This document outlines 13 rules for on-page search engine optimization for ecommerce websites. The rules advise including descriptive content on category and product pages, researching products, keywords, and the website, optimizing for both long-tail and short-tail keywords, using proper heading tags and keyword density, ensuring continuity between page elements, focusing on the consumer experience, analyzing optimization efforts, making adjustments, staying up-to-date on algorithm changes, and considering hiring a professional for SEO.

1. Rules of Engagement On-Page Search Engine Optimization For Ecommerce Websites By by Brenda Coffey

3. Every page on an ecommerce website needs a healthy dose of content – especially category and product pages – to rank well in search engines. More content on a page equals more opportunities to include high traffic keywords that will excite search engine spiders.

4. NOTE – Generally, the earlier content appears on a page, the more weight it is given by search engine spiders.

5. Content ideas include:

6. Benefits of the product to the consumer (Why should he/she buy this product?)

7. Description of the product including features (What makes this product special?)

8. Product specifications (How does this product meet the consumers needs?)

10. Research the product – optimizing a site begins with knowing what is being sold and key components such as the key terms used by consumers seeking the products and analysis of the target audience itself.

11. Research your website – utilizing tools such as Google Webmaster Tools and SEM Rush will tell you what terms a website is already ranking well for and what needs improvement. Even with SEO, you need to know where “Point A” is before charting your course to “Point B”.

12. Research keywords to utilize valuable space for high-traffic search terms. Google keyword tool is an excellent place to begin. Remember to look for synonyms of your main keywords that could yield even more traffic. The keyword suggestion feature of the keyword tool is invaluable for this task.

14. QUESTION: If everyone optimizes for long-tail (more than 3 word) phrases, then who is going to rank for the coveted shorter term phrases?

15. ANSWER: The website that chooses to optimize for high-traffic shorter terms.

17. Remember, there are 6 heading tags – h1 to h6 – which allows for optimization of up to 6 keywords (1 main term and up to 5 synonyms) on any given page.

18. NOTE – CSS styling can control the size of the heading tags so that it appears the same size as your other text for continuity.

20. Try to achieve 4% to 5% keyword density, however it is important to not sacrifice readability – do not forget the consumer.

23. Determine search engine ranking positions for key terms.

24. Determine the amount of increased organic traffic to the site.

25. Determine the conversion rate of the website

27. Rule #11 More homework – Search engine algorithms (rules) do change and it is necessary to stay up to date on these changes so that adjustments in optimization can be made swiftly to maximize opportunities that arise from these changes.

28. Rule #12 Confused? - Hire a professional. SEO is so critical in ecommerce success that it needs to be of the highest priority and if not understood should be placed in the hands of someone that knows what they are doing.

30. Successful and consistent ecommerce / SEO professional is considering employment opportunities.

31. Contact:

32. Brenda Coffey

33. ecommerce.specialties@gmail.com

34. 828-228-0050