The Top 10 Google Ranking Factors for eCommerce Websites

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Tomasz Żmudziński
Tomasz Żmudziński

Introduction

Search engine optimization (SEO) plays a crucial role in the success of eCommerce websites. A high ranking on Google can mean more visibility, traffic, and ultimately, more sales.

In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 Google ranking factors for eCommerce websites, and provide actionable tips for improving each one. These ranking factors have been identified by experts in the industry and are based on the latest data and algorithms used by Google. By implementing these best practices, eCommerce website owners can boost their visibility and attract more customers to their online stores.

Table of contents

Relevant and Unique Content

The first of the top 10 Google ranking factors for eCommerce websites is relevant and unique content. Google wants to provide its users with the most relevant and valuable information, so it places a high value on websites that consistently produce high-quality content.

For eCommerce websites, this means creating product descriptions, blog posts, and other content that is both relevant to the user and unique to the website. This helps to establish the website as an authority in its niche, which can improve its ranking on Google.

Best practices for creating relevant and unique content include:

  • Conducting keyword research to determine what topics and terms are relevant to the target audience
  • Creating well-written, engaging product descriptions that highlight the features and benefits of the products being sold
  • Writing blog posts that provide value to the reader and are relevant to the products being sold
  • Regularly updating the website with new, relevant content to keep users engaged and show Google that the website is active and relevant.

User Experience (UX)

Google wants to ensure that its users have a positive experience when they visit websites, so it rewards websites that provide a smooth and enjoyable user experience.

For eCommerce websites, this means creating a website that is easy to navigate, has fast loading times, and provides a seamless checkout process. A well-designed eCommerce website can improve the user experience, increase the amount of time users spend on the website, and reduce the bounce rate, which can all positively impact its ranking on Google.

Best practices for improving user experience on an eCommerce website include:

  • Creating a clean, modern design that is easy on the eyes and visually appealing
  • Optimizing the website for fast loading times, which can be achieved by reducing the size of images, using a fast hosting service, and implementing caching and compression techniques
  • Providing clear, concise product information that is easy to understand and makes it simple for users to make a purchase
  • Implementing a secure, streamlined checkout process that makes it easy for users to complete their purchases.

Mobile Optimization

With more and more users accessing the internet via mobile devices, mobile optimization is an increasingly important factor in determining a website's ranking on Google. Google has stated that mobile-friendliness is a ranking factor, so eCommerce websites need to ensure that their website is optimized for mobile devices.

For eCommerce websites, this means creating a mobile-responsive website that is easy to navigate and use on smaller screens. A mobile-optimized website can improve the user experience for mobile users, increase the amount of time they spend on the website, and reduce the bounce rate, which can all positively impact its ranking on Google.

Best practices for mobile optimization include:

  • Creating a mobile-responsive design that automatically adjusts the layout of the website based on the size of the user's screen
  • Ensuring that the website is easy to navigate on smaller screens, with clear, concise product information and a streamlined checkout process
  • Reducing the size of images and other elements of the website to ensure fast loading times on mobile devices
  • Testing the website on multiple devices to ensure that it looks and functions properly on a variety of screen sizes.

Keyword Usage

Keyword usage is the practice of incorporating relevant keywords into a website's content to improve its visibility and ranking on Google. By using keywords that are relevant to the website's niche and its products, eCommerce websites can signal to Google what their website is about and what topics it is relevant for.

For eCommerce websites, this means using keywords in product descriptions, blog posts, page titles, and other elements of the website's content. The use of keywords can help to improve the website's visibility for relevant search queries, which can lead to increased traffic and higher rankings on Google.

Best practices for keyword usage include:

  • Conducting keyword research to identify relevant keywords to target
  • Incorporating relevant keywords into the website's content, including product descriptions, blog posts, page titles, and other elements
  • Using a mix of short-tail and long-tail keywords to target a variety of search queries
  • Ensuring that keywords are used in a natural and non-spammy way to avoid being penalized by Google.

Backlinks are links from other websites that point to a website, and they are an important factor in determining a website's ranking on Google. Google views backlinks as a sign of credibility and authority, so websites with many high-quality backlinks are more likely to rank well on Google.

For eCommerce websites, earning backlinks from other reputable websites in the same niche can help to increase their visibility, credibility, and domain authority. By earning backlinks from other websites, the eCommerce website can reach a wider audience and establish itself as an authority in its niche.

Best practices for earning backlinks include:

  • Creating high-quality, relevant content that other websites are likely to link to
  • Building relationships with other websites and influencers in the same niche
  • Guest posting on other websites to reach a wider audience and earn backlinks
  • Reaching out to websites that have linked to similar content and asking for a link
  • Monitoring the website's backlink profile to identify and address any potentially harmful links.

Site Architecture

Site architecture refers to the way a website is structured, including its page hierarchy, navigation, and URLs. A well-structured site makes it easy for both users and search engines to understand the content on a website, which can positively impact its ranking on Google.

For eCommerce websites, having a clear and easy-to-use site architecture can help to improve the user experience, reduce the bounce rate, and increase the amount of time users spend on the website. A well-structured site also makes it easier for search engines to crawl and index the website's content, which can improve its visibility and ranking on Google.

Best practices for site architecture include:

  • Having a clear and logical page hierarchy with a clear navigation structure
  • Using descriptive, keyword-rich URLs that accurately reflect the content of each page
  • Making it easy for users to find and access important pages, such as the homepage, product pages, and contact page
  • Avoiding broken links and other technical errors that can negatively impact the user experience and the website's visibility on Google.

Page Speed

Page speed refers to the amount of time it takes for a website to load, and it is an important factor in determining a website's ranking on Google. Slow page speeds can negatively impact the user experience, leading to higher bounce rates and lower engagement.

For eCommerce websites, page speed is especially important as it can impact the ability of users to browse and purchase products on the website. A slow page speed can lead to frustration, decreased conversions, and lost sales.

Best practices for improving page speed include:

  • Compressing images and other media to reduce the file size
  • Using a fast and reliable hosting provider
  • Minimizing the use of large, slow-loading scripts and plugins
  • Enabling browser caching to improve the speed of repeat visits
  • Regularly testing the website's page speed and making improvements as needed.

Social Signals

Social signals refer to the interactions and engagement a website receives on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These signals are considered a sign of the website's popularity and relevance and can have an impact on its ranking on Google. For eCommerce websites, having a strong presence on social media can increase brand awareness, build customer relationships, and drive traffic to the website. By creating high-quality content, engaging with followers, and making it easy for users to share content on social media, eCommerce websites can improve their visibility and ranking on Google through the use of social signals.

Secure Connection (HTTPS)

Secure Connection (HTTPS) refers to the use of encryption to protect the transfer of data between a website and its users. This is especially important for eCommerce websites, where sensitive information such as personal and financial data is transmitted. Having a secure connection, indicated by the "HTTPS" in the URL, can improve a website's ranking on Google and build trust with customers by demonstrating a commitment to security. Implementing HTTPS also helps to prevent hacking and other security threats, ensuring the safety of customer information and the integrity of online transactions.

Local Search Optimization

Local search optimization refers to the process of optimizing a website to rank well for local search queries related to the business and its products or services. This is particularly important for eCommerce businesses with physical locations, as it allows them to reach customers in their local area who are searching for products or services they offer.

Optimizing for local search involves using local keywords, creating and verifying a Google My Business listing, and ensuring accurate and consistent information on directories and review sites. It also involves actively managing online reviews to maintain a positive reputation and build trust with potential customers.

Best practices for local search optimization include:

  • Conducting keyword research to identify local keywords relevant to the business
  • Creating and verifying a Google My Business listing, including accurate business information, photos, and reviews
  • Encouraging customers to leave online reviews and actively managing online reviews to maintain a positive reputation
  • Including local information, such as the business address and phone number, on the website and in content
  • Utilizing local structured data markup to highlight the business's location and services for search engines.

Conclusion

Ranking well on Google for eCommerce websites is essential for driving traffic and sales. By focusing on these ten factors, eCommerce businesses can improve their visibility, attract more customers, and ultimately drive more sales.

It is important to keep in mind that SEO is an ongoing process and requires continuous attention and effort to maintain and improve a website's ranking. The online landscape is constantly evolving, and new technologies and algorithms are introduced regularly, which can affect a website's ranking. Additionally, competitors are continually working to improve their SEO, making it necessary for eCommerce businesses to continually assess and optimize their strategies.

To stay ahead of the competition and maintain a strong ranking, it is important for eCommerce businesses to continually analyze their website's performance and make improvements based on data and best practices. This may involve regularly updating content, monitoring keyword rankings, and evaluating the impact of any changes made. Regularly reviewing and monitoring analytics data, such as website traffic and conversion rates, can help eCommerce businesses determine the effectiveness of their SEO efforts and identify areas for improvement.

In addition, staying up to date on industry news and advancements in SEO is crucial for success. This may involve attending conferences, participating in online forums and groups, and reading industry publications. By continually educating themselves and staying informed, eCommerce businesses can ensure that their SEO strategies remain relevant and effective.

Overall, SEO is a long-term investment and requires dedication and effort to achieve and maintain a strong ranking on Google.