eBay organic optimisation guideline 2023

As we approach the year 2023, staying ahead of the curve in the world of e-commerce is more critical than ever. One of the most popular online marketplaces, eBay, offers sellers an incredible opportunity to tap into a global market. Optimising your listings on this platform is essential for visibility and conversions. In this article, we will cover some of the most effective and up-to-date organic optimisation techniques that every eBay seller should be aware of.

These best practices will not only improve your ranking within eBay's search results but also make a significant impact on your sales and overall customer satisfaction.

If this guide is helpful for your eBay businesses, you may want to learn more about our entire SEO guideline for marketplaces and platforms here.

eBay quarterly revenue 2005 to 2022 ($mm)

Source: https://www.businessofapps.com/data/ebay-statistics/

What is Cassini Algorithm and information that Cassini collect from your eBay listings?

No matter what products you are selling, eBay’s SEO algorithm is collecting a lot of data about your listings and your seller account.

• Listing views, clicks, bids, and purchases
• Your return policy
• Your average response times
• Item titles and descriptions
• Your click-through and sell-through rates
• Your seller ratings
• Your seller feedback
• Your shipping policies
• Your delivery times
  
  Source: https://freeup.net/blog/business-tips/ebay-seo-secrets-cassini/

The price

One of the crucial factors that eBay's algorithm takes into account when ranking listings is price. A competitive pricing strategy will not only help your listings rank higher in search results, but it will also appeal to potential buyers. When setting your prices, make sure to consider the following tips:

First, research similar products on eBay to identify the current market price for comparable items. This analysis will give you an idea of the price range in which you should be selling to be competitive.

Next, pay attention to factors that could impact your pricing, such as shipping costs and exclusive deals from competitors. Aim to include all factors that a potential buyer would consider, so you can create a comprehensive and attractive pricing strategy.

It's important to note that pricing too low can also have a negative impact on your listings. Buyers may perceive a lower price as an indication of lower quality or a potential scam. Therefore, it's essential to find a balance between competitive pricing and value for money.

Another pricing strategy to consider is offering discounts or bundle deals. This can be a great way to attract buyers who are looking for a bargain or are interested in purchasing multiple items from your store.

Finally, staying updated with price fluctuations in your niche and adjusting your prices accordingly is crucial. This will ensure that your listings remain competitive in the ever-changing e-commerce market. Additionally, keeping an eye on your competitors' pricing strategies can give you an edge in the market and help you make informed decisions about your own pricing strategy.

The title

Having an optimised title is crucial to the success of your eBay listing. A well-crafted title can help your product stand out amongst the competition and attract potential buyers. Here are some additional tips to help you create the perfect title:

• Consider the perspective of your target audience. What words or phrases would they use to search for a product like yours?
• Include specific details about your product, such as brand name, model number, or size.
• Use language that creates a sense of urgency or scarcity, such as "limited edition" or "only a few left."
• Avoid using all caps or excessive punctuation, as this can be seen as spammy and unprofessional.

Remember, your title is often the first impression a potential buyer will have of your product. It's important to make it clear, concise, and informative. A great title can make all the difference in attracting buyers and increasing sales.

Another important factor to consider when creating an eBay listing is the product description. Your description should provide potential buyers with all the information they need to make an informed purchase. This includes details about the product's condition, features, and any flaws or defects.

Be sure to include high-quality photos of your product from multiple angles. This will give buyers a better sense of what they can expect to receive and can help build trust in your brand.

Finally, don't forget to price your product competitively. Research similar products to get an idea of what the market value is, and adjust your price accordingly. A well-priced product can help attract more buyers and increase your chances of a successful sale.

The images

High-quality images are not just important for persuading potential buyers to choose your product over the competition, but they are also crucial for creating a positive and lasting impression of your brand. Here are some additional tips to ensure that your product images stand out:

Investing in a professional camera or smartphone with an excellent camera is a great start, but you should also consider hiring a professional photographer to capture crisp and clear images of your products. A professional photographer can bring their expertise in lighting, composition, and editing to create stunning visuals that truly showcase your products.

Good lighting is essential for creating high-quality images. Avoid harsh overhead lighting, as it can create unflattering shadows and highlights. Instead, opt for natural light or soft lighting that illuminates your products evenly. A clean and clutter-free background can also elevate the overall quality of your photos.

Include multiple images showcasing different angles, views, and features of your product. Buyers will feel more confident in their purchase if they can see the item in detail. You can also consider adding lifestyle images to your product page, which show your product being used in real-life situations. These images can help buyers visualize themselves using your product and create a deeper emotional connection with your brand.

Image editing tools and software can be incredibly helpful for enhancing your photos, ensuring they appear sharp and vibrant. However, avoid over-editing, as this can create an unrealistic perception of your product. Instead, focus on enhancing the natural beauty of your products and ensuring that they look as true-to-life as possible.

Remember, your product images are often the first impression that potential customers will have of your brand, so it's essential to invest time and resources into creating high-quality visuals that truly showcase your products in the best possible light.

Selling on Shopify but not sure how to optimise for product feed? You may learn in this guide.

The category

Choosing the right category for your eBay product is the first step towards a successful sale. It is essential to select the most appropriate category to ensure that your listing is easily discoverable by potential buyers. However, finding the right category can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you:

• Research and analyse similar products on eBay to determine the most relevant categories for your item. This will give you an idea of what categories your competitors are using and what is working for them.
• Use eBay's category search feature to find the most relevant category for your product. This feature allows you to search for specific categories and subcategories, making it easier to find the right one for your item.
• Identify the right category is crucial in enabling potential buyers to find your product among millions of other listings. Therefore, it is essential to choose the most specific category possible to ensure that your listing is visible to the right audience.

Once you have identified the right category for your product, it's time to optimise your listing further. Here are some additional tips to help you:

• eBay allows for multiple category selections, so take advantage of this feature to expand your product's reach even further. Select a primary category and a secondary one if applicable, covering all possible avenues where potential buyers might search for your item.
• Stay up-to-date with any changes to eBay's category structures, as these may affect your listing's visibility. eBay regularly updates its category structures to improve the buying and selling experience for its users. Therefore, it's essential to review and update your product categories regularly to ensure they remain relevant and optimised for search.
• Include relevant keywords in your listing title and description to help your product appear in search results. Use specific and descriptive keywords that accurately describe your product to attract the right audience.
• Provide detailed and accurate product descriptions to help potential buyers make an informed decision. Include information about the product's features, condition, and any other relevant details that buyers might be interested in.

By following these tips, you can increase your product's visibility on eBay and attract the right audience to your listing. Remember to regularly review and update your product categories to ensure that your listings remain relevant and optimised for search.

The item specifics

Providing accurate and detailed item specifics is essential in helping potential buyers understand your product and make informed purchasing decisions. To create comprehensive and accurate item specifics, keep the following tips in mind:

Include as many descriptive details and attributes as possible. This information can encompass various factors, such as size, colour, material, and condition. Comprehensive item specifics improve your product's visibility in search results and help potential buyers find the information they need.

Use the eBay Seller Hub to identify and fill in any missing item specifics in your listings. eBay continuously updates its item specifics requirements, so it's essential to stay informed and up-to-date.

Proofread your item specifics to ensure there are no mistakes or inconsistencies. Accurate information will not only help your product's visibility but will also contribute to your credibility as a seller.

The product description

An engaging and informative product description is essential in convincing potential buyers to choose your product. Here are a few tips to write a compelling product description:

Focus on the unique selling points of your product and explain why it stands out from similar items in the market. This information can help potential buyers understand the value of your product and give them a reason to choose it over the competition.

Use storytelling to create an emotional connection with the buyer. A well-written narrative can make your product more memorable and increase the chances of a successful sale.

Optimise your descriptions with relevant keywords, ensuring your listing is visible in searches both within and outside eBay. Good keyword optimisation will help improve your ranking in organic search results.

Constantly adding new products to your store

To maintain and grow your presence on eBay, it's essential to keep adding new products to your store regularly. Discover the benefits of regularly expanding your inventory:

Adding new products frequently signals to eBay's algorithm that your store is active and engaged. It can lead to higher visibility and better search ranking for your listings.

By continually refreshing your inventory, you keep your store new and exciting for returning customers, encouraging them to make repeat purchases and build brand loyalty.

Expanding your product range allows you to test new niches and opportunities within the market, increasing your chances of sustained success on eBay.

Constantly remove underperforming products from your store

Regularly reviewing your inventory and removing underperforming products is another crucial aspect of eBay optimisation. Learn about the importance and benefits of this practice:

Removing underperforming products helps maintain a healthy sell-through rate, which positively affects your store's search rankings on eBay. By focusing on high-performing items, sellers can optimise their visibility and profitability.

Discontinuing slow-selling items allows you to free up resources that can be redirected towards more profitable products and new opportunities in the market.

An inventory of successful products enhances your store’s reputation and builds trust among potential buyers, who perceive your store as a collection of high-quality or in-demand items.

Generate positive feedback

Positive feedback from customers plays a significant role in building trust and influencing purchasing decisions. To generate and maintain a high feedback score, consider these tips:

Provide exceptional customer service by addressing queries and concerns promptly, shipping items on time, and creating a seamless return and refund process. Happy customers are more likely to leave positive feedback and recommend your store to others.

Request feedback from buyers, but avoid being pushy. A gentle reminder in your post-purchase communication can encourage satisfied customers to share their positive experience with others.

Maintain a professional and friendly tone in all interactions with customers, as this creates a positive relationship and encourages open communication.

By implementing these eBay organic optimisation guidelines, sellers can improve the visibility, credibility, and appeal of their listings, leading to increased sales and a thriving online business in 2023 and beyond. Stay ahead of the curve, keep updating your strategies and enjoy the benefits of a successful eBay store!

Selling on Amazon too and not sure how to optimise? You may learn in this guideline

Have questions about selling on eBay and how rankings works?

Does SEO work on eBay?

Before your product listings can sell on eBay, people need to be able to find them. That's where eBay SEO can help. SEO, which stands for search engine optimization, is the practice of making your listings more appealing to the algorithms that determine which pages show up in search results. Source

How do I SEO my eBay listing?

You can do SEO on your eBay listing by: 

What is the search engine on eBay?

The Cassini search engine is eBay's internal search engine which helps customers find the most relevant items on the marketplace in order to increase their chance of completing a transaction. An algorithm determines how items are ranked on the marketplace and can have a significant impact on an eBay seller. Source

Algorithms govern so much of the internet now, and they're updated more often than ever. Sometimes this is just to update aging technology, or fix bugs, but often it's a deliberate update to make them act differently to how they did before. Source