Every search engine works to provide the user with the desired products/services. Based on this, search engines have certain guidelines for all websites. Improving the websites as per these guidelines in Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Let us see how it is done for normal and e-commerce websites

SEO for Normal Websites

SEO for normal websites follows the standard method. This includes the following steps:

  • Keyword Research

Finding keywords is the fundamental step of SEO. These keywords must be used properly for optimizing a website.

  • Meta Data Optimization

Optimize the title, description, and headers of your web pages. For titles and headers, include the keyword as the primary title/H1 tag.

  • Static Page Content Optimization

Optimize the static web pages of your website. These static pages include the home, about us, contact us, and even the product pages. Do not stuff the keywords blindly in the content. 

The flow of the content must be natural. Give proper attention to the placements of these keywords. 

  • txt and Sitemap.xml

These files are very important for the search engine crawler. Any error in these files can impact your rankings. 

The crawler scans your website based on the instructions you mention.

  • User Experience

You must optimize the web pages to improve the page load time. This enables the user to stay on the webpage and navigate. 

  • Mobile-First Indexing

Your webpage should be visible across different devices. Mobile-first indexing is a very crucial ranking factor. Websites can be penalized if not optimized for mobile devices. Remember that 63 percent of searches in the USA have been from mobile devices.

  • Off-Page SEO

Building referral links to our websites are equally important for SEO, as on-page optimization. Once users start visiting your page, your website rankings begin to improve. Backlinks need to be from relevant sources. 

These are the steps you need to follow while optimizing normal websites. 

SEO for E-Commerce Websites

In e-commerce websites, the steps for normal website optimization are applicable. 

Apart from these, pay attention to a few other details.

  • Category Page Optimization

Optimizing product pages is important for SEO. That does not mean that we should neglect the category pages. Ensure that your category name is a ranking keyword. Optimize the URL structure to contain your keywords in the slug. 

  • Example of an incorrect URL structure for category pages www.example.com/categories/category-name
  • An ideal URL structure for category pages would look like www.example.com/category-name

This makes the URL more SEO friendly.

  • Use of Rich Snippets

As per the March 2022 SEO update, product reviews and ratings are important ranking factors. Implement rich snippets on your website to boost your rankings.

  • Optimize Internal Link Structures

Internal linking is an important aspect of even e-commerce websites. You need to add internal links. These links will help the user navigate to other relevant product suggestions.

  • Written content

Write some unique product descriptions to improve keyword usage. Even in the category pages, add a small paragraph about the category. 

Optimize the metadata so that the search engine does not display random text to the users.

  • Image Optimization

Optimize your images. Write the right image alt attributes and titles. Include the keyword in the title and alt attributes of your images. Ensure a clear and proper image. Larger images impact the page load speed.

These practices push your e-commerce website ahead of your competitors. 

Final Notes

A normal website and an e-commerce website have different goals. A normal website makes your business/service visible. But an e-commerce website must earn revenue for the business. 

Work according to the goal of the website you are handling. It will help you reach your ideal results.