1. Voice Search and AI-Driven Content
As voice search becomes increasingly popular, e-commerce businesses are adapting by targeting long-tail, conversational keywords. When users ask specific questions via voice search, such as “best organic skincare routine for winter,” sites need to be optimized to respond to these queries.
Canadian startups like Blume (a skincare brand) are leading the way in this trend by using AI tools to generate content optimized for voice queries. AI allows them to create natural language content that answers customer questions while subtly promoting their products. They also make use of long-tail keywords such as “organic skincare for acne-prone skin” and “natural deodorant for sensitive skin.”
2. Mobile Optimization and Site Speed
With mobile shopping accounting for over 74% of e-commerce traffic, a mobile-first approach is non-negotiable. Site speed, in particular, is critical because Google now prioritizes fast-loading, mobile-responsive websites.
E-commerce startups like Knix, which offers intimate apparel, focus heavily on site speed and mobile optimization. They use techniques like image compression, caching, and code minification to improve their loading times. A fast, mobile-optimized site not only keeps users happy but also improves search rankings, reducing bounce rates. Google’s Core Web Vitals also play a significant role in assessing site speed, user interaction, and visual stability.
Stat: According to data, a one-second delay in mobile load times can reduce conversions by up to 20%
3. Content-Driven SEO
Content marketing remains a powerful SEO strategy for e-commerce startups, allowing them to rank for both informational and transactional queries. Blogs, tutorials, product reviews, and guides are commonly used to capture organic traffic.
For example, Goodfood, a meal kit delivery service, leverages content marketing by producing blogs and YouTube videos that answer popular search queries like “easy weeknight dinner recipes” and “how to cook healthy meals fast.” Their content isn’t just informative—it’s optimized to rank for specific industry-related keywords like “meal kits for weight loss” and “family-friendly meal kits.”
This content also helps build topical authority, which is essential for ranking highly on Google. By consistently publishing high-quality, SEO-optimized content, startups can attract both potential customers and search engine crawlers.
4. Leveraging User-Generated Content (UGC) and Video Marketing
Video is one of the fastest-growing forms of content, and it can significantly enhance SEO by keeping users on your site longer and driving engagement. Companies like Article Furniture, an online furniture startup, create product videos that show how their pieces fit into various home setups. These videos are not only featured on their website but are also uploaded to YouTube, further boosting their SEO by capturing traffic from one of the world’s largest search engines.
Moreover, Goodfood also taps into user-generated content (UGC) by encouraging customers to share their meal-prep experiences through photos and reviews. UGC is an excellent SEO tool, as it adds fresh, unique content to product pages, which search engines favor. Keywords such as “best meal kit reviews” and “quick meal kit comparisons” naturally emerge from these user interactions.
5. Building Quality Backlinks and Local SEO
Backlinks remain one of the most critical factors for SEO. However, in 2024, startups need to focus on building high-quality, relevant backlinks instead of using manipulative tactics like link farms or low-value directories.
Canadian e-commerce startup Article Furniture successfully earns backlinks through content marketing and partnerships. For example, they create in-depth resources about interior design and sustainable furniture trends, which are then shared by relevant bloggers and media outlets. These high-authority backlinks not only improve their domain authority but also increase referral traffic.
Additionally, Blume focuses on local SEO by optimizing their Google My Business profile and generating positive local reviews, making it easier for nearby customers to find their products. Long-tail local keywords like “best natural deodorant in Toronto” help Blume appear in hyper-local searches.
6. Optimizing for Featured Snippets and Rich Snippets
Featured snippets—those concise answers at the top of Google’s search results—are highly coveted spots. Many e-commerce startups, including Knix, optimize their content to rank for these positions by structuring their answers to FAQs, product guides, and how-tos in a way that satisfies Google’s requirements.
Another powerful SEO tool is rich snippets, which add additional information like reviews, prices, and availability directly in search results. By adding structured data to their sites, startups like Goodfood can ensure that search engines display attractive, enhanced results that improve click-through rates.
Industry-Specific Long-Tail Keywords
Here are some examples of long-tail keywords that e-commerce startups in specific industries use to capture targeted traffic:
- Knix: “Moisture-wicking underwear for athletes,” “Postpartum recovery apparel”
- Blume: “Natural deodorant for sensitive skin,” “Organic acne treatment for teens”
- Goodfood: “Gluten-free meal kits,” “Healthy meals for busy professionals”
- Article Furniture: “Sustainable mid-century modern furniture,” “Compact dining tables for small spaces”
In conclusion, SEO in 2024 is about more than just ranking for a handful of competitive keywords. It’s about building a seamless experience across all devices, creating valuable, engaging content, and optimizing for new technologies like voice search and video. Canadian e-commerce startups like Blume, Goodfood, Knix, and Article are paving the way by embracing these strategies and setting the stage for long-term success.