SEO basics

Ask Me Anything Q&A SEO Office Hours Repo

Topic summary

A small ecommerce owner asked for the absolute minimum SEO tasks to prioritize with limited time.

Core basics suggested:

  • Use clear, descriptive product titles (e.g., “Leather backpack handmade,” not model codes). Write short, unique product descriptions (not supplier copy) covering what it is, who it’s for, and why it’s special.
  • Add descriptive alt text to product images. Ensure readable, keyword-relevant URLs (e.g., /products/leather-backpack-handmade).
  • Enable Product structured data (schema); many platforms add this automatically but verify. Keep the site fast and mobile-friendly.
  • Submit a sitemap and connect the store to Google Search Console; on Shopify, sitemaps are automatic once GSC is set up.

Tools and resources mentioned:

  • Google Search Console setup guide link provided.
  • Optional apps to automate basics: Clonefy (imports competitor product data), Textify (generates SEO-friendly titles/descriptions/tags/alt text from files), and SearchPie (all-in-one SEO app).

Status: Guidance-focused thread with practical action items. No disagreements noted; discussion remains open for niche-specific advice.

Summarized with AI on December 11. AI used: gpt-5.
1

Hi,

I’m a mini business with not much time for my website… What’s the absolute minimim SEO basics I should do on my ecommerce ?

Thanks!!

2

Hi! :waving_hand:
If you’re running a small business with very limited time, don’t worry, you can still cover the essential SEO basics for your ecommerce without going crazy. Here’s the absolute minimum you should focus on:

1. Optimize your product titles
Keep them clear and descriptive. Think like a customer: “Leather backpack handmade” works better than just “Model 204”.

2. Write short but unique product descriptions
A few lines are enough, as long as they’re not copy-pasted from suppliers. Include: what it is, who it’s for, and why it’s special.

3. Add alt text to your images
Describe the item in the image. This helps Google understand your products and improves accessibility.

4. Make sure each product has a readable URL
Avoid random strings or IDs. Use something like:
/products/leather-backpack-handmade

5. Install basic structured data (Product schema)
Most ecommerce platforms do this automatically, but it’s worth checking. Rich snippets = more visibility.

6. Keep your site fast and mobile-friendly
Speed + mobile experience influence SEO even more than keywords.

7. Submit your sitemap
If you’re on Shopify, this is automatic — just make sure you’ve connected your store to Google Search Console.

If you prefer to automate most of this, there are plenty of apps that help you like Clonefy and Textify, which take care of the SEO side tied to product creation:

  • Clonefy clones competitor products and imports them already optimized.

  • Textify upload a file (like supplier catalogue) or a text and generates SEO-friendly products, titles, descriptions, tags and alt texts in one click.

You get all the essentials done without spending hours on manual SEO.

If you need a specific advice, i can also help you figure out what to prioritize based on your niche.

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3

HI @magalaxi

I totally agree with @ecommercia

I also want to note that you are going to need to set up your Google Search Console first, it is free and really easy to set up!

Find how to set it up here.

Also, be sure to give our app SearchPie a look, it is a one-stop-shop for your SEO needs!

Hope this helps!

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