Is SEO worth it for eCommerce?
Yes — and it’s not even close.
If you’re running an eCommerce business, SEO isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s the difference between getting found and getting forgotten.
Here’s why SEO for eCommerce pays off:
More traffic, less spendWhy keep shovelling money into ads when you could drive traffic organically? SEO gives you free clicks, and over time, those clicks compound. Unlike paid media, SEO doesn’t stop the second your budget runs dry.
Shoppers start with searchMost buyers don’t go straight to your site — they start with Google or search inside marketplaces like Amazon. If you’re not ranking there, your competitors are.
Product pages need to pull their weightPoorly optimised PDPs (Product Detail Pages) get buried. Smart keyword placement in titles, bullets, and descriptions pushes them up the rankings — and brings in clicks that convert.
It's your edge on crowded marketplacesWith dozens of sellers fighting for the same digital shelf space, SEO is how your listings win. Better ranking = better visibility = better sales.
Scale changes everythingIf you’ve got hundreds or thousands of SKUs, doing SEO manually is a bottleneck. It’s slow, expensive, and impossible to keep consistent. That’s where tools like Genrise come in — automating and optimising at scale across every product and marketplace.
Think about it:
Updating 100 product pages manually takes weeks.
Genrise does it in minutes — with keyword-optimized, retailer-compliant content.
Brands that skip SEO? They’re leaving traffic (and revenue) on the table. Brands that automate it? They’re scaling faster, ranking higher, and spending smarter.
How much does ecommerce SEO cost?
Costs can range from £500 to over £5,000/month depending on your product volume, number of marketplaces, and complexity. If you're managing hundreds of SKUs across platforms, manual SEO gets expensive. That’s why many brands turn to automation tools to scale SEO for their digital shelf and marketplace listings. Automation tools can significantly lower your cost to implement the SEO strategies.
Is SEO worth it on Shopify?
Yes — Shopify supports key SEO elements for your online store, but it’s just one piece. If you're also active on Amazon, Walmart or Instacart, you need consistent, optimised content across all listings. SEO helps you win visibility not just on your own site but across your entire digital shelf.
Does SEO really increase sales?
Definitely. Whether it's your DTC site or product pages on marketplaces, SEO puts your listings in front of high-intent shoppers. On digital shelves, strong SEO can push your products above competitors, boost click-through rates, and drive sales without relying solely on paid placements.
How long does ecommerce SEO take?
On your own site, SEO results usually show in 3–6 months. On marketplaces, changes can reflect faster — but consistency matters. Whether you're refreshing PDPs or launching new SKUs, regular updates across your digital shelf lead to better rankings and sustained traffic over time.
Can you really make money with SEO?
Yes — especially when SEO covers not just your site but your full marketplace presence. Products that are keyword-optimised and regularly updated tend to win more traffic on digital shelves. That visibility translates to real sales, especially when you're competing on crowded platforms.
Is SEO better than digital marketing?
SEO is a key part of digital marketing, but it delivers lasting value. Unlike paid ads, SEO supports long-term visibility on your site and across marketplaces. Optimised listings, enriched content, and keyword-rich PDPs help products rank higher — which builds momentum without ongoing ad spend.
Is SEO high paying?
For ecommerce brands, investing in SEO pays off — especially across marketplaces. High-ranking product listings deliver consistent returns without constant spend. For SEO professionals, those who understand how to optimise digital shelf content and marketplace listings are in high demand.
Is paid SEO worth it?
Yes — if you’re managing a large catalogue or selling across multiple marketplaces, paid SEO or automation tools are worth it. Manual work doesn’t scale well on the digital shelf. Investing in automated SEO updates helps maintain accuracy, visibility, and compliance at scale.
Which ecommerce platform has the best SEO?
WooCommerce offers the most SEO control for your own site. For marketplaces, it’s less about the platform and more about how well your product content is optimised. Digital shelf automation tools can help you standardise and scale SEO across Amazon, Walmart, and other platforms.
Why is SEO better than paid ads?
SEO delivers organic growth that continues even if your budget pauses. Paid ads on marketplaces are effective short-term, but SEO builds a stronger foundation. With well-optimised PDPs across your digital shelf, you get consistent traffic without paying for every click.
Does SEO really work for small business?
Yes, and it’s even more important when competing with bigger brands on digital shelves. Smart SEO lets small businesses rank higher on Amazon or Google Shopping. You don’t need a massive ad budget — just strong content and consistent updates across your product listings.
Are Google ads worth it for ecommerce?
They work, especially for launches or seasonal campaigns. But they don’t replace SEO. For long-term performance, optimising your product content on your own site and across marketplaces is essential. A balanced strategy that includes both SEO and ads works best.