Shopify vs Shopify+ Which Makes Sense for SEO?

Since niching down into helping more and more brands on Shopify specifically, one of the core questions I continually get asked is when is a good time to upgrade to Shopify+ and what are the additional SEO benefits I will get.

Now for context Shopify+ has far more benefits outside of just SEO in fact the reasons you’d upgrade are usually not even driven from SEO. However Shopify Plus is designed for high-growth DTC brands that need advanced customisation, automation, and scalability.

Shopify vs Shopify Plus

What is Shopify?

Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms which now a large number of FMGC brands are utilising to scale online. Shopify as you likely already know provides an easy-to-use interface, a wide range of themes, and essential tools for managing an online store.

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often find Shopify sufficient for their needs, thanks to its built-in features and affordability.

What is Shopify Plus?

Shopify Plus is the enterprise-level version of Shopify, designed for high-volume businesses or those looking to scale and increase the amount of customisation currently available on there store.

It offers additional features like advanced automation, increased API limits, dedicated support, and greater customisation options some of which can be directly beneficial for SEO.

Benefits of Shopify and Shopify Plus

Benefits of Shopify

• Easy to set up and use, even for beginners.

• A wide range of themes and apps to customise your store.

• Built-in SEO features for optimising page titles, meta descriptions, and URLs.

• Affordable pricing with no need for extensive development resources.

• Reliable hosting and security features included.

Benefits of Shopify Plus

• Advanced automation with Shopify Flow for streamlined operations.

• Access to exclusive Shopify Plus apps and scripts for customisation.

• Dedicated account manager and priority support.

• Greater API access for integrating with third-party tools and services.

• Custom checkout and discounting options to optimise conversions.

• Multi-store management for international expansion.

SEO Capabilities: Shopify vs Shopify Plus

Shopify SEO Features

• Customisable meta titles and descriptions.

• Clean URL structures and automatic canonical tags.

• Built-in blog functionality for content marketing.

• Automatic sitemaps and robots.txt configuration.

Shopify Plus SEO Advantages

• Customisable checkout experience with optimised conversion paths.

• Increased API call limits allow for deeper integrations with SEO tools.

• Shopify Plus-exclusive apps like Shopify Scripts to enhance customer experiences.

• Support for headless commerce, allowing for greater flexibility in SEO-focused builds.

Personal Review

Having worked extensively with a large range of DTC brands both on both Shopify and Shopify Plus, my recommendation depends on your business's growth stage and specific needs.

• If you're a smaller brand or just starting out, Shopify offers everything you need to build a well-optimised store without unnecessary costs.

• If you're scaling quickly or need more control over your store's structure, checkout experience, and international expansion, Shopify Plus becomes a valuable investment.

• SEO-wise, both platforms provide solid foundations, but Shopify Plus unlocks deeper technical flexibility for brands that require a more advanced setup.

Should You Upgrade to Shopify Plus?

Upgrading to Shopify Plus makes sense if:

• Your business generates high sales volume and needs more flexibility in checkout customisation.

• You require multi-store management to operate in different regions or currencies.

• You want to leverage automation for order processing, marketing, or inventory management.

• Your brand requires advanced API access to integrate with external tools and streamline operations.

However, if you're a small to mid-sized brand focused on steady growth, Shopify’s standard plans are cost-effective and provide all the core SEO capabilities needed for success.

Both Shopify and Shopify Plus are powerful platforms, but the decision to upgrade depends on your business size, growth trajectory, and need for advanced features. If Shopify SEO is a primary concern, both platforms offer solid foundations, though Shopify Plus provides greater flexibility for larger-scale optimisations.