Running an eCommerce business is no easy feat, and with thousands of online stores vying for the attention of potential customers, boosting your store’s visibility is essential. Off-page SEO is a powerful tool to enhance your eCommerce website’s visibility, improve search engine rankings, and ultimately drive more traffic to your site. This article will explore 15 proven off-page SEO techniques for eCommerce that can help your store stand out in a crowded marketplace.
What Are Off Page SEO Techniques?
Off-page SEO refers to all the actions taken outside your website to improve its search engine rankings and visibility. These tactics help build trust, authority, and relevance for your eCommerce website in the eyes of search engines. Unlike on-page SEO, which focuses on optimizing elements within your website like meta descriptions, title tags, and content, off-page SEO involves external factors like backlinks, social media marketing, and brand mentions.
Examples of Off Page SEO Techniques:
- Backlink Building: Acquiring high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites.
- Social Media Engagement: Leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to build brand awareness.
- Guest Blogging: Contributing valuable content to other websites, which links back to your store.
Off Page SEO vs. On Page SEO: What’s the Difference?
Both on-page and off-page SEO are critical to a successful SEO strategy, but they differ in focus:
- On-page SEO involves optimizing the content and structure of your eCommerce site. This includes keyword optimization, meta tags, internal links, and improving user experience.
- Off-page SEO focuses on external factors that can influence your search engine rankings, such as link building, social media engagement, and brand mentions on other websites.
While on-page SEO helps search engines understand your website, off-page SEO signals your site’s authority, relevance, and trustworthiness.
Why Is Off Page SEO Important?
Off-page SEO is crucial because it tells search engines that your website is a valuable, credible resource for users. Search engines like Google use backlinks, social signals, and brand mentions as ranking factors. High-quality off-page SEO efforts can:
- Boost search engine rankings
- Increase your website’s domain authority
- Drive organic traffic to your eCommerce site
- Expand your online presence and reputation
By improving your off-page SEO, you can ensure your website remains competitive in search engine results, helping you attract more customers and increase eCommerce sales.
Top 15 Off Page SEO Techniques for eCommerce Websites
1. Backlink Building: The Backbone of Off-Page SEO
One of the most critical off-page SEO techniques for eCommerce websites is backlink building.
How does backlink building work?
Backlink building is the process of acquiring quality links from other websites that point to your eCommerce store. When reputable and relevant websites link to your site, Google and other search engines perceive your website as a trustworthy and reliable source of information.
These backlinks, especially from authority websites, greatly influence your ranking on SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages). This means your website will likely appear at the top of search results, making it visible to potential customers searching for products or services similar to yours, leading to increased organic traffic and, ultimately, more sales.
But the true benefit of backlinks is that they help you outperform your competitors without spending a fortune on ads. Backlinks are considered one of Google’s most significant ranking factors, and building them effectively improves your page rank authority.
Two types of backlinks:
- Natural/Earned Links: These are backlinks you acquire when other websites link to your content organically because they find it valuable. This type of backlink typically results from high-quality, informative content that others want to reference on their own sites.
- Built/Intentional Links: These backlinks are acquired through deliberate actions such as guest posting, outreach, or other forms of collaboration with external sites. While more effort is required, these backlinks can be highly beneficial.
However, it’s crucial to be cautious. Aggressively pursuing low-quality or irrelevant backlinks can harm your SEO efforts. Spammy backlinks from dubious sources may lead Google to classify your site as low-quality, hurting your rankings.
Backlink Strategies:
- Use tools like Moz, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to audit your website’s backlink profile. This helps you understand where your backlinks come from and how they contribute to your SEO.
- Avoid using the same anchor text repeatedly, as this can trigger penalties from search engines.
- Remove broken links or backlinks from spammy websites, which can damage your SEO performance.
- Analyze your competitors’ backlink profiles to identify potential sources of backlinks for your own site.
- Use broken link building techniques by finding broken links on other websites and suggesting your content as a replacement.
Backlink building is challenging, but with persistence, it becomes one of the most rewarding off-page SEO strategies.
2. Social Media Strategy: Expanding Your Reach
While backlink building is a crucial off-page SEO technique, it is not the only one. Social media marketing is another powerful off-page tactic that can significantly boost your eCommerce store’s visibility.
How does social media fit into off-page SEO?
With more than 3.8 billion social media users, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest offer vast opportunities to engage with your target audience. Social media is not just about driving traffic; it’s also about fostering engagement and creating brand signals. When your content is shared widely across social media, it increases the chances of gaining organic backlinks, even though social media activity itself doesn’t directly impact your SERP rankings.
Moreover, social media acts as a form of search engine. Many consumers use these platforms to research products and brands. Therefore, maintaining an active social media presence is crucial for increasing brand visibility.
How to use social media for off-page SEO?
- Share blog posts, videos, and infographics related to your products.
- Leverage social media influencers to amplify your content, driving traffic and increasing the likelihood of earning backlinks.
- Create shareable content that resonates with your audience, encouraging them to link back to your site naturally.
By integrating social media into your off-page SEO strategy, you can drive significant traffic to your eCommerce site and boost engagement with potential customers.
3. Guest Posting: Building Authority Through Content
Guest posting is a highly effective off-page SEO technique for eCommerce websites. It involves creating valuable content for other websites, usually in your niche, in exchange for a backlink to your site. This technique allows you to establish yourself as an expert in your field while also building high-quality backlinks.
According to research from SEMrush, guest posting remains one of the top methods for acquiring links. When you guest post on high-authority websites, not only do you gain valuable backlinks, but you also introduce your brand to new audiences, which can drive additional traffic to your eCommerce store.
How to leverage guest posting for off-page SEO:
- Research relevant websites in your industry that accept guest contributions. Use search terms like “write for us” or “submit a guest post.”
- Reach out to website editors or owners with a tailored pitch, highlighting the value you can provide through your guest post.
- Ensure your guest post includes natural links to your eCommerce site, but don’t overdo it—your goal is to provide value, not just to promote your store.
By using guest posting as an off-page SEO strategy, you can enhance your eCommerce site’s authority, increase its visibility, and build long-term relationships with industry experts.
4. Content Marketing: Spreading Value Beyond Your Website
Though content marketing is often associated with on-page SEO, it also plays a crucial role in off-page SEO when done strategically. Creating and sharing high-quality content outside of your website, whether it’s through guest posts, press releases, or sharing infographics, builds backlinks and increases your brand’s visibility across different platforms.
For example, case studies, whitepapers, and infographics that are distributed across the web can lead to natural backlinks as other websites refer to your content. Additionally, if your content is unique and valuable, it’s more likely to be shared, creating brand signals and boosting traffic.
5. Video Marketing: Engaging Your Audience Visually
In recent years, video marketing has exploded in popularity. With billions of users streaming video content daily, it’s no surprise that platforms like YouTube have become prime places for eCommerce businesses to reach customers. Videos are more engaging than written content, making them an excellent tool for attracting attention and driving traffic.
Why video marketing works for off-page SEO:
- YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, meaning your product videos can be optimized for search and drive traffic directly to your eCommerce website.
- Videos can showcase product tutorials, reviews, or explainer videos, giving potential customers a more in-depth look at your offerings.
To fully leverage video marketing, ensure your videos are optimized with relevant keywords, include links to your eCommerce site in the description, and share them across your social media platforms for maximum reach.
6. Brand Mentions: Boosting Credibility
Brand mentions, or implied links, occur when another website references your brand without necessarily linking to it. These brand signals are crucial for establishing credibility and improving your off-page SEO. Even without a physical backlink, Google recognizes brand mentions as a sign of authority, which can positively affect your rankings.
Mentioning reputable brands (that aren’t direct competitors) on your eCommerce site can also enhance your content’s credibility.
7. Optimizing Local SEO: For eCommerce Stores with Physical Locations
For eCommerce businesses with brick-and-mortar locations, local SEO is essential for driving traffic both online and offline. Optimizing your Google My Business profile, ensuring your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) is consistent across all directories, and collecting local reviews are vital off-page SEO tactics for enhancing visibility in local searches.
Bonus Off-Page SEO Techniques: Super Actionable Strategies
Now that you’ve learned the essential off-page SEO strategies, let’s dive into some bonus, highly actionable tactics. These methods are perfect for taking your eCommerce website visibility to the next level and building your brand authority online.
Let’s jump in.
8. Press Release Distribution: Amplifying Your Brand
Sending out a press release is an effective way to get your brand in front of more eyes and earn backlinks. When you distribute a press release about something noteworthy—whether it’s a new product launch, a major milestone, or an event—it can result in brand mentions and high-quality backlinks.
For example, a well-crafted press release can get syndicated across multiple news platforms. Not only does the release itself contain links, but it can also attract the attention of bloggers or journalists who may want to write about your brand, leading to even more brand mentions and backlinks from their articles.
How to make press release distribution work for you:
- Make sure your press release is newsworthy and relevant to your audience.
- Use press release distribution platforms like PR Newswire or Business Wire to reach a broader audience.
- Include a compelling call-to-action (CTA) with a link to your website or a specific product page.
By getting your press release featured on authoritative news websites, you build brand credibility, and the links you earn improve your off-page SEO.
9. Participate in Roundup Posts: Easy Wins for Mentions and Links
Roundup posts are a fantastic way to get links and brand mentions without putting in as much effort as guest posting. Roundup posts are articles that feature quotes, tips, or insights from various industry experts, and they are often published by bloggers looking to curate useful content for their readers.
By contributing to roundup posts, you not only get a backlink but also introduce your eCommerce store to a new audience.
Steps to participate in roundup posts:
- Look for websites in your niche that regularly publish expert roundups.
- Reach out to the website owners or editors and offer to contribute a valuable tip or insight related to your niche.
- Make sure to include a link to your website in your bio or within your contribution.
This tactic helps you build relationships with industry experts and provides an easy way to earn high-quality backlinks to your eCommerce site.
10. Get Interviewed: Build Authority and Boost Your SEO
Getting interviewed on podcasts or industry websites is an excellent and often underutilized off-page SEO strategy. Interviews offer an opportunity to share your expertise, connect with a new audience, and earn a backlink to your site.
For instance, being interviewed on a reputable blog or podcast can result in direct backlinks, as well as increased brand searches. People who listen to the podcast or read the interview might not click a link directly, but they may search for your brand on Google, which boosts your brand’s search visibility.
How to get interviewed:
- Reach out to podcast hosts or bloggers in your industry and offer to share insights on a relevant topic.
- Focus on platforms with high authority to get the most SEO benefits from the interview.
- Promote your interview on your own social media channels to maximize exposure.
By getting featured on reputable platforms, you not only earn backlinks but also build brand authority, which can lead to increased organic traffic and brand recognition.
11. Partner with Bigger Brands: Leverage Their Authority
You might think partnering with a big brand is impossible when you’re running a smaller eCommerce business, but with the right approach, it’s achievable. If you can provide value to a larger brand, they may be willing to collaborate and promote your content, which could lead to substantial traffic and authority boosts.
For example, creating a collaborative project—such as an infographic or guide—can get your eCommerce brand in front of their larger audience. Not only does this increase your brand exposure, but it can also result in backlinks from an authoritative source.
Steps to partner with bigger brands:
- Identify brands in your niche or a complementary industry with a large following.
- Propose a mutually beneficial project, such as an infographic, co-authored article, or a social media campaign.
- Ensure that your content aligns with their audience’s needs and interests.
When your content gets featured on a larger brand’s website or social channels, it helps you build credibility and boosts your off-page SEO through brand association.
12. Create Visual Content for Other Blogs: Generate Links and Mentions
Creating visual content like infographics, charts, or diagrams that other blogs can use is an excellent way to earn backlinks. Many blogs and websites lack the time or resources to create their own visuals, so they rely on external sources. By offering high-quality, informative visuals, you can encourage other bloggers to use them in their content—and link back to your eCommerce site as the original source.
How to use visuals for off-page SEO:
- Create infographics or visuals that simplify complex topics related to your industry or products.
- Promote these visuals to bloggers, influencers, and other relevant websites.
- Include a clear call-to-action for users to link back to your site when they use your visuals.
Even if some websites use your visuals without linking to you, the unlinked brand mentions still provide SEO value. Google takes these mentions into account, which can help improve your website’s authority.
13. Get Featured in Industry Roundups: Amplify Your Brand
Participating in industry roundups is another easy way to get high-quality backlinks and brand mentions. These roundups often feature insights from various experts in a particular niche, and they provide excellent opportunities for you to showcase your knowledge and promote your brand.
By contributing to industry roundups, you not only build relationships with other businesses in your niche but also earn valuable backlinks to your site, which can boost your overall SEO performance.
14. Build Brand Signals
Brand signals, such as positive reviews, social media engagement, and brand mentions, are essential for boosting your off-page SEO success. The more your brand is discussed online, the more search engines recognize your authority. Encourage customers to leave reviews and share their experiences with your brand on social media.
15. Improve E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
Google uses E-A-T as a significant ranking factor. Establishing your eCommerce business as an expert in your niche is essential for improving your off-page SEO efforts. Contribute expert opinions, get featured in industry publications, and build trust through high-quality content and backlinks from authoritative websites.
How SEO Strategies Pro Can Help You
Off-page SEO requires a strategic approach, and SEO Strategies Pro is here to help. We specialize in creating customized off-page SEO strategies that drive results for eCommerce businesses. Our services include:
- Backlink building through outreach and content marketing.
- Social media marketing to boost engagement and brand visibility.
- Local SEO optimization to help you dominate local search results.
- Influencer marketing and brand mentions to strengthen your online reputation.
By partnering with SEO Strategies Pro, you can focus on running your eCommerce business while we handle the complex aspects of off-page SEO, ensuring improved search engine rankings and increased traffic.
Conclusion
Off-page SEO is a vital component of any eCommerce SEO campaign. By utilizing these 15 off-page SEO techniques, you can significantly improve your website’s visibility, attract more organic traffic, and boost your eCommerce sales. Whether it’s building high-quality backlinks, engaging in social media marketing, or leveraging influencer partnerships, each tactic contributes to a successful SEO strategy that can take your eCommerce business to the next level. Ready to boost your store’s visibility? Contact SEO Strategies Pro today and let us craft an off-page SEO strategy that drives traffic, increases sales, and puts your eCommerce business on the map.
