In the bustling world of eCommerce, the backbone of your digital storefront lies in the content management system (CMS) that you choose. It’s the tool that not only supports your website but also influences how you approach your search engine optimisation (SEO) strategy, an integral part of your digital growth. While Shopify reigns as a leading choice for many online businesses, its strengths may not necessarily align with your SEO needs.
At FocusedGrowth®, our deep-rooted expertise in Digital Marketing positions us uniquely to guide businesses through the complexities of CMS integration. With the indispensable role of CMSs ascending, companies can often grapple with understanding their functionalities and strategic value.
We’ve written this blog to give you further insights into how Shopify, although an excellent platform for various eCommerce functions, may not provide the SEO control or flexibility you require for long-term growth.
What is Shopify to eCommerce?
At its core, Shopify is designed to streamline the process of setting up and running an online store. It’s known for its user-friendly interface, extensive app marketplace, and a variety of customisable themes to suit many business models. eCommerce entrepreneurs often flock to Shopify because it’s a comprehensive solution that seemingly takes care of everything, from inventory management to customer conversion.
However, the details of running a successful online business are far more intricate than simply setting up shop. SEO, in particular, demands control, flexibility, and a deep understanding of how your website interacts with search engines and users. For these nuanced tasks, Shopify might not be the ideal tool.
Shopify is a Rented Platform
When you opt for Shopify, you’re essentially renting space on their platform. This means that no matter how much you invest in your Shopify storefront, you don’t truly own it. You’re reliant on Shopify’s continued service and the subscription model that supports it.
For an SEO-minded entrepreneur, this lack of ownership and control can hinder your strategy. Tailoring your site to adapt to changing SEO trends or launching bold, site-altering campaigns can be severely limited. You don’t have complete access to your website’s backend, and you certainly can’t implement major changes without Shopify’s consent and sometimes costly, specialised support.
Technical Hurdles – Developing on Shopify is Restrictive
The technical aspect of SEO, such as crafting SEO-friendly URLs, managing your site’s performance through code optimisation, and implementing structured data, demands a CMS that allows for extensive development. Unfortunately, Shopify falls short in this regard.
To develop your website beyond what the Shopify templates offer, you’ll need to hire a developer with specialised Shopify knowledge. The pool of such developers is smaller than those who are versed in more commonly used CMS platforms, and their services come with a premium. This lack of developers can not only inflate your overhead but also limit the rapid development required to keep up with the ever-evolving SEO scene.
Content Management – Locked in by Lacking Flexibility
Content is king, they say, and managing content effectively is foundational to any sound SEO strategy. However, with Shopify, managing content isn’t as straightforward as with other CMS platforms.
To customise your content strategy or make on-the-fly SEO improvements, you’ll need a team member well-versed in Shopify’s specific functionalities. This specificity comes at a cost, both in terms of their salary expectations and the resources required to retain such talent. In essence, every SEO move turns into a Shopify-specific operation that isn’t as agile or cost-effective as using a more flexible CMS.
The allure of Shopify lies in its ease of use and its comprehensive approach to eCommerce. But when it comes to fostering a robust SEO strategy, these benefits can quickly transform into detriments. The rented nature of a Shopify site, the technical hurdles, and the constraint around content management make it a less-than-ideal setup for businesses that foresee SEO as a central pillar of their growth.
If you’re an eCommerce entrepreneur or a small business owner, consider these points carefully before you cement your decision to go with Shopify. While it’s invaluable for many aspects of your online store, the long-term SEO strategy deserves a CMS that offers more fluidity and control.
We trust that you’ve found valuable insights in our blog to Shopify’s advantages and challenges as they pertain to your eCommerce SEO. For personalised assistance or additional consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out to our seasoned professionals at FocusedGrowth®.
Our team is dedicated to understanding the distinctive requirements of your enterprise, ensuring that we identify the content management system that aligns flawlessly with your goals.
The decision of which CMS to choose is an investment in your digital future. We’ll help you prioritise one that champions your ability to pivot and evolve in response to the intricate nature of SEO and consumer behaviour.
Maximise your online potential by choosing the perfect CMS, contact us today to explore your options.