Solution:

I developed an integrated SEO and conversion optimization strategy designed specifically for a premium food e-commerce business starting from zero. Rather than chasing vanity metrics, I focused on commercial intent keywords and trust-building elements that would convert visitors into customers.

Strategic Approach:

• Custom Shopify Liquid development for technical SEO foundation

• Commercial intent keyword targeting using Ahrefs

• Content expansion from 200 to 1,000+ words per page

• Trust signal implementation with dynamic partnership showcase

• Conversion rate optimization throughout the user journey

• Alignment with Google's June 2025 People First Content guidelines

Process #1: Technical Audit & Foundation Build

I started with a comprehensive technical audit using the Detailed SEO extension to map every gap. The findings revealed a site that was visually appealing but technically unprepared for search engine visibility.

Critical Findings:

• Zero H1 tags across entire site

• No schema markup implementation

• Average page content: 200 words (far below competitive threshold)

• No heading hierarchy or semantic structure

• Generic image alt text with no keyword optimization

• Missing internal linking strategy

Implementation:

• Custom-coded H1 tags and heading hierarchy using Shopify Liquid

• Implemented comprehensive schema markup (LocalBusiness, Product, Organization)

• Restructured URLs with target keywords

• Optimized all image alt text with descriptive keywords

• Built strategic internal linking between products

• Set up Google Search Console, Analytics 4, and Microsoft Clarity

Process #2: Commercial Keyword Research & Mapping

Using Ahrefs, I built a targeted keyword strategy focused on buyer intent rather than vanity traffic. The goal was to identify low-competition terms where a new domain could actually rank and convert.

Research Methodology:

• Analyzed competitors ranking for meat delivery terms

• Identified keyword gaps where Butcher's Hook could compete

• Focused on low-KD terms (under 30) for new domain viability

• Prioritized commercial/transactional intent keywords

• Included geographic modifiers for local dominance

Target Keyword Categories:

• Product-specific: "buy grass fed beef online canada"

• Local business: "online butcher ontario"

• Long-tail queries: "where to buy veal tomahawk canada"

• Commercial intent: "premium steak delivery near me"

Keyword Mapping:

• Homepage: "premium meat delivery canada"

• Beef collection: "buy grass fed beef online canada"

• Veal tomahawk product: "veal tomahawk steak canada"

• Prime rib product: "bone in prime rib delivery"

Process #3: Content Development & On-Page Optimization

Content expansion focused on quality and customer value—answering every question a potential customer might have before buying premium meat online. This wasn't about hitting arbitrary word counts; it was about providing genuine value.

Content Framework Per Page:

• Opening value proposition with target keyword (first 100 words)

• Detailed product sourcing and quality information

• Preparation and cooking guidance

• Nutritional and sustainability details

• Storage and delivery information

• FAQ addressing common purchase concerns

On-Page SEO Checklist:

• ✓ Target keyword in first 100 words

• ✓ Keyword in H1 tag (naturally integrated)

• ✓ Semantic variations in H2/H3 headers

• ✓ Optimized meta title (under 60 characters)

• ✓ Compelling meta description (under 160 characters)

• ✓ Keyword-rich URL slug

• ✓ Optimized image alt text

• ✓ Strategic internal and external links

Quality Validation:

• Cross-checked against Google's People First Content documentation

• Ensured content demonstrates first-hand expertise

• Verified substantial value for users

• Aligned with June 2025 algorithm quality guidelines

Process #4: Conversion Optimization & Trust Building

Traffic means nothing without conversions. I implemented comprehensive CRO focused on the unique challenges of selling perishable food online—where trust is everything.

Custom Trust Elements:

• Dynamic partnership marquee showcasing Alberta ranchers

• Customer testimonials with specific product mentions

• Trust badges for secure checkout and quality guarantees

• Detailed satisfaction guarantee policies

• Eco-friendly packaging messaging

Technical Implementation:

• Custom Shopify Liquid component for partner logos

• Fully mobile-responsive design (required extensive debugging)

• Fast load times maintaining Core Web Vitals

• Descriptive alt text for each partner logo

• Premium brand perception through design

Conversion-Focused Elements:

• Clear, action-oriented button text

• Strategic placement above the fold

• Color contrast for visibility

• Mobile-optimized sizing and touch-friendly navigation

• Simplified checkout process

Behavior Tracking:

• Microsoft Clarity for scroll depth and engagement

• Click heatmaps and interaction zones

• Session recordings to identify friction points

• Checkout funnel optimization

• Continuous iteration based on real user data