SEO Content Questions

[chuskey]

In a lot of what I've been reading about with SEO there is a lot of talk about generating good content via articles and blogs.

We're going to be launching an online store selling home accents using Core Commerce and I'm wondering how applicable that advice is for this type of situation. Where the site is really strictly a store.

I thought about having designing tip articles and blogs, but I'm trying to think if I've ever seen a "web store" have content like this. Usually it's just selling merchandise.

I also really haven't looked into the best way to integrate that into the corecommerce store. I guess I could add content pages, or link to a blog site. But I'm thinking if I link to a blog site that would defeat the purpose of getting links/traffic to the store.

Has anyone had any experience with this type of thing or have any advice?

Thanks.

[ktaylor310]

Articles regarding designing tips are a great idea since the subject matter is relevant to what you are selling. It is a natural way of adding keyword rich content to your site.

I also really haven't looked into the best way to integrate that into the corecommerce store

When I setup stores for my clients I create a custom home page that links to the store. It gives us much more control over the design and the coding on that very important page. I do not have any experience with Core Commerce, however, so that may not be an option for you.

Since you are launching a new online store in a highly competitive market, you will most certainly have to consider some form of SEO or PPC advertising if you want your store to be found on any major search engine.

[bdorland]

I'm trying to think if I've ever seen a "web store" have content like this. Usually it's just selling merchandise.

More and more online stores are realizing the need for and integrating this keyword-rich content, but they normally won't make it a focal point. Here's an example:

Go to Branders.com. Notice how everything looks like a typical online store but as you scroll down the page, they promote their blog and are integrating a bunch of keyword-rich content. All this is "below the fold" and no one is going to read it, but search engines do.

Also note at the VERY BOTTOM of their homepage a link called "Content Links". Go to that page and note that they have created hundreds of keyword-specific pages that get them good rankings for a rediculous amount of keywords.

Modeling your efforts after this site would be a good way to go...

[ktaylor310]

OMG Brody, that site made my head want to explode!

[bdorland]

LOL! Yes, promo product sites are notoriously busy.

[Hagen]

Originally Posted by chuskey

In a lot of what I've been reading about with SEO there is a lot of talk about generating good content via articles and blogs.

We're going to be launching an online store selling home accents using Core Commerce and I'm wondering how applicable that advice is for this type of situation. Where the site is really strictly a store.

I thought about having designing tip articles and blogs, but I'm trying to think if I've ever seen a "web store" have content like this. Usually it's just selling merchandise.

I also really haven't looked into the best way to integrate that into the corecommerce store. I guess I could add content pages, or link to a blog site. But I'm thinking if I link to a blog site that would defeat the purpose of getting links/traffic to the store.

Has anyone had any experience with this type of thing or have any advice?

Thanks.

You can still use the article submissions and blogs to "pre-sell" prospects before they get to your website. They've already read about the product you're offering, and if you sound knowledgeable on the subject, you've built up some trust with them, so if they have a need/want for the product, they'll click through to see what your site is about.

[torka]

Related blog articles to products you offer in the store -- tips on how to get longer life, more effective or economical use, etc. from the products, that sort of thing. Then remember to include a call to action with your blog articles so visitors are directed to your actual web store pages.

You might find this article I wrote for Search Engine Guide gives you a few ideas for content and how to use it within the context of an ecommerce site.

--Torka