The global eyewear market is poised for continued growth, with e-commerce transforming how consumers shop for glasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses.
According to recent data from Statista, glasses online in Canada this year, the eyewear market is projected to reach revenues of up to US$151.40 billion (CA$216.90 billion) worldwide, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 3.35% between 2025 and 2029. While the United States has long cornered the eyewear market, countries like Canada are catching up due to the rising demand for vision care products and services.
In fact, Canada’s Competition Bureau noted in a 2022 report that as Canadian consumers seek greater choice, lower prices, and improved convenience, Internet-based eyewear retailing has flourished. However, this surge in demand has also led to intense competition among retailers vying for visibility in the digital space.
On this front, search engine optimization (SEO) has become indispensable for eyewear retailers. As SEO specialist and link-building agency founder Nick Zviadadze emphasized in an Entrepreneur article, “In 99% of cases, people click on the top results on Google. This means that if you’re not positioned there, your competitors will get all the attention and you’ll miss out on valuable customers.” Conversely, a robust SEO strategy helps drive organic traffic, boost online visibility, and convert site visitors into loyal customers.
Canadian eyewear brand Clearly, along with other major players like Warby Parker, showcases how effective SEO strategies can help brands thrive in this competitive market. This article delves into their tactics and highlights best practices for eyewear retailers to stay ahead.
Clearly is a leading eyewear retailer known for its affordable glasses and commitment to customer satisfaction. Founded in 2000, the brand has become a go-to option for shoppers seeking quality glasses online in Canada. Since its inception, the brand has grown into a household name, offering all manner of affordable eye care products tailored to individual needs. Clearly’s success is underpinned by its ability to blend a user-friendly website with an SEO-driven approach.
In terms of its on-page SEO strategy, Clearly’s website is a masterclass in intuitive design. It features simple navigation, quick loading times, and seamless mobile responsiveness—all of which are key factors for SEO rankings. For instance, according to an Enterprise Apps Today article on web design statistics, 47% of users expect a web page to load in 2 seconds or less, with 40% of users abandoning a site that takes over 3 seconds. Their findings show that slow-responding websites can lead to a $2.6 billion annual loss in sales for retailers.
Moreover, the pages on Clearly’s site are logically organized, making it easy for users to find products or learn more about eyewear care. This structure reduces bounce rates and enhances dwell time, both critical to SEO performance.
Notably, the brand also excels in creating valuable content for its audience. Its blog, TheLook, features useful product guides like “Which Contacts Are Right For Me?” and “What Do the Numbers on Your Glasses Mean?” which attract organic traffic by answering common customer queries. By targeting informational keywords and incorporating internal links to product pages, Clearly effectively funnels visitors toward purchasing decisions.
Meanwhile, Clearly’s product pages are optimized with keyword-rich titles and descriptions, high-quality images, and compelling calls-to-action (CTAs). They also include detailed specifications, customer reviews, and FAQs, improving search rankings and providing customers with all the information they need to make a purchase.
