Joshua Galyon
You’ve probably heard of optimizing websites for Google, but did you know content optimization is also vital for Amazon listings? With stiff competition and demanding customers, taking proper care of SEO is crucial for success.
If you are an Amazon seller who wants to learn more about Amazon SEO, look no further! This article lists all the factors that help you optimize the product listings for Amazon searches and increase your sales.
1. Keyword Research
Keyword research is the first thing you must consider when it comes to Amazon SEO. You need to use relevant keywords that match the words users type into search to find desired products.
Similar to SEO for Google, your focus should be the long-tail keywords.
Long-tail keywords are actually phrases that consist of three to five words. Users commonly type more than one word when they search for something. It makes the search more specific and helps them find exactly what they need (for example, users might search: “best running shoes,” “cocktail dresses for weddings,” etc.)
You can find relevant keywords by typing into the Amazon search bar and looking at the keyword suggestions. When you enter a search query, Amazon suggests products other consumers frequently look for. Various tools can also help you with Amazon keywords, such as Ahref’s Amazon Keyword Tool. After you’ve chosen your keywords, incorporate them into your product titles and descriptions to improve the visibility of your products.
2. Managing Customer Reviews
Product reviews can make or break your success on Amazon. They are usually the first thing people notice when shopping for a product they need, and they value the opinions of other customers who have already tried the product.
Most products at the top of Amazon’s search results are those rated four or five stars by many customers. Having products that receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from large numbers of people improves SEO like crazy. That’s why encouraging your audience to share their thoughts on your products is crucial.
However, when your audience provides feedback, you will likely receive some negative comments. Keep in mind this is inevitable in most cases and shouldn’t disturb you too much.
You should take time to respond to negative comments to show you care about your customers and their concerns. People judge you by how you react to negative reviews, so handle this task with caution.
Offer genuine sympathies to your reviews, provide explanations and information, address the issues they raise, and provide explanations or any additional information about the product.
Customers will purchase your products if they know you take problems seriously and are prepared to address them. Furthermore, more people will consider buying from you if you offer to replace or refund broken and damaged products.
3. Title Optimization
Thoughtful titles are essential to every Amazon SEO effort, as title formatting significantly affects your appearance in search results. The formatting for a product title typically includes the following:
- Brand Name
- Feature
- Material
- Key Ingredients
- Product Type
- Model Number
- Size
- Package Count
- Color
- Flavor
Also, make sure to:
- Capitalize the first letter of every word
- Write out measurements (pounds, inches, etc.)
- Use numerals, not spelled-out numbers (4 instead of “four”)
- Do not use ampersands unless they’re in the product’s or company’s name
This guideline for title arrangement is generally used to get the best results. Of course, not all of these categories will always apply to all your products. But when they do, you should use them in the order we included above for the best results. Overall, your titles should be descriptive but without any unnecessary fluff.
4. Following Image Guidelines
Pay attention to the quality of images you upload, as it dramatically influences buyers’ decisions. Online shopping is risky since you can’t see and touch the product before buying it. That’s why seeing products in high resolution from various angles helps instill confidence and trust in your potential customers.
A fundamental rule to highlight is image size. The smallest file size allowed for the site is 500px, but if you want customers to zoom in on your images, they must be at least 1000px, with 1600px being the ideal size.
The ability to zoom in on pictures has been shown to increase sales. People can take a closer look at your products and get a better sense of their appearance. It becomes even more helpful when you post multiple photos from various angles. Since quality images improve conversion rates and also get you more reviews, your listing’s ranking will rise.
5. Competitive Pricing
Customers want to get the best products for the lowest price. Consider your competitors’ pricing when you list your product on Amazon.
To have competitive listings, you must first understand how your competitors’ price products similar to yours. This will help you better understand how to price your product and determine whether or not your product can compete in the market.
It doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t sell at higher prices and achieve high sales, but you must provide the added value that justifies the higher prices. Again, this is also where the research of competition comes into place.
6. Product Descriptions
When selling to a customer online, the product description is critical and should be very detailed and convincing to make a sale. First, write a readable description that includes your chosen relevant keywords. Consider what your target customer would like to learn about your product. See what combination has worked best for you if you have data.
In the end, include a clear call to action (CTA). A clear CTA will increase conversions and remind customers to complete their purchase rather than selecting a competing listing.
Furthermore, use storytelling in your descriptions to set them apart from the crowd. Explain to your customers why your product will improve their lives, and always try to provide solutions to their problems.
7. Backend Keywords
You can use so-called “backend” keywords on Amazon to reach more relevant traffic. Your audience will never see these keywords on your page, but your products will still rank for them.
Why are backend keywords necessary? They prevent you from putting too many words into your product titles and descriptions. This way, you can keep your product title and description clean and related to a specific keyword while still appearing in search results for other possible keywords and increasing sales.
To add backend keywords, you must:
- Log in to your Amazon seller account
- Go to the ‘Inventory’ drop-down menu and click “Manage Inventory.”
- Click the ‘Edit’ button next to the wanted listing. You will be redirected to a new page.
- Click on the ‘Keywords’ tab.
- Enter your backend keyword in the ‘Search Terms’ field and click “Save and finish.”
8. Sales Numbers
Amazon rewards products that sell a lot with higher rankings, thus increasing sales even further. Organic sales optimization can be complex, but generating external traffic is always an option.
You can utilize online paid advertising to increase sales through Google, Facebook, or Amazon Ads. This way, you’ll attract your first customers, boost your sales numbers and improve your rankings.
9. Stocking Up
Because Amazon is all about selling more, your out-of-stock products will increase your bounce rates and lower your rankings. Always keep your products in stock to maintain ranking and stay relevant among your competitors.
Utilize the Best SEO Practices and Boost Your Sales
Now that you know more about Amazon SEO, keep in mind that it is not a quick solution for increasing sales; instead, it requires some time and practice. Every product and category has specific characteristics, and learning more about them is your ultimate key to success on Amazon.
Be analytical, patient, and attentive, and success will surely come. Good luck!
