Operating a Shopify store requires more than a good design and product. People should be able to locate your store in search engines to be attracted by it and boost sales. It is where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in. However, Shopify requires special technical and strategic SEO: this is why it is critical to employ the appropriate agency.
Not every SEO company is familiar with the platform in Shopify. Others use the old-fashioned ways, and others give commitments that they are unable to fulfill. In order not to spend time and money in vain, consider when choosing a Shopify SEO agency that can work.
Why Shopify SEO Is Different
Shopify is a user-friendly platform, but its built-in structure presents unique challenges for SEO. For example:
- URL structures are not fully customizable.
- Duplicate content can occur due to product and collection pages.
- App conflicts may affect site speed or code cleanliness.
- Blog features are limited compared to WordPress.
Because of this, you need Shopify SEO experts who know how to work within these limits while still improving rankings, traffic, and sales.
1. Proven Experience With Shopify Stores
Begin by reviewing their past work. Have they handled Shopify sites before? Do they show clear examples of ranking improvements, traffic growth, or sales increases?
A qualified SEO agency should share:
- Case studies specific to Shopify
- List the niches they’ve worked with (e.g., fashion, supplements, electronics, etc.)
- SEO tactics tailored to Shopify’s architecture
Ask about clients with similar goals or challenges to yours. SEO is not one-size-fits-all. A team that understands Shopify’s ecosystem will save you from technical errors and slow progress.
2. Clear, Custom SEO Strategy
Every store is different. A proper SEO plan should be based on your products, target market, and business goals. Be cautious of any agency offering pre-built packages without looking at your store first.
A true Shopify SEO expert will begin with:
- A detailed site audit (covering structure, speed, mobile, and technical SEO)
- Keyword research specific to your niche
- Competitive analysis against other Shopify stores
- An action plan for on-page, off-page, and technical improvements
You should get a plan that grows with your store—not a one-time setup. Good SEO is ongoing and adaptive.
3. Strong Knowledge of Shopify Technical SEO
Technical SEO on Shopify requires platform-specific expertise. For example:
- Handling duplicate content from /collections/ and /products/ URLs
- Creating clean, user-friendly navigation with SEO in mind
- Using canonical tags properly
- Optimizing for Core Web Vitals
- Avoiding code bloat from excessive apps
The best SEO agencies understand how to work with Shopify’s Liquid code and how to fix issues without breaking your theme or slowing down the site.
Ask if their team has developers or works closely with technical staff. SEO isn’t just about content—technical issues can hurt your rankings even with great blogs and product pages.
4. Deep Keyword and Content Strategy
Ranking for high-volume keywords is only useful if they bring the right traffic. A skilled Shopify SEO expert knows how to choose keywords that match your buyers’ intent—whether it’s discovery, research, or purchase.
Look for agencies that:
- Target long-tail keywords tied to buying decisions (e.g., “vegan protein powder for weight loss”)
- Write optimized product descriptions that attract both shoppers and search engines
- Create category page content that improves rankings without clutter
- Suggest blog topics that answer real questions and support internal linking
Content should be purposeful—not filler. A good SEO agency builds content that ranks and leads to conversions.
5. Transparency and Reporting
An honest agency doesn’t hide results behind vague reports. You should receive regular updates showing:
- Keyword ranking progress
- Traffic from organic search
- Technical fixes completed
- Backlinks gained
- Content published
Monthly reports should be easy to read and tied to measurable goals. Whether you track revenue, clicks, or calls to action, your Shopify SEO agency should prove its value through clear data.
They should also be available to explain their process—not just send automated reports.
6. Ethical, White-Hat SEO Practices
Quick hacks and shortcuts might bring short-term results, but they often trigger penalties or drops later. Your Shopify store’s long-term growth depends on ethical SEO methods.
Ask your agency if they follow white-hat guidelines. That means:
- No link buying from shady sources
- No keyword stuffing or duplicate pages
- No fake reviews or click schemes
Instead, the focus should be on natural link building, valuable content, structured data, and real engagement.
Working with white label digital marketing experts also ensures quality. These providers offer SEO services that agencies resell, and they rely on best practices to maintain their reputation and results.
7. Full-Service Capabilities (Optional but Helpful)
While SEO is powerful on its own, combining it with related services can improve results. Some SEO agencies also offer:
- CRO (Conversion Rate Optimization)
- Email marketing
- Paid ad support (PPC, Google Shopping)
- Social media strategy
- Web development and UX adjustments
If you’re planning to grow fast or launch campaigns, working with white label digital marketing experts or full-service providers may help you scale without hiring multiple teams.
8. Strong Communication and Support
SEO requires collaboration. Whether it’s reviewing content before publishing or coordinating a product launch, you’ll want an agency that responds promptly and works with your internal team or developers.
Signs of good communication include:
- Regular strategy calls or check-ins
- Dedicated account manager
- Clear timelines and task breakdowns
- Fast response time via email or messaging tools
Avoid agencies that disappear after onboarding or don’t follow up on progress. You’re investing in a relationship, not just a service.
9. Flexible Contracts and Pricing
Look for agencies that offer flexible terms—not long-term lock-ins without performance guarantees. You should be able to scale up or pause based on your store’s needs.
Some agencies offer:
- Month-to-month pricing
- Project-based work (audits, content, migrations)
- Tiered plans depending on site size or goals
White label digital marketing experts also give flexibility by offering services under your brand if you run a larger operation or digital agency.
Ensure the pricing includes all core services—technical fixes, content, link building—not just audits or consulting.
10. Positive Reviews and Real References
Before hiring any Shopify SEO agency, check what others say. Look at:
- Client testimonials (video or written)
- Google or Clutch reviews
- Shopify Experts Directory ratings
- Case studies with data
Don’t hesitate to ask for references. Reach out to past clients and ask about:
- Response time and communication
- Results after 3–6 months
- Issues encountered and how they were handled
An agency with satisfied clients won’t hesitate to share success stories.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Guaranteed #1 Rankings – SEO doesn’t come with guarantees. It’s a process, not a promise.
- No Shopify Experience – General SEO knowledge isn’t enough. Shopify has its own rules.
- Cheap Pricing with No Details – $199/month for “full SEO” is usually low-effort and high-risk.
- Vague Deliverables – If they can’t explain what they’ll do, they probably won’t do much.
Final Thoughts
By contracting the services of the appropriate Shopify SEO professionals, you can enhance the visibility of your store, attract qualified traffic, and boost your revenues. However, not all agencies understand how to collaborate with the structure, limitations, and search engine optimization of Shopify.
Find a team having a good track record, which communicates clearly, has transparent results, and ethical practices. No matter which agency you hire, it could be either a boutique agency or white label digital marketing specialists, make sure that you hire an agency that does not look at your store as a project but rather a business.
By taking the time to do due diligence on your SEO partner, you will be rewarded with improved rankings, increased traffic, and stable growth.