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How to create the perfect Amazon product listing

This is the definitive guide to optimizing your Amazon product listings to encourage shoppers to buy your products and ensure products are found on Amazon.

Rikin Diwan
Rikin Diwan
chief growth officer
Rikin Diwan
chief growth officer
October 10, 2022
-
1
min

How to Create the Perfect Amazon Product Listing

Recently, Peloton announced that the multi-billion dollar brand is bringing their bikes to the number one retailer in the world, Amazon. The ecommerce giant is a behemoth and a key part of the distribution strategy of every brand, whether they’re a first time merchant or a multi-billion brand. That’s why it is so important to not only know how to launch on Amazon but to stand out amongst the competition.

At soona, we’ve worked with 1000s of brands who are thriving on Amazon and learned a number of best practices and fun hacks along the way. This is the definitive guide to optimizing your Amazon product listings and succeeding in e-commerce.

First, the product listing guidelines.

Amazon product listings are the product page where all the items you sell are displayed. It contains information such as the title, description, images, and price. The two main functions of the product listing page is to:

  1. encourage shoppers to buy your products
  2. ensure products are found on Amazon searches

What you need to list a product Amazon.

Here are the requirements to include in your Amazon product listing.

Product Title

You can have a title of up to 500 characters. Take advantage of this limit to eke some extra value and prominence. Elevate your title and treat it as if it were a mini-product description that includes the keyword close to the beginning. It is always better to give more information than too little!

Other elements such as the model number, brand, color, number, product name, type, and size of the product should also be included in the title so it rises to the top of both the Amazon search as well as Google search results. Here are the dos and don'ts to consider when creating your product title.

Dos
  • The listing title should be at least 80 characters.
  • Include model number, color, and quantity.
  • Include keywords in the title.
  • Capitalize the first letter of every word in your title.
  • Spell out the measurements, such as feet or inches.
Don'ts
  • Use all CAPS in your title.
  • Use special characters.
  • Overstuff the title with keywords.
  • Overuse precise details of the listing.

Images

Now, the fun part – product photography on Amazon. Your product listing should have at least five to six product images. Use images that include the product and its dimensions. Showing the product from multiple angles will increase your chances of making a sale. 

Make sure you follow Amazon product image requirements. Your images should be clear and high quality. The following tips will help in analyzing the image’s quality.

  • The image should not be blurry.
  • Your product should be focused and clear.
  • Provide clear shots.
  • It should be easy to recognize products.
  • Your product should use 80% of the available space.

{{amazon-ad="/external-components"}}

I’m trying not to sell soona in this piece but now is a good time to share that we created an Amazon pack that takes all the stress out of Amazon product photography for a super affordable price. Check it out our Amazon photo pack when you have a chance.

Bullet points

Product descriptions on Amazon include several bullet points below the product options. Use the bullet points section to: 

  • quickly provide product specs
  • highlight the features and benefits of your product
  • include secondary keywords to boost search engine friendliness

See what I did there with the questionable use of bullet points? 

Product Description

The description may not be as important as the bullet points section (but it’s still essential). A great product description is the key to success. Include keywords in this section as well. Always keep your customers in mind when writing the product description by including any information you think your customer may want to know about your product. 

Show customers how your product will make a difference in their lives. The following guidelines will help you optimize the product features.

  • Include a call to action.
  • Only use five bullet points.
  • List essential product features in the first two points.
  • Capitalize the first letter of every bullet point.
  • Have points that distinguish your product from competitors’.

Product review and ratings

Product reviews and ratings are product listing elements you don't have control over. The reviews and ratings can influence the buyer's decisions. Never ignore them and try to respond whenever possible. Good product reviews mean more sales. And, while you might believe that delivering high-quality products and excellent service drives good reviews, the most effective hack here is to use Amazon’s built-in “request a review” functionality to nudge your customers into share their experience. 

Product detail page rules

Every product on Amazon has a product detail page. The space is shared between merchants selling similar items. The detail page is a bit complex. It includes videos, product reviews, ratings, product attributes, seller information, and images. Amazon uses the detail page to offer customers the best product offers while shopping.

The first place customers learn about your offers may be on a product detail page. The product detail page rules ensure customers get a consistent buying experience.

General rules for product detail

 When creating a product detail page, follow the general rules below.

  • Categorize and describe your products accurately.
  • Follow the relevant style guides. Don't use JavaScript, HTML, or any other code.
  • Create variations related to your primary product.
  • Don't create duplicate pages if your product already has a detail page.
  • Create a new detail page if you have new products.
  • Do not include offensive materials, contact information, advertising, links, or plot spoilers.

Policies for writing your listings

Here are the policies to follow when writing your Amazon product listings.

You should not include the following in your descriptions, page titles, images, or bullet points.

  • Reviews or testimonials.
  • Links to other sites to place orders.
  • Details about the condition, price, or availability.
  • Use capital letters when beginning each word. Don't use all caps in product descriptions, bullet points, or product titles.
  • Email addresses, phone numbers, website URLs, or addresses.
  • Spoilers for video, music, or books.
  • Time-sensitive information such as a lecture or tour dates.
  • Requests for positive customer reviews.
  • Promotional material, advertisements, or watermarks on images.

Follow the style guide when listing your product. Check the Amazon services Quick Start Style Guide.

Do not use Javascript, HTML, or any other code on your detail pages.

Follow Amazon listing standards for any product you are selling on Amazon. Not following the listing standards can lead to your privileges being removed temporarily or permanently. Follow these guidelines:

  • Clearly write bullet points, product titles, or product descriptions to help customers understand your product.
  • Include product detail page outlines if you have additional items essential to the product functioning.
  • Make sure the product images meet the Amazon image standards.

Ensure your product titles do not contain more than 200 characters, including spaces.

How to approach editing your Amazon listing after launch

Here is how to edit your listing after launching your Amazon store.

  • You'll have to create a new ASIN if you want to do a product rebrand. Do not update an existing ASIN. It includes adding the brand to a product that was previously branded.
  • Do not use an existing listing for a new product. That includes material and size. color, product name, or features. Create a new product for the new product version.
  • Only update the listing to give an accurate description of the product that was previously listed. Updates you can make include grammatical fixes, additional details, removal of content violating Amazon policy, or clarifications.

How to avoid listing violations and what to know if you have a violation

Sellers on Amazon must comply with the seller code of conduct and program policies. Amazon will take action against your account if you break any of the rules. Common actions are:

  • Permanent hold on disbursements.
  • Deactivating listings.
  • Put your payments on hold for 90 days.
  • Removing your selling privileges.

Knowing how to approach the violations is crucial to maintaining your selling privileges. You'll get a notification when you break any of the rules. You can also check the account's healthy dashboard regularly.

Products you can list with exceptions

The listing violation occurs when you tamper with the listing attributes. It can be a genuine mistake. Or it can be due to a hijacking attempt. Certain products cannot be listed on Amazon unless they meet the set conditions.

  • You cannot sell a computer without its original packaging. It can only be sold as acceptable.
  • You can only sell cameras in their original packaging. Or if the title mentions it.
  • You can't sell your textbooks if the ISBN or jacket type does not match.
  • You can only sell software if it's the full retail version.

Products you cannot list at all

  • Soon to expire or expired products.
  • Promotional samples.
  • Items with missing parts, mold, or stains.
  • Items that are deemed unsellable.
  • Items that have been earmarked for disposal by the manufacturer.

What to do when you have a listing violation

You'll go through an appeal process if your listing gets suspended for breaking the rules. You have to submit a plan of action that covers the preventive measures and corrective action and root causes. There are various ways to take the listing violation depending on the issue in the notice. Here is how to tackle it:

  • Share legal documents or letters of authorization.
  • Share the authorized distributor identity with the seller support team.
  • Show that your descriptions are consistent, reasonably priced, and accurate.
  • Contact the authorized distributor to vouch for you.
  • Show proof that you don't have a duplicate listing by stating your product's unique selling point.
  • Show that you have never had an active listing for that particular item.
  • Show that your product and the listing matches include the brand name, UPC, description, and images.
  • Send the supplier invoices, before and after photos, and inventory photos.
  • Send Amazon ASINs if you are selling bundles.

FAQs

What is required to list a product on Amazon?

You have to list your product on Amazon before you start selling. You'll have to provide product features, brand names, product categories, product images, and specifications. The details help your customer when buying your product. You can list a product on Amazon in two ways. Add a new offer and create a new listing.

How can I add a new offer?

If your product is already on Amazon, you'll have to add a new offer. Use your seller App to match the product barcode. Add a new offer by scanning a barcode, uploading details in bulk, or using the UPC to search for your product.

How do I create a new listing on Amazon?

You'll create a new listing on Amazon if the product is new. Upload your product image and fill in the details. The details you'll need for a new listing are images, titles, variations, bullet points, descriptions, and featured offers.

Can I have multiple listings of the same product on Amazon?

You should not create multiple identical units for the same product. Create a unique listing if you have multiple units of the same product but with different conditions.

And that’s it! Now you have all the information you need to list your product on Amazon. The most important things to remember are to give your customers the best products, use the highest quality images and descriptions, and bring it home with stellar customer service. To get started, you can use soona's Amazon product photography to get the perfect high-quality images for your store.

How to Create the Perfect Amazon Product Listing

Recently, Peloton announced that the multi-billion dollar brand is bringing their bikes to the number one retailer in the world, Amazon. The ecommerce giant is a behemoth and a key part of the distribution strategy of every brand, whether they’re a first time merchant or a multi-billion brand. That’s why it is so important to not only know how to launch on Amazon but to stand out amongst the competition.

At soona, we’ve worked with 1000s of brands who are thriving on Amazon and learned a number of best practices and fun hacks along the way. This is the definitive guide to optimizing your Amazon product listings and succeeding in e-commerce.

First, the product listing guidelines.

Amazon product listings are the product page where all the items you sell are displayed. It contains information such as the title, description, images, and price. The two main functions of the product listing page is to:

  1. encourage shoppers to buy your products
  2. ensure products are found on Amazon searches

What you need to list a product Amazon.

Here are the requirements to include in your Amazon product listing.

Product Title

You can have a title of up to 500 characters. Take advantage of this limit to eke some extra value and prominence. Elevate your title and treat it as if it were a mini-product description that includes the keyword close to the beginning. It is always better to give more information than too little!

Other elements such as the model number, brand, color, number, product name, type, and size of the product should also be included in the title so it rises to the top of both the Amazon search as well as Google search results. Here are the dos and don'ts to consider when creating your product title.

Dos
  • The listing title should be at least 80 characters.
  • Include model number, color, and quantity.
  • Include keywords in the title.
  • Capitalize the first letter of every word in your title.
  • Spell out the measurements, such as feet or inches.
Don'ts
  • Use all CAPS in your title.
  • Use special characters.
  • Overstuff the title with keywords.
  • Overuse precise details of the listing.

Images

Now, the fun part – product photography on Amazon. Your product listing should have at least five to six product images. Use images that include the product and its dimensions. Showing the product from multiple angles will increase your chances of making a sale. 

Make sure you follow Amazon product image requirements. Your images should be clear and high quality. The following tips will help in analyzing the image’s quality.

  • The image should not be blurry.
  • Your product should be focused and clear.
  • Provide clear shots.
  • It should be easy to recognize products.
  • Your product should use 80% of the available space.

{{amazon-ad="/external-components"}}

I’m trying not to sell soona in this piece but now is a good time to share that we created an Amazon pack that takes all the stress out of Amazon product photography for a super affordable price. Check it out our Amazon photo pack when you have a chance.

Bullet points

Product descriptions on Amazon include several bullet points below the product options. Use the bullet points section to: 

  • quickly provide product specs
  • highlight the features and benefits of your product
  • include secondary keywords to boost search engine friendliness

See what I did there with the questionable use of bullet points? 

Product Description

The description may not be as important as the bullet points section (but it’s still essential). A great product description is the key to success. Include keywords in this section as well. Always keep your customers in mind when writing the product description by including any information you think your customer may want to know about your product. 

Show customers how your product will make a difference in their lives. The following guidelines will help you optimize the product features.

  • Include a call to action.
  • Only use five bullet points.
  • List essential product features in the first two points.
  • Capitalize the first letter of every bullet point.
  • Have points that distinguish your product from competitors’.

Product review and ratings

Product reviews and ratings are product listing elements you don't have control over. The reviews and ratings can influence the buyer's decisions. Never ignore them and try to respond whenever possible. Good product reviews mean more sales. And, while you might believe that delivering high-quality products and excellent service drives good reviews, the most effective hack here is to use Amazon’s built-in “request a review” functionality to nudge your customers into share their experience. 

Product detail page rules

Every product on Amazon has a product detail page. The space is shared between merchants selling similar items. The detail page is a bit complex. It includes videos, product reviews, ratings, product attributes, seller information, and images. Amazon uses the detail page to offer customers the best product offers while shopping.

The first place customers learn about your offers may be on a product detail page. The product detail page rules ensure customers get a consistent buying experience.

General rules for product detail

 When creating a product detail page, follow the general rules below.

  • Categorize and describe your products accurately.
  • Follow the relevant style guides. Don't use JavaScript, HTML, or any other code.
  • Create variations related to your primary product.
  • Don't create duplicate pages if your product already has a detail page.
  • Create a new detail page if you have new products.
  • Do not include offensive materials, contact information, advertising, links, or plot spoilers.

Policies for writing your listings

Here are the policies to follow when writing your Amazon product listings.

You should not include the following in your descriptions, page titles, images, or bullet points.

  • Reviews or testimonials.
  • Links to other sites to place orders.
  • Details about the condition, price, or availability.
  • Use capital letters when beginning each word. Don't use all caps in product descriptions, bullet points, or product titles.
  • Email addresses, phone numbers, website URLs, or addresses.
  • Spoilers for video, music, or books.
  • Time-sensitive information such as a lecture or tour dates.
  • Requests for positive customer reviews.
  • Promotional material, advertisements, or watermarks on images.

Follow the style guide when listing your product. Check the Amazon services Quick Start Style Guide.

Do not use Javascript, HTML, or any other code on your detail pages.

Follow Amazon listing standards for any product you are selling on Amazon. Not following the listing standards can lead to your privileges being removed temporarily or permanently. Follow these guidelines:

  • Clearly write bullet points, product titles, or product descriptions to help customers understand your product.
  • Include product detail page outlines if you have additional items essential to the product functioning.
  • Make sure the product images meet the Amazon image standards.

Ensure your product titles do not contain more than 200 characters, including spaces.

How to approach editing your Amazon listing after launch

Here is how to edit your listing after launching your Amazon store.

  • You'll have to create a new ASIN if you want to do a product rebrand. Do not update an existing ASIN. It includes adding the brand to a product that was previously branded.
  • Do not use an existing listing for a new product. That includes material and size. color, product name, or features. Create a new product for the new product version.
  • Only update the listing to give an accurate description of the product that was previously listed. Updates you can make include grammatical fixes, additional details, removal of content violating Amazon policy, or clarifications.

How to avoid listing violations and what to know if you have a violation

Sellers on Amazon must comply with the seller code of conduct and program policies. Amazon will take action against your account if you break any of the rules. Common actions are:

  • Permanent hold on disbursements.
  • Deactivating listings.
  • Put your payments on hold for 90 days.
  • Removing your selling privileges.

Knowing how to approach the violations is crucial to maintaining your selling privileges. You'll get a notification when you break any of the rules. You can also check the account's healthy dashboard regularly.

Products you can list with exceptions

The listing violation occurs when you tamper with the listing attributes. It can be a genuine mistake. Or it can be due to a hijacking attempt. Certain products cannot be listed on Amazon unless they meet the set conditions.

  • You cannot sell a computer without its original packaging. It can only be sold as acceptable.
  • You can only sell cameras in their original packaging. Or if the title mentions it.
  • You can't sell your textbooks if the ISBN or jacket type does not match.
  • You can only sell software if it's the full retail version.

Products you cannot list at all

  • Soon to expire or expired products.
  • Promotional samples.
  • Items with missing parts, mold, or stains.
  • Items that are deemed unsellable.
  • Items that have been earmarked for disposal by the manufacturer.

What to do when you have a listing violation

You'll go through an appeal process if your listing gets suspended for breaking the rules. You have to submit a plan of action that covers the preventive measures and corrective action and root causes. There are various ways to take the listing violation depending on the issue in the notice. Here is how to tackle it:

  • Share legal documents or letters of authorization.
  • Share the authorized distributor identity with the seller support team.
  • Show that your descriptions are consistent, reasonably priced, and accurate.
  • Contact the authorized distributor to vouch for you.
  • Show proof that you don't have a duplicate listing by stating your product's unique selling point.
  • Show that you have never had an active listing for that particular item.
  • Show that your product and the listing matches include the brand name, UPC, description, and images.
  • Send the supplier invoices, before and after photos, and inventory photos.
  • Send Amazon ASINs if you are selling bundles.

FAQs

What is required to list a product on Amazon?

You have to list your product on Amazon before you start selling. You'll have to provide product features, brand names, product categories, product images, and specifications. The details help your customer when buying your product. You can list a product on Amazon in two ways. Add a new offer and create a new listing.

How can I add a new offer?

If your product is already on Amazon, you'll have to add a new offer. Use your seller App to match the product barcode. Add a new offer by scanning a barcode, uploading details in bulk, or using the UPC to search for your product.

How do I create a new listing on Amazon?

You'll create a new listing on Amazon if the product is new. Upload your product image and fill in the details. The details you'll need for a new listing are images, titles, variations, bullet points, descriptions, and featured offers.

Can I have multiple listings of the same product on Amazon?

You should not create multiple identical units for the same product. Create a unique listing if you have multiple units of the same product but with different conditions.

And that’s it! Now you have all the information you need to list your product on Amazon. The most important things to remember are to give your customers the best products, use the highest quality images and descriptions, and bring it home with stellar customer service. To get started, you can use soona's Amazon product photography to get the perfect high-quality images for your store.

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