The Complete Guide to Wix Core SEO: From Setup to Success

Welcome to your complete guide to mastering search engine optimisation (SEO) on your Wix website. If you've ever felt intimidated by terms like "meta tags, " "sitemaps," or "structured data, " you're in the right place. This guide is designed for non-technical users, small business owners, and creative professionals who want to improve their site's visibility on search engines like Google and Bing without needing a degree in computer science.

Wix has evolved into a powerful platform with a robust suite of built-in SEO tools. The days of Wix having a poor reputation for SEO are long gone. Today, it offers everything you need to compete in search results, from customisable meta tags to advanced schema markup. The key is knowing where to find these tools and how to use them effectively.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every essential aspect of Wix SEO. We'll start with the foundational setup using the Wix SEO Wizard move on to customising your page settings, and explore advanced features that can give you a competitive edge. By the end, you'll have a clear, actionable plan to optimise your site, attract more organic traffic, and achieve your business goals.

Real-World Examples: How Wix SEO Powers Diverse Businesses

To truly understand the power of Wix SEO, let's look at how different types of

businesses can leverage it to achieve their unique goals. These examples highlight the versatility and effectiveness of Wix's built-in tools.

1. The Local Bakery: "Sweet Delights by Anna"

Anna runs a charming local bakery, "Sweet Delights" specialising in custom cakes and pastries. Her primary goal is to attract local customers searching for bakeries, custom cakes, or dessert catering in her city. Here's how Wix SEO helps her:

• Local SEO: Anna optimises her Google My Business profile and ensures her Wix site's contact page has consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information. She uses location-specific keywords like "best custom cakes [city name]" in her page titles and descriptions.

• Image Optimisation: Her website is filled with mouth-watering photos of her

  creations. Anna uses descriptive alt text for each image (e.g., "wedding cake with floral design") so search engines understand the content, and customers can find her through image searches.

• Blog Content: Anna writes blog posts about seasonal treats, baking tips, and

  local events, naturally incorporating keywords and providing valuable content that attracts food enthusiasts.

2. The Online Boutique: "Chic Threads Apparel"

Maria owns "Chic Threads Apparel" an e-commerce store selling trendy women's

clothing. Her challenge is to stand out in a crowded online fashion market and reach customers nationwide.

• Product Page Optimisation: Each product page on her Wix store has unique,

  keyword-rich descriptions, optimised titles, and meta descriptions. She uses relevant keywords like "sustainable fashion" "boho dresses" or "plus-size

  activewear."

• Structured Data (Schema Markup): Wix automatically adds product schema to her store pages, telling search engines details like price, availability, and reviews. This helps her products appear with rich snippets in search results, increasing click-through rates.

• Mobile Responsiveness: Maria ensures her Wix site is perfectly optimised for mobile devices, knowing that a significant portion of her customers shop on their phones. Wix's mobile editor makes this easy.

3. The Freelance Graphic Designer: "Creative Canvas Studio"

David is a freelance graphic designer looking to showcase his portfolio and attract new clients. His goal is to be found by businesses searching for logo design,

branding, or web design services.

• Portfolio Optimisation: Each project in his portfolio has a dedicated page with a detailed description of the design process, client goals, and results. He uses keywords like "modern logo design" ,"brand identity creation" or "UI/UX design services."

• Client Testimonials: David features client testimonials prominently, which not only builds trust but also adds fresh, keyword-rich content to his site.

• Site Speed: Knowing that site speed impacts SEO and user experience, David

  regularly checks his Wix site's performance and optimises images and apps to

  ensure fast loading times.

  
  

4. The Health & Wellness Coach: "Mindful Living Coaching"

Sarah offers online health and wellness coaching. She wants to reach individuals

seeking guidance on mindfulness, nutrition, and stress management.

• Content Marketing: Sarah maintains an active blog with articles on various

  health topics, using long-tail keywords like "mindfulness exercises for stress relief" or "healthy meal prep ideas for busy professionals."

• Video SEO: She embeds videos of guided meditations and workout routines

  from her YouTube channel. She optimises video titles, descriptions, and uses

  transcripts to make them searchable.

• Internal Linking: Sarah strategically links related blog posts and service pages

  within her content, helping search engines understand the hierarchy of her site and distributing "link juice" effectively.

These examples demonstrate that no matter your business type, Wix provides the

tools and flexibility to implement a strong SEO strategy and connect with your target audience.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Optimizing Your Wix Site for Search Engines

Now, let's dive into the practical steps to optimise your Wix website for search engines. Follow these instructions carefully, and you'll be well on your way to improved visibility and increased organic traffic. Remember, consistency and patience are key to SEO success!

1. Getting Started with the Wix SEO Setup Checklist

The Wix SEO Setup Checklist is your personalised step-by-step plan to get your site found on Google. It's the perfect starting point for anyone new to SEO.

When setting up your site you should have already used the SEO Setup Checklist but may have not completed all of the tasks so lets go back and make sure you have as they will give you clear guidance to make sure all the core things you need are in place. It will give you all the support and guidance you need.

Step 1: Access the SEO Assistant

1. Log in to your Wix account.

2. From your site's dashboard, navigate to the Site & Mobile App section

3. Click on Website & SEO

4. Click on SEO & GEO

5. Click on SEO Setup Checklist in the Tools and settings section. This link takes you to the dedicated Wix support page in case you need it (we use the Wix pages to make sure you are always getting the latest support pages as Wix change their platform often).

2. Updating your SEO Settings from your analysis

Once you have run the analysis you will have a set of recommended actions to take in the Essentials (SEO Tags) section. Wix provides intuitive tools to manage these critical elements and we provide you with the optimised content to use.

Step 1: Edit your Page SEO Settings

1. Log in to your Wix account.

2. From your site's dashboard, navigate to the Site & Mobile App section

3. Click on Website & SEO

4. Click on SEO & GEO

5. Click on SEO Settings in the Tools and settings section.

6. This page takes you to where you can edit the SEO settings for your pages.

7. Select the page you want to optimise (e.g., your homepage, a service page, or a blog post). Generally it will be your main pages.

8. As you hover over a page it will give you option to Edit - click Edit.

Here you can edit the core settings for your pages (Wix support is here). We will give you the optimised content for:

• Title tag - This is the title that appears in search engine results and browser tabs. Keep it concise (under 60 characters), include your primary keyword, and make it compelling. Each page should have a unique title. Example: Best Custom Cakes in [City Name] | Sweet Delights Bakery

• Meta description (also called Description tag) - This is the short summary that appears under your title in search results. Aim for 150-160 characters. Include keywords naturally and write a persuasive description that encourages clicks. Example: Looking for delicious custom cakes or pastries in [City Name]? Sweet Delights by Anna bakes fresh, beautiful cakes for all

  occasions. Order online today!

• You can also change your URL slug here.  Ensure your URL is short, descriptive, and includes relevant keywords. Avoid long strings of numbers or irrelevant words. Example: www.yourdomain.com/custom-cakes (Good) vs.

  www.yourdomain.com/page-id-12345 (Bad)

Step 2: Check and update your Sitename and Keywords

Next lets update the SiteName and Keywords tags. To do that we need to go back to the SEO & GEO Page (Home > Site & Mobile App > Website & SEO > SEO & GEO).

1. Click The SEO Setup Checklist

2. At the top you can edit your Business or Brand Name by clicking on the pencil.

3. Using the SiteName tag information ensure your Business or Brand name is what we have provided to you - this ensures you are optimised for your site.

4. Ensure the Keywords match those we have given you. No need to learn more or find high performing keywords we have done that for you.

5. Click save.

Step 3: Reviewing and edit Structured Data Markup on your site

We give you your OpenSchema tag (also known in Wix as a Structured Data Markup) to check. This is the data that search engines use to understand the type of business you are, location etc. If it is not correct then you can edit it as follows:

1. Go to your editor (edit your Wix site).

2. Click Pages & Menu on the left side.

3. Click the three dots (...) icon next to the relevant page.

4. Click SEO basics and then the Advanced SEO tab.

5. Click Structured Data Markup and then +Add New Markup.

6. Edit the details as required.

7. Click Apply

Step 4: Add Alt Text to Images

1. In the Wix Editor, click on any image on your page.

2. Click the Settings icon (gear icon).

3. In the What's in the image? field enter a descriptive phrase that accurately describes the image and includes relevant keywords where natural.

   Example: Wedding cake with white frosting and fresh roses

Connecting to Google Search Console & Analytics

Connecting your Wix site to Google Search Console (GSC) and Google Analytics (GA) is crucial for monitoring your site's performance, identifying issues, and understanding your audience.

TIP: As we will be visiting Google sites keep those browser windows open as we will revisiting them.

Step 1: Connecting to Google Search Console

Check that as part of the SEO Setup Checklist you have connected to Google Search Console - if not go and complete that task (Home > Site & Mobile App > Website & SEO > SEO & GEO > Site Verification in the Tools and Settings section). Follow the steps for Google Search Console.

Step 2: Verify Your Site with Google Search Console

Verifying ownership of your domain on search engines helps to improve your presence in search results. To verify your site with Google Search Console you add a meta tag from Google to your Wix website.

The steps are details on the Wix support page here.

If you do not have a Google account you will need to create one. All of the details are here.

One you have connected and verified your site with Google Search Console the next step is to submit your Sitemap to Google Search Console - Wix does not do this automatically and it improves SEO visibility.

Step 3: Submit your Sitemap to Google Search Console

1. Once your site is verified, go to Google Search Console.

2. In the left-hand menu, click on Sitemaps.

3. Your Wix sitemap is usually located at yourdomain.com/sitemap.xml. Enter sitemap.xml into the Add a new sitemap field and click Submit.

(Optional for Advanced users) Using Google Analytics to track events on your Wix site.

Google Analytics will provide you deeper insight into your site visitors. Wix provides great analytics that will meet the majority of your needs. If you do want to get deeper here's the best guide to how to set it up:

Advanced SEO Techniques - only

Once you've mastered the basics, these advanced techniques can give your Wix site an extra edge in search results.

Step 1: Optimize for Core Web Vitals

Core Web Vitals are a set of metrics related to speed, responsiveness, and visual

stability. Google uses them as ranking factors.

1. Monitor in Google Search Console: Check the "Core Web Vitals" report in GSC to see how your pages are performing.

2. Minimize App Usage: While Wix apps are great, too many can slow down your

   site. Only use essential apps. You can check the Apps you have installed at Home > Apps > Manage Apps

Lots more Site Performance insight is available here.

Step 2: Implement Internal Linking Strategy

Internal links connect pages within your own website. They help search engines

understand your site's structure and pass authority between pages.

1. Contextual Links: When writing blog posts or page content, link to other relevant pages on your site naturally.

2. Navigation Menus: Ensure your main navigation is clear and comprehensive.

3. Footer Links: Use your footer for important links like privacy policy, contact, or

   popular categories.

   
   

Industry-Specific Templates for Wix SEO

While the core SEO principles remain consistent, their application can vary slightly

depending on your industry. Here are some tailored approaches:

E-commerce Store (e.g., Chic Threads Apparel)

• Product Page Focus: Prioritise unique, keyword-rich descriptions for every

  product. Use high-quality images with descriptive alt text. Ensure product

  schema is correctly implemented (Wix does this automatically for Wix Stores).

• Category Pages: Optimise category pages with unique content and internal links to individual products.

• Reviews: Encourage customer reviews, as they provide fresh content and social proof, both valuable for SEO.

Service-Based Business (e.g., Creative Canvas Studio)

• Service Pages: Create dedicated pages for each service you offer. Optimise these pages with keywords related to that specific service and location (if applicable).

• Portfolio/Case Studies: Each portfolio item should have its own page, detailing the project, challenges, solutions, and results. This provides rich, unique content.

• Testimonials: Embed client testimonials on relevant service pages to build trust and add keyword-rich content.

Blog/Content Creator (e.g., Mindful Living Coaching)

• Keyword Research for Content: Focus on long-tail keywords and questions your audience is asking. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or AnswerThePublic.

• Content Structure: Use clear headings (H1, H2, H3), short paragraphs, and bullet points for readability. Include internal links to other relevant blog posts. or service pages.

• Freshness: Regularly update old blog posts with new information to keep them relevant and boost their search ranking.

Local Business (e.g., Sweet Delights by Anna)

• Google My Business: This is paramount. Ensure your GMB profile is complete,

  accurate, and regularly updated with posts and photos.

• Local Keywords: Integrate city-specific keywords into your page titles, meta descriptions, and content.

• Schema Markup for Local Business: Use local business schema to provide

  search engines with your address, phone number, opening hours, and other key information.

  
  

Advanced Tips and Best Practices for Wix SEO

Beyond the basics, these strategies will help you further refine your Wix SEO and stay ahead of the curve.

1. Conduct Regular Keyword Research

SEO is an ongoing process. Regularly research new keywords and phrases that your target audience is using. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, Ahrefs, or even Google Search Console can provide valuable insights.

2. Monitor Your Competitors

Analyze what your competitors are doing well in terms of SEO. What keywords are they ranking for? What kind of content are they producing? This can inspire your own strategy.

3. Optimize for Voice Search

With the rise of smart speakers and virtual assistants, optimizing for voice search is becoming increasingly important. People tend to use longer, more conversational phrases when speaking their queries.

• Focus on long-tail keywords and natural language.

• Answer common questions directly in your content (e.g., using an FAQ section).

  
  

4. Build High-Quality Backlinks

Backlinks (links from other reputable websites to yours) are a strong signal of

authority to search engines. Focus on earning natural, high-quality backlinks through:

• Creating valuable, shareable content.

• Guest blogging on relevant industry sites.

• Building relationships with other businesses in your niche.

5. Prioritize User Experience (UX)

Google increasingly prioritises websites that offer a great user experience. This

includes:

• Mobile-friendliness: Ensure your Wix site looks and functions perfectly on all

  devices.

• Fast loading times: Optimise images, minimise code, and use a reliable hosting (Wix handles hosting for you).

• Easy navigation: A clear site structure helps users find what they need quickly.

• Engaging content: Keep visitors on your site longer with compelling text, images, and videos.

6. Leverage Wix Analytics and Google Analytics

Regularly review your analytics data to understand how users are interacting with your site and where your traffic is coming from. This data is invaluable for refining your SEO strategy.

• Wix Analytics: Provides insights into site traffic, sales, and user behaviour directly within your Wix dashboard.

• Google Analytics: Offers more in-depth data on audience demographics, acquisition channels, behaviour flow, and conversions.

Troubleshooting Common Wix SEO Issues

Even with the best plan, you might encounter some SEO challenges. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues.

1. My Site Isn't Showing Up on Google

• Check Indexing: First, ensure your site is indexed. In Google Search Console, use the URL Inspection Tool to check the status of your homepage.

• Sitemap Submission: Confirm that you have submitted your sitemap to Google Search Console.

• Patience: It can take time for a new site to be crawled and indexed. If it has been several weeks, and your site still isn't appearing, review your SEO settings and ensure nothing is blocking search engines.

2. My Traffic Has Dropped Suddenly

• Google Algorithm Updates: Check if there has been a recent Google algorithm update. These can sometimes cause fluctuations in rankings.

• Manual Actions: Look in Google Search Console for any manual actions

  (penalties) against your site.

• Technical Issues: Use GSC to check for any new crawl errors or technical issues

  that might be preventing Google from accessing your site.

3. My Rankings Aren't Improving

• Keyword Competition: Your target keywords might be highly competitive. Consider focusing on more specific, long-tail keywords.

• Content Quality: Is your content truly valuable and comprehensive? Compare it to the top-ranking pages for your target keywords.

• Backlinks: A lack of high-quality backlinks can hinder your ability to rank for

  competitive terms. Focus on building a strong backlink profile.

Resources and Tools

To further enhance your Wix SEO efforts, here are some valuable resources and tools:

Wix's Own Resources

• Wix SEO Hub: A collection of articles, guides, and webinars on all things SEO.

• Wix Help Center: Your go-to source for technical questions and step-by-step

  instructions.

• Wix Blog: Often features posts on SEO best practices and marketing tips.

  
  

Third-Party SEO Tools

• Google Search Console: Essential for monitoring your site's health and

  performance on Google.

• Google Analytics: Provides in-depth data about your website traffic and user

  behavior.

• Ahrefs, SEMrush, Moz: Comprehensive SEO platforms for keyword research,

  competitor analysis, and backlink tracking (these are premium tools, but some offer free limited versions).

• AnswerThePublic: A great tool for generating content ideas based on what

• people are searching for.

Success Measurement: Tracking Your Wix SEO Performance

Optimizing your Wix site for SEO is an ongoing process, and tracking your performance is crucial to understanding what's working and where to make adjustments. Here's how to measure your success:

1. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to Monitor

• Organic Traffic: The number of visitors coming to your site from search engines. This is a primary indicator of SEO success.

• Keyword Rankings: Track where your target keywords rank in search results.

  Tools like Google Search Console or third-party SEO tools can help.

• Impressions & Clicks: In Google Search Console, monitor how often your site

  appears in search results (impressions) and how often users click on your listings (clicks).

• Bounce Rate: The percentage of visitors who leave your site after viewing only

  one page. A high bounce rate can indicate poor content or user experience.

• Conversion Rate: The percentage of visitors who complete a desired action (e.g. make a purchase, fill out a form). Ultimately, SEO should drive business goals.

• Page Load Speed: Faster sites generally rank better and provide a better user

  experience. Monitor this in Google Search Console or Google Analytics.

  
  

2. Tools for Tracking Performance

• Google Search Console: Essential for technical SEO insights, keyword

  performance, crawl errors, and sitemap status.

• Google Analytics: Provides comprehensive data on user behaviour, traffic

  sources, demographics, and conversions.

• Wix Analytics: Offers a simplified view of your site's performance directly within your Wix dashboard.

• Third-Party SEO Tools (e.g., SEMrush, Ahrefs): For more advanced tracking,

  competitor analysis, and in-depth keyword research.

  
  

3. Setting Goals and Benchmarks

• Start with Baselines: Before you begin your SEO efforts, record your current organic traffic, rankings, and other KPIs. This gives you a starting point.

• Set Realistic Goals: Don't expect overnight success. SEO takes time. Set

  achievable goals (e.g., "Increase organic traffic by 15% in 6 months").

• Regular Review: Schedule regular intervals (monthly or quarterly) to review

  your data, assess progress, and adjust your strategy as needed.

  
  

By following this guide, you have a solid foundation for optimising your Wix website. Remember that SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay consistent, be patient, and keep learning. Good luck!