Shopify is a phenomenal platform for launching and managing your online store, but it isn’t without its quirks—especially when it comes to search engine optimisation. If you’re asking “What Are The Seo Issues With Shopify?”, you’re in the right place. Partner with Bird, your trusted Shopify SEO Agency in UAE, to ensure your store not only looks stunning but also ranks where it matters most.
In this article, you’ll discover the most common SEO pitfalls on Shopify and practical steps to overcome them. Whether you’re a business owner, marketing executive or startup founder, you’ll learn easy-to-follow advice that keeps your site both user-friendly and search-engine-friendly.
Common SEO Issues on Shopify
1. Duplicate Content
Shopify’s tagging and filtering systems can be a double-edged sword. While they improve navigation, they often generate multiple URLs pointing to the same product, such as:
- /collections/shirts/products/blue-cotton-shirt
- /collections/men-shirts/products/blue-cotton-shirt
- /products/blue-cotton-shirt?variant=12345
Search engines view these as separate pages, diluting your link equity and confusing crawlers. **Duplicate content** can lead to lower rankings and wasted crawl budget.
2. URL Structure Limitations
By default, Shopify enforces certain URL patterns that you can’t fully customise:
- All product pages must start with
/products/ - Collection pages begin with
/collections/ - Blog posts have
/blogs/prefixes
While functional, these rigid structures can be less descriptive and may limit your ability to incorporate keywords naturally into URLs.
3. Canonical Tags Misuse
Canonical tags tell search engines which version of a page is the “master” copy. Shopify automatically sets canonical URLs, but misconfigurations occur when:
- You have multiple collection views or sort orders
- Apps inject their own parameters
- You duplicate content across blog posts and pages
If canonical tags point to the wrong URL, Google may index suboptimal pages or ignore your preferred version entirely.
4. Site Speed Concerns
Fast loading times are non-negotiable for SEO and user experience. Unfortunately, third-party apps and heavy themes can bloat your Shopify store:
- Excessive JavaScript and CSS files
- Large, unoptimised images
- Multiple tracking scripts and chat widgets
**Sluggish pages** not only frustrate visitors but also impact your Google PageSpeed scores and mobile rankings.
5. Limited Blog Functionality
Shopify’s blogging tools cover the basics, but they fall short compared to platforms like WordPress. You may struggle with:
- Advanced URL customisation for posts
- Rich schema markup and category hierarchies
- In-depth table of contents or advanced formatting controls
Without robust blogging features, you miss opportunities to create long-form content that drives organic traffic.
How to Overcome These SEO Issues
1. Manually Setting Canonical URLs
Take control of your canonical tags by editing your theme’s theme.liquid or relevant template files. Steps include:
- Identify duplicates: Use tools like Screaming Frog to list all duplicated URLs.
- Edit theme code: Insert custom canonical logic in your header, ensuring it dynamically references the correct URL.
- Test in Google Search Console: Verify that the canonical tags are pointing to your preferred versions.
2. Using Apps and Optimising Images to Boost Speed
Speed optimisation can feel technical, but these steps will get you moving in the right direction:
- Image compression apps: Install tools like TinyIMG or Crush.pics. They automate resizing, compression and lazy loading.
- Critical CSS injection: Use apps that generate critical CSS so above-the-fold content renders faster.
- App audit: Regularly review third-party apps. Uninstall any you don’t actively need.
- Minification: Combine and minify JavaScript and CSS files using a suitable Shopify app or custom setup.
3. Improving Internal Linking to Resolve Duplicate Content Problems
Strong internal linking helps consolidate your authority and guide crawlers effectively. Consider these tactics:
- Custom navigation: Build logical menus that only link to your primary category or product pages.
- Breadcrumb trails: Implement structured breadcrumbs to reinforce hierarchy and reduce multiple entry points.
- Footer links: Link to cornerstone content, flagship collections and your most important blog posts.
- Contextual links: Within product descriptions or blog posts, link to related items or articles to distribute link juice.
Conclusion
So, what are the SEO issues with Shopify? From duplicate content and rigid URLs to canonical tag missteps and site-speed woes, Shopify stores have unique challenges that require a focused approach. The good news is that with manual tweaks, the right apps and smart internal linking, you can transform your store into an SEO powerhouse.
If you’re ready to conquer these hurdles and dominate search results, reach out to a dedicated Shopify SEO Agency in UAE. At Bird, we combine local market expertise with proven strategies to help your eCommerce business flourish in the UAE and beyond.
