The Beginner’s Guide to Listing SEO on eBay and Amazon

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Selling online isn’t just about having great products. If buyers can’t find your listings, they won’t sell. That’s where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) comes in. And yes – SEO matters just as much on eBay and Amazon as it does on Google.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll cover the basics of listing SEO for resellers, share real-world examples, answer FAQs, and add a few advanced beginner tips to help your listings stand out.

Why SEO Matters on Marketplaces

  • Higher visibility = more sales: Buyers rarely scroll past the first page.
  • Algorithms favor optimized listings: Complete, keyword-rich listings rank higher.
  • SEO compounds over time: Once optimized, your listings continue working for you.
  • Competitive edge: Many resellers skip SEO basics. Doing them well puts you ahead of the crowd.

Step 1: Use Keyword-Rich Titles

Your title is the #1 factor for visibility. Think like a buyer: what would you type into the search bar?

Include:

  • Brand name (e.g., “Nike”)
  • Model/style number (e.g., “Air Max 270”)
  • Descriptive keywords (e.g., “Men’s Running Shoes Size 10”)

Bad title: “Cool Sneakers”

Good title: “Nike Air Max 270 Men’s Running Shoes Size 10 Black/White”

Pro Tip: Use tools like eBay’s Terapeak or Amazon’s search bar autocomplete to discover real search terms buyers use.

Step 2: Fill Out All Item Specifics

On both Amazon and eBay, item specifics act like filters. If you skip them, your listing may not appear in filtered search results.

Always include:

  • Size
  • Color
  • Material
  • Condition
  • UPC/EAN if available

Example: On eBay, buyers often filter by “Condition: New.” If you don’t select it, your listing disappears for those buyers.

Step 3: Write Keyword-Friendly Descriptions

Your description isn’t just for keywords, it’s for buyers. Clear, keyword-rich descriptions reduce returns and increase trust.

Tips:

  • Mention your main keywords naturally in the first 1-2 sentences.
  • Highlight features (size, brand, condition).
  • Add benefits (“lightweight, perfect for marathon runners”).
  • Answer common buyer questions (care instructions, compatibility, dimensions).

Example: Instead of just saying “Black Nike sneakers,” describe them as “Black Nike Air Max 270 Men’s Running Shoes, breathable mesh design, perfect for running or everyday wear.”

Step 4: Optimize Photos

Listings with strong photos rank higher and convert better.

Photo checklist:

  • Use a clean white background (Amazon requires this).
  • Include multiple angles: front, back, close-up, tags.
  • Use natural lighting when possible.
  • Name files descriptively: nike-air-max-270-mens-size-10.jpg instead of IMG1234.jpg.

Pro Tip: On eBay, use all 12 available photo slots. More photos = more trust = higher conversion.

Step 5: Encourage Reviews

Both platforms reward sellers with strong feedback. More reviews = higher visibility.

How to encourage reviews:

  • Deliver products quickly.
  • Package securely.
  • Add a thank-you note politely asking for feedback.
  • Provide excellent customer service.

Example: A small reseller who included a handwritten thank-you note saw a 25% increase in buyer feedback.

Advanced Beginner Tips

  • Research competitor listings: See what high-ranking sellers include in their titles and item specifics.
  • Track performance: On eBay, use Seller Hub to check impressions and click-through rates. On Amazon, monitor search term reports.
  • Use secondary keywords: Sprinkle related terms (e.g., “athletic sneakers,” “jogging shoes”) naturally into descriptions.
  • Refresh stale listings: If an item hasn’t sold in 90 days, update the title, photos, or description.

FAQs on Listing SEO

Q: Do I need SEO if my product is popular?

Yes. Popular items are also competitive. Without SEO, your listing gets buried.

Q: How long does it take to see results?

On eBay, changes can show in days. On Amazon, it can take weeks as the algorithm adjusts.

Q: Should I stuff as many keywords as possible into titles?

No. Keyword stuffing looks spammy. Focus on clarity and relevance.

Q: Can I use the same strategy for both eBay and Amazon?

Mostly, yes. But Amazon weighs keywords + sales velocity heavily, while eBay emphasizes item specifics and relevance.

SEO on eBay and Amazon doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on titles, item specifics, descriptions, photos, and reviews, plus a few advanced tips like competitor research and keyword variation, you’ll already be ahead of most sellers.

Start applying these strategies today and watch your listings climb in visibility. A few small tweaks can mean the difference between your listing being buried on page 10 or featured on page 1.