International SEO Tips for Multilingual Stores on Shopify

Expanding your Shopify store to cater to international audiences is an exciting opportunity. However, to maximize visibility and sales globally, you need a robust international SEO strategy. Here are essential tips to optimize your multilingual Shopify store for search engines worldwide.

1. Use Shopify’s Multilingual Capabilities

Shopify supports multiple languages, enabling you to translate your store’s content for different markets. Follow these steps:

• Enable Shopify’s multi-language feature: Go to your Shopify admin panel and enable additional languages.
• Use compatible themes: Ensure your store’s theme supports multi-language functionality.
• Integrate translation apps: Apps like Langify or Weglot can help translate your store seamlessly.

2. Optimize for Hreflang Tags

Hreflang tags signal to search engines which language and region each page is intended for. Shopify apps like LangShop or Transcy can handle hreflang tags for your translated pages automatically.

Tips:

• Ensure every language version of a page has the appropriate hreflang tag.
• Avoid duplicate content issues by correctly linking translations using hreflang attributes.

3. Target Country-Specific Domains or Subfolders

Choose the right structure for your international store:

• Country-specific domains (ccTLDs): Example: www.yourstore.ca for Canada.
• Subfolders: Example: www.yourstore.com/fr for French content.
• Subdomains: Example: fr.yourstore.com for French content.

Best Practices:

• Use subfolders if you want to consolidate SEO authority on one domain.
• Opt for ccTLDs for strong regional targeting but be aware of higher costs.

4. Conduct Keyword Research for Each Market

Keywords differ by language and region. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or Semrush can help:

• Identify high-volume keywords for each target market.
• Adapt keywords to cultural nuances and local search behavior.
• Use local long-tail keywords for better targeting.

5. Localize Content Beyond Translation

Simply translating your content isn’t enough. Localization involves adapting:

• Currency and pricing: Display prices in local currency.
• Images and visuals: Use culturally relevant visuals.
• Shipping and taxes: Clearly communicate shipping options and local taxes.

6. Optimize Metadata for Each Language

Write unique title tags, meta descriptions, and alt text for every language version. Include target keywords to improve rankings in local search results.

Example:

• English: “Buy Organic Coffee Beans Online”
• French: “Achetez des Grains de Café Bio en Ligne”

7. Build Backlinks in Target Markets

Acquiring backlinks from local websites boosts your SEO in specific regions. Strategies include:

• Partnering with local influencers.
• Submitting your site to regional directories.
• Collaborating with local bloggers.

8. Optimize for Mobile Users

Mobile optimization is critical for global audiences. Ensure:

• Your site uses a responsive design.
• Pages load quickly, even on slower internet connections common in some regions.
• Navigation is intuitive across all devices.

9. Monitor and Analyze Performance by Region

Use analytics tools like Google Analytics or Shopify Analytics to track:

• Traffic sources by country.
• Conversion rates for each language version.
• Bounce rates and time spent on pages.

Tip:

Set up Google Search Console for each version of your site to monitor performance and troubleshoot issues specific to each region.

10. Stay GDPR and Regional Compliance Ready

Catering to international audiences means adhering to local laws, such as:

• GDPR: For European users, ensure cookie consent and data privacy compliance.
• Regional regulations: Understand and implement tax rules, product restrictions, and shipping guidelines for each country.

11. Leverage Local Social Media Platforms

Promote your Shopify store on region-specific social media platforms. For example:

• WeChat for China.
• VK for Russia.
• Line for Japan.

Customize content and ads to align with local preferences and trends.

12. Speed Up Your Site for Global Access

Website speed directly impacts SEO and user experience. Optimize by:

• Using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) like Shopify’s built-in Fastly CDN.
• Compressing images and minimizing scripts.
• Choosing a hosting provider with global server locations.

Conclusion

International SEO is a vital part of scaling your Shopify store for global success. By implementing these multilingual and region-specific strategies, you can attract and convert audiences worldwide. Focus on localization, technical optimization, and market-specific targeting to build a strong presence in the global ecommerce space.

Start optimizing your Shopify store today and unlock opportunities in international markets!