How the SEO grader works

BySupport Admin

The SEO grader is a built-in assistant that checks your product pages and blog posts for search engine readiness. It provides a real-time score and a checklist of suggestions to help your shop appear when customers search for products like yours on Google.

How to use the grader

  1. Open your content: Edit any product or page from your dashboard.

  2. Locate the score: Look for the color-coded number in the top-right corner of the editor. A green score indicates the page is well-optimized, while orange or red suggests there is room for improvement.

  3. Set your Focus Keyword: In the SEO settings panel (usually found at the bottom of the page or by clicking the score), type in the main word or phrase you want this page to rank for. For example, "handmade leather wallet."

  4. Review the checklist: The grader will generate a list of specific tasks. These usually include things like adding the keyword to your title, shortening your URL, or writing a better description.

  5. Update and save: As you make changes to your text or images, the score will update automatically. Aim for a green light, but don’t feel pressured to get a "perfect 100."

Practical scenarios

The Product Description
If you are selling "Organic Green Tea," the grader might notice that you haven’t used that exact phrase in your first paragraph. Once you add it, the grader will check that box off your list.

The Meta Description
The "Snippet" or "Meta Description" is the short text that appears under your link in Google search results. If yours is too long, it will get cut off. The grader provides a progress bar to show you the ideal length so your customers can read the full message.

Image Optimization
If you upload a photo of a menu item but forget to add "Alt Text," the grader will remind you. Adding a description like "Classic Eggs Benedict" helps search engines understand what is in the photo.

Troubleshooting common issues

  • The score isn’t changing: Ensure you have actually entered a Focus Keyword. The grader cannot evaluate your page until it knows which phrase you are targeting.

  • The "Keyword Density" is too high: This happens when you use your focus keyword too many times, making the text sound robotic. Rewrite the sentence to sound more natural; a lower score is better than unreadable content.

  • Red lights for things you can’t change: Sometimes the grader suggests technical changes that don’t apply to your specific layout. If your content reads well and looks good to a human, it’s okay to leave a few red marks.

  • Missing Preview: If you don’t see the Google preview, make sure you’ve clicked the "Edit Snippet" button in the SEO panel.

Summary

The SEO grader is a tool to help you stay consistent, not a set of rigid rules. Use it to ensure you haven’t forgotten the basics, but always prioritize writing for your customers over chasing a perfect score.

Related guides:

  • How to write product descriptions that sell

  • Adding Alt Text to your images

  • Connecting your shop to Google Search Console

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