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When it comes to selling on Amazon, one of the most crucial aspects is optimizing your product listings with the right keywords. However, choosing the wrong keywords can have negative consequences on your product’s visibility and performance. In this blog post, we’ll explore five keyword categories that you should avoid using on Amazon Seller Central to ensure your product listings are effective and compliant.
1. Generic and Overused Terms
Using generic or overused keywords like “best,” “cheap,” or “top” might seem like a good idea to attract attention, but in reality, these terms often lead to diluted visibility. Your product may get lost among thousands of other listings using the same keywords.
Why Avoid Generic Keywords?
- Low Relevance: These terms do not effectively describe your product’s unique features or benefits.
- High Competition: Competing against a large number of products using the same generic terms can make it difficult for your listing to stand out.
Example Table:
2. Misleading Keywords
It might be tempting to use keywords that exaggerate your product’s capabilities or mislead customers into thinking it’s something it’s not. However, this strategy can backfire, leading to negative reviews and returns, ultimately harming your seller rating.
Consequences of Misleading Keywords:
- Customer Dissatisfaction: Buyers may feel deceived if the product doesn’t meet their expectations based on the keywords used.
- Increased Returns: Misleading claims often result in higher return rates, which can impact your overall sales performance.
Example:
Avoid using keywords like “100% effective” if your product has variable results.
3. Controversial Keywords
Certain keywords may be associated with sensitive or controversial topics. Using these keywords can alienate potential customers and violate Amazon’s guidelines, leading to account suspension or product removal.
Examples of Controversial Keywords:
- Political statements
- Offensive language
- Keywords related to sensitive issues like violence or discrimination
It’s essential to stay neutral and focus on the product’s benefits without delving into controversial areas.
4. Restricted and Gated Terms
Amazon has specific categories that are restricted or gated, meaning that only certain sellers are allowed to list products in these categories. Using keywords related to these categories can lead to your listing being flagged or removed.
What Are Restricted Categories?
- Examples: Medical devices, supplements, and certain electronics.
- Implications: Your product could be delisted if you use keywords related to these restricted categories without proper approval.
For more details on restricted categories, you can check out Amazon’s Restricted Products Policy.
5. Trademarked or Brand-Specific Keywords
Using trademarked or brand-specific keywords (unless you are an authorized seller) can lead to legal issues and account suspensions. Amazon has strict policies against this to protect brand integrity.
Examples:
- Using “Nike” when selling non-Nike products.
- Mentioning “iPhone” in the listing for phone cases that Apple does not officially license.
Best Practices:
Focus on describing the product’s functionality and compatibility without infringing on trademarks.
Avoid using any brand name unless you are an authorized seller of that brand.
Conclusion
Navigating the keyword landscape on Amazon can be tricky, but avoiding these five categories will help you maintain a compliant and effective product listing. By steering clear of generic, misleading, controversial, restricted, and trademarked terms, you’ll improve your product’s discoverability and avoid potential pitfalls that could harm your business.
For more tips on how to optimize your Amazon listings, check out our other resources on EHP Consulting Group. If you’re looking for personalized guidance, feel free to contact us for a consultation.
Written by: Cindy Buenafe
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ehpconsultinggroup.com
Phone: 925-293-3313
Date Written: August 18, 2024
