How to figure out SEO for changing products

Topic summary

The question addresses how to handle SEO for similar product types like bags, backpacks, and dog collars.

Recommended Approach:

  • Use a mix of shared and unique SEO strategies rather than identical optimization across similar items
  • Optimize collection pages for broad category terms (e.g., “Handmade Dog Collars”) to maintain rankings even when individual products change

Product-Level Optimization:

  • Give each product unique titles, descriptions, and meta tags to avoid duplicate content issues
  • Example: Instead of generic “Durable Leather Dog Collar,” use specific variations like “Classic Brown Leather Dog Collar – Handmade & Adjustable”
  • Target long-tail keywords (e.g., “waterproof adjustable dog collar for large dogs”) for better ranking potential and more qualified traffic

Additional Best Practices:

  • Implement internal linking between related products to improve engagement and SEO
  • For discontinued items, mark as “out of stock” or redirect to similar products rather than deleting pages to preserve SEO value
  • Differentiate products carefully to avoid keyword cannibalization

The discussion remains open with no follow-up questions from the original poster.

Summarized with AI on October 30. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.

I am completely clueless with my SEO. Should all products of similar design (bags/backpacks, dog collars/leashes, etc) have similar SEO or should each product have its own unique SEO?

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Hey there, SEO for products can be lost at first, but you got this!

For products that are similar (like bags, backpacks, dog collars, and leashes), you want a mix of shared SEO strategies and unique details for each product. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Use Strong Collection Pages – If you sell multiple products in the same category, focus on optimizing the collection page (e.g., “Handmade Dog Collars” or “Travel Backpacks”). This way, even if individual products change, the main page keeps ranking.

2. Give Each Product a Unique Touch – While similar products can have overlapping keywords, each product page should have its own unique title, description, and keywords. Instead of “Durable Leather Dog Collar” for every collar, try:

  • “Classic Brown Leather Dog Collar – Handmade & Adjustable”
  • “Stylish Red Leather Dog Collar with Gold Buckle”

This helps Google see them as distinct and prevents duplicate content issues.

3. Long-Tail Keywords Are Your Best Friend – Instead of just “dog collar,” go for more specific keywords like “waterproof adjustable dog collar for large dogs.” These are easier to rank for and bring in more targeted buyers.

4. Internal Linking Works Wonders – Link similar products together! If someone is looking at a backpack, suggest a matching bag. This keeps visitors engaged and helps SEO.

5. If a Product Sells Out, Don’t Delete It – Either mark it as “out of stock” or redirect it to a similar product. This keeps your SEO efforts intact instead of starting from scratch.

Hi @razorcat ,

Happy to answer your question!

While products of similar design (like bags/backpacks or dog collars/leashes) should share a common theme and target similar keywords on a category level, each individual product should have its own unique title, description, and meta tags. This helps avoid duplicate content and ensures each page can rank for more specific, long-tail keywords.

Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Category-Level SEO: Use collection pages to target broad search terms for similar products.
  • Product-Level SEO: Customize each product’s title, description, and URL to reflect its unique features. Even slight variations can make a big difference.
  • Avoid Keyword Cannibalization: Differentiate your products with long-tail keywords that cater to specific features or benefits.