![Online Marketplace: use SEO so everyone can find you on internet [SEO checklist]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-seo-checklist-2_0a7a9b49-f338-42ca-be74-724fc2182b98.png?v=1715867401&width=1100)
SEO isn't just for tech giants and e-commerce behemoths—it's a powerful tool that the most successful online marketplaces use strategically to attract buyers and sellers.
We understand that managing your online marketplace can be overwhelming, and the idea of optimizing your platform might seem like an additional burden.
But here's the thing: you don't need to be an SEO guru or invest a fortune to see results. Just a few simple steps can significantly enhance your online visibility and drive more traffic to your marketplace.
To assist you, we've created a free SEO checklist - and for a comprehensive action plan, please check out our pack of marketing tactics and strategies for online marketplace owners.
Get the SEO checklist made for online marketplace founders
The best online marketplaces rank first on Google. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
What is SEO for online marketplaces exactly?
Simply put, SEO is all about making your online marketplace more attractive to search engines like Google.
When someone searches for "best online marketplace for handmade goods" or "affordable electronics online," SEO helps your marketplace show up in the results. The goal is to get your website higher up on the search results page so more people can find and shop on your platform.
Why is SEO Important for Online Marketplaces?
SEO is incredibly important for online marketplaces, and here’s why:
- Increased Online Visibility:
The higher your website ranks on search engines, the more people will see it. This means more potential customers discovering your marketplace online, especially when they're looking for specific products.
- Higher Rankings on Search Engines:
Most people don’t look past the first page of search results. By optimizing your site, you can climb those rankings and beat out the competition. Imagine someone searching for "best deals on electronics" and finding your marketplace right at the top!
- Attracting More Targeted Customers:
SEO isn't just about getting anyone to your site—it's about getting the right people. Targeted SEO helps ensure that when someone searches for a specific product, your marketplace pops up. This means more relevant traffic and more sales.
Key Components of SEO
Now, let’s break down the main parts of SEO specifically for your online marketplace:
On-Page SEO
This involves making sure the content on your website is optimized. It includes things like:
- Keywords:
Using the words and phrases people are searching for in your titles, descriptions, and content. For example, if you sell handmade crafts, make sure you use phrases like "unique handmade gifts" or "artisan crafts" on your site.
- Content Quality:
Providing useful, engaging, and fresh content about your marketplace. Share product descriptions, customer reviews, blog posts about trends, and stories about your sellers.
- Meta Tags:
Using meta titles and descriptions that are relevant and appealing to searchers. For instance, a meta description for your homepage could be "Discover unique handmade goods and affordable electronics at [Your Marketplace Name], your go-to online marketplace."
Off-Page SEO
This focuses on actions taken outside your website to impact your rankings:
- Backlinks:
Getting other reputable websites to link to your site, which signals to search engines that your site is trustworthy and relevant. This could be from industry blogs, news sites, or community forums.
- Social Media:
Being active on social media with your marketplace’s page can drive traffic to your site and improve your online presence. Share your latest products, customer testimonials, and special promotions to engage with your audience.
Technical SEO
This ensures your website meets the technical requirements of search engines:
- Site Speed:
Making sure your website loads quickly. No one likes to wait, especially shoppers looking for the best deals!
- Mobile-Friendliness:
Ensuring your site looks and works well on mobile devices. Many people shop online using their phones while on the go.
- Secure Website (HTTPS):
Having a secure website that users (and search engines) can trust. This is especially important if you handle online transactions and personal information.
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Which keywords should you target for your online marketplace?
Online marketplace owners, like you, must target specific keywords in SEO because it helps your platform appear in search results when potential customers look for the products or services you offer. This increases the chances that people will find and use your marketplace.
For example, if you specialize in handmade crafts, targeting keywords like "best handmade marketplace" or "unique handmade items" helps attract customers searching for those terms. This makes it easier for people interested in handmade products to find your marketplace online.
Here are some keyword ideas for you. If you want a more developed strategy with actionable steps, go check out our strategy pack for marketplace owners.
| Keyword | Competitiveness Level | Tips and Initiatives |
|---|---|---|
| Best online marketplace for [Product Type] | High | Optimize your website with high-quality images of products, gather customer reviews, list on relevant directories, and use targeted SEO strategies. |
| Where to buy [Product Type] online | Medium | Create blog posts or pages on your website highlighting your best products, use keywords naturally in content, and engage with online influencers. |
| Online marketplace with good reviews | Medium | Use beautiful imagery of your products, gather positive customer reviews, and ensure your Google My Business profile is complete. |
| Best place for [Product Category] online | Medium | Feature specific product categories prominently on your website (e.g., electronics, fashion), use targeted SEO tactics, and promote specials on social media. |
| [Product Type] marketplace | High | Highlight unique aspects of your products, create SEO-friendly content about your offerings, and engage with the online community. |
| Top-rated online marketplace for [Product Type] | High | Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, optimize your website for mobile, and ensure accurate information on local listings. |
| Affordable [Product Type] marketplace | Low | Highlight affordable options and specials on your website, use keywords related to value, and promote deals on social media. |
| Where to find [Product Type] online | Medium | Use targeted SEO strategies, create content around popular products, and ensure your website is optimized for mobile users searching nearby. |
| Popular online marketplace for [Product Type] | Medium | Use social media to share popular items, engage with online influencers, and gather customer testimonials to build credibility. |
| Best online marketplace for families | Low | Create family-friendly content, highlight family-oriented products on your website, and host family-themed events to generate buzz. |
What really matters when you do SEO for an online marketplace
Actually, we think that SEO often follows the 80/20 rule, meaning that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. For online marketplace owners, like you, this means it's crucial to focus on the right strategies to maximize impact without feeling overwhelmed.
| Action / Initiative | Why It Matters / How It Helps Bring New Customers |
|---|---|
| Optimize Google My Business profile | Ensures your marketplace appears in local search results, provides essential information (hours, location, categories), and collects reviews to build trust. |
| Gather and respond to online reviews | Positive reviews build credibility and trust. Responding to reviews shows you value customer feedback, encouraging more people to shop on your platform. |
| Create high-quality content with targeted keywords | Helps your website rank higher in search results for relevant queries, attracting customers looking for specific products or services. |
| Optimize for local SEO | Ensures your marketplace shows up in local searches (e.g., "online marketplace near me"), driving traffic from nearby potential customers. |
| Ensure website is mobile-friendly | Most users search for products on their phones. A mobile-friendly site provides a better user experience, leading to higher engagement and conversions. |
| Use high-quality images of products | Attractive photos entice potential customers, showcasing your products, which can significantly influence their decision to purchase. |
| Include detailed product descriptions with keywords | Allows search engines to index your products, helping you appear in searches for specific items, and makes it easy for customers to understand what you offer. |
| List your marketplace on local directories | Increases your online presence and backlinks, improving your search engine ranking and making it easier for customers to find you. |
| Engage with local bloggers and influencers | Generates buzz and word-of-mouth, reaching a wider audience and attracting customers who trust these local voices. |
| Promote special deals and offers | Creates a sense of urgency and excitement, encouraging potential customers to shop on your marketplace for unique deals. |
| Utilize social media to share updates and engage with customers | Builds a community around your marketplace, keeps customers informed about new products, and drives traffic to your website. |
| Ensure accurate and consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information across all platforms | Prevents confusion, helps search engines trust your business information, and improves your local SEO ranking. |
| Offer easy online purchasing and customer support | Makes it convenient for customers to buy products and get help, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction. |
| Create blog posts about your products and marketplace experience | Attracts visitors to your site through informative and engaging content, improving SEO and showcasing what makes your marketplace unique. |
Copy the tactics of the best online marketplaces in the world!
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What is always useless when you do SEO for an online marketplace
We have studied a lot of online marketplaces when we built our strategy pack and we saw a lot of SEO-related initiatives that don't help attract new customers. We explain here why they might be a waste of time or even counterproductive.
| Action / Initiative | Why It Doesn't Matter / How It Doesn't Help Bring New Customers |
|---|---|
| Using meta keyword tags | Search engines no longer use meta keyword tags to rank pages, so focusing on them doesn't improve SEO for your online marketplace. |
| Keyword stuffing in product descriptions | Overusing keywords in product descriptions makes them hard to read and can be penalized by search engines, turning away potential customers. |
| Paying for backlinks from unrelated websites | Backlinks from non-marketplace related or low-quality websites don't improve your SEO and can even hurt your ranking if considered spammy by search engines. |
| Using exact match domains like bestonlinestore.com | Having an exact match domain has minimal impact on SEO and can appear spammy, especially if it doesn't reflect your brand well. |
| Creating multiple pages for the same product | Duplicate content confuses search engines and can dilute your SEO efforts. Focus on one high-quality page for each unique product or category. |
| Using Flash for product or checkout pages | Flash is outdated, not supported by many devices, and negatively impacts SEO. Modern alternatives like HTML5 should be used instead. |
| Focusing only on desktop optimization | Many customers browse online marketplaces on mobile devices. Ignoring mobile optimization leads to poor user experience and lower search rankings. |
| Using automated link-building tools | These tools often create low-quality or spammy links that can be penalized by search engines, hurting your marketplace's SEO efforts. |
| Ignoring structured data for products | Structured data helps search engines understand your products better. Ignoring it means missing out on potential SEO benefits like rich snippets. |
| Not updating your product listings regularly | Outdated product information can frustrate customers and harm your SEO. Regular updates keep content relevant and maintain search rankings. |
| Using irrelevant stock photos on your site | Low-quality or irrelevant images can negatively impact user experience and SEO. Use high-quality photos of your actual products and marketplace. |
| Over-optimizing anchor text in links | Using exact match keywords for every link appears unnatural and can be penalized by search engines. Use varied, natural anchor text instead. |
| Ignoring page load speed for your website | Slow-loading pages frustrate users and can lead to higher bounce rates, negatively impacting your marketplace's SEO. Ensure your site loads quickly. |
| Using too many ads above the fold on your homepage | Too many ads at the top of the page can be off-putting for users and may be penalized by search engines, impacting your SEO negatively. |
Should you pay someone for the SEO of your online marketplace?
Well, let's be upfront. Here’s the thing: SEO can get pretty complex, and having some support can really make a difference. Imagine trying to juggle running your online marketplace, managing vendors, keeping customers satisfied, and then on top of that, diving into the world of search engine optimization. It’s a lot, right?
Having someone handle your SEO means you can focus on what you do best—running your online marketplace. SEO experts know the ins and outs of getting your website to rank higher on search engines. They stay updated on the latest trends and algorithms, which means your site will be optimized correctly and consistently. This can lead to more people finding your marketplace online, and ultimately, more customers making purchases.
- But here’s the kicker: there are a lot of low-hanging fruits in SEO that you can tackle on your own, even if you don’t know much about it.
You will find a lot of low-hanging fruits that cost nothing, are quick to implement, and will make your marketplace’s website much more visible in strategy pack for online marketplace owners.
Simple actions like optimizing your Google My Business profile, ensuring your website is mobile-friendly, and using relevant keywords can significantly improve your online presence. These tasks don't require deep technical knowledge but can make a big impact.
So, should you increase the marketing budget of your online marketplace and pay someone to manage your SEO? If you can do it, it’s a worthwhile investment. But don't underestimate what you can achieve on your own. Start with the basics, see the results, and then decide if you need more specialized help.
Make your online marketplace more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best online marketplaces in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Useful tools online marketplace founders can use for their SEO
Here are some essential tools that our team has collected and listed, to help you improve your online marketplace's online presence and SEO.
| Tool | How It's Useful |
|---|---|
| Google My Business | Ensures your marketplace appears in local search results and Google Maps, provides essential information (hours, location, services), and collects customer reviews. |
| SEMrush | Helps identify the best keywords for your marketplace, analyze competitors, and track your search rankings. Provides insights to improve your content and visibility. |
| Yext | Manages your marketplace's listings across multiple directories, ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information to boost local SEO. |
| Google Search Console | Monitors your marketplace website's performance, identifies issues, and provides data on search traffic and keywords to optimize your SEO strategy. |
| Yelp | Collects customer reviews and ratings, which improve your marketplace's online reputation and visibility in local search results. |
| BrightLocal | Offers tools for local SEO audits, citation building, and review management, helping your marketplace improve its local search presence. |
| Moz | Provides keyword research, link building, and site audit tools to enhance your marketplace's SEO efforts and improve search engine rankings. |
| Ahrefs | Analyzes your marketplace's backlink profile, identifies top-performing content, and tracks keyword rankings to boost your SEO strategy. |
| Screaming Frog SEO Spider | Crawls your marketplace's website to identify technical SEO issues, such as broken links and duplicate content, helping improve site health and rankings. |
| AnswerThePublic | Generates content ideas by showing what people are searching for related to your marketplace, helping you create relevant and engaging blog posts and pages. |
| Canva | Helps create visually appealing social media posts and graphics for your website, which can improve user engagement and indirectly boost SEO. |
| Hotjar | Provides insights into user behavior on your marketplace's website through heatmaps and session recordings, helping you optimize user experience and reduce bounce rates. |
Copy the SEO tactics of the best online marketplace founders
We understand why many online marketplace owners might shy away from SEO and marketing.
Running an online marketplace is already a full-time job, and the concept of SEO can seem vague and foreign. The terminology can be confusing, and it often feels like marketing is a luxury only big corporations can afford.
Plus, there's the constant worry about costs and whether any marketing efforts will actually pay off. We get that you prefer to focus on immediate, tangible improvements to your marketplace rather than dive into something that seems complicated and uncertain. No need to deteriorate your marketplace’s budget here.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically for online marketplace owners like you.
Our pack is designed to address all these concerns head-on. It includes easy-to-follow guides that break down SEO and marketing into simple steps, so you don't need to be a tech expert to understand. We offer cost-effective strategies that fit within tight budgets, and our step-by-step plans ensure that you can implement a good marketing strategy for your marketplace without feeling overwhelmed.
Plus, we've included real-life examples and tips that have worked for other small online marketplaces, so you can see the tangible benefits before you even start.
Our goal is to make marketing accessible and practical, helping your online marketplace thrive without adding extra stress to your already busy life.
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