
Shopify Ecommerce SEO Checklist
Welcome to the definitive Shopify SEO Checklist, your strategic seo checklist compass in the digital marketplace. Imagine unlocking the full potential of your Shopify store using this checklist, transforming it from a hidden gem to a lighthouse visible to every ship in the vast ocean of online shoppers. This SEO checklist guide is meticulously crafted to elevate your store’s search engine rankings, ensuring that your products capture the attention they deserve.
By following this guide, you’ll learn not just the ‘what’ and the ‘why’, but the ‘how’ of Shopify SEO. From the granular details of on-page optimization to the broader strokes of technical SEO, each section is a step on the ladder to digital prominence. You’ll gain insights into:



- Crafting a Shopify SEO strategy that acts as your roadmap to success.
- Technical tweaks that make your site irresistible to search engines.
Table of Contents
What is Shopify SEO?
Importance of SEO for Shopify Ecommerce
Creating a Shopify SEO Strategy
How Shopify SEO Fits into a Wider Marketing and Advertising Strategy
Benefits of High Online Ranking on Search Engines
Increase in Organic Traffic
Improved user experience
Higher conversion of sales
Guide to Setting Up Your Shopify Website for SEO Success
Tips for Improving General Ecommerce SEO for Your Shopify
Investing in a Custom Domain
Choosing a Fast and Responsive Theme
Setting up Analytics Tools
Utilizing Helpful Shopify SEO Apps
Shopify SEO Checklist One: Website On-Page Optimization
Conducting Keyword Research
Optimizing URLs
Crafting Effective Page Titles and Meta Descriptions
Using Content Optimization Tools for Product Descriptions
Implementing Alt Text for Images
Creating Relevant Blog Content
SEO Checklist Two: Technical SEO Considerations
Optimizing Navigation Menu
Internal Linking
Implementing Schema Mark Up
Encouraging Reviews from Customers
SEO Checklist Three: Off-Page SEO Strategies for Shopify
Building Backlinks
Investing in Public Relations
Maintaining and Improving Your Shopify Site
Regular Audit
Fixing Broken Links
Analyzing Data and Making Improvements
Achieving SEO Success on Shopify: Your Path to Higher Sales and Traffic
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up SEO for my Shopify store?
Does Shopify have an SEO tool?
Is SEO difficult in Shopify?

What is Shopify SEO?
In the realm of e-commerce, Shopify SEO is the art and science of tailoring your online store to the fine-tuned algorithms of search engines. It’s a journey through which your products meet your customers where they are—in the search results. Picture one shopper, intent on finding the perfect coffee mug; with the right SEO, your store’s mug pops up first, inviting a click, a browse, and ultimately, a purchase.
Effective Shopify SEO hinges on a symphony of strategies that make your store irresistible to search engines. This includes:



- Keyword Research: Identifying the terms your customers are searching for.
- On-Page Optimization: Ensuring your site’s pages are fully tuned for maximum visibility.
- Technical SEO: Improving the backend elements of your store to speak the language of search engine fluently.


Importance of SEO for Shopify Ecommerce
In the digital marketplace, SEO is the beacon that guides customers to your Shopify storefront. It’s not just about being present; it’s about standing out. Imagine two stores, identical in every way, but one is on a main street, and the other is hidden away in an alley. SEO is what places your store on that main street.
Statistics show that the top three search results garner the majority of clicks; this is the promised land for any Shopify business seeking visibility. Through SEO, businesses carve out their niche, ensuring that when a customer searches for that perfect item, it’s their product that meets the eye.
Real-world success stories abound, where SEO has been the slingshot that propels a Shopify store ahead of the competition. By focusing on relevant keywords, quality content, and optimized website structure, stores have seen their traffic and sales soar.

Creating an SEO Strategy
Embarking on the creation of a Shopify SEO strategy is like preparing for a voyage across the digital seas. The compass for this journey is keyword research, pinpointing the navigational phrases that will direct customers to your store.
Next, charting the course with on-page SEO is crucial. This involves:



- Optimizing your website’s structure for easy navigation.
- Enhancing content to resonate with both search engines and shoppers.
- Ensuring images are not only eye-catching but also quick to load and properly tagged for SERP.

How Shopify SEO Fits into a Wider Marketing and Advertising Strategy
Shopify SEO is not a solitary player but a key performer in the orchestra of digital marketing. It lays the foundation for visibility, but it’s the harmonious integration with other tactics that composes a symphony of success. Consider the customer journey as a narrative in three acts:
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Awareness: SEO introduces the story, but it’s complemented by social media campaigns that expand the reach.
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Consideration: Here, content marketing and targeted email campaigns add depth to the plot.
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Decision: Paid ads and retargeting deliver the final persuasive message, like a compelling climax to the tale.
This multi-channel approach ensures that your digital marketing strategy resonates throughout the customer’s journey, with each tactic playing its part at the perfect moment. By orchestrating SEO with tactics like email marketing, influencer collaborations, and strategic paid advertising, you’re not just telling a story — you’re guiding the audience to a standing ovation, also known as a sale.


Benefits of High Online Ranking on Search Engines



- Increased Organic Traffic: Like a beacon, a top ranking draws in a stream of visitors, naturally and without the direct cost of advertising.
- Improved User Experience: Search engines reward sites that deliver what users want—speed, information, and simplicity—enhancing the overall quality of their visit.
- Higher Conversion Rates: Elevated visibility and credibility directly contribute to a greater likelihood of visitors completing a purchase.
These benefits are not just theoretical; they are supported by quantifiable data showing that sites at the pinnacle of search results capture the majority of clicks. This translates directly into more leads, sales, and revenue—the lifeblood of any thriving e-commerce venture.
Note the journey: from the moment a potential customer begins their search, to the point where they decide to buy, a high search ranking is your ally, guiding them to your door.

Increase in Organic TrafficÂ
A high online ranking is the digital world’s version of a crowded street corner where each passerby is a potential customer. It’s where visibility meets opportunity. As your Shopify store climbs the search engine ranks, it becomes the first stop for curious shoppers. This increase in organic traffic is not a stroke of luck but the result of meticulous keyword optimizations, ensuring that your store appears when and where potential customers are looking.
The relationship between keyword fine-tuning and traffic is direct and powerful. By aligning your content with the search terms your audience uses, you essentially roll out a welcome mat for those who are already interested in what you have to offer. It’s about being the right answer to the right question, which naturally leads to more visitors and one more importantly, the right kind of visitors.

Improved user experience
Good SEO is the silent conductor of a user’s online experience, guiding them with intuitive ease from one page to the next. It’s a craft that subtly enhances the usability and navigation of a Shopify store, making the journey from homepage to checkout seamless. When SEO principles are applied with the user in mind, the result is a site that not only ranks well but also feels as if it were designed with one visitor in mind.
This improved user experience comes from a structure that the web search engine loves and users appreciate: clear categories, descriptive links, and a logical flow that anticipates the user’s needs. It’s about creating an environment where the user feels in control and unhindered, which is the essence of a positive online shopping experience.
Higher conversion of sales
A well-optimized site acts as a skilled salesperson who knows exactly what the customer desires and how to present it. SEO is the strategy that positions your products in the spotlight when a potential customer is at the pivotal moment of decision-making. It’s about being visible in the right place at the right time with the right answers. This strategic positioning, fueled by SEO, significantly boosts the likelihood of turning browsers into buyers.
The impact of SEO on sales conversion is profound. It ensures that your product pages are not just found, but also resonate with the needs and search intent of your audience. This relevance is what nudges the customer from contemplation to purchase, effectively increasing the conversion rate of your Shopify store.


Guide to Setting Up Your Shopify Website for SEO Success
Setting up your Shopify store with SEO in mind is a journey that begins with strategic design and ends with ongoing optimizations. Here’s a roadmap to guide you through:
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Choose a Custom Domain: Establish a professional image and improve brand recognition.
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Select a Responsive Theme: Ensure your site is mobile-friendly and fast-loading.
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Implement Essential SEO Apps: Equip your store with web apps for keyword research and SEO monitoring.
Each one step is a building block towards an SEO-friendly site. Start with a custom domain that reflects your brand and is memorable to customers. Opt for a theme that not only looks good but also performs well on all devices. Finally, harness the power of SEO apps to fine-tune your content and track your progress. With these foundational elements in place, you’re well on your way to SEO success.

Tips for Improving General Ecommerce SEO for Your Shopify



- Optimize Your Product Listings: Use targeted keywords in your product titles and descriptions to improve visibility.
- Enhance Site Structure: A clear, logical site structure helps the web search engine and shoppers navigate your store with ease.
- Leverage Social Proof: Encourage customer reviews to build trust and relevance for your products.
Each of these steps is crucial. Optimizing product listing with the right keyword can direct to immediate visibility gains. A well-thought-out site structure not only pleases search algorithms but also aids in customer retention. And social proof, like customer reviews, serves as a powerful endorsement, boosting your store’s credibility and search engine standing.

Investing in a Custom Domain
Investing in a custom domain is a pivotal step in establishing your brand’s identity and boosting your SEO efforts on Shopify. A custom domain serves as your digital signature, enhancing brand recognition and making your store more accessible to the web search engine and customers alike.
When choosing your domain:



- Reflect Your Brand: Select a name that embodies your brand’s ethos.
- Keep It Simple: Opt for clarity and ease of recall.
- SEO Alignment: Ensure it resonates with your SEO keywords and goals.
Choosing a Fast and Responsive Theme
Selecting a fast and responsive theme is not just about aesthetics; it’s a critical decision that impacts your store’s user experience and SEO rankings. A swift-loading theme ensures that visitors stay engaged, while responsiveness guarantees a seamless shopping experience on any device.
To choose the right theme:



- Prioritize Speed: Test the loading times of potential themes.
- Responsiveness is Key: Ensure the theme adapts well to various screen sizes.
- SEO-Friendly Features: Look for built-in SEO Web apps that aid in optimizations.
Remember, a theme that loads quickly and adapts to user needs can significantly reduce bounce rates and improve search rankings, making it a cornerstone of your Shopify SEO strategy.

Setting up Analytics Tools
In the realm of e-commerce, analytics tools are the compass that guides your Shopify business to success. They provide invaluable insights into your website’s performance, allowing you to make data-driven decisions. Web apps like Google Analytics and Google Search Console are required for understanding customer behavior and tracking SEO progress.
To integrate these tools into your Shopify store:
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Set Up Google Analytics: Create an account and add the tracking code to your Shopify admin.
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Configure Google Search Console: Verify your store’s domain and submit your sitemap xml for indexing.

Utilizing Helpful SEO Apps
Shopify’s ecosystem is rich with SEO apps that can turbocharge your optimization efforts. These apps can simplify complex SEO tasks, from keyword research to on-page SEO. For instance, Plug in SEO checks your store for common SEO issues and helps fix them, while SEO Manager guides you through the process of optimizing each element of your store.
Key benefits of using SEO apps:



- Automated SEO Audits: Quickly identify and resolve issues.
- Keyword Suggestions: Find the right terms to target.
- On-Page Optimization: Enhance your content for better rankings.


Shopify SEO Checklist One: Website On-Page Optimization
Embarking on website on-page optimizations is a pivotal step in the Shopify search engine optimization journey. It’s where you align your store’s content with the queries your customers are actively searching for. By focusing on keyword research, crafting SEO-friendly URLs, and creating compelling content, you lay a solid foundation for search engine visibility.
Key steps include:



- Keyword Research: Identify target keywords.
- URL Optimization: Ensure URLs are concise and descriptive.
- Content Creation: Produce quality, keyword-rich content.
These steps are crucial for improving your store’s search engine ranking and drawing in a targeted audience.
Conducting Keyword Research
Conducting keyword research is akin to unlocking the map to your customers’ desires. It’s about understanding the phrases and questions they use when searching for products like yours. To start, use tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush to uncover the terms with high search volumes but lower competition.
Essential steps include:
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Identify Core Keywords: Focus on products and themes central to your store.
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Analyze Search Intent: Understand what the user expects to find.
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Consider Long-Tail Keywords: Capture more specific, often less competitive, queries.
By meticulously selecting the right keywords, you ensure your Shopify store speaks the language of potential customers, leading them directly to your virtual doorstep.
Optimizing URLs



- Keep it Simple: Use short, easy-to-read URLs.
- Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords to enhance searchability.
- Avoid Unnecessary Characters: Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens.
By refining your URLs, you’re not only boosting your SEO efforts but also enhancing the user experience, making it more likely for shoppers to click on and remember your one site.

Crafting Effective Page Titles and Meta Descriptions



- Be Descriptive: Use titles that accurately reflect the page content.
- Incorporate Keywords: Strategically include relevant keywords.
- Entice Clicks: Write meta descriptions that act as a pitch to encourage clicks.
Remember, these elements are your digital storefront’s signage; make them count. They should capture attention and invite potential customers to learn more, directly influencing click-through rates and site traffic.

Using Content Optimization Tools for Product Descriptions
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Enhance Readability: Ensure descriptions are clear and engaging.
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Incorporate SEO: Seamlessly integrate keyword without compromising the narrative.
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Check Originality: Avoid duplicate content issues across your site.
Web apps like Yoast SEO or SEMrush can guide you in crafting descriptions that resonate with both search engines and human readers, ultimately driving more traffic and sales.
Implementing Alt Text for Images
In the digital storefront, images are more than just visual aids; they’re pivotal for SEO and accessibility. Alt text, or alternative text, serves two crucial roles: it provides a textual alternative for the web search engine, aiding in image search optimizations, and it ensures that users with visual impairments can understand the image content.
To implement alt text in your Shopify store:
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Be Descriptive: Clearly describe the image, focusing on keywords related to the product.
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Stay Relevant: Ensure the alt text is pertinent to the image and page content.
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Keep it Concise: Aim for brevity while being informative.
By diligently adding alt text to your images, you not only boost your store’s SEO but also enhance its accessibility, making your site more inclusive and user-friendly.

Creating Relevant Blog Content



- Identify Your Audience: Understand who you’re writing for to tailor content that resonates.
- Research Keywords: Incorporate SEO-friendly keywords that align with your customers’ search intent.
- Provide Value: Offer insightful, informative content that addresses your readers’ needs and interests.

SEO Checklist Two: Technical SEO Considerations
Optimizing Navigation Menu
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Use descriptive titles: Each menu item should clearly indicate what users will find on the page, incorporating keyword strategically.
- Maintain a hierarchical structure: Organize your menu to reflect the importance and relationship between different sections of your site.
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Simplify navigation paths: Limit the number of menu items to avoid overwhelming users and diluting SEO focus.
By following these tips, you can create a navigation menu that not only pleases your visitors but also communicates effectively with search engines, ensuring a seamless browsing experience.

Internal Linking



- Prioritize linking to high-priority pages: Ensure that your most important pages have the most internal links pointing to them.
- Use descriptive anchor text: Anchor text should be relevant to the linked page, utilizing keyword that reflect the landing pages content.
- Create a logical structure: Links should feel natural within the content, guiding users intuitively to related topics or products.
Implementing Schema Mark Up
Schema markup is a code that you put on your website to help the web search engine return more informative results for users. When you implement schema markup on your Shopify store, you essentially provide a detailed map to search engines, which they use to display rich snippets such as star ratings, price, and stock availability directly in search results.
Understand the types of schema: Identify which types of schema markup, like Product, Offer, or Review, are most relevant for your store’s products.
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Implement the code: Use Shopify’s built-in features or apps to add the correct schema to your product pages.
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Test your schema: Utilize web apps like Google’s Rich Results Test to ensure your markup is correctly implemented.
By adding schema markup, you’re not just enhancing visibility in search results; you’re the one improving the way your store communicates with search engines, which can significantly impact click-through rates.

Encouraging Reviews from Customers



- Prompt post-purchase reviews: Send follow-up emails encouraging customers to leave a review after a purchase.
- Showcase reviews prominently: Feature them on product search pages and in marketing materials.
- Incentivize feedback: Consider offering discounts or loyalty points for customers who take the time to write a review.

SEO Checklist Three: Off-Page SEO Strategies for Shopify
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Cultivate quality backlinks: Engage with reputable industry blogs for guest posting opportunities.
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Leverage PR: Share newsworthy stories about your brand to gain media attention and high-value links.
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Network with influencers: Partner with social media personalities to tap into their audience and gain authoritative links.
Building Backlinks
Backlinks are like endorsements from other websites, indicating that your Shopify store is a valuable resource. Search engines consider these links as votes of confidence, boosting your domain authority and search rankings. When authoritative websites link to yours, it signals to search engines that your content is trustworthy and relevant.
Provide insights into building high-quality backlinks for your Shopify store.





- Content Creation: Develop high-quality, shareable content that naturally attracts backlinks. Infographics, comprehensive guides, and original research are linkable assets.
- Outreach: Reach out to industry influencers and websites in your niche. Offer guest posts, collaborations, or valuable resources in exchange for backlinks.
- Broken Link Building: Identify broken links on authoritative sites related to your industry. Offer your content as a replacement.
- Social Media Promotion: Share your content on social media platforms to increase its visibility, potentially leading to organic backlinks.
- Monitor Competitors: Analyze your competitors’ backlink profiles and seek opportunities to acquire similar links.
Remember, the quality of backlinks matters more than quantity. Focus on earning links from reputable sources, and your Shopify store’s SEO will benefit significantly.

Investing in Public RelationsÂ
- Develop a Unique Brand Story: Craft a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience.
- Build Journalist Relationships: Connect with industry influencers for media coverage.
- Use Press Releases: Announce events or launches with impactful press releases.
- Create Shareable Content: Develop content that sparks discussions and attracts media attention.
- Manage Online Reputation: Monitor and address negative publicity promptly.

Maintaining and Improving Your Shopify Site
Regular Audit
Regular SEO audits are the cornerstone of maintaining a healthy and high-performing Shopify site. These audits serve as a diagnostic tool, helping you identify and rectify issues that could be hindering your SEO efforts. Conducting regular audits ensures that your website remains in top-notch shape, addressing concerns such as broken links, duplicate content, and slow-loading pages.
To get started with SEO audits for your Shopify business, you can use specialized web apps like Screaming Frog or leverage Google Search Console. These audits provide valuable insights into your site’s overall health and help you take proactive steps to improve your SEO, ensuring your store continues to rank well and attract organic traffic.
Fixing Broken Links
Broken links are more than just a nuisance—they can have a detrimental impact on both the user experience and local and organic SEO. When visitors encounter broken links on your Shopify site, it can lead to frustration and a poor impression. From an SEO perspective, these broken links signal to search engines that your site may not be adequately maintained, potentially leading to lower rankings.
To identify and fix broken links, you can utilize web apps like Google Search Console or dedicated SEO web apps. These web apps can scan your site for broken links and provide you with a list of URLs that need attention. Once identified, you can either update the links to their correct destinations or remove them altogether. This proactive approach ensures a smooth user experience and helps maintain your SEO rankings.
Analyzing Data and Making Improvements
In the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce, data analysis plays one pivotal role in optimizing your Shopify store’s performance. Regularly monitoring key metrics such as website traffic, conversion rates, and bounce rates can offer valuable insights into user behavior and the effectiveness of your local and organic SEO strategies.
By analyzing this data, you can identify areas that require improvement and make informed decisions to enhance your site’s SEO performance. Whether it’s refining your keyword targeting, adjusting content strategies, or fine-tuning your on-page optimizations, data-driven decisions are crucial for sustained success.
Moreover, staying up-to-date with industry trends and search console algorithm changes is essential. Implementing these insights into your SEO approach will help you adapt and thrive in the competitive world of online retail, ultimately ensuring your Shopify store remains a top destination for your target audience.

Achieving SEO Success on Shopify: Your Path to Higher Sales and Traffic
Achieving SEO success with Shopify SEO tips is not just about optimizing for search engines; it’s about delivering a seamless user experience that resonates with your audience. By following the strategies outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can position your Shopify business for higher sales and increased organic traffic. From keyword research and on-page optimizations to backlink building and regular audits, each step contributes to your online success.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll not only improve your search engine rankings but also enhance the overall quality of your website. A well-optimized Shopify store attracts more visitors, provides a better user experience, and ultimately leads to higher conversion rates. So, are you ready to elevate your Shopify search engine optimizations game? Start today, or reach out to an expert like SEO with David for professional guidance. Your path to higher sales and traffic awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up SEO for my Shopify store?
Setting up SEO for your Shopify store involves several key steps:
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Keyword Research: Begin by researching relevant keywords for your product pages or services. Use web apps like Google Keyword Planner to identify search terms with good search volume and low competition.
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Optimize Product Titles and Descriptions: Use your chosen keywords naturally in the product description and title. Be descriptive and provide valuable information to potential customers.
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Optimize Images: Add descriptive alt text to your images to make them more search engine-friendly and improve accessibility.
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Create Quality Content: Maintain a blog with informative and relevant content that incorporates your keywords. Regularly update your blog to keep it fresh.
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URL Structure: Ensure your URL structure is clean and includes relevant keywords.
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Meta Titles and Descriptions: Craft compelling meta titles and descriptions for your pages, including keywords and a call to action.
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Mobile Optimizations: Ensure your Shopify store is mobile-friendly, as mobile responsiveness is a ranking factor for search engines.
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Speed Optimizations: Optimize your website’s loading speed for a better user experience and SEO ranking.
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User Experience: Focus on providing a great user experience, including easy navigation and clear site structure.
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Backlinks and PR: Build high-quality backlinks and engage in public relations efforts to increase your site’s authority.
By following these steps, you can set up SEO for your Shopify store effectively.