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Blogging On Shopify - How to Do It & Should You Do It?

Published on Dec 19, 2022

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Updated on Mar 27, 2024

Julien Mamalian

CEO, Bloggle

Introduction

You probably know Shopify as the colossus of e-commerce business—a place where businesses don't just survive; they thrive. Yet, there's another facet to Shopify that's just as riveting. It's like finding out the Olympic sprinter you admire is also a chess champion. If you've been stuck with the question, ‘Can you blog on Shopify?’, let's resolve that: Yes, you can.

Our legitimacy to write about Shopify blogging:

  • We created Bloggle, a Shopify blog app to unlock the native limitations.
  • We are used by 2,000+ stores in 60 countries.
  • We are rated 4.9/5 by our users.
  • Our users created +55,000 live blogs.
  • Many saw a 10x rise in blog SEO traffic and revenue with our guidance on improved UX.

While using the native feature is possible, installing an app like Bloggle can change your blog's experience and results.

In this guide, refreshed for 2023, we'll explore the blogging capabilities of Shopify. Whether you're a casual blogger or aiming for a digital empire, there's something here for everyone.

Let's see how to add your first blog post:

Why Consider Shopify for Blogging?

Maybe you're asking, "Isn't Shopify for online stores? What about platforms that are tailored for bloggers?" It’s an understandable query, but Shopify isn't one-dimensional. You're not just signing up for an e-commerce store or just an e-commerce site; you're tapping into a sophisticated blogging platform that stands its ground against even specialized options as a great complement to the Shopify store.

Is Shopify Good for Blogs?

When it comes to ease of use, Shopify is top-tier. The platform simplifies complex tasks, making them approachable even for beginners. Unlike other platforms that leave you to wrestle with a complicated dashboard, Shopify's intuitive interface and well-organized dashboard set the stage for success right from day one. When it comes to blogging, Shopify is no slouch either. The platform offers a range of customizable templates that can make your blog look professional with minimal hassle. So, is Shopify good for blogs? Given its focus on user experience and the array of templates available, it's not just good—it's exceptional.

Beyond E-commerce Website: Shopify's Blogging Capabilities

There is even more to the Shopify store than just the blogging. Shopify isn't a one-trick pony focused solely on online stores. It’s a comprehensive platform that includes not just tools for selling products but also for creating and managing a blog. You're not merely opening a digital store; you're crafting a community with your blog. The integration between your shop and blog isn't just a side feature—it's a game-changer. You can govern both your store and your blog from one dashboard, making the management a breeze.

So, if you've been uncertain about blogging on Shopify, now's the time to give it a try. Shopify serves up an ecosystem that caters to both your retail and blogging endeavors, delivering a seamless experience that's rare to find.

Shopify’s versatility depicted through Press’s Shopify Store and Blog

How to Get Started with Shopify Blogging

You're sold on the idea of Shopify as a dual-purpose platform, versatile enough for both your e-commerce and blogging needs. The next logical step is to roll up your sleeves and start building. But where do you even begin? Shopify makes it quite straightforward, but there are some nuances you'll want to be aware of, especially if you aim to squeeze every last drop of functionality out of your blog.

How to Add Blogs to Shopify

If you're a Shopify store owner looking to diversify into blogging, the process of how to add a blog to Shopify is simpler than you might think. 

Shopify's design philosophy carries over into their blogging platform, making it accessible and easy to navigate.

  1. Log into your Shopify admin panel.
  2. Navigate to Online Store > Blog Posts.
  1. Click on "Add Blog." (This will create blog posts)
  1. Fill in the title, content, and any tags you wish to add.
  1. Customize the visibility settings according to your needs.
  1. Hit "Save" or "Publish," and voila! Your post is live.

That's the basic rundown to create a new blog post. However, if you're aiming for a more intricate setup, Shopify plugins can come into play, taking your blogging experience a notch higher.

Addressing the Shortcomings of Shopify's Blogging Tools

1. The Cramped Confines of the User Interface:

When you first click into Shopify’s blog editor, it feels like you've just stepped into a closet instead of an open floor plan. The text box supports a mere 13 lines of text before it asks you to scroll down, which is far from ideal. This becomes particularly inconvenient when you add images or videos to the mix. Suddenly, you find yourself toggling back and forth between the editor and the preview, making the task of writing a comprehensive post downright frustrating.

2. The Barebones Blogging Toolkit:

Shopify's blog editor gives you the basics—formatted text, lists, Shopify themes, images, and videos. But when it comes to the bells and whistles that modern bloggers and small businesses often rely on—like CTA buttons, email sign-up forms, and social media links—you're left in the lurch. Sure, you can switch to HTML mode and manually add these features, but that requires coding skills and a lot of patience. It's like being given a paintbrush when what you really need is a full artist's kit.

3. The SEO Shortfall:

Shopify provides a space for your page title, meta description, and URL, but after that, you're largely on your own. There's no real-time feedback to tell you if you're overstuffing keywords or if your meta description is compelling. Essentially, it's like sailing a ship without a compass—you could be going in entirely the wrong direction and not even know it.

4. Limited Management Features:

Shopify's blog management tools are like a basic toolbox—functional but limited. You can sort, tag, and publish posts, but if you're looking to do more—like create templates for recurring post types—you're out of luck. It's the equivalent of trying to build a bookshelf with just a hammer and nails; doable, but far from efficient. Today’s entrepreneurs value time over all else.

A Better Alternative for Shopify Blogging

If you've been wrestling with the limitations of Shopify's native blogging tools and you're on the hunt for a complete replacement, look no further. Bloggle sweeps in to pick up where Shopify leaves off, enhancing your blogging arsenal without complicating the user experience.

Features:

  • Blog Layout Customization: Forget about 'one-size-fits-all' templates. Bloggle lets you add navigation bars, search bars, and other components to create a blog layout that's distinctly you.
  • On-the-Spot SEO: No need to consult multiple tools or guides. Bloggle's built-in SEO engine provides real-time feedback, ensuring that your posts are SEO-optimized from the get-go.
  • Interactive Product Showcases: Don't just tell your potential customers about your products—show them. With Bloggle, you can weave interactive product sections and galleries seamlessly into your blog posts.
  • Effortless Content Transfer: Got an existing blog on Shopify? Switching over to Bloggle is a breeze. A single click will bring all your content into your new, feature-rich Bloggle environment.
  • Streamlined Blogging with Templates: When you craft a post that resonates, save it as a template. The next time you're blogging, you're not starting from scratch—you're building on success.
  • Unlock Interactivity: Emails sign-ups, crisp CTA buttons, and custom embedded codes are all at your fingertips with Bloggle. Transform your blog from a static page to an interactive experience.
  • Support That Speaks Your Language: Whether you're an English speaker or you parlez français, Bloggle's premium support is there to guide you, around the clock.

Why Choose Bloggle over Shopify's Native Tools:

  • User-Friendly Design: Bloggle's WYSIWYG editor doesn't just give you room to breathe; it invites you to expand your creativity. It's an intuitive space that lets your ideas flow freely, optimized for every screen—be it mobile, tablet, or desktop.
  • Customization Without Limits: While Shopify's customization options might feel like painting by numbers, Bloggle offers you a blank canvas with an endless spectrum of colors. Integrate everything from product carousels to interactive CTAs and detailed tables of content. Personalize even further by modifying margins, padding, and borders to your heart's content.
  • Built-in SEO Excellence: Shopify's native tools offer basic SEO features that can sometimes feel like they’re doing the bare minimum. Bloggle raises the bar by not just allowing you to fill in meta tags and titles but by actively advising you on SEO best practices as you write. Every sentence, every component comes with real-time feedback, so you're not just hoping your SEO is good—you know it is.
  • Superior Content Management: Managing a blog isn't just about hitting the 'publish' button; it's about organizing your content efficiently. Bloggle shines in this area, offering features Shopify doesn't, like the ability to save and reuse templates for new posts. It even simplifies content migration and cloning, making it easier for you to repurpose high-performing content to fit all kinds of content strategy.


With apps like Bloggle, you’re not just adding another feature to your online store. You're elevating your entire blogging practice, making it a formidable part of your online strategy. If you're serious about creating a blog that complements your Shopify store, Bloggle offers the depth of functionality you've been craving.

Best Practices for Shopify Blogging

By now, you should be convinced that Shopify is a viable platform for blogging. But knowing how to create a blog on Shopify is only part of the equation. The other part? Ensuring that your blog isn't just a digital diary but a key player in your business model. Here's how to elevate your Shopify blog game.

Drive Conversions with Shoppable Posts & CTAs

Shoppable posts are the secret sauce of e-commerce blogging. Imagine reading about a product and then being able to purchase it right there and then. No navigation needed, no searching for the product—just a simple click. Doing this natively with Shopify is a little tricky. You might want to consider adding dedicated Shopify apps like Bloggle for this purpose. This brings us to CTAs or ‘Call-To-Action’s. Make sure your CTAs are compelling and placed strategically within the post. The best spots?

  • At the end of a section discussing a product you offer
  • Within the conclusion of the post
  • Sprinkled sparingly but effectively throughout the text

List of SEO Best Practices

If you're investing time and effort into blogging, it's crucial that your content gets the visibility it deserves. That's where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes into play. But SEO is more than just a buzzword; it's a series of well-thought-out strategies designed to make Google—and by extension, your target audience—fall in love with your blog. So, let's break down the indispensable elements:

  • Keyword Research: This is the bedrock of your SEO strategy. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find terms related to your niche. Once you identify them, weave these keywords organically into your post titles, subtitles, and body content. For in-depth analytics and competitor analysis, consider using Ahrefs or SEMRush.
  • Title: This is the big, bold text people see first when they click on your blog. Make it interesting, but no clickbait, please! Also, try to slip a keyword or two in there for the Google gods. Aim to keep it concise, ideally under 60 characters. Use tools like Headline Analyzer and try to keep the score above 70. 
  • Meta Titles: Consider your Meta Title as your first impression in the search results. It’s got to be snappy but also super relevant to what you’re talking about in your blog. Keep it short - like, 60-70 characters short - so it shows up nicely in search results. Screaming Frog SEO Spider can help review your meta title, ensuring they are of optimal length and include your target keywords.
  • Meta Descriptions: This is your elevator pitch to potential readers browsing the search results. A compelling meta description can be the difference between a click and a pass. Keep it succinct and make sure it encapsulates the essence of your blog post. SEO Manager | venntov allows you to edit meta descriptions easily and provides real-time feedback on their effectiveness. 
  • High-Quality Content: Your content should provide substantial value and should give good value for your content marketing. Google's algorithm is smart enough to discern between filler content and material that genuinely helps or informs the reader. Make each word count. Remember, high quality content with great formatting ensures good quality organic traffic to the blog page. Grammarly can help you ensure that the text is grammatically correct and the Hemingway App is useful in improving the readability.
  • External and Internal Linking: Not only should you link to your previous posts, but also consider linking out to reputable sources. A well-structured navigation menu can further aid in internal linking. This enhances your blog's credibility and can improve its SEO ranking. The Link Explorer by Moz is a powerful tool for linking.
  • Image Alt Text: Every featured image in your blog should have an alt text filled in. This helps in case the image doesn't load and also boosts your SEO score. The Shopify App - Image Alt Text Optimizer helps you automatically update product image alt texts to improve SEO and Accessibility.
  • Content Updates: Regularly update your blog posts, especially the high-performing ones, whether they're on your main domain or a subdomain. Search engines favor current blog content over outdated posts. An effective tool like BuzzSumo can show you what kind of content in your niche or industry is currently popular to also help your content marketing strategies.

With these practices in your toolkit, you're well on your way to making your blog posts not just readable but findable. SEO might seem intricate at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature.

SEO best practices for blogging on Shopify

List of Must-Have Features for a Shopify Blog

There are some non-negotiable features your blog has to have. Trust me, these aren't just nice-to-haves; they're game-changers that can make or break your blogging success.

  • Search Engine Optimization: SEO isn't just some buzzword; it's your blog's lifeblood. Your Shopify blog needs to support SEO-friendly URLs, crisp meta descriptions, and on-page SEO elements like H1, H2 tags. Otherwise, you're shouting into the void.
  • Fast Loading Time: Slow websites are a mood killer. The quicker your blog loads, the happier your audience—and Google—will be. Optimize those images and use caching strategies to shave off those extra loading seconds.
  • Responsive Design: We're in 2023; if your blog doesn't look good on a smartphone, you're leaving money on the table. Make sure your blog's design is sleek and functional, no matter what device it's viewed on.
  • Customizable Templates: Shopify gives you some cool templates, but to stand out, customization is key. Your template should not only be visually kickass but also easy to navigate.
  • Social Sharing Buttons: You want people to share your brilliance, right? Then make it easy for them. Put those social sharing buttons for Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn right where people can see them.
  • User-Friendly CMS: If updating your blog feels like deciphering an ancient scroll, you're not going to stick with it. Your CMS should be as easy to use as your favorite social media app.
  • Analytics Integration: You can't improve what you can't measure. Integrate analytics to know what's working, what's not, and how to give your audience more of what they love.
  • Comment Section: Remember, a blog isn't a monologue; it's a conversation. A comment section isn't just "nice to have"; it's your frontline for engagement. Let your readers chime in, offer insights, and maybe even give you a reality check now and then.


These are the essential features that will turn your Shopify blog from 'meh' to 'wow.' With these in place, you're not just ticking off boxes; you're setting the stage for a blog that could play a pivotal role in your online presence. So, can you create a blog on Shopify that gives you the edge? Absolutely.

Real-World Shopify Blog Examples

Learning is one thing, but seeing is believing. Let's take a look at case studies of three Shopify blogs that have nailed it, so you can draw some real inspiration.

  • Eight Saints Skin Care: This skincare brand is an excellent example of how to blend product promotion and valuable content. They offer skincare routines for beginners , case studies for skin diseases, and makeup tutorials, seamlessly integrating their products in their post ideas where they naturally fit. The takeaway? Provide value first; sales will follow.
Eight Saints Skin Care’s Blog - Page Eight
  • Remote Projects: This rugged travel brand doesn't just sell products; it sells a lifestyle. Their blog - Remote Journal - features travel stories, photo journals, and even personal travelogues by cross-country adventurers and other related posts. It creates a community around the brand. Note how they use storytelling to add a human touch, something any blog could benefit from.
Remote Journal - The blog for Remote Projects
  • Natalie Ryan Design: This blog captures the essence of the brand’s creative, aesthetic vibe. The blog has design at the center of everything - the words, the images, the tonality of the blog, crafting a complete brand experience. So, what's the takeaway? Your blog ought to be a seamless extension of your brand's identity.
Natalie Ryan Design Blog Page

Every one of these blogs does more than just peddle products; they serve up lifestyles, foster communities, and share invaluable insights. The strategy? Get readers hooked on your products and captivated by your content. By adopting some of their strategies, you can transform your Shopify blog or any online business from being just another tab on your site to a compelling avenue for user engagement and conversions.

FAQs

Can You Really Blog on Shopify?

Absolutely, you can blog on Shopify! It's not just a storefront; it's also a platform where you can establish a blog that serves as a community hub, an informative resource, and a dynamic ecosystem, all integrated seamlessly into your Shopify operation.

How Do I Actually Begin Blogging on Shopify?

If you're scratching your head about how to start a blog on Shopify, don't worry. Shopify makes it simple. Go to your admin panel, select 'Online Store,' and then dive into 'Blog Posts.' Click on 'Add Blog,' and you're off to the races.

Is Shopify Suitable for Dedicated Blogging?

Wondering, "Is Shopify good for blogging?" You're not alone, and the answer depends on your needs. Shopify is competitive in its blogging features but if you just want to create a blog without selling anything, consider using WordPress or another blogging tool.

Wrapping Up

So, you're still wondering, can you have a blog on Shopify site? The answer is a resounding yes, and it can go beyond being merely an appendage to your online store. With its user-friendly interface, range of customizable templates, and strong SEO features, Shopify proves its mettle in the blogging arena.

It's not just theory, either. The successes of Eight Saints, Remote Projects and Natalie Ryan Design underscore the potency of blending e-commerce with quality content. These examples illustrate that a well-executed blog can indeed be a formidable asset in your brand's digital toolkit. And if you're looking to fine-tune your SEO or crave real-time analytics, tools like Bloggle offer subtle yet impactful features that seamlessly integrate with your Shopify site, making the entire blogging process not just feasible but highly effective.

There’s no better time than now to dive into the world of Shopify blogging. Whether you have your own blog or have aspirations for a digital empire, Shopify provides all the tools to make it happen. Your online store and your blog can coexist beautifully, each amplifying the other, and turning your digital space into more than just a storefront—a community, a resource, and yes, a flourishing ecosystem.

And so we come to the end of this comprehensive guide. If you've been on the fence about Shopify for blogging, consider this your nudge to take the leap. The benefits are clear, the steps are straightforward, and the potential for growth is enormous. Happy blogging!

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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