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Yoast SEO for Shopify - Can you use Yoast on Shopify? [2023 Edition]

Published on Oct 17, 2023

Julien Mamalian

CEO, Bloggle

What is Yoast SEO Shopify app?

Yoast SEO exists as a Shopify app for one reason: to make SEO manageable for the average person managing their online store. It's not trying to be an all-encompassing ecommerce SEO suite; instead, it zeros in on key SEO tasks and makes them accessible for non-experts.

What does it do, exactly?

Yoast SEO evaluates your website's pages and gives them two kinds of scores—one for SEO and another for readability. These scores tell you what's working and what needs fixing, in plain English. It doesn't stop at just flagging issues; the app provides clear directions on how to make improvements.

How to install the Yoast app for Shopify?

You can easily install the app on the Shopify app store.

Integrations

The app comes with built-in integrations for other tools you might already be using. Say you're using Semrush to do some keyword research for your on-page SEO. Yoast SEO can pull in that data. Got a review app like Judge.me? Yoast SEO can sync with it too. By connecting with other ecommerce platforms and Shopify platforms, Yoast SEO helps Shopify merchants cover multiple aspects of their store's online presence.

Features

  • Scoring & Readability: Provides Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and readability scores for each web page.
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  • Meta Optimization: Allows for the tweaking of meta titles, meta descriptions and meta tags. It also gives AI-powered suggestions to optimize your metadata.
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  • JSON-LD Structured Data: Enhances the way your site communicates with search engines.
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Who's it for? Who is it NOT for?

Target Audience

Yoast SEO for Shopify is tailored for solo entrepreneurs and beginners in e-commerce. If you're looking to understand your ecommerce store's SEO optimization without consulting SEO experts and without drowning in complexity of SEO tips, this is your go-to app on the Shopify app store.

Who it's NOT For

However, this Shopify SEO app falls short for larger enterprises or advanced businesses wanting a more comprehensive SEO-friendly toolkit. It focuses narrowly on SEO and readability scores and lacks features like backlink management or page speed optimization. If you're managing a large product page for large organic traffic and need more than basic metrics, you'll need to look elsewhere.

Pricing

14-day Free Trial. YOAST SEO PREMIUM at $19/month

  • SEO analysis
  • Readability analysis
  • Automatic structured data
  • Technical SEO improvements
  • Bulk editor
  • 24/7 support
  • Access to SEO courses

All charges are billed in USD. Recurring and usage-based charges are billed every 30 days.

Rating

4.4 / 5

What do real users have to say about it?


PRO

Exceptional scoring algorithm

Readability score provided

Simple to install and use

Seeks consent before making theme alterations. One-click removal available

CONS

Features are limited to scoring only

Our Review

We've rolled up our sleeves and spent a good deal of time poking around SEO tools like Yoast SEO for your Shopify site looking at various pages on social media and elsewhere. Here's a straightforward rundown of our experience.

Installation and Interface

First things first, setting up an app shouldn't be like defusing a bomb. With Yoast, we encountered zero headaches during installation. The app also asked us for permission before changing anything in our Shopify theme, which we think is a good practice. Why does this matter? Because a seamless installation sets the tone for your entire user experience. If it starts off rocky, it's a bad omen for the rest of your journey.

SEO and Readability Scoring

You will realise the value of Yoast if you feel that SEO is not your cup of tea and if you feel it is too complex for you. It gives each page on your Shopify store two scores: one each for SEO and readability. We found this especially useful because these scores are genuinely actionable insights. You can actually use them to make changes. Changes that matter. But quite unfortunately, this is where Yoast's focus begins and ends. It's your go-to for the two metrics, namely SEO and readability metrics, but it's not an all-in-one SEO solution.

Meta Titles and Descriptions

These two play a special role in your SEO. They're the very first thing people see in search results. The title and description is what you read, or preview on the Google SERP. They can be the deciding factor between a click and a scroll-by, which we don’t have to tell you, is crucial when we are talking about SEO. Yoast allows you to change these. It's a straightforward process. Creativity would take a backseat. Tthe features are basic but functional.

Meta Titles and Descriptions

These two play a special role in your SEO. They're the very first thing people see in search results. The title and description is what you read, or preview on the Google SERP. They can be the deciding factor between a click and a scroll-by, which we don’t have to tell you, is crucial when we are talking about SEO. Yoast allows you to change these. It's a straightforward process. Creativity would take a backseat. Tthe features are basic but functional.

JSON-LD Structured Data

Structured data might not be the most important feature of SEO, but it's crucial. It's the backstage crew that ensures the star performer (your site) shines in the spotlight of search engine results. Yoast handles this without you needing to write a single line of code. We found this to be a time-saver, but again, it's one of the few things Yoast focuses on.

Feature Limitations

We get it; no app can do it all. But while using Yoast, we felt like we were working with a specialist, not a generalist. It’s great for SEO and readability scores, but don't expect it to handle everything else, like backlinking or page speed optimization. We had to bring in other tools to fill these gaps.

Final Thoughts

This brings us to the end of our deep dive into Yoast SEO. We have meticulously gone through the positives and the not-so-good points about Yoast SEO. We hope we have given you a clear picture of what Yoast SEO can and cannot do. You should think about your specific needs and goals, weigh the pros and cons, and then make an informed decision. 

FAQ

Is this similar to the WordPress plugin for Yoast?

It’s close but designed specifically for Shopify. It’s similar to the Wordpress SEO plugin.

What are some ways it can help with SEO?

Besides the points mentioned in the article above, it can help with schema, SEO titles, key phrases for your keyword research, adding alt text to images etc. However, it does not support integration with the Google Search Console.

Are there any tutorials available for Yoast SEO?

Yes, there are step-by-step guides, feature explanations, and more on the Yoast SEO academy

How is the support team at Yoast?

According to the Yoast App FAQs, as a paying customer, you’re entitled to use their 24/7 available customer support.

Julien Mamalian

CEO, Bloggle

After an exciting 5 years of designing and optimizing Shopify sites for well-known French startups, I launched Bloggle. Our mission? To assist merchants worldwide in crafting compelling articles that rank high in SEO and truly engage their audience. In just 3 years, over 2,000 clients have trusted us, publishing more than 55,000 articles through Bloggle. Thanks to them, I’ve learned the keys to success and the pitfalls to avoid

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