5 Dos and Don’ts of Amazon Product Listing Optimization

Are you looking for ways to increase your listing rank on Amazon’s platform?

While Amazon is still trying to work out the kinks of their algorithm, there are key things you need to do, like ensuring the product title and description contain the keyword.

But you need to make sure that you don’t keyword stuff, either.

Here is your guide to Amazon product listing optimization and what you need to do to master their algorithm.

Do’s

Optimizing the product listing on Amazon starts with keywords, descriptions, titles, and product photography.

Each of these categories will play the biggest impact when it comes to your ranking.

You can’t expect to rank for a camera tripod when the title has misspelled words and your description calls it “a three-legged camera holder”.

Having poor-quality pictures can lead customers to not even click on your listings.

Target the Right Keywords

Keywords refer to the search queries that users look up when looking for specific products on Amazon.

Keywords don’t need to be grammatically correct spelling or can even be a question in certain instances.

High-competition keywords are difficult to rank for. You need enough initial sales to start ranking organically.

For best results, target keywords with lower competition. This might mean using words or phrases that are similar to your product, but still matches the intent of the user.

Amazon SEO services are a great way to find the right keywords to help with ranking opportunities.

Have High-Quality Pictures

If someone clicks on your picture and they can count the pixels that make up the image, it will affect you negatively.

Amazon recommends using 1500×1500 pixels images for the best quality possible.

Also, make sure that your product makes up the majority of the image. Having too much white space will distract the user and make it harder to see your product.

Accurate Titles

Accurate titles will include the keyword, fall within 70 to 100 characters, and get to the point. Being vague with your titles can lead users astray.

If they can’t tell what the product is, then chances are that they’re not going to click on it.

Titles will need to read well to different customers. If you ship internationally on Amazon, then consider localizing your titles.

Make Your Description Stand Out

Take the time to make your description easy to read so that it stands out. Using bullet points is recommended, as it highlights key features and breaks up the text for the user.

When a user looks at a block of text, they’re more likely to skim and miss out on important information. Don’t be afraid to list everything that the product contains.

Skipping one minor feature could be the difference between a buyer and a lost potential customer.

Highlight Positive Reviews and Ratings

Amazon appreciates users that deliver high-quality products to their customers regularly.

The more positive reviews, the higher the chance to rank on Amazon’s search engine.

Positive reviews will also help you when users sort by four and five-star reviews.

If you can keep your reviews above that threshold, you’re appealing to customers that are only looking for the best.

Don’ts

While there are things you need to do, there are certain things you need to avoid.

This will include keyword stuffing, poor-quality products, and only relying on organic traffic when you first start.

Ignoring your customers and competitors will spell demise for your listing before you can even get it going.

Keyword Stuff

One of the best tips to optimize Amazon product listings is to avoid keyword stuffing.

While it makes sense, in theory to include the keyword that you want to rank for as many times as possible, it actually can be flagged by Amazon.

Make your keywords flow naturally in your title, description, and key features.

Skip Out on Picture Descriptions

Picture descriptions are a great way to get ranking opportunities on both Amazon and search engines like Google and Bing.

Certain users will browse the images that you post and the images themselves have a chance to rank separately.

Not only will you increase ranking opportunities, but also you increase your accessibility.

If someone that can’t read well needs a program to read off the description to ensure it is the right item, you having that description helps your chances of them converting.

Ignore Negative Reviews

Ignoring negative reviews and not addressing complaints can tank your ranking. If a common problem comes up, address it at the source and reach out to the customers.

Even if the customer had an unpleasant experience with your item, reaching out to solve the problem can lead to a happy customer and a change of heart.

Too many negative reviews and you will go against Amazon’s TOS.

Rely Only on Organic Traffic

Relying on organic traffic initially can spell demise for your product. To help get your initial sales to start ranking, you can try ads or outreach.

Ads will place your product among the top ranking, depending on how much you bid.

Outreach includes affiliate programs. If you find a website that specializes in your specific products, see if they can change or add your products to their recommendations.

Skip Out on Videos

Videos offer a great way for people to experience your product without seeing it in person.

It puts the potential user in a real-life scenario, so they can see how the item would interact with their everyday life.

Amazon Product Listing Optimization: Key Takeaways

Now that you know a little more about Amazon product listing optimization, you can start rearranging your listings to perform better.

Don’t be afraid of bad reviews and high competition. Stay true to your products and do the research and outreach necessary to get your sales rolling.

If you want to learn more about Amazon’s algorithms and how to maintain the best practices, then be sure to check out the rest of the blog.

Know an Amazon seller who could use some help? Share this article with them so they can take action today.