If you’re running an e-commerce store and hoping to grow in the United States, it’s not enough to simply show up online. You need to show up where it counts: on the first page of search results.
The US has one of the world’s most competitive digital markets. Consumers here rely heavily on Google to find everything from running shoes to organic dog food. And while Google accounts for over 85% of US search traffic, your optimization efforts should also support visibility on other platforms like Bing and Yahoo, which still command millions of users.
Here are our top five ways to optimize your online store for US search engines in 2025.
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1. Target US-based keywords (with buying intent)
SEO starts with understanding your audience. In this case, that means American search habits.
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Semrush to identify terms that US customers are actively searching for. Focus on long-tail keywords that reflect buyer intent, like “best running shoes for flat feet” or “gluten-free dog treats made in USA.”
Pro Tip: Use US spelling (e.g., “color” not “colour”) and terminology (e.g., “sneakers” not “trainers”) for better alignment with your target market.
2. Make sure your site is fast and mobile-friendly
Google uses mobile-first indexing, which means it chooses how to rank your site based on its mobile version. In the US, two-thirds of e-tail traffic comes from mobile devices—and American consumers are quick to abandon slow or clunky websites.
Make sure your online store loads in under 3 seconds (if not faster), adapts well to all screen sizes, and offers a smooth checkout experience on mobile. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and Core Web Vitals can help you identify and fix performance issues.
3. Localize your content and policies
Even if you’re an international brand, your US customers expect a US-centric experience. That includes:
- Displaying prices in USD on your landing pages
- Offering clear shipping timelines within the US
- Including US-based return policies
- Using inches, pounds, and Fahrenheit
4. Optimize your technical SEO for US indexing
Make sure your technical foundation is solid. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Use hreflang tags if your site has different versions for other countries
- Host your website on a US-based server or use a CDN with fast US delivery
- Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools
- Use schema markup to help search engines understand your product pages
Pro Tip: If you have U.S.-only inventory or promotions, mark those pages appropriately to ensure they rank for relevant US queries.
5. Build high-quality backlinks from US sources
Search engines view backlinks as a vote of confidence. But not all links are created equal—especially when targeting a specific region. Aim to earn links from US-based blogs, news sites, and industry directories. Here’s how:
- Reach out to US influencers for reviews
- Partner with US-based influencers for inboxing videos and other promotions
- Guest post on popular US blogs with a relevant connection to your products
- Invest in digital PR
Local backlinks signal to search engines that your business is relevant and trusted in the US market.
Ready to rank for US-based searches?
Optimizing your online store for US search engines isn’t just about visibility. It’s about trust, user experience, and speaking the same language as your customers. Do it right, and you’ll build a stronger connection with one of the world’s most lucrative e-commerce markets.
Ready to get started? Contact Your Marketing People today.
