Best match optimization - BMO for eBay

BMO tackled by SEO expert

As an seo expert I used my skills to work out how eBay best match works, and, more importantly,
how you can optimize your listing to increase your position.

I am not much for talking so here it is, this is how you get a top placement on eBays best match - please
don't be fooled in to paying for this kind of info - everything you need to know is right here free of charge.

How it's done...

After concluding my tests, I found that these are the top 20 methods for optimizing your eBay listing.

1/ The listing title
Your title is one of the most important parts of best match optimization.eBay's filter is very complex - it
seems to favour listings that have the keyword, and words related to the keyword in the title

for example - if you are selling a harry potter book you not only add the title of the book (keyword) but also related words such as "paperback" "JK Rowling" etc.

Don't go over the top, don't add the keyword more than twice in the title as it is likely to have a negative
effect on your best match placement.
 

click here to view example


2/ The Write up
Feature your keyword and related words frequently but naturally, again going over the top is likely to
have a negative effect on your listing.

When it comes to write up's, the more information the better, be thorough and detailed.


3/ Listing designer
As strange as it sounds using the listing designer can increase your position in the eBay best match
listings. I only found this out by trying every variation they offer - believe me the listing designer is a few
pennies well spent.


4/ Pictures
The more pictures the better - not on your own hosting but on eBays hosting.
This REALLY bumps your listing up in the rankings - one of the most important parts of best match optimization.


5/ Options
When creating your listing, eBay has lots of tick boxes asking you about your item. For example...

If you are selling an MP3 player, eBay will ask you (via tickboxes) how many gigabites it has, what
color is it, is it new etc....

It is VERY important that you fill in as many boxes as possible - I know it's a pain going through all
the options but it really does help.

click here to view example


6/ Dispatch time
The faster the better - again, this is a very important part of optimizing eBays best match results.



7/ Delivery service / courier
Select a fast delivery service from the list, again the faster the better.



8/ Delivery costs
Overcharging for postage on eBay is almost standard practise among many eBayers. If you want
to climb the best match results then you need to make sure you are not overcharging, if you can afford
to post for free then by all means do so.

Fast affordable delivery is one of the key factors in getting a good position in eBays best match results.


9/ length of listing
The longer the better - 10 day listings or (if available in your country) 30 day listings are definitely the
way to go.


10/ Price
Be very competitive in your pricing. This is not a major factor in allot of areas however if you sell items identical to ones being sold by other people you really need to price competitively.


11/ Authenticity
There are loads of counterfeit items out there, eBay try to keep them out so make sure you include
the words "genuine" and "authentic" in your listings especially if you sell branded items such as
shoes and electronics.

click here to view example


12/ returns policy
Make sure you accept returns and state the amount of days people have to return an unwanted item.
14 days minimum - 28 days is the best.


13/ Quantity available
The more the better. If you've got 1000 of them, put 1000 up for sale.


14/ Relist successful items correctly
If an item sells well it gets preferential treatment in the results. Click the relist button and then
add the revisions I am talking about before confirming your listing.


15/ Feedback
Work hard to keep your customers happy, we all know some customers can be a real pain in the
backside but your feedback is not only important for credibility but it also plays a part in eBays
best match search results.

click here to view example


16/ Local pickup for free
Adding this option is a big plus as the best match filter seems to take the buyers location in to account.


17/ Combined postage costs
Free or discounted postage costs for additional items is another big player in best match optimization.


18/ DSR stars (detailed seller ratings)
eBay buyers can now rate sellers using a 5 star system. High stars 4.2 or better will automatically get you better positions in best match search results.

If you have low stars for dispatch time and postage costs you need to rectify the problem asap.

click here to view example


19/ Powersellers
It helps if you are a powerseller but not massively, you will get slightly preferential treatment in eBays best match results but you still need to optimize.


20/ And last but not least - spelling and punctuation
Spelling is easy but punctuation is abit more iffy, (depending on wether or not you paid attention in
English class). write your listing properly with the correct punctuation as a final touch to your best
match optimization work.


What to expect
After using the info above, your listing should jump to the first page of eBay results.

What not to expect
Don't expect to get the very top position unless you have impeccable feedback and dsr ratings.

You can certainly get on the first page of results but don't be supprised if there are still a few listings
above yours.

The best selling items automatically get high positions, so, if you haven't sold alot don't expect to get
the very top position overnight.

My research is ongoing so please bookmark and revisit regularly.

More help
I found some eBayers using my techniques and a few of their own,click here to take a look at the top lisitings and see the methods they are using.

Top positions without great feedback
I found several eBayers getting great positions without good feedback or DSR - take a look

Final message / free to use copyright
If you would like to use my info on your website you are free to do so providing you don't charge people
for it and you link back to my website
www.bestmatchoptimization.net

Good luck with your best match optimizations and spread the word!

Thank you