Does your business rely on selling in Amazon? Are you searching for effective ways to increase your sales?
If you are currently struggling to take your production to the next level, the issue may involve a critical factor: the A9 Algorithm. At its core, Amazon uses A9 to rank all kinds of product searches.
If you are an Amazon seller, you need to have product ranking in mind. With it, come the three vital ranking factors that you need to consider if you want your rankings to increase. Otherwise, your listing will fall to the second or third pages, invisible to most consumers who won’t go that far.
Continue reading below as we attempt to work around the Amazon algorithm:
Understanding the Pillars of A9 for Better Product Ranking
There are key pillars you need to consider if you want your Amazon rankings to improve. Optimizing your listings is as important as optimizing your business operations. Let’s first discuss the three important A9 pillars that Amazon uses to rank searches.
1. Conversion Rate
The conversion rate is basically Amazon’s set of ranking factors. The factors rely on statistics they find relevant when it comes to conversion rates.
These factors involve certain requirements that cover various aspects. There are technical image requirements and file name requirements. There are also types of product images Amazon accepts.
There are also requirements concerning DIY photography. Product pricing is also a big factor. So are the product reviews.
2. Relevancy
These are factors that tell Amazon if your product page is relevant or not.
The Amazon algorithm involves two steps. First, it pulls all the relevant results from its extensive product listing catalog. Second, it sorts the results and arranges them from the “most relevant” in relation to the users.
This is where your product descriptions and titles come into play.
3. Customer Retention and Satisfaction
This is where customer feedback enters the picture. The same thing goes for the order defect rate (ODR). The more positive feedback you get from your customers, the bigger your chances of ranking high will be.
9 Ways to Outsmart A9
Now that you know what matters to the A9 algorithm, let’s look at nine ways you can outsmart it:
1. Start with the Title
Start with the title of your product. This is one of the most important elements as far as Amazon SEO goes.
Make sure to use relevant keywords in the product’s title. Place the keywords close to the beginning of the title. Keywords are king and you want to have an engaging title.
Try to stay within 80 characters for your title. Put as many relevant keywords as you can. You can go beyond 80 if you want, but make sure they count.
2. Mind Your Name
Your seller name also impacts the relevance of your listings. See if you can pull off this trick by incorporating your top keywords within your seller name.
For example, if you are selling pets, a seller name of “Pets for Pals” may work. Whenever prospective customers type in the keyword “pets,” your seller name can help bring your listing up in the rankings.
3. Backend Keywords Matter
Apart from your main keywords, your backend keywords also matter. These are the “hidden” keywords in the backend section of your Amazon Seller Account.
They basically tell the A9 algorithm that a particular listing is targeting a particular keyword. When filling up your backend keywords, make sure not to repeat any words. Do not use quotation marks and commas.
You can use synonyms and different spelling variations.
4. If the Price is Right
Like it or not, the price of your product affects your conversion rate, massively. Thus, you need to keep the prices of your products competitive.
If you sell a product at a price that is way above similar competitors, the A9 will think that your item will not sell as much compared to cheaper options. The result will be a lower search ranking for your product.
Always remember that price matters in the Amazon ranking system.
5. Encourage Reviews
Since customer reviews also matter for the Amazon algorithm, you need to encourage product reviews. The more reviews you get, the higher your click-through rates become. Higher click-through rates equate to more sales.
Amazon looks at your sales performance. The more items you sell, the higher Amazon ranks your listings.
6. The Right Images
As consumers rely heavily on what they first see, make sure to upload the right images. These images should not only entice prospective buyers, but they should also adhere to the A9 algorithm’s standards.
Your listing should at least have one image that is at least 1000×1000 pixels. This size allows users to hover and zoom into your image.
Image quantity is not important for Amazon. What matters is you have a large high-quality image.
7. Describe Them Right
Make sure to describe your products accurately and truthfully. Your description should be readable. It should also sound natural and convincing.
Cover all bases by listing down the product’s tech specs. Use bullet points as much as possible.
8. Ship Fast, Stock ASAP
Success in Amazon also lies in how fast you can ship your items to your customers. Not only that, you need to make sure you are shipping the right items.
In line with fast and accurate shipping, you also need to ensure that you have ample stocks. There are items that sell like hot pancakes. Better make sure you keep the inventory flowing.
9. Address the ODR
Lastly, you need to handle the ODR. Defects come in different forms: chargebacks, shipment issues, negative feedback, and A-to-Z claims.
The key is to address the ODR swiftly and professionally. Track your ODR to see where you need to improve on.
Answer your customers’ questions as quickly as you can. Pack your items securely. Ensure the quality of the items before shipping.
Increase Your Business Knowledge
You now have the knowledge to improve your product ranking in Amazon. Your next step is to increase your knowledge and cover all bases.
Check out our different articles tackling various business tips. We discuss topics like promotional ideas for small business owners. We also identify tech products that will help improve your business operations.
