A Refresher on Writing Compelling Product Titles and Descriptions for Merch By Amazon

If you’ve been working in the Merch by Amazon (MBA) space, you already know that creating standout designs is only half the battle. The other half? Writing effective product titles and descriptions that help your products get discovered and drive sales. With the ever-growing competition on the platform, optimizing your listings is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re new to Merch by Amazon or need a quick refresher, this article will walk you through the essential steps for writing compelling product titles and descriptions that can elevate your listings and enhance your success.

The Importance of Product Titles and Descriptions

In the world of e-commerce, search engine optimization (SEO) plays a pivotal role. For Merch by Amazon sellers, your product titles and descriptions serve as your primary real estate for SEO, helping your products rank higher in Amazon searches and increasing visibility to potential buyers. Properly optimized listings not only drive traffic but also help convert views into sales.

Here’s how you can ensure that your product titles and descriptions are compelling, optimized, and designed to boost your MBA business.

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1. Writing Engaging Product Titles

The product title is one of the first things potential customers will see, so crafting it thoughtfully is essential. On Merch by Amazon, the title serves both a practical and marketing purpose: it tells customers what your design is about and helps your product rank in Amazon’s search results.

Here’s how to make your product titles more effective:

a) Start With the Most Relevant Keywords

Your title should immediately communicate what the design is. If your design features a specific phrase, start with that. For example, if your design has the text “Oncology Nurse Squad,” that should be the first part of your title. This captures the interest of buyers specifically searching for that phrase and aligns your listing with long-tail keyword searches.

b) Incorporate Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are specific search phrases that customers use to find niche products. While “shirt” and “nurse” are generic terms, “funny oncology nurse shirt” or “gift for oncology nurse” are long-tail keywords that are more likely to lead to sales. Make sure to include these in your title in a way that reads naturally, without keyword stuffing.

For instance, a title like “Oncology Nurse Squad Funny Gift for Nurses” incorporates both the key design feature (“Oncology Nurse Squad”) and relevant search terms (“funny gift for nurses”).

In My Oncology Nurse Era Oncology Nurse Appreciation Gifts T-Shirt

c) Avoid Prohibited Terms

Amazon has clear guidelines about what you can and cannot include in your product titles. Words like “shirt,” “gift,” and “hoodie” are added automatically based on the product type, so you don’t need to include them. Using words like “sale,” “discount,” or promotional language in your title is also prohibited. Stick to relevant keywords and clear descriptors of the design.

d) Make It Concise but Informative

You have a 60-character limit for product titles on Merch by Amazon. Make sure you use every character wisely. Avoid wasting space with unnecessary words, and try to describe the product in as few words as possible while still being descriptive.

2. Crafting SEO-Friendly Product Descriptions

While titles help products get found, descriptions are where you can dive into more detail. They allow you to provide more context, highlight features, and give customers a better understanding of your design. A well-crafted product description can seal the deal for a hesitant buyer.

a) Use Natural Language with Keywords

Your description should sound natural while still incorporating relevant keywords to improve SEO. For example, rather than keyword stuffing (e.g., “funny shirt for oncology nurse, nurse t-shirt, oncology nurse gift”), use flowing sentences that weave in keywords naturally:

“This ‘Oncology Nurse Squad’ shirt is a funny and thoughtful gift for the oncology nurses in your life. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just to show appreciation for their hard work, this shirt is sure to bring a smile to any nurse’s face.”

This approach ensures that your description remains readable while still targeting the keywords that will help your product rank.

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b) Highlight Key Features and Benefits

In your description, emphasize the key features of the design and the benefits of the product. For example, you might mention how the shirt is made from high-quality, soft materials that are perfect for everyday wear. Describe the context in which the product might be worn, such as at work, during casual outings, or even at themed events. Including this kind of information gives potential buyers a clear understanding of the product and its versatility.

c) Use Bullet Points Effectively

Merch by Amazon allows for bullet points, which are ideal for highlighting key features or benefits quickly and clearly. Make sure each bullet point is concise and informative. Use the first bullet point to emphasize the design’s main appeal, and follow it up with relevant details:

  • Thoughtful gift: Perfect for oncology nurses who deserve recognition.
  • Comfortable fit: Made with high-quality cotton for all-day wear.
  • Unique design: Exclusive ‘Oncology Nurse Squad’ artwork that stands out.

d) Include Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

While descriptions should avoid overt marketing language like “buy now” or “limited time only,” subtle CTAs that encourage action can be beneficial. Phrases like “This makes the perfect gift for oncology nurses” or “Order now to show your appreciation” can nudge customers toward making a purchase without coming across as too pushy.

3. Understanding Amazon’s Ranking System and How Descriptions Help

Amazon’s A9 algorithm is what determines product ranking, and product descriptions play a part in how well your listing performs. The algorithm looks for keywords in both the title and the description. While the weight placed on descriptions is lower than that placed on titles, a well-written and keyword-optimized description can still improve your product’s search visibility.

By focusing on long-tail keywords, niche-specific phrases, and relevant product details, you can help the algorithm understand who your product is for, which increases the chances that it will show up in relevant search results.

4. Mistakes to Avoid in Titles and Descriptions

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a) Keyword Stuffing

One of the biggest mistakes MBA sellers make is keyword stuffing—cramming as many keywords as possible into titles or descriptions in a way that makes the text unreadable. This practice can result in your listing being flagged, and it also turns off potential buyers who might view it as spammy.

b) Writing Vague Descriptions

Another mistake is writing generic, vague descriptions that don’t tell the customer anything specific about the product. For example, “This is a high-quality item that makes a great gift” doesn’t offer any unique information. Instead, describe the product’s design, quality, and context for use.

c) Ignoring the Customer’s Perspective

Your product description should always answer the question, “What’s in it for me?” Focus on how the product will benefit the buyer, such as by highlighting its comfort, its potential as a thoughtful gift, or its uniqueness.

5. Going Beyond Titles and Descriptions: Other Listing Optimizations

While titles and descriptions are critical, other elements of your MBA listing also contribute to its success. Ensure your designs are high-quality and that your pricing strategy is competitive. Additionally, take advantage of the product image slots by uploading visually appealing and clear images that showcase the design well.

Conclusion

Writing compelling product titles and descriptions for Merch by Amazon is an art that, when done correctly, can significantly improve your product’s visibility and sales. By focusing on SEO-friendly titles, clear and informative descriptions, and the customer’s needs, you can create listings that not only rank well but also convert views into purchases. Remember to continuously test and refine your strategy, going back to older listings to revamp their titles and descriptions for better performance.

By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to optimizing your product listings and achieving success on Merch by Amazon.

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