Why is my online store not ranking despite SEO optimization?

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

A Shopify store owner is struggling with SEO optimization, lack of rankings, zero sales, and ineffective campaigns despite implementing SEO strategies.

Key Issues Identified:

SEO & Ranking Problems:

  • Google indexing may not be working properly—requires verification through Google Search Console
  • Product descriptions might be duplicate/generic content from suppliers rather than original text
  • Keyword targeting could be too broad; long-tail keywords typically perform better
  • Site speed and mobile optimization may need improvement
  • Lack of backlinks reduces domain authority and trustworthiness in Google’s eyes

Sales Conversion Issues:

  • Product pages may lack social proof (reviews, testimonials)
  • Checkout process could be too complicated, especially on mobile devices
  • Product imagery and descriptions might not be compelling enough

Campaign Effectiveness:

  • Ad targeting may be too broad instead of focused on specific interests/behaviors
  • Ad creative quality could be poor, resulting in low click-through rates
  • Tracking pixels (Facebook Pixel, Google Analytics) may not be properly configured
  • Retargeting abandoned carts is recommended

Recommended Actions:
Fix indexing issues, create unique product content, build backlinks, add social proof, optimize checkout flow, and refine ad targeting with proper analytics tracking. The discussion remains open for further assistance.

Summarized with AI on November 1. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hello, in need of following shopify expert for following;

  1. SEO Optimization

  2. not ranking

  3. no sales

  4. campaigns

2

Hi @bbbeauty59

I get how frustrating it is when you’ve done SEO optimization but your Shopify store isn’t ranking or getting sales. Let’s break it down and figure out what might be going wrong.

1. SEO Optimization – Why Isn’t It Working?

Even if you’ve optimized SEO, Google ranking takes time (sometimes months). But if you’re not seeing any movement, check these key areas:

Indexing Issues – Is Google even seeing your site?

  • Go to Google Search Console → URL Inspection and check if your homepage & product pages are indexed.
  • If “URL not indexed” appears, request indexing.

Thin or Duplicate Content – Are your product pages unique?

  • If you’re using generic product descriptions, Google may not rank your store.
  • Write original product descriptions instead of using supplier text.

Keyword Targeting – Are You Using the Right Ones?

  • Use Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to check what customers actually search for.
  • Long-tail keywords (e.g., “best lightweight running shoes for women”) convert better than generic ones like “running shoes.”

Site Speed & Mobile Friendliness

  • Test your store on Google PageSpeed Insights.
  • Shopify themes can get bloated with apps—disable unnecessary ones!

2. Why Is Your Store Not Ranking?

If Google isn’t ranking your store, here’s what to check:

Backlinks – Are Other Websites Linking to You?

  • If your store has no backlinks, Google sees it as untrustworthy.
  • Get guest posts, influencer shoutouts, or PR mentions to build authority.

Competitor Analysis – Who’s Beating You?

  • Use Ahrefs (free trial) or SEMrush to check what keywords competitors rank for.
  • If their domain authority is higher, SEO alone won’t be enough—you’ll need ads & social proof.

Is Your Domain New?

  • If your store is less than 3-6 months old, ranking will take time.

3. No Sales – Why Isn’t Traffic Converting?

Even if you get traffic, SEO alone won’t guarantee sales. Common reasons include:

:triangular_flag: Poor Product Photos & Descriptions

  • Use high-quality images & lifestyle photos instead of just plain product shots.

:triangular_flag: No Social Proof (Reviews, Testimonials, Trust Badges)

  • If customers don’t see reviews or guarantees, they may not trust your store.

:triangular_flag: Complicated Checkout Process

  • Test your checkout on mobile—too many steps will kill conversions.

4. Running Campaigns – Are They Set Up Correctly?

If you’re running Facebook or Google Ads but not seeing sales:

:check_mark: Are You Targeting the Right Audience?

  • Don’t just go broad—narrow it down by interests, location, and behaviors.
  • Retarget visitors who added to cart but didn’t buy.

:check_mark: Check Your Ad Creatives

  • Poor-quality images = Low CTR (click-through rate) = Wasted budget.

:check_mark: Tracking – Do You Have the Right Data?

  • Use Facebook Pixel & Google Analytics to track where customers drop off.

What You Should Do Next:

:one: Check Google Search Console to fix indexing issues.
:two: Improve product pages with unique descriptions & better images.
:three: Build backlinks & social proof to boost credibility.
:four: Fine-tune your ad targeting & creatives for better conversion.

Need more help? Let me know! Thanks.
Daisy.