Amazon Products Ranking Algorithm: A Guide For Amazon Products Marketers

If you sell products on Amazon, ranking high in search results can make or break your business. The Amazon product ranking algorithm decides which products show up first when customers search – and this directly affects your sales.

Most new sellers focus only on product photos and descriptions. While these matter, Amazon’s algorithm looks at many other factors to rank products. Understanding how this algorithm works gives you a clear edge over competitors who ignore it.

Amazon built this algorithm to show customers the most relevant products they’re likely to buy. The algorithm analyzes everything from your sales history and pricing to customer reviews and inventory levels. When you optimize your listings around these ranking factors, you make it easier for customers to find your products.

What Is The Amazon A9 Algorithm?

A9 is Amazon’s system for ranking products in search results. It’s named after A9.com, the Amazon company that builds and runs this search technology. The algorithm decides which products to show first when customers search for items on Amazon.

Unlike basic search engines, A9 focuses heavily on purchase likelihood. It tracks what products customers actually buy, not just what they click on. This helps Amazon show products that customers are most likely to purchase.

How Amazon Search Works vs Google Search

Amazon and Google use very different approaches to rank search results. Google aims to show the most relevant information for any type of search query. Amazon, however, has one clear goal – to show products that customers are most likely to buy.

Google looks at website authority and backlinks. Amazon cares about sales history and conversion rates. While Google wants to answer questions, Amazon wants to help people buy products they’re looking for.

Key Amazon Ranking Factors That Matter

Amazon’s algorithm weighs multiple factors to determine where your product appears in search results. These factors work together to measure how likely your product is to sell when shown to customers.

1. Sales History And Speed

Products that sell well tend to rank better. Amazon tracks how many units you sell per day and how your sales compare to similar products. Consistent sales show Amazon that customers want your product.

2. Keywords And Search Terms

Using the right keywords in your product title and description helps Amazon understand what you’re selling. These keywords need to match what customers actually type when searching. Amazon also lets you add backend keywords that customers don’t see but help with ranking.

3. Pricing Strategy

Price affects rankings because it directly impacts sales. Products priced much higher than similar items often rank lower. Amazon wants to show competitively priced products that offer good value to customers.

4. Stock Level Management

Running out of stock hurts your rankings. Amazon won’t show products they can’t sell right away. Keeping steady inventory levels helps maintain your ranking position.

5. Product Reviews And Ratings

Products with more positive reviews tend to rank better. Reviews help Amazon understand product quality and customer satisfaction. Both the number of reviews and the average rating affect your ranking.

How Amazon Ranks Products In Search Results

When a customer searches on Amazon, the algorithm quickly sorts through millions of products. It matches products to search terms and ranks them based on their likelihood to sell.

The Amazon Search Process

First, Amazon matches your search terms with product listings. It looks at titles, bullet points, descriptions, and backend keywords. Then it ranks these matches using factors like sales history and reviews.

The Role Of Backend Keywords

Backend keywords are search terms you add to your listing that customers can’t see. These help Amazon understand what your product is about. You get 250 characters to add relevant terms that didn’t fit in your visible listing.

Ways To Improve Your Amazon Product Ranking

Making your product rank better requires optimizing several parts of your listing. Each part serves a specific purpose in helping both customers and Amazon understand your product.

Listing Title Setup

Your product title needs to include your main keywords in a readable order. Keep it under 200 characters and put your most important terms first. Use basic patterns like Brand + Model + Key Feature + Size/Color.

Product Image Guidelines

Use high-quality images that show your product clearly. Your main image needs a white background and should show the product taking up at least 85% of the frame. Include 6-8 images showing different angles and uses.

Description And Bullet Points Format

Write clear bullet points that highlight key features and benefits. Each bullet point should start with a key benefit. Your description should expand on these points and include more detailed information.

Backend Search Terms Setup

Fill all 250 characters with relevant search terms. Don’t repeat words already in your title or bullets. Use single spaces between words and avoid punctuation to save space.

Using Amazon PPC To Help Organic Rankings

Running Amazon PPC (Pay-Per-Click) ads can boost your organic rankings. These ads give your products more visibility and help drive initial sales.

Types Of PPC Campaigns

Amazon offers three main PPC types: Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display. Each type serves different goals and reaches customers at different stages of shopping.

How PPC Affects Organic Rank

When your PPC ads drive sales, they send positive signals to Amazon’s ranking algorithm. More sales, even through ads, show Amazon that customers want your product. This often leads to better organic rankings.

Product Launch Tips For Better Rankings

A strong product launch sets up your long-term ranking success on Amazon. The first few weeks of sales greatly influence how Amazon views your product.

Launch Timing

Choose your launch date based on your category’s peak buying seasons. Most categories do well during Q4, but some products sell better in specific months. Check your competitor’s best-selling periods before picking a launch date.

Price Points During Launch

Start with a lower price to encourage early sales. This helps build sales history faster. Once you have steady sales and reviews, slowly raise prices to your target level.

Review Building Methods

Use Amazon’s Early Reviewer Program and Vine Program to get initial reviews. Follow up with buyers through Amazon’s messaging system to ask for honest feedback about their purchase.

Tools To Track Amazon Rankings

Tracking your rankings helps you spot problems early and measure the impact of your optimization efforts.

Rank Tracking Software

Use tools like Helium 10 or Jungle Scout to track where your products rank for different keywords. These tools show daily ranking changes and alert you when rankings drop.

Sales Data Tools

Amazon Seller Central provides basic sales data. Third-party tools can show more detailed patterns and compare your performance against competitors.

Keyword Research Tools

Tools like Merchant Words or Helium 10’s Cerebro show you which keywords drive sales in your category. They also reveal new keyword opportunities your competitors might have missed.

Need help setting up or managing your Amazon store? We specialize in professional Amazon store setup, product listing optimization, and ongoing store management. Our team knows exactly how to work with Amazon’s ranking algorithm to improve your product visibility and sales. Get in touch to learn how we can help grow your Amazon business.