8 SEO Tips to Sell More Merch and Drive Traffic
SEO isn’t as scary as it sounds. It’s actually super easy! Here are eight easy hacks to give your merch more visibility, drive organic traffic and make sales.
SEO (search engine optimization) is an overlooked strategy to sell more merch and drive traffic to your shop.
And you don’t need to be a marketing pro to see profitable results! We’ve compiled eight, easy SEO hacks that you can implement in the backend of your merch shop in a few simple steps.
Using keywords in your product titles, optimizing product descriptions for search and properly naming your design files. These are all simple ways to drive more traffic to your merch shop.
When promoting your products, use keyword-based strategy in your content. Find ways to incorporate relevant keywords in an authentic and engaging way.
Learn more about how you can use SEO to get your merch in front of the right audience and increase your sales overnight.
1. Use Long-Tail Keywords in Your Product Titles
The more specific (and lengthy) you are with the titles for your merch products, the better.
The reason: Long-tail SEO keywords are less competitive. You’ll have an easier time ranking on Google and other search engines. This is an opportunity for you to not only increase your shop traffic, but get creative, too. Use your niche to your advantage!
Let’s use cat-themed merch as an example. Labelling products as “funny cat tee”, or “cute cat hat”, isn’t specific enough. Think about your niche or your specific design when marketing your products for SEO.
"Special needs cat awareness cap" and "funny cat therapist graphic tee" are good titles. They relate to people looking for products like yours.
2. Name Your Image Files With Keywords
You wouldn’t think the names of your actual design files would have any impact on your SEO performance, right? Wrong.
A lot of people upload image files with titles like “IMG_0045.PNG” to their products because it doesn’t seem important. But adding relevant keywords allows Google Image Search to better find and rank your merch.
Using the same example as above, having a title like “cute_cat_summer_graphic_tee.PNG” is a much better option for SEO.
3. Add Keywords to Product Descriptions Organically
We keep emphasizing the importance of keywords when ranking for SEO. However, their integration into your product descriptions should feel natural - not forced.
Take the time to describe your merch design, who it’s for and how you want your customer to feel when they wear it.
The optimal length for product descriptions? 150-300 words is the sweet spot. This is short enough for search engines to understand your product, but not too long that it overwhelms potential customers.
SEO Best Practices for Product Descriptions:
- Include Primary Keywords Early
Use your target keyword(s) in the first 1–2 sentences.
Example: This funny cat dad t-shirt is perfect for pet lovers who want to show off their feline pride.
2. Use Natural Language
Avoid keyword stuffing. Write like you’re talking to your ideal buyer.
3. Answer Buyer Questions
What makes it unique?
When or where would they wear it?
4. Add Emotional or Lifestyle Triggers
Example: Headed to a music festival? This shirt is perfect.
Product description optimized for SEO:
The coffee-to-go oversized graphic tee is perfect for coffee lovers and caffeine enthusiasts. Simple, soft and trendy - this tee is the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe.
Wear while hitting up the farmers market on early weekend mornings, or to your favorite coffee shop on the daily. This cute coffee cup mascot design and simple “coffee to go” promote your interests in a subtle, simple way.
An incredibly versatile tee in your closet. Go simple and classic by wearing it with bike shorts or pair with oversized sweatpants for a trendier, fashionable look.
From premium brand Stanley/Stella, this sustainable and heavyweight tee makes a bold statement.
Perfect as a gift to yourself, or for your friends and loved ones that are self-proclaimed coffee lovers.
Available in a variety of neutral color ways, this is a tee you’ll be wearing on repeat for years to come.
Features:
Unisex fit
100% organic cotton
Soft and breathable
Printed in the USA
4. Don’t Copy/Paste Product Descriptions
Now that you know how to write an SEO-optimized product description, it’s important to change it up for each product.
To optimize your website for search engines, one important thing to think about is the uniqueness of your content. Copying and pasting descriptions for many products might seem like a good way to save time. However, it can hurt your search engine rankings.
Search engines, such as Google, prioritize original and high-quality content. When they find duplicate content, it can be confusing. This is when the same text appears in many places online. They may struggle to decide which version is the best or most reliable.
Even if the products are similar, take the time to change up the description. Elaborate on the different uses, various color ways and features like material and fit.
This goes a long way for SEO for your merch shop. It also shows that you take the time to label your products for your customers.
5. Create Dedicated Pages by Niche or Theme
Build themed pages in your Spreadshop around certain products to give your merch more visibility.
Google has a strong preference for themed pages because they guide shoppers beyond the initial homepage. When users search for particular products or categories, they want detailed information and relevant options.
Themed pages help shoppers find what they want. They organize content by topics, products, or themes.
This focused method boosts your site's visibility in search engine results. Themed pages are better than showing many products on the homepage. They help you pick items that fit customer needs or seasonal trends.
A themed page called "Summer Essentials" could show many products. It might include swimwear, beach accessories, and outdoor gear, all in one spot. If a holiday like Father’s Day is coming up, take advantage and make a page labelled “ Funny Custom Gifts for Dads”. Or niche down and make a page titled “Products For Plant Parents”, or “Merch For Crafters and Makers”.
Google’s algorithms favor websites that keep users engaged with reduced bounce rates.
The more time users spend on your themed pages, the more likely they are to buy something. This shows Google that your site is valuable and relevant.
6. Answer Questions on Reddit or Quora (with links)
Find relevant threads on forums like Reddit or Quora where people are looking for custom merch or gifts relevant to your shop.
When engaging with your audience, it's essential to respond to their questions genuinely. Take the time to understand their inquiries and provide answers that show your knowledge. Authenticity in your responses helps build trust and fosters a stronger connection with your audience.
In situations where it is appropriate, you can also share a link to your merchandise shop. This can be particularly effective if the question relates to your products or if the conversation naturally leads to a discussion about what you offer.
For example, if someone asks about a specific item you’ve created or expresses interest in your brand, providing a direct link to your merch shop can make it easier for them to explore and purchase your products.
When sharing the link, consider adding a brief description of what they can find in your shop. This not only encourages them to visit but also gives them a clearer idea of what to expect. For instance, you might say, "If you're interested in the shirt I mentioned, you can check it out in my merch shop here: [insert link]. We have a variety of designs and sizes available!"
The key is to find a balance. You want to be informative and promotional. This way, your audience feels valued and engaged. They should also have the chance to discover your products.
You want to be strategic with this and not salesy, so be careful with your language and try not to sound like a salesperson.
Address their needs and concerns and highlight your products and different brands you sell in your Spreadshop, like Stanley/Stella or Champion.
7. Make Keyword-Driven, Niche Content
Whether you create content often or have never made a short video, social content can help your merch shop.
Use keywords that are relevant to your audience. Answer common questions or hacks to drive interest and engagement.
Content tips:
Look at what similar creators are doing in your niche.
See what questions + concerns people have on forum boards, like Reddit.
Use target keywords in all text overlays and captions.
People will scroll past content that’s average. Give them something to pause on with engaging, niche-driven content.
And don’t forget to mention your merch and direct people to your shop link when it’s relevant!
8. Write a Blog About Your Design/Niche
Blogs are a more in-depth content approach to SEO. They drive tangible results quickly and efficiently.
Write blog posts like “5 Must-Have Gifts for Plant Lovers” and feature and link to relevant merch products. Don't promote your merchandise with generic content. For example, avoid titles like, “How to Make Money as a Content Creator.” Instead, link to your shop without just mentioning merch as a way to earn money.
Blogs are not only great for addressing your SEO needs, but connecting with your audience, too.
Need help finding the right platform to post blogs? SEMrush has compiled the 9 best blog platforms for your different needs.
We hope these 8 SEO tips give you the information and energy you need to optimize your merch. Get your merch in front of more eyeballs with products and content that resonates.
Still looking for a suitable merch solution?