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SEO for Shopify

Course Content
Copyright Agreement
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UAMS Copyright Agreement
Use of Material
Website & E‑Commerce Basics
This module introduces learners to the core concepts behind websites and online stores. Students explore how websites work (domains, hosting, CMS vs hosted platforms) and gain a clear understanding of different website and e-commerce models. The module covers foundational platforms such as WordPress, WooCommerce, and Shopify, including their purpose, strengths, and common use cases. Learners also review essential setup concepts like site structure, navigation, basic SEO, and store functionality.
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How Websites Work (domains, hosting)
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CMS vs Hosted Platforms
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Intro to WordPress & Shopify
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Types of Websites and Online Stores
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Domains, Hosting & Setup
This module explains the foundational components required to launch a website or online store. Learners explore how domain names work, how web hosting stores and delivers website content, and the role of DNS in connecting the two. The module also introduces hosting types, setup considerations, and basic installation workflows for platforms like WordPress and Shopify. By the end of the module, learners can confidently choose a domain, understand hosting options, and complete the initial setup needed to get a website online.
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Choosing a Domain Name
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Web Hosting Basics
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Installing WordPress (local & live)
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Creating a Shopify Account
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WordPress Dashboard & Settings
This module introduces learners to the WordPress admin dashboard and its core settings. Students explore the layout of the dashboard, key menu areas, and the purpose of essential settings such as site title, permalinks, user roles, reading, and discussion options. The module emphasizes how proper configuration affects site usability, SEO, and security. By the end of the module, learners can confidently navigate the WordPress dashboard and configure settings to support a well-structured, functional website.
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WordPress Dashboard & Settings
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WordPress Admin Overview
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Pages, Posts, Media
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Permalinks & User Roles
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Themes & Customization
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Block Editor vs Page Builders
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Using Elementor in WordPress
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Responsive Design Basics
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Backups, Updates & Security
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Shopify Platform Overview
This module introduces learners to Shopify as a leading hosted e-commerce platform. Students explore its key features, including store setup, themes, apps, and integrations, and understand how Shopify simplifies online selling for businesses of all sizes. By the end of the module, learners can explain Shopify’s functionality, identify its advantages, and determine when it is the right platform for an online store.
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Shopify Ecosystem
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Shopify vs WooCommerce
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Admin Dashboard Tour
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Themes & Customization
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Products & Collections
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Navigation & Pages
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SEO for Shopify
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Email & Social Selling
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Analytics & Reporting
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Launch & Maintenance
This module guides learners through the final steps of preparing, launching, and maintaining an online store. Students explore pre-launch checklists, performance testing, ongoing updates, backups, security, and routine maintenance for both Shopify and WordPress sites. The module emphasizes best practices for keeping stores secure, fast, and operational post-launch. By the end of the module, learners can confidently launch a website or store and implement a consistent maintenance routine to ensure long-term stability and growth.
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Pre‑launch Checklists
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Performance Testing
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Ongoing Maintenance (Shopify)
Ongoing Maintenance (WordPress)
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Website Security & Account Protection
By the end of this lesson, learners will understand why website security matters, how accounts get hacked, and how to protect websites and online accounts using simple, everyday tools like strong passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
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What Is Website Security?
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Common Website Security Threats
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Password Security Basics
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Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
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Website-Level Security Tools
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Everyday Security Habits
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Website Learning Lab

Module Overview

This lesson teaches learners how to optimize a Shopify store for search engines (SEO) to increase organic traffic, visibility, and sales. Learners will understand how Shopify handles SEO and how to apply best practices without technical complexity.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

  • Explain how SEO works in Shopify

  • Optimize products, collections, and pages for search engines

  • Use keywords effectively without keyword stuffing

  • Improve on-page, technical, and content SEO

  • Use Shopify SEO tools and apps

Lesson 1: How SEO Works on Shopify

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) on Shopify is the process of optimizing your online store so that it ranks higher in search engine results, making it easier for potential customers to find your products. Shopify provides tools to customize key SEO elements like page titles, meta descriptions, URLs, and image alt text, which help search engines understand your content. Additionally, using keywords in product descriptions, blog posts, and collections can improve your store’s visibility. Shopify’s built-in features, such as fast loading times, mobile-friendly themes, and secure hosting, also contribute to better SEO. By properly optimizing your store, you can attract more organic traffic, increase sales, and grow your online presence.

Shopify is SEO-friendly out of the box, but optimization is still required.

Built-in Shopify SEO Features

  • Automatic sitemap.xml generation

  • Clean URL structure

  • SSL certificate (HTTPS)

  • Mobile-responsive themes

Limitations to Know

  • Limited control over URL structure (e.g., /products/, /collections/)

  • Duplicate content risks from product variants

Lesson 2: Keyword Research for Shopify Stores

Keywords are the search terms customers use to find products.

Types of Keywords

  • Short-tail: “shoes”

  • Long-tail: “women’s running shoes for flat feet”

Keyword Research Tools

  • Google Search

  • Google Keyword Planner

  • Ubersuggest

  • AnswerThePublic

  • Ahrefs / SEMrush (advanced)

Best Practices

  • Choose keywords with buying intent

  • Focus on one primary keyword per page

  • Use long-tail keywords for product pages

Lesson 3: On-Page SEO for Shopify

Product Pages

Optimize:

  • Product title

  • Meta title & meta description

  • Product description (use headings H2/H3)

  • Image alt text

  • URL handle

Collections Pages

  • Add keyword-rich descriptions

  • Optimize collection titles and meta data

  • Use internal links to products

Pages & Blog Posts

  • Use clear headings (H1–H3)

  • Add internal links

  • Answer common customer questions

Lesson 4: Technical SEO Basics (Beginner-Friendly)

Site Speed

  • Use lightweight themes

  • Compress images

  • Remove unused apps

Mobile Optimization

  • Test with Google Mobile-Friendly Test

  • Ensure buttons and text are readable

Indexing & Crawling

  • Submit sitemap to Google Search Console

  • Avoid blocking pages with robots.txt unless necessary

Lesson 5: Content & Blogging for SEO

Blogging helps drive long-term organic traffic.

Blog Content Ideas

  • How-to guides

  • Product comparisons

  • FAQs and troubleshooting

  • Industry tips

Best Practices

  • Write for humans first, search engines second

  • Include internal links to products and collections

  • Update old content regularly

Lesson 6: SEO Apps & Tools for Shopify

Recommended Apps

  • Plug in SEO: SEO audits and fixes

  • SEO Manager: Meta tags and redirects

  • Smart SEO: Automates meta data

  • TinyIMG: Image compression and speed

Free Tools

  • Google Search Console

  • Google Analytics

  • PageSpeed Insights

Lesson 7: Measuring SEO Success

Track:

  • Organic traffic

  • Keyword rankings

  • Click-through rate (CTR)

  • Conversion rate from organic traffic

SEO is a long-term strategy—results take time.

Common SEO Mistakes to Avoid

  • Keyword stuffing

  • Duplicate product descriptions

  • Ignoring mobile users

  • Not optimizing images

  • Expecting instant results

Practical Activity

  • Choose one product in your Shopify store

  • Research one primary keyword

  • Optimize the product title, description, and meta data

  • Add image alt text

  • Submit sitemap to Google Search Console (if not already done)

Key Takeaways

  • Shopify provides strong SEO foundations, but optimization is required

  • Keyword research drives effective SEO

  • On-page optimization has the biggest impact for beginners

  • SEO is ongoing and compounds over time

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