Choosing the right SEO agency for your eCommerce store is a crucial decision. The right team can help you drive more organic traffic, improve your search rankings, and ultimately boost sales. But with so many agencies promising results, how do you know which one is the best fit for your business?
Let’s go through what to look for in an SEO agency and how to make an informed decision.
1. Look for eCommerce SEO Expertise
Not all SEO is the same. eCommerce SEO is different from local or service-based SEO because it involves optimising hundreds or even thousands of product pages, handling technical SEO, and managing structured data.
When evaluating an agency, check if they: Have experience with eCommerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, or BigCommerce. Understand product page optimisation, category page SEO, and internal linking strategies. Know how to improve conversion rates alongside rankings.
2. Check Their Track Record
A good SEO agency should have proof of past success. Look for: Case studies showing how they’ve improved rankings, traffic, and revenue for other eCommerce clients. Client testimonials or reviews on platforms like Trustpilot or Google. Examples of before-and-after results from their SEO campaigns. Check out www.clickslice.co.uk/ecommerce-seo-services/ to see what a reputable agency looks like.
If an agency can’t provide real-world examples of their work, that’s a red flag.
3. Ask About Their SEO Strategy
A reliable agency should offer a clear and transparent strategy, rather than vague promises. Ask them: How do you approach keyword research for eCommerce? (They should mention product-focused and long-tail keywords.) What’s your on-page SEO process? (Look for details about optimising product descriptions, metadata, and internal links.) How do you build backlinks? (Quality over quantity—be wary of agencies offering thousands of links overnight.) What technical SEO improvements do you focus on? (They should mention site speed, mobile-friendliness, and structured data.)
If they can’t explain their process in simple terms, they may not be the best fit.
4. Be Wary of Guaranteed Rankings
No legitimate SEO agency can guarantee a #1 ranking on Google—SEO simply doesn’t work that way. Search engine algorithms are constantly changing, and rankings depend on multiple factors.
Instead of focusing on rankings alone, a good agency will aim for: Steady organic traffic growth. Higher conversion rates. Sustainable long-term results
If an agency promises instant success, they’re likely using risky black-hat SEO tactics, which can get your site penalised.
5. Check Their Communication & Reporting
SEO is a long-term investment, so you’ll want an agency that keeps you informed. Ask: How often will we receive updates? (Look for monthly reports at a minimum.) What’s included in your reports? (You should see traffic growth, keyword performance, and conversion data.) How do you handle communication? (There should be a dedicated point of contact for your account.)
If an agency avoids discussing reporting or lacks clear communication, they might not be transparent about their work.
6. Ensure They Follow Google’s Guidelines
Google has strict guidelines for SEO, and breaking them can lead to penalties. Make sure the agency follows: White-hat SEO practices (no keyword stuffing, cloaking, or buying links). Google’s E-E-A-T principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Best practices for user experience (fast loading speeds, mobile-friendly designs).
A reputable agency should focus on sustainable, ethical SEO strategies that deliver long-term results.
When to Avoid DIY SEO
Are you tempted to try doing SEO by yourself? Most business owners want to save money, and with the price of professional services going up, you might be exploring DIY methods. However, one of the big mistakes that owners make is believing that SEO is something they can handle themselves. They think it’s easy and can save a fortune this way. However, in reality, this is often not true. You can end up very disappointed when you see no change in your rankings or sales figures. Here are some situations where you want to avoid DIY SEO.
1. You Have a Busy Schedule
Do you already have a lot on your plate? You don’t want to add SEO to the list. This is a full-time job and something that you’re constantly working on. You have to create new content, work on link building and make upgrades to your website all the time. It requires hard work and time. Therefore, if you have a busy schedule, it’s best to avoid going DIY.
2. You Have No Experience
Have you never worked on SEO before? Know that now isn’t the time to test it out. If you have goals for your business this year and you need to improve your rankings, you can’t afford to take risks. Taking on tactics without experience is often going to lead to disappointment. In fact, you can even do more damage than good.
3. You Have Google Penalties
Do you already have Google penalties that you’re trying to deal with? If you’re the one that got these in the first place, it’s not a good idea to try to get out of them by yourself. Instead, professionals know the best ways to correct these mistakes and make sure that you’re discoverable again.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right SEO Partner
Choosing an SEO agency for your eCommerce store isn’t just about finding someone who can improve rankings—it’s about finding a long-term partner who understands your business goals and helps you grow sustainably.
Take your time to research, ask questions, and review case studies before making a decision. The right agency will be transparent, experienced, and committed to helping your store succeed.
Ready to invest in SEO? Start by looking for an agency that specialises in eCommerce SEO, has a proven track record, and communicates clearly—and you’ll be on the path to long-term success.
To read more content like this, explore The Brand Hopper
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