Product Reviews: Providing shoppers with insights and helping them make informed decisions.
  • Local Inventory Data: Allowing users to see product availability in nearby stores, bridging the gap between online and offline shopping.
Why Merchants Love Google Shopping:
  • Effective Ads: Google Shopping ads have a staggering conversion rate, being 4x more effective than other online ad types.
  • Increased Visibility: With Google Shopping ads accounting for 65% of all retail ad spend on Google Ads, merchants are assured of visibility and reach.
In the final analysis, Google Shopping’s rise can be attributed to its dual appeal. Shoppers love the convenience and features, while merchants appreciate the platform’s effectiveness in driving transactions. As Google continues to innovate and add more features, it’s clear that Google Shopping’s trajectory is set to rise even further, solidifying its position in the ecommerce realm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SEO Worth It for Ecommerce?
In the bustling world of online shopping, the question often arises: “Is SEO truly worth the investment for ecommerce businesses?” To answer this, let’s consider a story. Imagine two brick-and-mortar stores located side-by-side in a busy shopping district. One store has a bright, inviting sign and a clear path leading to its entrance, while the other is hidden behind overgrown bushes with a barely visible sign. Naturally, the former store attracts more foot traffic, simply because it’s more visible and accessible to potential clients.

Similarly, in the digital realm, SEO acts as that bright sign and clear path, guiding potential clients to your online store amidst a sea of contenders. Without proper SEO, even the best products can remain hidden in the vast expanse of the internet, much like the store obscured by overgrowth. On the other hand, a well-optimized ecommerce site can see a surge in organic traffic, leading to increased transactions and profitability.

Moreover, consider the longevity of your investment. While paid ads might give a quick boost in traffic, they stop the moment you halt funding. SEO, however, is the gift that keeps on giving. Once you’ve established a strong SEO foundation, your site can continue to attract organic traffic for years to come, ensuring a steady stream of potential clients. In essence, the ROI for SEO in ecommerce is not just immediate; it’s long-term.

In conclusion, much like the store with the bright sign, an ecommerce site optimized for search engines stands out in the crowded marketplace of the web. So, is SEO worth it for ecommerce? Absolutely. It’s an investment that pays dividends in visibility, traffic, and ultimately, transactions.

Is It Really Necessary to Do SEO?
In the vast digital marketplace, many ecommerce businesses grapple with the question: “Is it truly necessary to invest in SEO?” To shed light on this, let’s consider a tale of two online stores. The first store, “EcoShop,” has a fantastic range of eco-friendly products but relies solely on word-of-mouth and occasional social media posts. On the other hand, “GreenMart” offers similar products but has invested time and resources into SEO.

Within a few months, GreenMart starts to see a steady increase in organic traffic. Their products begin ranking on the first page of outcomes, leading to higher visibility and more transactions. Meanwhile, EcoShop, despite its quality offerings, struggles to gain traction and remains buried under pages of outcomes. The difference? GreenMart’s strategic SEO efforts made it easier for potential clients to discover their store amidst a sea of contenders.

SEO isn’t just about getting to the top of outcomes; it’s about ensuring your ecommerce store is accessible and visible to those actively searching for what you offer. Without SEO, even the most exceptional products can get lost in the vastness of the internet. It’s akin to having a hidden gem of a store in a secluded alley versus a prominent shop on a bustling main street.

In conclusion, while it’s possible to operate an ecommerce store without SEO, doing so can significantly limit your potential reach and growth. SEO is not just a luxury but a necessity in today’s competitive digital landscape. It ensures that your store is not just another name in the crowd but a go-to destination for shoppers seeking your SKUs.

How to Increase Ecommerce Sales with SEO?
Imagine a scenario: “EcoTrend,” a budding online store selling sustainable SKUs, is struggling to gain traction in the market. Despite having top-notch SKUs, their transactions are stagnant. They decide to revamp their game plan and focus on SEO. Within months, the outcomes are astonishing.

Firstly, keyword optimization is paramount. EcoTrend started by researching relevant keywords that potential clients might use to look for their SKUs. They incorporated these keywords into product descriptions, meta tags, and content, ensuring they appeared organically in outcomes. This simple step led to a surge in organic traffic, as their SKUs began to appear in front of those actively searching for sustainable goods.

Next, they focused on enhancing user experience. A fast-loading website, clear navigation, and mobile optimization ensured that visitors stayed longer and navigated through multiple pages. The longer a potential customer stays on your site, the higher the chances of conversion. By improving site speed and ensuring a seamless browsing experience, EcoTrend saw a decrease in bounce rates and an increase in transactions.

Lastly, they leveraged the power of backlinks. By creating high-quality content and collaborating with reputable websites in the sustainability niche, EcoTrend earned valuable backlinks. These not only drove referral traffic but also bolstered their site’s authority in the eyes of search engines.

In conclusion, SEO is not just about ranking higher on search engines. It’s a holistic approach that, when executed correctly, can significantly boost ecommerce sales. By focusing on keywords, enhancing user experience, and building a strong backlink profile, any ecommerce store, like EcoTrend, can witness a transformative increase in transactions and brand visibility.