If you’ve launched a BigCommerce store, you may face hidden SEO hurdles, especially if you’re targeting B2B buyers. The platform offers solid eCommerce tools, yet its technical constraints can impede search rankings. In this post, you’ll learn about the challenges of BigCommerce SEO, why they matter for your business, and how a dedicated BigCommerce SEO agency like RankFast helps resolve each.
1. Limited Customization of Meta Tags and Headers
You can edit titles and descriptions, but deeper control, such as H1 tags and structured data, is restricted.
- This limitation reduces your ability to fine-tune on-page signals.
- It may result in generic metadata across thousands of products, diluting keyword relevance.
How to fix it: Use code injections or SEO apps for structured data and enriched headers. Agencies can automate systematic updates across product catalogs.
2. Rigidity in URL Structure & Site Navigation
BigCommerce forces lengthy, parameter-laden URLs and complex breadcrumb systems.
- This harms user experience and search engine crawlability.
- It increases the risk of duplicate content through session/stored parameter variations.
How to fix it:
- Enable URL redirects and canonical tags through theme edits or apps.
- Simplify navigation and shorten URLs to include target keywords.
3. Suboptimal Blog Setup and Domain Fragmentation
The default BigCommerce blog runs on a subdomain (blog.yoursite.com), depriving your main domain of blog authority.
- SEO value is split across domains.
- Blog layouts lack internal linking, CTAs, and canonical management.
How to fix it:
- Host the blog on your main domain or via headless integration.
- Add CTAs and interlink blog posts with key product pages.
4. Canonical and Duplicate Content Challenges
BigCommerce does not permit easy canonical tag presets, complicating control over duplicate content. You may face risks of duplicate product pages and auto-generated listings.
How to fix it:
- Inject canonical tags via theme files or apps.
- Consolidate duplicate content by updating product descriptions and metadata.
5. Slow Site Speed and Layout Constraints
Despite good server response times (~361 ms), BigCommerce’s default templates can slow your site. Mobile lag, bulky scripts, and lazy-loading issues hinder user experience.
How to fix it:
- Use optimized images (72dpi, 1250px width), minimize scripts, and enable CDN.
- Select lightweight themes and remove worthless apps.
6. Lack of Staging Environment & Development Tools
BigCommerce doesn’t provide easy dev/staging instances for testing. SEO changes applied to live stores risk breaking templates or causing downtime.
How to fix it:
- Cloned staging shops offer manual testing, but scaling is tough.
- Use agencies with custom workflows and rollback protocols to manage platform risk.
7. Admin Interface Lacks SEO Clarity
Fields for key SEO factors like H1s, canonical tags, and blog categories are buried or absent. Even basic SEO updates may require developer access.
How to fix it:
- Customize the admin UI via apps or APIs.
- Work with an experienced BigCommerce SEO agency to simplify updates via dashboard controls.
How To Remedy BigCommerce SEO Challenges
A. Integrate Third-Party SEO Tools
Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz compensate for platform limitations, enabling smart audits, fixes, and continuous monitoring.
B. Optimize URL Structure and Navigation
Craft concise, keyword-rich URL slugs. Utilize breadcrumbs and internal linking to enhance navigation and improve indexability.
C. Enhance Mobile Speed and Responsiveness
Adopt responsive themes, optimize imagery, reduce scripts, and serve content via CDNs. Use lazy loading correctly to prevent delays.
D. Establish a Consolidated Blog Domain
Move blogs to your main domain to centralize content authority. Include product CTAs and inter-page linking for SEO benefit.
E. Standardize Canonicals & Duplicate Management
Inject canonical tags during development. Rework or merge duplicate content, especially for variants and blog duplicates.
F. Set Up Staging Environments
Partner with agencies capable of establishing mirrored staging shops to test theme and structure changes safely.
G. Automate SEO Updates at Scale
Utilize apps or custom scripts to deploy metadata, schema, alternative text, and keyword updates across a wide range of SKUs.
Why You Should Work with a BigCommerce SEO Agency
- Technical expertise: Extensive platform knowledge to bypass limitations
- Strategic content integration: Blogs, internal linking, and canonical management
- Performance optimization: Testing, audit, staging, rollback plans
- Scalable automation: Managing metadata, schema, and redirects across thousands of SKUs
- Reporting and ROI: Track keyword improvements, traffic gains, and revenue impact
Summary of BigCommerce SEO Fixes
| Issue | Solution |
| Meta tag restrictions | Use apps or theme injections |
| Rigid URL structure | Clean slugs, breadcrumbs |
| Subdomain blog | Move to the main domain |
| Canonical issues | Inject canonical tags |
| Site speed limitations | Optimize theme/scripts |
| No staging environment | Partner with a qualified agency |
| SEO-unfriendly admin | Automate updates via tools |
Final Thoughts
Your BigCommerce store can outrank competitors but only with technical refinement and scale. As a dedicated BigCommerce SEO company, RankFast addresses each limitation with proven solutions that increase visibility, trust, and sales in India, the UAE, and the US.
Explore our full BigCommerce SEO services to learn how we can enhance metadata, site structure, performance, content, and automation for your brand.
Contact RankFast today for your tailored BigCommerce SEO audit and roadmap to growth.
FAQ’s
Q1: How to fix SEO issues?
To fix SEO issues, start with a site audit to identify problems. Resolve broken links, improve page speed, use proper meta tags, optimise content, and fix mobile usability. Regular updates and expert guidance ensure long-term SEO health and performance.
Q2: Is BigCommerce good for SEO?
BigCommerce has built-in SEO features but lacks flexibility in some areas, like URL structure and canonical tags. With proper technical adjustments and the help of a BigCommerce SEO agency, it can be optimised effectively to perform well in search engines.
Q3: Why is my SEO not working anymore?
SEO results may decline due to algorithm updates, outdated strategies, technical issues, or increased competition. Regular audits, updated content, faster loading speeds, and improved backlinks can help recover rankings. Continuous effort is necessary to maintain and grow SEO visibility.
Q4: How to improve SEO on your Shopify store?
Improve Shopify SEO by using clean URLs, optimising meta tags and images, fixing duplicate content, and creating valuable content. Use apps wisely and structure internal links. Regular monitoring and updates will help your Shopify store rank better in search results.
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