SEO for WordPress, Shopify and Prestashop
Optimal configuration, essential plugins and platform-specific checklist for the 3 most-used platforms in the Spanish market. eXprimeNet operational method.
Each CMS has very different strengths and weaknesses: WordPress offers the greatest SEO flexibility but requires plugins (RankMath, Yoast); Shopify has automated technical SEO but is rigid on URLs and schema; Prestashop needs more manual work but is powerful for large catalogues. This manual gives platform-specific configuration + the 10 most frequent issues.
What is the SEO difference between WordPress, Shopify and Prestashop?
WordPress is the most flexible CMS (60%+ of global market). Full control over URLs, meta tags, schema and speed, but requires well-configured plugins (RankMath, Yoast SEO, WP Rocket) and careful theme choice.
Shopify is the most popular cloud eCommerce. It offers decent default technical SEO (speed, sitemap, canonical) but is rigid: non-customisable URLs, limited schema, difficulty building a robust blog.
Prestashop is open-source focused on large catalogues. Requires careful technical configuration (friendly URLs, canonical, hreflang for multi-language) but very powerful for product filters and facets.
Optimal configuration per platform
- WordPress: technical baselineInstall RankMath (better than Yoast in 2026 due to richer schema), WP Rocket for cache, ShortPixel for images. Server with PHP 8.2+, HTTP/2, HSTS. Minimalist theme (Astra, GeneratePress).
- WordPress: schema and AEORankMath emits Article + BreadcrumbList by default. Add manual FAQPage (CustomHTML widget), HowTo (custom block), Speakable (metabox). Update dateModified with each edit.
- Shopify: technical SEOActivate unique meta tags for products, collections and pages (App: Smart SEO or SEO Manager). Optimise images with Shopify’s Image Compressor. 301 redirect when changing handles.
- Shopify: extended schemaShopify emits default Product schema but limited. Use apps like JSON-LD for SEO to add FAQPage, HowTo, Article in blog. Custom liquid in theme.liquid for Organization + LocalBusiness.
- Prestashop: friendly URLs + hreflangEnable "Friendly URLs" in SEO preferences. Configure hreflang for multi-language. Use module "Klarpo SEO" or "Advanced SEO" for dynamic meta tags + schema.
- Prestashop: large catalogueCanonical on product variants, noindex on combinatorial filters (colour+size+price), pagination with rel prev/next. Segmented XML sitemap (categories, products, CMS) generated by Klarpo Sitemap.
Frequently asked questions
Which CMS is best for SEO?
WordPress offers more control but requires work. Shopify is easy but limited. Prestashop is powerful for catalogues > 500 SKUs. No CMS is absolutely "best"; it depends on use case.
RankMath or Yoast in WordPress 2026?
RankMath for more complete schema (includes HowTo, Speakable, Course), cleaner interface and pricing (more affordable Pro version). Yoast is still valid but losing ground.
Can you have good SEO on Shopify?
Yes. Shopify has decent default technical SEO. With apps (JSON-LD for SEO, Smart SEO) and careful configuration you reach green Core Web Vitals and complete schema.
What is the biggest SEO mistake in Prestashop?
Not enabling friendly URLs from the start. Changing URLs later forces massive 301s and penalises accumulated authority.
How many SEO plugins to install in WordPress?
Ideal: 3-4 well-chosen plugins. 1 SEO (RankMath), 1 cache (WP Rocket), 1 images (ShortPixel), optionally 1 extra schema. More plugins slow the site and create conflicts.
Operational SEO configuration for WordPress, Shopify and Prestashop in 2026
Each CMS has its own SEO learning curve: WordPress needs well-chosen plugins, Shopify needs apps to complement its limitations and Prestashop needs careful technical configuration. At eXprimeNet we manage SEO on over 60 sites across the 3 platforms and apply this per-platform playbook.