Whether you are an established seller or a newbie looking to get into the eCommerce business, chances are you don’t know everything you could when it comes to the Amazon A9 algorithm.
Understanding how Amazon’s A9 algorithm works means you can rank highly on Amazon A9 search engine results, which is the number one thing you can do to drive traffic to your listings and boost sales. Effectively applying techniques and strategies optimized for the algorithm can mean exponential growth for your business.
In this article, we’ll cover how Amazon’s A9 algorithm works and how to optimize your listings to achieve the best rankings.
What is the Amazon A9 Algorithm?
To start, you will need a basic understanding of what Amazon A9 is. The Amazon A9 algorithm is the system that Amazon uses to decide how products are ranked in search results. It is similar to the algorithm which Google uses for its search results (in that it considers keywords in deciding which results are most relevant to the search and therefore which it will display first), but with an added focus on sales performance.
However, there is one key difference between Google and Amazon’s algorithms: the Amazon A9 algorithm also puts a strong emphasis on sales conversions. This is because Amazon is a business, and has a vested interest in promoting listings which are more likely to result in sales. Therefore Amazon will rank listings with a strong sales history and high conversion rate more highly.
This has a cumulative effect: products that are more highly ranked are more likely to receive more traffic and thus have a better chance of achieving high sales. In turn, this will boost their ranking, and so on. However, optimizing the listing for conversions is also an important part of this equation: we will cover this later in the article.
The Importance of Keywords
As mentioned, keywords are one of the main factors Amazon looks for in determining relevance to search queries and therefore setting rankings on its results pages.That’s why integrating high-volume, relevant keywords into your listings is vital to succeed in the Amazon A9 search engine.
You can research keywords with high search volumes using keyword tools designed specifically for Amazon, such as MerchantWords. Begin by considering what terms your ideal customer might search for, then use tools to identify those with the highest relevance and traffic potential.
Also, be sure to only use keywords that are relevant to your product – there is no point in being listed in search results for customers who are looking for something else. You want your product to be visible to the people who are most likely to buy it.
You may also want to consider relevant, lower-volume keywords that have less competition. In some cases, ranking first for a lower-volume search can be more advantageous than a lower ranking on a high-volume search term.
How to Integrate Keywords
Once you have identified the best keywords to rank your product listing, you need to use them strategically. Focus on crafting titles that include as many relevant keywords as possible while remaining clear and readable.
It is also a good idea to use long-tail variations of your primary keywords with “connector” words in between each keyword. Pipes and dashes can help improve readability while maintaining keyword density. Finally, an optimized product title should mention the main benefits of the product, using keywords to do this. This ensures your listing is fully optimized for A9 search engine optimization.
The Role Of Sales Conversions
Achieving a strong sales conversion rate is a vital part of any strategy to rank highly in terms of the Amazon A9 algorithm, as well as being essential for long-term success. As already discussed, sales conversion rates are one of the key factors Amazon looks for in determining high-ranking products, as these are the listings that are most likely to make them money. This means improving conversions not only boosts your traffic but also strengthens your overall performance on Amazon.
Practical examples of this include using Amazon A9 search engine optimization techniques, such as persuasive text in product listings (namely in the title and bullet points). Also, include compelling taglines or graphics in your images as this can enhance their impact and appeal.
Explain clearly and succinctly the product’s functions, features, any secondary uses and its USP (unique selling point). Use persuasive language and marketing techniques to convince them to buy: for example, you can use the social proof technique to show that your products are popular and come recommended.
Practical examples of this which you often see in well-executed bullet points are things like “5+ million customers” and “over 1000 positive reviews”.
Although the text is important, you also need to keep in mind that most ecommerce shoppers make a decision incredibly quickly. In fact, the vast majority of shoppers make the decision to purchase without reading the whole listing. Rather, they make up their mind based on the title, images and the price.
For this reason, it is critical to optimize the images on your listing. Do this by including taglines on your images which explain product benefits or custom graphics which demonstrate product features. Use clear, high-quality images on a white background which are large enough to enable zoom: 2560 on the longest side is best.
Finally, put your listing through the “glance-able” test: does your listing convey the most vital information in the first 3 seconds? Does it encourage visitors to look further rather than closing their browser tab? Preview your listing on both desktop and mobile. It is important to have a mobile-friendly listing because the majority of Amazon shoppers view listings on mobile devices.
Monitoring Performance and Rankings
Once you have created a product listing which is optimized for both keywords and sales conversions, it doesn’t end there. It is important to monitor your listing’s performance regularly, tracking its rankings and making any adjustments as needed.
Tracking keywords on Amazon will tell you how well the keywords you are using are ranking your products. Tools designed for tracking performance in the Amazon A9 search engine can help ensure your strategy remains effective — for example KeyworX.
If your keywords are not effective in ranking your products it may be time to return to the research phase in order to identify stronger keywords.
Understanding how Amazon’s A9 algorithm works and how to optimize your listing can be highly beneficial for your business by increasing conversions, driving more traffic and ultimately growing your Amazon FBA business.
Keep Your Amazon Prices Competitive
We hope this guide gives you a better idea of how Amazon’s A9 algorithm works, and how to optimize your listing and drive business. And if you want more sustainable, faster growth, RepricerExpress is here to help. Our Amazon repricing software uses Amazon Web Services to ensure you are repricing at the fastest possible speed.
If one of your competitors reprices or goes out of stock, we help you to react immediately. With Repricer, you win the Amazon Buy Box more often at a higher margin. Take it for a free 14-day test drive, no credit card needed.
