SEO keywords and structure for ecommerce website: newbie questions

Hello everyone,

I am new to search engine optimization and tasked with creating an online store. I have utilized SEMrush to identify relevant keywords for my product and now I am looking for guidance on structuring the website.

I am considering using the keywords for naming collections and pillar pages, while using long tail keywords for specific product pages. However, after analyzing some competitors, I noticed they only use the brand name for collections and pillar pages without any keywords. Should I follow suit?

While using keywords in your website structure can be tempting, focusing solely on brand names for collections and pillar pages can be beneficial.

There’s a strong argument for this approach based on established practices and brand recognition. Using brand names for these sections helps build a distinct identity for your store, which can be crucial for building brand awareness and trust. This resonates with the success of large e-commerce players who prioritize brand identity over keyword-heavy structures.

However, you shouldn’t completely disregard keywords. Long-tail keywords can be effectively used for specific product pages, allowing you to target highly specific searches and improve your website’s visibility for relevant search queries.

Ultimately, striking a balance between brand identity and keyword optimization is key. Focusing on building a strong brand identity through your collections and pillar pages, while strategically incorporating long-tail keywords for product pages, can create a winning strategy for your e-commerce website.