During a recent SEO session, Gary Illyes from Google shared insights on improving e-commerce category pages. This advice is useful for online store owners who want better search engine rankings and website performance.
Illyes stressed adding meaningful content to category pages and avoiding auto-generated and low-quality blurbs. This content seems absurd to users and harms the user experience.
Illyes referred to a case study by Glenn Gabe, which showed improved page performance by removing unnecessary fluff from category descriptions. These findings are recommended for enhancing e-commerce SEO.
Illyes emphasized that website owners can add any content they want but cautioned against adding content solely for search engine requirements. The focus should be on providing valuable information for users.
Illyes acknowledged the importance of content for rankings but warned against adding it indiscriminately. Quality and relevance should always guide content creation.
John Mueller from Google had warned against excessive content on category pages, aligning with Illyes’ recommendation of providing useful content without overwhelming the user interface.
Illyes assured website owners that search engines don’t require specific content on category pages but relevant and valuable information can improve rankings. However, content should not be stuffed or add no value to the user experience.
The discussion on e-commerce category pages took place on Twitter, where Illyes and other SEO professionals shared insights.
For practical examples and evidence, Gabe’s case study offers a comprehensive analysis of the impact of removing fluff from category descriptions. The study highlights improved performance after implementing these changes.
Illyes’ statement on content can be found at the 5:29 mark in the SEO session video.
Optimizing e-commerce category pages requires providing valuable content that enhances the user experience. Gabe’s case study serves as a practical guide for improving search engine rankings. By prioritizing quality and avoiding unnecessary fluff, e-commerce businesses can engage users and drive organic traffic. With Google’s advice, website owners can confidently optimize their e-commerce category pages and achieve online success.
