Product titles are one of the first things potential customers see when browsing online. A well-optimized title can significantly influence click-through rates, leading to more views and ultimately more sales. In essence, the right product title can serve as a powerful marketing tool for your e-commerce business.
What Is a Product Title?
A product title is a vital attribute that briefly describes what the product is. It serves as the headline for your listing, appearing on marketplaces, search engine results, and your online store.
Because of its visibility, it’s crucial to craft a title that is both descriptive and keyword-rich. Be sure to include this title in your product feed, as that’s how search engines and marketing channels index and display your products.
When your product feed is well structured, titles included, you increase your chances of ranking higher in search results and attracting the right audience.
Top 16 Tips for Product Title Optimization
Below, we dive into 16 detailed, actionable tips you can use to make your product titles stand out. Each tip comes with a clear explanation and an example to show you exactly how it can be applied.
1. Use an AI Tool to Optimize Your Product Title
Using a tool like FeedSEO, an AI tool that not only optimizes your product titles, but adds all missing product attributes and optimizes existing that can be modified with an AI, like title and description.
Tools like FeedSEO will then add these missing attributes to a supplemental feed, which you can then upload to your website, making your life 10 times easier when in terms of dealing with these product feed struggles.
2. Use Relevant Keywords from the Start
Search engines like Google and marketplaces like Amazon often place more weight on the first few words of your product title. Including your most critical keyword(s) early helps both search algorithms and customers quickly identify what your product is.
How to Apply:
- Begin your title with the most relevant keyword that describes the product.
- Keep it natural; avoid cramming multiple keywords in the first few words.
Example:
Before: “Women’s Shoes – Comfortable Slip-On Sneakers”
After: “Slip-On Sneakers for Women – Comfortable & Lightweight Shoes”
Here, “slip-on sneakers for women” is the core keyword phrase, placed right at the start for maximum visibility.
3. Keep It Concise but Descriptive
Long, cluttered titles can confuse customers and may get truncated in search results. A concise title is easier to read, while still conveying vital details.
How to Apply:
- Aim for 50-70 characters, although guidelines can vary by platform.
- Provide essential information such as brand, product type, and critical attributes (color, size, etc.).
- Eliminate filler words like “awesome,” “amazing,” or “great.”
Example:
Before: “XYZ Brand’s Amazing and Super Comfortable Cotton Men’s T-Shirt in Navy Blue with a Round Neck and Short Sleeves”
After: “XYZ Men’s Cotton T-Shirt – Navy Blue, Round Neck”
The revised title is more concise yet still includes brand name, product type, material, and color.
4. Use Brand Names (When Relevant)
Brand names can build trust and familiarity. If you’re selling a renowned brand, mentioning it in the title can catch the attention of brand-loyal customers.
How to Apply:
- If you’re listing branded items, put the brand name near the front.
- For unbranded or private label items, consider whether your brand name is recognized enough to have an impact.
Example:
Before: “Professional Studio Headphones – Noise Cancelling”
After: “Sony Professional Studio Headphones – Noise Cancelling”
Adding “Sony” reassures potential buyers about the product’s credibility.
5. Include Important Product Attributes
Attributes such as size, color, material, and style are often the very details customers search for. Including them in your title can help customers quickly determine if your product meets their needs.
How to Apply:
- Identify your product’s most critical attributes.
- Incorporate these attributes naturally in your title without overloading it.
Example:
Before: “Men’s Running Shoes”
After: “Men’s Running Shoes – Lightweight Mesh, Size 10, Black”
This revised title adds crucial details like material, size, and color, making the product more searchable and relevant to specific customer needs.
6. Avoid Keyword Stuffing
Overstuffing titles with keywords can harm both user experience and search rankings. Customers may view it as spammy, and search engines can penalize listings that appear unnatural.
How to Apply:
- Select two to three main keywords that best describe your product.
- Weave those keywords in a readable, natural manner.
- Refrain from repetitive or irrelevant terms.
Example:
Before: “iPhone Case iPhone 12 Case iPhone 12 Phone Cover iPhone Phone Case iPhone”
After: “iPhone 12 Case – Slim, Shockproof Cover”
The revised version is more concise and reads naturally, avoiding awkward repetition.
7. Maintain Consistent Formatting & Capitalization
Inconsistent formatting can make your titles look unprofessional. Proper capitalization and formatting enhance readability and brand consistency.
How to Apply:
- Decide on a style guide for titles (e.g., title case vs. sentence case).
- Use the same style across all product listings.
Example:
Before: “New ARRIVAL: portable bluetooth Speaker – RED color”
After: “Portable Bluetooth Speaker – Red”
Here, the capitalization and wording are consistent, making the title more appealing.
8. Incorporate Relevant Pack Sizes & Quantities
Pack sizes or quantities can be a big selling point, especially for bulk or value-oriented shoppers. It’s also a crucial piece of information for many products (e.g., “2-pack,” “6-pack,” etc.).
How to Apply:
- If you’re selling items in sets or bundles, clearly state the pack size.
- Use numerals (e.g., “2-Pack”) rather than spelling out numbers, as it saves space and draws attention.
Example:
Before: “Energy Drinks for Sale”
After: “Energy Drinks, 12-Pack – Sugar-Free, 16 oz Cans”
Now, customers know exactly how many cans they’re getting and the nature of the drink (sugar-free).
9. Highlight Unique Selling Points
Your unique selling point (USP) can set your product apart from competitors. Whether it’s a special feature, eco-friendly material, or an exclusive design, showcasing it can pique customer interest.
How to Apply:
- Identify what makes your product stand out (e.g., organic, hand-crafted, patented technology).
- Weave this attribute into the title if it’s truly unique and relevant.
Example:
Before: “Dog Collar for Small Dogs”
After: “Dog Collar for Small Dogs – Handmade in the USA with Organic Cotton”
Emphasizing the handmade and organic components offers a strong USP that can attract conscious consumers.
10. Align with Marketplace & Search Engine Guidelines
Platforms like Google, Amazon, and eBay have specific rules about title length, prohibited terms, and more. Not adhering to these can result in lower visibility or even listing removal.
How to Apply:
- Familiarize yourself with the most current guidelines for each sales channel.
- Adjust your titles to comply, even if that means simplifying or removing certain terms.
- Amazon Title Guidelines: Typically recommend no more than 80-200 characters, avoiding all-caps, promotional language, or special characters.
- f a title is too long or violates guidelines, trim unnecessary words.
11. Use Local Language & Currency Where Applicable
Localizing your listings can significantly impact conversions if you’re selling in multiple regions. Customers are more likely to purchase when they see familiar language and symbols.
How to Apply:
- Translate titles (and descriptions) into the language of your target market. You can use any AI for a good translation of these titles.
- List prices in local currency when permitted or relevant.
Example:
Before: “Women’s Winter Coat – Black” (US-based listing)
After: “Dámský Zimní Kabát – Černý” (Czech listing, local language)
Tailoring language to the Czech market increases the product’s relevance for Czech customers.
12. Avoid Overly Promotional Language
Words like “best,” “cheap,” and “amazing” can seem unprofessional or spammy. Some platforms also prohibit certain superlatives or phrases that can’t be objectively verified.
How to Apply:
- Stick to factual descriptions.
- Let product attributes and quality speak for themselves.
Example:
Before: “BEST Cheap Smartphone Deal Ever”
After: “TechPro Android Smartphone – 64GB, 4G LTE”
The revised title is straightforward and includes a product name, focusing on key features without unnecessary embellishments.
13. Explore Long-Tail Keywords for Niche Products
Long-tail keywords are more specific queries that can lead to higher-quality traffic. If your product is niche, users searching for it likely use specific terms.
How to Apply:
- Identify niche-specific phrases via keyword research tools or by examining competitor listings.
- Include these terms naturally in your title to capture niche interest.
Example:
Before: “Natural Body Soap”
After: “Organic Oatmeal Body Soap for Sensitive Skin – Handmade, SLS-Free”
Terms like “SLS-Free,” “oatmeal,” and “sensitive skin” speak to a specialized audience looking for very specific qualities.
14. Integrate Seasonal or Trend-Related Terms
Seasonal events and trending terms can significantly drive traffic if leveraged correctly. Products tied to holidays, events, or fashion trends can gain a visibility boost.
How to Apply:
- Determine if your product aligns with a holiday or trend (e.g., “Mother’s Day gift,” “summer sale item”).
- Update titles temporarily to reflect seasonal relevance, then revert once the season or trend passes.
Example:
Before (Non-Seasonal): “Scented Candles – Lavender Fragrance, 2-Pack”
After (Seasonal): “Mother’s Day Gift Set – Lavender Scented Candles, 2-Pack”
This title ties the product to a current event and may attract shoppers searching for Mother’s Day gifts.
15. Track Performance and Run A/B Tests
What works for one product may not work for another. A/B testing allows you to compare two title variations to see which performs better in clicks and conversions.
How to Apply:
- Duplicate your listing or create a test listing with a slightly varied title.
- Track metrics such as click-through rate, add-to-cart rate, and conversions.
- Continue iterating until you find the optimal version.
Example:
Variation A: “Aluminum Laptop Stand – Portable & Adjustable”
Variation B: “Portable, Adjustable Laptop Stand – Aluminum Construction”
Over a 2-week period, track which title leads to higher conversions and keep the winner.
16. Optimize for Readability Above All
No matter how many keywords you include, if your title is confusing, shoppers won’t click. Readability is a major factor in user experience and can directly impact your sales.
How to Apply:
- Write in a logical sequence (brand → product type → key attributes).
- Eliminate unnecessary words and jargon.
- Check for typos and grammatical errors.
Example:
Before: “New! Tech Wiz best quality earbuds hi-fi stereo cheap. Perfect for Everyone.”
After: “Tech Wiz Earbuds – Hi-Fi Stereo, Noise Isolation”
The revised title flows naturally, focusing on key features without fluff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about product title optimization:
How long should my product title be?
Most marketplaces recommend 50-70 characters. However, guidelines can vary. Always check each platform’s policies to avoid truncation or penalties.
Do I need to include my brand name if it’s not well-known?
If your brand name isn’t well-known, weigh the pros and cons. Including it can help build brand recognition, but if it doesn’t add value or consumes valuable character space, you might prioritize other attributes.
Can I use emojis or special characters in titles?
It depends on the platform. Some, like Amazon, have strict guidelines against special characters. Emojis can also appear unprofessional and may not render correctly across all devices. Always consult the platform’s rules.
Should I update titles for seasonal promotions?
Yes! If your product is relevant to a seasonal event or trending occasion, updating the title can boost visibility. Just remember to revert or modify it once the season or event has passed.
How often should I test and revise my product titles?
It’s beneficial to review titles periodically—especially if you notice a drop in click-through rates or conversions. Regular A/B testing can help you stay on top of shifting consumer preferences and search trends.
By implementing these detailed tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting product titles that resonate with both search engines and your customers. Remember, the goal is to create titles that clearly communicate value while adhering to platform guidelines—ultimately leading to more clicks and conversions.
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