So, you’ve spent hours perfecting the right product, sourcing trustworthy suppliers, and launching your store on Amazon. But your Amazon product listing is not getting the recognition it deserves. What now? When sales don’t come in as planned, that’s where most beginner sellers lose hope.
If your sales are sluggish or you fear you’re losing potential clients, it’s time for an Amazon listing audit. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the necessary steps to improve your listing for optimal success.
TL;DR – How to Audit Your Amazon Listing Effectively
Is your Amazon listing bringing in customers or driving them away? A quick listing audit can identify hidden sales opportunities.
Here’s a quick peek into the key steps we’ve covered in this blog:
- Step 1: Conduct in-depth keyword research
- Step 2: Optimize product title
- Step 3: Optimize product description
- Step 4: Add high-quality images
- Step 5: Product search terms and price optimization
Struggling with low online sales and cart abandonment?
Boost your product listing rankings, attract more buyers organically, and dominate your seller category with IG PPC’s strategic ad campaigns – book a free Amazon PPC audit today and see where you stand.
What is an Amazon Listing Audit?
Being a core part of the platform’s SEO strategy, an Amazon listing audit is a thorough review of your seller page. The core purpose of an audit is to ensure your product listings are relevant, accurate, and adhere to Amazon’s best practices guidelines.
For sellers struggling with product visibility and low sales, performing an in-depth listing audit to improve their Amazon Listing Quality Score (LQS) is highly recommended.
What is Amazon Listing Quality Score?
Amazon’s algorithm constantly monitors their seller pages, and LQS is their way of keeping a scorecard.
As the name suggests, LQS shows how compliant your seller page is with Amazon’s guidelines and whether you’re targeting the right keywords. A higher LSQ (7 or higher) indicates you’re doing everything right. Contrarily, LSQ below 3 represents poor-quality product listings — a sign that your Amazon seller page needs serious attention.
What is Amazon Listing Optimization?
Amazon Listing Optimization is your best bet if you want to reach high-intent buyers organically.
Optimizing your Amazon listings involves many steps, including:
- Targeting the right keywords for your product category
- Optimizing your product meta title with SEO
- Writing captivating product descriptions
- Sharing high-quality photos to entice buyers, etc.
In short, this SEO process leaves no stone unturned to improve your products’ visibility in search results so that your target customers can easily find you and buy from you.
Importance of Amazon Listing Audit
Amazon listing audit helps sellers ensure that their product content is always updated and maintains compliance with the platform’s algorithms.
Here’s how:
Find Areas of Improvement
Performing an Amazon listing audit helps sellers pinpoint areas that may require optimization. It can be anything — poorly written product copy, low resolution/unclear images, poor keyword targeting.
Improve Your Product Visibility
As optimization improves your LSQ, your products automatically start showing on relevant searches. Skyrocketing product visibility drives higher traffic and ensures better ranking in Amazon’s organic search results.
Increase Conversion Rate
Standing out in Amazon’s competitive marketplace becomes easier with properly optimized listings. The end result? Improved click-through rate (CTR) and Amazon conversion rate (CVR) mean you sell more and earn more.
Getting the most out of your Amazon listing can be difficult. That’s where our experts at IG PPC can help. Contact us for a personalized audit, and let’s maximize your Amazon growth potential.
Signs Your Amazon Product Listing Needs an Audit
When does an Amazon product listing audit become necessary?
If you’ve launched your product, but sales feel stuck. Or worse, you’re burning through ad spend without meaningful returns. It’s probably due to your listing not working as hard as it should.
Now, we’ll talk about all the signs that are screaming you need an audit:
Declining Sales Despite Traffic
If your traffic is steady but sales are dipping, there may be a disconnect between what your listing promises and what buyers are expecting from the product.
An audit can bridge the gap between your audience’s wants and your offering.
High ACoS and Low ROI
Are you running Amazon PPC campaigns but not seeing ROI? Your strategy might be fine, but the listing itself often needs some tweaking. A subpar listing can tank even the best ads you’ve put out there.
Improve Amazon ROI by optimizing your title, images, and bullet points to better convert the traffic your ads are driving.
Poor Keyword Ranking
Not showing up in relevant search results? That’s a red flag showing that your keyword strategy doesn’t align with how customers search.
A detailed keyword audit is your first step toward fixing it.
Outdated or Low-Quality Content
If it’s been months or years since you last updated your listing, chances are it’s no longer optimized for Amazon’s latest algorithm changes or buyer behavior.
Refresh your copy, update images, and align your content with current Amazon SEO best practices.
Confusing Product Descriptions
If your bullet points or descriptions are cluttered or unclear, shoppers will likely bounce.
To improve your conversion rate, you need a clean, benefit-driven, and scannable description.
Negative or Repetitive Reviews
Recurring complaints in your reviews or questions often point to unclear product information or unmet expectations.
Both are fixable with a better listing.
Amazon Listing Audit Checklist
An Amazon listing audit is your spring cleaning session; it identifies room for improvement and transforms that listing into a conversion powerhouse.
Here’s a checklist to help you streamline your audit:
- Relevant keywords
- Product title
- Bullet points and description
- Product images quality
- Product pricing
- Negative/positive reviews
This checklist will help you get started. Continue reading for a detailed roadmap for optimizing your Amazon listing for better visibility, conversions, and sales.
Step By Step Process to Perform an Amazon Listing Audit
Are you ready to start your Amazon listing audit?
Here’s a 5-step process on how to get started like a professional:
1. Conduct In-depth Keyword Research
Amazon SEO aims to drive organic traffic to your product page/store, and keyword research is one of its core pillars. If you’re using the right keywords in your meta title and descriptions, that’s half the job done.
Try to figure out exactly what terms your customers are searching for. What are the phrases they’re typing on the search bar? Once you’ve created a detailed sheet of relevant phrases that best fit your product category, categorize it as short-tail and long-tail, primary and secondary, volume-wise, etc.
Here are some ways to perform keyword research to optimize Amazon listings:
- Type in words/phrases relevant to your listings on the search box, and look for drop-down suggestions
- Analyze what your competitors are doing with keyword research tools (Keyword Scout, Cerebro, etc.)
- Create a list of relevant, high-demand keywords in your product category/store niche using reverse-ASIN search
Once you’ve researched and collected the relevant keywords, it’s time to start optimizing your on-page content.
2. Optimize Your Product Title
Amazon product titles are your best shot at creating a great first impression. It’s also a vital field that the platform’s search algorithm uses to assess whether your products are relevant to the customer’s search queries.
Thus, your aim should be to write highly descriptive, easy-to-understand product titles that entice buyers to click.
Here’s how you can write the best product titles:
- Use your brand name in every title; it promotes brand awareness and builds credibility as an Amazon seller
- Add your primary keywords in the title to rank higher and reach your target buyers easily
- Highlight key product attributes (size/shape, design, colors, features, etc.) to increase click-through rate
- Avoid complex words and promotional phrases like “free shipping,” “top-quality,” etc.
While writing product titles, follow these guidelines so the search algorithm doesn’t suppress your product listings.
3. Optimize The Product Description
This is where you help buyers learn more about what you’re offering and why they need to try it.
Considering humans’ declining attention spans, most buyers don’t read past the top 3-4 bullet points in every description. We recommend concisely highlighting your unique value proposition and top features and benefits with short bullet points to grasp their attention.
While writing the remaining description, address their pain points and offer a one-stop solution. Include A+ content (an Amazon Seller Central feature) optimized with relevant keywords that you couldn’t fit in the title throughout the description to earn consumer trust.
4. Add High-Quality Images
We’ve all heard this before: “A picture says a thousand words.” It couldn’t be truer.
The fact is, even A+ content cannot help you close a sale if your listing features poorly clicked product images. The pictures should give viewers the experience of almost examining the product in person.
Here are a few ways to create high-quality pictures during an Amazon listing audit:
- Use a professional lighting setup for products to appear more attractive
- Click photos from different angles (top, center, left, right, front, back) for a 360 view
- Adhere to the platform’s guidelines on image size, format, file name, etc.
Pro tip 💡: Add high-quality infographics, video advertisements, how-to-use images, and real-time usage photos to create an emotional connection with the buyers.
5. Product Search Terms and Price Optimization
Search terms are hidden back-end keywords, which the algorithm uses to assess whether your product matches the customers’ search queries. Here, include those mid-volume keywords to increase your organic visibility potential. Do not repeat keywords you’ve already used elsewhere.
Not to mention, Amazon is a competitive marketplace with 9.7 million sellers globally. If you want to be favored by customers, aim for competitive prices. However, don’t sell your products at a loss in this course.
Best Tools to Power Your Amazon Listing Audit
An effective audit is only as strong as the tools behind it. Whether you’re reviewing keywords, analyzing your competition, or polishing product copy, using the right tech can make your audit faster, smarter, and more data-driven.
That being said, tools alone won’t guarantee results. You need to interpret the data and know what actions to take – that’s where true expertise comes in. Working with experienced Amazon professionals, like the team at IG PPC, can give your audit real direction and impact. Book a free audit and let our experts turn your ACoS struggles into a profitable strategy.
Now, let’s look at some of the best tools Amazon sellers rely on:
Helium 10
Helium 10 is a powerful tool used extensively for keyword research, listing optimization, and reverse ASIN lookup.
It has built-in tools like Cerebro and Frankenstein that help you analyze competitor strategies and generate keyword-rich content tailored to your product category.
Jungle Scout
Jungle Scout is perfect for sellers who want the necessary insights into market demand, keyword trends, and product tracking.
The best part is that it allows you to dive deep into historical data and identify what’s working and what’s not in your niche.
Seller Central
Amazon Seller Central has a built-in tool for creating enhanced content and testing new layouts to increase conversions.
This tool is especially useful for brands looking to incorporate storytelling and visuals into their listings. It helps you create high-impact product descriptions and visuals.
ZonGuru
ZonGuru’s listing analyzer gives you a full diagnostic of your current listing quality score.
It evaluates your title, bullet points, imagery, and keyword integration — all in one quick scan.
DataHawk
DataHawk is a powerful analytics tool for Amazon SEO and product tracking.
Use it to monitor keyword rankings, identify content gaps, and measure how listing changes impact visibility.
DIY vs. Professional Amazon Listing Audits
So, now you have all the information about an Amazon listing audit, but the big question remains: should you do it yourself or hire a professional?
Let’s break down the pros and cons of both options to help you decide what’s best for your business:
Features | DIY Audit | Professional Audit |
Cost | Low or free until you need tool subscriptions | Higher upfront cost, but often has a free initial consultation |
Time Investment | High as it has a steep learning curve | Low because it is handled by experts |
Expertise Level Needed | Beginner to intermediate | No knowledge needed |
Insights & Accuracy | Limited with a potential risk of missing critical issues | In-depth – it identifies subtle and major flaws |
Tool Access | Mostly free or basic-level tools | Full access to advanced, premium audit tools |
Effectiveness | Depends on experience and research effort | High, as it is data-backed, strategic recommendations |
Customization | Fully customized by you | Tailored strategy based on expert analysis |
Best For | Sellers who are testing or learning the platform | Sellers focused on scaling or struggling with conversions |
The DIY method is great if you’re testing the waters, have time to learn, and want a hands-on approach. But if you’re scaling or stuck with low conversions, go for a professional audit to get more strategic results with fewer headaches.
At IG PPC, we bridge the gap by offering free Amazon listing audits tailored to your product. This way, you can get expert insights without any upfront risk.
Why Partner with IG PPC
Conducting an Amazon listing audit is necessary if your product listing is underperforming. However, it’s common to miss those subtle nuances that make a huge difference by yourself — that’s where we come in.
At IG PPC, our Amazon marketing experts team knows how to boost your listings organically. With years of experience and a deep understanding of Amazon’s ever-evolving search algorithm, we dig into the root causes of your suppressed listings and create a personalized plan of action to increase your LSQ and drive more sales.
Ready to start your auditing journey? Schedule a no-cost consultation call today to discuss the factors holding you back from reaching high-intent buyers. Amazon PPC management is worth every penny to sellers like you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in an Amazon Listing Audit
While you’re en route to optimize your Amazon listings, avoid these common beginner mistakes for best results:
Mistake #1: Writing long product titles
Search results – especially on smartphones – cut off long titles, reducing product visibility. This concerns sellers because mobile browsing is one of the most popular platforms for Amazon shoppers.
How to avoid: Write brief titles under 150 characters. Use separators like hyphens (-) or vertical bars (|) to break up the text and improve readability visually.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Negative Reviews
Do not underestimate negative reviews; they provide invaluable insights.
Analyze what your clients dislike to identify areas where your product or listing could be improved. Negative feedback can also drive positive changes that increase sales.
How to avoid: Respond to negative reviews quickly and professionally. This demonstrates excellent customer service and that you care. If necessary, use this input to improve your product or operations.
Mistake #3: Inaccurate Information
If you’re listing products with wrong information, that’s a clear sign of unprofessional management. Incorrect info leads to dissatisfied clients, higher returns, and poor reviews, all of which lower your rankings.
How to avoid: Check for errors carefully when proofreading. Ensure all product attributes, dimensions, descriptions, and images are 100% accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before we wrap, here are some of your most frequently asked questions about optimizing Amazon listings:
What Metrics Should You Analyze During an Amazon Listing Audit?
Analyzing your data to find areas for improvement is necessary when doing a comprehensive audit of your Amazon listing. But what are the most important metrics?
Here’s where you should focus:
- Impressions: How often is your product displayed in search results? Keep track of this to identify visibility issues.
- Click-Through Rate (CTR): Does your main image and title attract visitors to click? Your listing isn’t drawing attention if it has a low CTR.
- Conversion Rate: How many visitors convert into buyers? A low conversion rate indicates an issue in your listing.
- Sales Rank: How well is your product selling against competitors? This offers you a sense of market demand and your share of it.
- Customer Feedback and Ratings: What are they saying? Check your reviews for issues or unfulfilled promises. Social proof is necessary for conversions.
Can an Amazon Listing Audit Affect SEO Rankings?
Yes! A comprehensive Amazon listing audit can significantly improve your SEO.
For starters, detecting absent or wasteful keywords in your titles, descriptions, and listings helps optimize your content. By ensuring your listing answers any potential queries and continues to receive favorable ratings, an audit also helps you enhance the user experience for customers.
These two factors tell Amazon that your product deserves a better ranking.
Finally, an audit can reveal hidden back-end flaws in your product information, inventory, or pricing that weaken your ranking potential.
How Often Should You Audit Your Amazon Listings?
Ideally, you should audit your listings at least once per quarter. However, a monthly mini-audit is better if you’re in a competitive niche or regularly run PPC campaigns.
Why? Because Amazon’s algorithm, buyer behavior, and keyword trends evolve fast. Regular audits ensure your listings stay aligned with what customers are actively searching for.
Do I Need to Update Listings for Every New Keyword Trend?
Not necessarily. Chasing every single keyword trend can lead to bloated, confusing listings. Instead, you should focus on:
- High-volume, high-conversion keywords relevant to your product.
- Emerging trends that align with seasonal or market shifts.
- Updating backend search terms as needed (without re-doing front-end content).
The goal is to stay optimized without over-optimizing. Find keywords for your Amazon products that bring qualified traffic, not just traffic.
How Long Does It Take to Perform a Full Amazon Product Listing Audit?
On average, a full manual audit can take 2-5 hours per product, depending on the number of listings you’re reviewing and the depth of analysis required.
This includes keyword research, content review, image analysis, backend search term inspection, pricing review, A+ content review, and customer feedback.
Conclusion
Treat your Amazon listing as a work in progress, not a one-time job.
Remember, it can be affected by the slightest changes in Amazon’s algorithm, competitor strategy, and market conditions. Therefore, ensure audits are an ongoing part of your strategy to future-proof your listings.
Having trouble managing everything? Let us take the reins and show you how a comprehensive analysis followed by strategic implementation can breathe new life into struggling product pages. With our detailed approach, expect to see not just improved metrics but a tangible increase in sales and brand recognition.
Revive your underperforming Amazon product listings with a trusted Amazon PPC agency, like IG PPC. Take part in our free audit to see where your stand and what opportunities await.