SEO Module Setup for Bitrix CMS
The SEO module in Bitrix — the seo module — combines several tools: configuring meta tags through templates, generating sitemaps, managing redirects, integrating with Yandex.Webmaster and Google Search Console. Understand that "SEO module" is not a single settings screen, but the Marketing → Search Engine Optimization section that includes a set of related tools.
Meta Tags for Infoblocks
The most frequently used feature — setting up meta tag templates for sections and elements of infoblocks. Path: Marketing → Search Engine Optimization → Meta Tags.
Select an infoblock, type (sections or elements), and set templates for <title>, <meta name="description">, <meta name="keywords">. Available variables in template:
-
#NAME#— element/section name -
#ELEMENT_NAME#— same as#NAME#for elements -
#SECTION_NAME#— section name -
#IBLOCK_NAME#— infoblock name -
#PROPERTY_{CODE}#— element property value
Example title template for a product:
#NAME# — buy in online store | #SECTION_NAME#
Example description:
#PROPERTY_SEO_DESCRIPTION# | Buy #NAME# with delivery. #PROPERTY_SPECIFICATIONS#
If specific element has ELEMENT_META_TITLE, ELEMENT_META_DESCRIPTION filled in — they override the template. Template is used as fallback.
Configuring SEO Component
For correct meta tag operation, the bitrix:seo.meta component is needed in the page template. It reads element metadata and passes via $APPLICATION->SetPageProperty():
$APPLICATION->IncludeComponent('bitrix:seo.meta', '', [
'IBLOCK_ID' => $iblock_id,
'ELEMENT_ID' => $element_id,
'SECTION_ID' => $section_id,
]);
In site template's header.php, add output:
<title><?= htmlspecialchars($APPLICATION->GetPageProperty('title') ?: $APPLICATION->GetTitle()) ?></title>
<meta name="description" content="<?= htmlspecialchars($APPLICATION->GetPageProperty('description')) ?>">
<meta name="keywords" content="<?= htmlspecialchars($APPLICATION->GetPageProperty('keywords')) ?>">
Webmaster and Indexing
In Marketing → Search Engine Optimization → Webmaster, add verification codes for Yandex.Webmaster (meta tag or file) and Google Search Console. Bitrix automatically outputs the verification meta tag in <head> when code is added.
Setting Tags for Pages Outside Infoblocks
For static pages (homepage, site sections), meta tags are set in page properties via site editor or directly in component PHP code:
$APPLICATION->SetPageProperty('title', 'Homepage — Online Store');
$APPLICATION->SetPageProperty('description', 'Wide range of products with delivery across the country');
Call must be before <head> output — in component template, not template.php.
Common Setup Mistakes
-
Duplicate title — meta tag template set via SEO module and simultaneously
SetPageProperty('title')called in component template. Last call wins, behavior unpredictable. - Meta tag cache — changing template in SEO module doesn't affect pages until infoblock cache is cleared. Clear: Settings → Manage Modules → Infoblocks → Clear Cache.
-
Empty variables —
PROPERTY_SEO_DESCRIPTIONnot filled for most products, description remains empty. Solution: add fallback in template via condition or fill properties during import.
Implementation Timeline
SEO module setup: meta tag templates for infoblocks, component configuration in template, webmaster verification — 3–5 hours.