eBay listing optimisation: titles and item specifics that rank
eBay search decides which listings buyers see, and it leans heavily on the information you give it. Two parts matter most: the title and the item specifics.
Build titles from buyer searches
You have up to 80 characters. Use them. Start with the words a buyer would type: brand, product type, key feature, size or compatibility. Leave out filler like “wow”, “look” or “L@@K”, which waste space and do nothing for search.
- Weak: Lovely kitchen knife set great gift
- Strong: 6 Piece Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Set with Wooden Block, Chef Bread Paring
Fill in every item specific
Item specifics power the filters on the left of eBay search. If a buyer filters by colour, size or brand and your listing has that field empty, you vanish from their results. Complete every field that applies, and use eBay’s suggested values where possible.
Choose the right category
A listing in the wrong category gets the wrong item specifics and the wrong buyers. Check where top-selling competitors list similar products.
Photos and descriptions
Use clear photos on a clean background, several angles and a close-up of any important detail. Keep descriptions readable on a phone: short paragraphs, the key facts first, then shipping and returns.
Price and shipping
Competitive pricing and fast, tracked shipping both help listings perform. Free shipping, with the cost built into the price, often converts better than a separate charge.
Review and refresh
Check which listings get views but no sales. That usually points to price, photos or description. Listings with no views usually need a better title or category.
