How to optimise your eBay titles to rank higher and sell more

When it comes to selling on eBay, your product title is your first—and often only—chance to grab a buyer’s attention. It’s crucial to use the right keywords, especially those your customers will be searching for. Just like Google, eBay’s search algorithm heavily relies on keywords. If you choose wisely, your listings are more likely to appear at the top of search results. A well-crafted title can be the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity. Let’s dive into the essential dos and don'ts of creating eBay titles that rank high and convert clicks into sales.

Things to do

#1. Use all 80 characters

eBay allows you 80 characters for your product title, so make the most of this space. Use every character to include key information such as the product name, brand, size, colour, and condition. This not only helps potential buyers understand exactly what you're offering but also increases your chances of appearing in relevant searches.

#2. Prioritise high-traffic keywords

Place your most important keywords first—typically the product name, followed by key features or selling points. Focus on using high-traffic keywords that buyers are likely to search for. This strategy helps your listing rank higher in search results, making it easier for potential buyers to find you and boosting your chances of making a sale.

#3. Be descriptive

Don’t leave buyers guessing. Include essential details like brand, model, size, colour, and any specific attributes that set your product apart. A descriptive title ensures that buyers know exactly what they’re getting, reducing the likelihood of returns or negative feedback.

PRO TIP: eBay propose the following product title format:

"NEW” [brand] [product name] [model No] [Variants — size, color] [additional keyword]
Source: Tips on eBay listing optimisation

#4. Use subtitles when needed

If your title needs more space to include critical information, consider using a subtitle. Subtitles give you an additional 55 characters to work with, allowing you to include extra details that might not fit in the main title.

#5. Research competitors

Take a look at similar listings that rank well to understand what keywords and structures are working. This can give you valuable insights into how to optimise your own titles for better performance.

#6. Capitalise properly

While it’s important to capitalise the first letter of important words to make your title easy to read, avoid using all caps. All-caps titles can look unprofessional and may turn potential buyers away.

#7. Use synonyms and common variations

Incorporate synonyms or common variations of your main keywords to capture different search queries. This broadens your reach and ensures that your listing appears in more searches.

#8. Leverage brand trust

If applicable, include words like "genuine" or "official" to build trust with potential buyers. These terms reassure customers that they’re purchasing an authentic product, which can boost sales.

#9. Consider the buyer’s perspective

Think about the terms a buyer would use when searching for your product and try to match those in your title. This makes your listing more relevant to potential buyers and increases the chances of a sale.

#10. Include product quantities for multi-packs

If you’re selling a bundle or multi-pack, be sure to specify the quantity in the title. Clear information about quantities can make your listing more appealing, especially to buyers looking to purchase in bulk.

Things to avoid

#1. Avoid keyword stuffing

Don’t cram too many keywords into your title. This not only makes the title hard to read but can also result in eBay removing your listing for being spammy. Stick to relevant, impactful keywords that accurately describe your product.

#2. No all-caps or excessive punctuation

Avoid using all caps for your entire title or adding excessive punctuation like "!!!". These tactics can make your listing look unprofessional and may deter potential buyers.

#3. Don't mislead with keywords

Make sure your title accurately represents the product. Misleading titles can lead to disappointed customers, negative feedback, and even returns—none of which are good for your eBay reputation.

#4. Avoid overused buzzwords

Buzzwords like “wow” or “cool” might sound enticing, but they add little value and can make your title less effective. Focus on providing clear, relevant information instead.

#5. No spelling errors

Spelling mistakes in your title can cause your listing to miss relevant searches and appear unprofessional. Always double-check your spelling to ensure accuracy.

#6. Avoid using unnecessary accessories in the title

If your product is part of a bundle, only include essential items in the title. Listing too many accessories can clutter the title and confuse potential buyers.

#7. Don’t use hard-to-understand terms

Avoid using abbreviations, jargon, or terms that might be unfamiliar to the average buyer. Your title should be accessible and easy to understand for all potential customers.

Example eBay titles that sell

#1. Example 1

• Title "Dyson V8™ Extra stick vacuum cleaner (Silver/Purple)" is clear, descriptive and keyword-rich. It includes essential details like brand, model, product type, and colour, which are likely to be key search terms.
• Subtitle "Official Dyson eBay Store. 2-Year Dyson Guarantee" reinforces trust by clearly stating that this project is from the "official Dyson eBay store" and comes with a "2-Year Dyson Guarantee", a strong selling point that helps reassure potential buyers.

#2. Example 2

• Strengths: The title "Pavilion | 13.3" WQXGA | Ryzen 7 | 16GB | 512GB | AMD Radon Graphics" is concise and keyword-rich. It effectively highlights key specifications like screen size, resolution, processor, RAM, storage, and graphics, which are likely to be important search terms for potential buyers.
• Areas for improvements: The title could be improved by explicitly mentioning the brand (HP), using a clearer structure with separators for better readability, and correcting 'Radon' to 'Radeon' for accuracy (assuming it was a typo).
• Optimised title: "HP Pavilion 13.3" WQXGA Laptop | Ryzen 7 | 16GB | 512GB SSD | AMD Radeon"

#3. Example 3

• Strengths: The title "Instahut Gazebo Party Wedding Marquee Outdoor Event Tent Shade Canopy Camping" is keyword-rich and covers a wide range of potential uses, such as parties, weddings, and outdoor events. It includes important terms like "Gazebo," "Marquee," "Tent," and "Canopy," which are likely to be relevant search terms for buyers looking for versatile outdoor structures.
• Areas for improvements: The title could be improved by streamlining the structure for better readability and focus. Including the brand name "Instahut" is a good start, but the title could benefit from a more organised format, grouping related keywords together to make it easier to scan.
• Optimised title: "Instahut Gazebo Marquee | Outdoor Party Tent, Wedding Canopy, Event Shade"

Conclusion

Creating effective eBay titles is about more than just stringing words together. It’s a strategic process that involves careful selection of keywords, understanding your buyers, and presenting your product in the best possible light. By following these guidelines, you can craft titles that are not only optimised for eBay’s search algorithm but also compelling enough to entice buyers to click on your listing. Remember, your title is your first chance to make an impression, and in the competitive world of eCommerce, that first impression is everything. Invest time in creating strong, informative titles, and you’ll likely see an increase in both visibility and sales on eBay.