Fun with SEO and Key Words

[chariot_badges]

I've been experimenting with my listing strategy. After ending a listing, I wait 24 hours and then do the 'similar' relist. To test different scenarios, I sometimes use gibberish or random letters in certain fields, wait 24 hrs after uploading, and then search by that gibberish 'keyword' - and the listing comes up.

For instance, I noticed that some fields, like "manufacturer warranty," are not relevant to my emblem listings. Instead of leaving them blank, I input something like "aigm manther"  in that field.  After waiting for 24 hours and performing a search using the term "aigm manther," my listing successfully appeared in the search results.  

Think about that.  An entry of "aigm manther" in a 'Warranty' field is searchable. 

Does it really matter what the title of the field is?  Just put something in there. 

Here's my approach: when creating or updating a listing, I fill every field with keywords related to my inventory. These include terms like Exterior Auto Trim Parts, Auto Body Repair, Small Auto Parts, Car & Truck Parts & Accessories, Exterior Parts & Accessories, Body Moldings & Trims, and Emblems & Ornaments.

For example, in the "placement on vehicle" field, I add 'Exterior Auto Parts' in addition to 'Rear.' If I HAVE a part number I load them if not I put "Auto Body Repair" in the that field. If there are duplicate fields, like two prompts for 'color,' I input "Exterior Parts & Accessories." into one of them.  I believe these prompts are just reminders for keywords, and the algo doesn't care ... 

I've noticed a significant increase in traffic and external search results after implementing this strategy. It seems like Google is directing more traffic to my store.  Metrics are up sharply across the board since I been doing this. 

Additionally, I've copied my description, had it SEO-optimized by Chat GPS, and incorporated it into the listing's "Description" field.

I've also tested the "add extra" fields and found that they are not searchable, so entering data there seems to be a waste of time.

While I've only been doing this for a couple of months, the change in metrics is noticeable and positive.

There is a lot more to it than just this ... but, I think you get the idea.

What are your thoughts on this approach?

[mrsimpulsive]

I've been doing the same. I've been trying to master SEO for years, but I freeze up when it comes to listing an item. 

The keyword suggestion is a great idea. Thank you. You're very nice because you didn't have to share this information, but you did. Have a great weekend. 

[luckythewinner]

Think about that.  An entry of "aigm manther" in a 'Warranty' field is searchable. 

Does it really matter what the title of the field is?  Just put something in there. 

Of course the title matters.

The title is what the buyer sees in the search results and entices them to view and buy.

I hope your goal when listing on eBay is to get someone to buy your item, not just to appear in search results.

[broto_64]

It helps greatly to understand how search engines accumulate, store, and release data when searched.

Generally speaking the first two to three words of a search are the most important, people who search in "plain english" haven't learned how to search effectively, as well it is these effective searches that can assist in ways of producing keyword efficient listings.

For search engines that allow it, reviewing search history may yield clues as well.

Because yes, it totally makes a difference.

[chapeau-noir]

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@broto_64 wrote:

It helps greatly to understand how search engines accumulate, store, and release data when searched.

Generally speaking the first two to three words of a search are the most important, people who search in "plain english" haven't learned how to search effectively, as well it is these effective searches that can assist in ways of producing keyword efficient listings.

For search engines that allow it, reviewing search history may yield clues as well.

Because yes, it totally makes a difference.

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Just want to mention here that search is becoming more semantic ("plain English") rather than keyword dependent or purely lexical. But yes, still front load (truncated on search) and try not to use subjective descriptors like "fantastic" or "beautiful" (or LQQK) in titles.

[chariot_badges]

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@luckythewinner wrote:

Think about that.  An entry of "aigm manther" in a 'Warranty' field is searchable. 

Does it really matter what the title of the field is?  Just put something in there. 

Of course the title matters.

The title is what the buyer sees in the search results and entices them to view and buy.

I hope your goal when listing on eBay is to get someone to buy your item, not just to appear in search results.

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Title?   I didn't say anything about the title.

I'm talking about the "Details" in the listing.  The place where you put "Size", "Color", "Style" etc.  

Read my OP again.  

[redlinear]

@chariot_badges 
  Rookie 😂
        Check out eBay item number 386778462741

I figured this out about a year ago.  It has A LOT to do with what is wrong with the search function / search results.  Instead of 80 characters in a title, sellers now have THOUSANDS of digits to keyword spam (correctly or incorrectly).     
With Item Specifics, Compatibilities, and Promoted Listings?   Sellers are now doing anything and everything they can JUST to be SEEN.  Regardless of relevance.  
And, in this instance, they should.  

[redlinear]

Aigm Manthers are on fire!   I can't keep them in stock. 😂

[lakefor94]

Thanks for sharing.

Been hammering on the item specifics since eBay brought their relevance to them several years ago.

Good to know that the "add additional fields" does not buy anything with search. Had been adding those here and there. 

[toomuchstuffagain35]

Tbh, this sounds a LOT like what certain (most) offshore sellers do that makes any specific search meaningless. They fill up every single IS field with keyword spam.

[redlinear]

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@toomuchstuffagain35 wrote:

Tbh, this sounds a LOT like what certain (most) offshore sellers do that makes any specific search meaningless. They fill up every single IS field with keyword spam.

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As they should

[winterpalace25]

I was about to write the same message, that you were referring to Item Specifics and not the main title. Thank you for your research, especially the part about the additional item specifics. I'll just keep that information in my description, which nobody reads. 

A while back, someone posted about using the superfluous Item Specifics for your own details. They also suggested filling up the Condition Box, because that is valuable real estate that shows more than the Description Box.

Thanks again for your research. That was very clever.

[b86fiero]

I recently did a search for Tommy Bahama Plates.

Among the results were several listings for Sigrid Olsen plates.

I checked those listings and sure enough, the seller had used the brand names Tommy Bahama and Shabby Chic in several of the her item specifics.  I checked and her listings also showed up in search for Shabby Chic plates.

Her listing title and Brand name in item specifics correctly stated Sigrid Olsen, but use of other brand names in her item specifics allowed for her listings to show up in other searches.

I reported one of her listings for Keyword Spamming. Received a message back from an eBay bot stating they found nothing wrong with the listing.

Go figure. 

[redlinear]

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@b86fiero wrote:

I recently did a search for Tommy Bahama Plates.

Among the results were several listings for Sigrid Olsen plates.

I checked those listings and sure enough, the seller had used the brand names Tommy Bahama and Shabby Chic in several of the her item specifics.  I checked and her listings also showed up in search for Shabby Chic plates.

Her listing title and Brand name in item specifics correctly stated Sigrid Olsen, but use of other brand names in her item specifics allowed for her listings to show up in other searches.

I reported one of her listings for Keyword Spamming. Received a message back from an eBay bot stating they found nothing wrong with the listing.

Go figure. 

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It's not possible to police this.  
It's not the amount of sellers doing it intentionally. 
It's the amount doing it un-knowingly and/or accidentally.  
 

[pjcdn2005]

How does a seller unknowingly put brand names in their item specifics that have nothing to do with the product?