The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Shopify SEO Agency
In today’s competitive ecommerce landscape, your Shopify store needs more than just a good product - it demands visibility and attention.
So how do you gain visibility in a sea of competitors?
The answer is - Shopify SEO.
However Shopify SEO is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It demands expertise and attention to detail.
This is where a Shopify SEO agency is going to help you.
Choosing the right agency, however, is no small feat. With countless options available, how do you ensure you’re partnering with a team that truly understands your business goals?
This guide right here is going to help you cut through the noise.
Let’s get into the details.
How To Choose The Best Shopify SEO Agency For Your Brand
If you already have a Shopify store up and running, you already know about the immense potential SEO has in driving traffic and boosting your sales. But, with so many SEO agencies claiming to be the best, how do you cut through the noise and choose the one that will actually move the needle for your business?
Choosing the right Shopify SEO agency isn’t just about picking the one with the lowest price or the flashiest marketing material—it’s about finding a team that truly understands your brand, your niche, and how to create a tailored strategy that delivers measurable results.
Let’s explore how you can go about making this crucial decision in a way that ensures long-term success for your Shopify store.
#1 Understand Your SEO Needs
Before you even start looking for an agency, it is essential for you to determine what exactly you want to achieve from SEO.
Do you want to improve SERP rankings, boost site speed, optimize product pages, or improve your content strategy?
Understanding your needs will help you find an agency that specializes in those areas.
Some agencies may focus on technical SEO, while others might specialize in content creation or link-building strategies. Knowing your priorities will help you avoid the one-size-fits-all approach that many agencies offer.
Example: If you're having trouble with slow page loads, you may require a company that specializes in technical SEO. If your product descriptions are lacking, find an agency with experience in writing compelling, SEO-optimized content.
Also read: A complete guide to split testing for pricing.
#2 Look for Experience with Shopify Stores
Shopify is a unique platform with its own set of SEO challenges and opportunities. You should know that not all SEO agencies are qualified to properly optimize Shopify stores.
Make sure the agency you are considering has a track record of working only with Shopify stores.
A skilled Shopify SEO agency will understand how to take advantage of the platform’s features, such as its theme structure, product page settings, and app integrations, to make sure that every aspect of your business is search engine optimized.
Additionally, they must be aware of the nuances of Shopify's integrated tools, such as its sitemap creation, URL structure, and meta tags.
Red Flag: If an agency claims to be a Shopify SEO expert but can’t explain the unique aspects of Shopify or offer examples of previous work with Shopify stores, they may not be the right fit.
#3 Check Their Portfolio and Case Studies
Examining an agency's portfolio and case studies is one of the best ways to determine their level of experience. Reputable agencies will have detailed examples of their previous work, including results they’ve achieved for other ecommerce businesses.
These case studies should describe the obstacles the company came across, the SEO tactics it used, and the quantifiable results that followed.
When reviewing case studies, ask yourself:
- Did they work with businesses in a similar niche?
- Can they demonstrate tangible results (such as traffic growth, improved rankings, or increased conversions)?
- Do they understand the challenges specific to Shopify stores?
Example: an agency that helped a clothing brand increase organic traffic by 50% in six months through a mix of on-page optimization and content marketing would be a solid candidate if you’re in a similar industry.
#4 Request a Custom SEO Plan
A great agency doesn't provide cookie-cutter solutions or generic SEO packages. Instead, before providing a tailored approach, they will take the time to learn about your company, sector, and objectives.
Ask an agency to provide you with a thorough SEO strategy that is specific to your Shopify store. This strategy should include the precise tactics they'll use to improve your SEO and accomplish your company's goals.
Look for:
- A thorough site audit
- Keyword research specific to your industry and audience
- A roadmap of on-page optimization, technical fixes, and off-page strategies
- A clear timeline and measurable KPIs (key performance indicators)
Avoid agencies that provide vague or overly generic strategies, as these often lead to disappointing results.
Also read: How to choose the best Shopify plus agency.
#5 Evaluate Their Communication and Reporting Process
Effective communication is key to a successful partnership. A professional SEO agency will update you on the status of your campaign. They should be transparent about the work they’re doing and the results they’re seeing.
Ask potential agencies how often they provide updates, and what kind of reports you can expect. A reputable agency will provide comprehensive monthly or quarterly reports that break down the improvements in traffic, conversions, and search results.
In addition to displaying metrics, these reports should offer insights into the tactics that are effective and those that require modification. An indication that an agency may not be interested in your work is if they merely provide you with generic reports or don't have meaningful conversations regarding your outcomes.
Tip: Look for agencies that offer real-time access to their progress, so you don’t have to wait for a report to get updates.
#6 Ask About Their Approach to Content Marketing
Since we all know the importance of good content, an effective SEO agency should have a strong focus on content marketing.
This often involves improving your product descriptions, creating relevant blog posts, and building a comprehensive content strategy that generates organic traffic for your store.
Ask the agency about their content creation process—do they write SEO-friendly product descriptions? Do they help develop blog posts or other types of content that will boost rankings and engage your audience?
Having a solid content strategy can help you establish your brand as an authority in your industry and attract new customers to your store.
Agencies that have strong content marketing capabilities can help you build a long-term SEO foundation that doesn’t just focus on quick wins but sustained growth.
#7 Understand Their Approach to Link Building
One of the key components of SEO is still link building, and a reputable agency should know how to create links in a way that is both morally and practically sound.
But not every link is made equal.
In fact, spammy or low-quality backlinks can damage your website's search engine ranking.
Ask agencies about their approach to link building—do they focus on acquiring high-quality, relevant backlinks from authoritative sources in your industry? Do they avoid black-hat tactics that could put your Shopify store at risk?
White-hat SEO agencies will help increase your site's authority in SERP by using only ethical methods.
#8 Look for Long-Term Partnership Potential
SEO is a continual process that calls for constant optimization, observation, and adjustment. Therefore, it’s important to partner with an agency that you can grow with over time.
When speaking with an agency, consider whether they’re genuinely interested in helping you scale your Shopify store over the long term. Are they invested in building a lasting relationship? Are they eager to understand your business and adapt their strategies as you evolve?
The best SEO agencies act as long-term partners, consistently improving your store’s performance and helping you stay ahead of the competition.
Conclusion
By focusing on agencies with experience in Shopify stores, offering customized strategies, and maintaining transparent communication, you can set your brand on a path to sustainable growth and success.
Take your time, ask the right questions, and choose a partner who can help transform your Shopify store into a powerful marketing tool. The right SEO agency will not just improve your rankings; they’ll drive traffic, increase sales, and contribute to your long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I ensure the SEO agency truly understands my Shopify store's unique needs?
Ask for a detailed audit that covers your store’s structure, technical aspects, and content. The best Shopify SEO agency will offer specific, actionable recommendations tailored to Shopify’s features.
What SEO strategies should I prioritize for my Shopify store to see immediate results?
Focus on optimizing product pages with keywords, improving site speed, and enhancing mobile responsiveness. These quick fixes can boost rankings, while long-term efforts like backlinks and blog content ensure sustained growth.
What red flags should I watch for when evaluating an SEO agency for my Shopify store?
Avoid agencies offering unrealistic promises like “guaranteed rankings” or “instant traffic.” Be cautious if they can’t clearly explain their methods or provide proven results from past clients.
How do I measure the success of an SEO agency’s work on my Shopify store?
Success is measured by growth in organic traffic, improved rankings, and higher conversion rates. Request monthly reports with real-time analytics to track progress and understand the impact on your business.
How long should it take to see significant improvements in my Shopify store's SEO?
Initial improvements should appear within 3-6 months, with more substantial results taking 6-12 months. A good agency will provide regular updates and set realistic expectations.
Author
How to Choose the Best Shopify Plus Agency for Your Brand
Written by: Gopi Radadiya
January 28, 2025
