How to Import SEO Keywords into Shopify Metafields Using a CSV File
by
Ryan ODonnell
Last updated:
December 20, 2024
Shopify’s metafields let you store and organize custom details—like product dimensions, ingredients, or care instructions—giving you the flexibility to present the exact information your customers need to make confident purchases. By learning how to import metafields into Shopify with a CSV file, you can streamline this process and manage your store’s data better.
Metafields can help improve your SEO for marketing. Adding attributes like targeted keywords can improve search visibility while creating more engaging and informative product pages.
Managing these enhancements for large catalogs, however, can be challenging. Updating SEO keywords across hundreds of products manually is time-consuming and error-prone. In this article, we’ll show you how to simplify this process using CSV files, avoid common pitfalls, and build a more efficient, SEO-optimized store.
Get MESA update Shopify metafields in bulk effortlessly using CSV files from FTPs.
Topics:
Preparing your CSV file for Shopify metafield imports
A properly structured CSV file is essential for successfully importing metafields into Shopify. Each row in the file represents a specific product or variant and the metafield data you want to add or update. The file must include columns like Product ID, which specify the product or variant to update.
Here’s a sample CSV file to use as a reference. This template outlines the correct structure and formatting, making organizing your data easier and avoiding errors during the import process.
With this preparation, you’re ready to import your CSV file into Shopify.
Step-by-step guide to import meta keywords from a CSV hosted on FTP
Time needed: 5 minutes
Save SEO keywords to product metafields in Shopify by importing them from a CSV file on an FTP server. Follow these steps to simplify the process and reduce manual work:
Fetch the CSV File from your FTP server
Set up a trigger to fetch the customer CSV file from your FTP server and configure a schedule—daily, weekly, or custom—to keep your product data regularly synced and up to date.
Loop through the CSV file
Use the Loop step in MESA to process each CSV file row. Define iteration rules and address potential errors for consistent data handling.
Filter for SEO Keywords
Filter the data to focus on valid SEO keywords by removing unnecessary fields and ensuring the ‘SEO Keywords’ column is not empty.
Set product metafield
The key, type and namespace are fixed, but the product ID and value are determined by your CSV file. The product ID links the metafield to the correct item, while the key (e.g., meta_keywords) specifies where the data is stored. This will always pull as a string and set the value to the data from the CSV. Use a namespace like “custom” to group the metafield and prevent conflicts with existing data.
Test, then turn “On”
Test your workflow to confirm it’s ready, then turn it on to run whenever a trigger event happens.
IMPORTANT: Modify your theme’s product template for keyword display
To display imported keywords, update your theme’s product template, as Shopify’s default setup doesn’t show meta keywords from the admin panel. Open your theme’s product page Liquid template and add the following line:
Automation is the only process that can import SEO keywords from CSV files, reducing manual effort and improving the accuracy of product metadata.
As your ecommerce store grows, it becomes critical for managing larger and more complex data. Tools like MESA make it easy to scale workflows, adapt to increasing demands, and keep operations flexible. This approach allows businesses to focus on strategic growth while maintaining the agility needed to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I update SEO keywords?
SEO keyword updates depend on your business and marketing goals. Quarterly updates work well for most businesses, but rapidly changing industries may need more frequent updates to stay competitive and align with market trends.
Can I import multiple metafields simultaneously?
Yes, you can import multiple metafields at once with a properly structured CSV file. Include separate columns for namespace, key, value, and value type for each metafield.
What you should do now
Whenever you’re ready…here are 4 ways we can help you grow your business:
Add MESA to your Shopify store. The best way to get started is by adding the MESA app from the Shopify App store. Every plan includes the first 7-days free so you can be assured your workflow is running properly.
Browse pre-made templates. Our customizable workflow templates are a great way to get started more quickly.
Talk to our automation experts. If you need help personalizing any workflow template, guidance how to make any automation or, simply want us to make your workflow, we can help.
If you know another merchant who’d enjoy reading this page, share it with them via LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, or Facebook.
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