If you want your Shopify store to rank higher in Google, backlinks are non-negotiable. While Shopify handles a lot of technical SEO out of the box, off-page SEO—especially backlinks—is where you can gain a real competitive edge. That’s why your Shopify SEO checklist should include a smart link-building strategy.
Backlinks (links from other websites to yours) are one of Google’s top ranking factors. They signal trust and authority. A store with more high-quality backlinks is likely to rank higher than one without—even if their on-page SEO is similar.
But not all links are created equal. A few links from relevant, high-authority sites are far more powerful than dozens from low-quality directories or spam sites.
Before you ask anyone to link to your store, give them a reason. Create high-quality blog posts, detailed product guides, original research, or unique tools related to your niche. For example, if you sell skincare, a blog post comparing natural vs. synthetic ingredients could attract attention and links.
Don’t forget to apply the basics from your Shopify SEO checklist: use the right headers, internal links, meta tags, and keyword optimization.
Find bloggers, influencers, and websites in your niche who publish curated lists, product roundups, or guest posts. Reach out with a polite, personalized email suggesting your product or blog post as a helpful resource for their audience.
You can even offer to write a guest post. It’s a win-win—they get content, and you get a backlink.
Seasonal gift guides (e.g., “Top 10 Valentine’s Day Gifts”) and niche-specific roundups are fantastic backlink opportunities. Use search queries like:
“best [your product] for [occasion]”
“top [niche] stores 2025”
“gift guide + [your product category]”
Find posts like these and pitch your store as a great inclusion.
Help A Reporter Out (HARO) and Qwoted connect journalists with sources. Sign up and respond to queries relevant to your industry. If your response is selected, you’ll often get a backlink from a reputable media outlet.
These opportunities are competitive, so make your pitches concise, helpful, and professional.
Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Search Console to track which sites link to you. If you spot spammy backlinks, disavow them using Google’s disavow tool. And if someone mentions your brand without linking, reach out and kindly request they add a link.
No Shopify SEO checklist is complete without off-page SEO. Building backlinks takes time, but the payoff in organic traffic, authority, and sales is well worth the effort.
By creating valuable content and strategically reaching out to others in your niche, you’ll not only earn links—you’ll build lasting relationships and visibility that grow your Shopify store in the long run.