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How to Access Robots TXT on Shopify
Last modified: January 16, 2024
The Robots file on websites is often highly sought after. It is a powerful file that when used correctly can help you rank highly on Google and other search engines. It can also cause certain functions on your website to improve performance for customers.
However, finding your robots.txt file on Shopify is going to be very difficult.
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Why is it so Hard to Find your Robots.txt File on Shopify?
Just like other website platforms that allow small businesses to build websites, Shopify has the legal right to limit your access to certain files that create your website. There are several reasons for this. One is security, if you’re given access, then hackers could also legally gain access to the software, and then they might find security gaps within the files and use them to hack into websites.
Alternatively, you might alter their propriety software which would be against their terms and conditions. This could vastly interfere with their services. Therefore, to prevent outages they block access to FTP and this includes access to your robots.txt files.
However, Shopify does automatically generate this for you and ensures that your site is optimized for search engines. This is regardless of which of the themes you use from the Shopify Theme store. Therefore, you can be assured that your site can be ranked.
Enhancing Your Shopify Store’s SEO with Robots.txt
Understanding the Importance of Robots.txt in SEO
The robots.txt file plays a pivotal role in SEO, guiding search engine bots on what to crawl. This is particularly crucial for eCommerce sites with complex navigation and numerous pages.
A well-configured robots.txt can prevent indexing of duplicate or irrelevant pages, boosting your site’s SEO performance.
However, it’s not foolproof; some bots might ignore these directives, making regular SEO audits vital.
Shopify’s Evolution in Robots.txt Customization
Shopify, traditionally restrictive in allowing robots.txt customization, made a significant change in June 2021.
This update empowered store owners to tailor their robots.txt files, offering better control over search engine crawling.
This shift is enabling Shopify users to specify which pages to index, enhancing their site’s SEO strategy without needing external tools.
Practical Steps for Customizing Robots.txt in Shopify
Customizing your Shopify store’s robots.txt file is now straightforward. Start by logging into Shopify, navigating to ‘Online Store’, and selecting ‘Edit Code’.
Find the robots.txt.liquid file in the ‘Assets’ folder, modify it as needed, and save your changes. This process allows you to direct search engine bots effectively, ensuring they crawl the right pages.
Best Practices and Considerations for Robots.txt on Shopify
Key Guidelines for Editing Robots.txt
When editing your Shopify store’s robots.txt file, adhere to best practices. This includes logging into your account, accessing the ‘Themes’ tab, and editing the robots.txt file under ‘Assets’.
Customize the default code to suit your store’s needs and save the changes. Proper configuration ensures optimal crawling by search engines while protecting sensitive pages.
The Role of Sitemaps in Conjunction with Robots.txt
Sitemaps are crucial for search engine visibility, working alongside robots.txt. They guide search engines through your site, enhancing indexing of new content.
Regular sitemap updates, coupled with a well-configured robots.txt, can significantly boost your store’s search engine presence.
However, remember that sitemaps alone don’t guarantee indexing; adherence to overall SEO best practices is essential.
Cautionary Advice on Customizing Robots.txt
While customizing robots.txt offers many SEO benefits, it’s crucial to proceed with caution. Unsupported modifications can lead to traffic loss and reduced search engine visibility.
If unsure, consult a technical specialist before making changes. Remember, incorrect configurations can block essential search engine bots, adversely affecting your store’s online presence.
Conclusion: How to Access Robots.txt on Shopify
You can’t access your robot.txt file because Shopify blocks your access to FTP. There are security and performance reasons for this. Yet, Shopify has experts that have designed their system to ensure that your website performs well and can rank on Google.
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Is it possible to block specific pages from search engines using Shopify’s robots.txt?
Yes, you can. This is particularly useful for pages that might not offer value in search results, like certain admin pages, or duplicate content that could harm your SEO.
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Is it necessary to update robots.txt when adding new products to Shopify?
Updating robots.txt isn’t typically required when adding new products to Shopify. Only update if new items fall under categories you’ve previously chosen to exclude from search engine indexing.
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Can I use robots.txt to improve my Shopify store’s loading speed?
Robots.txt doesn’t directly improve your Shopify store’s loading speed. It’s used for managing how search engines crawl and index your site, not for enhancing site performance or speed.
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