Keywords: The Key to Reseller Success & Growth

Let's take a moment to talk about the unsung heroes of our online selling game: keywords. Yes, those seemingly innocent combinations of letters can make or break your sales, and today, we're going to walk you through why and how. 

Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes into the reselling pool or a seasoned pro, it's always a good idea to brush up on the importance of using keywords effectively.

Platforms like eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari are pretty smart. Their algorithms are always working in the background, figuring out which listings to show to potential buyers based on search relevance. And how do they determine this relevance? 

You got it: through keywords.

By using the right keywords in your listing titles, descriptions, and tags, you're essentially giving the algorithm a nudge, saying, "Hey, I've got what they're looking for!" This increases your chances of getting your listing in front of the right eyes.

Considering the number of listings on resale platforms, standing out can feel like trying to shout in a rock concert. But effective keyword usage can give you a leg up. For instance, if you're selling a vintage ‘90s windbreaker, the keyword "vintage" could set you apart from the sea of regular windbreakers. And since it’s the 90s, let's go ahead and through in some other keywords like neon, retro, parachute jacket etc.

Get detailed. Instead of just "heels," try "red stiletto heels size 8." It might sound like a mouthful, but specificity can be your best friend in the vast world of online reselling.

When it comes to key words in your title, remember, it doesn't have to be grammatically correct. We aren't writing an english paper when we write product titles – we are getting the most important information stacked into a title in a format that search engines love. 

SOOO, want to know the secret? Of course you do! Here's the format we love to use when creating our product titles.

Brand →  Style / style name → Category → Gender → Size → Color → Condition → Descriptors

So if you're listing that amazing pair of Good American jeans you got from us in your last box, you'd format the title like this: 

Good American Good Boy Jeans Women's Size 8 Light Wash Indigo382 New Straight Leg Cropped Frayed Hem

Tweaking what you include to remain within character count is key, and words like “size” can be abbreviated to “sz” or removed if necessary.

Alright, now that we're all on board with the keyword love, let's chat about a few common pitfalls:

• Overstuffing: We get it. Keywords are important. But that doesn't mean you should cram every related (or unrelated) term into your title. It's not only off-putting, but platforms might also penalize you for it. Balance is key. Avoid using keywords that aren't actually applicable to what you are listing, such as spamming your product listing with a list of brand names “similar” to the brand you are selling.
• Being too vague: "Shirt" is a keyword, sure. But it's so broad that it might not drive the right traffic. Be specific about brand, style, color, and size.
• Misspellings: This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised! Always double-check your listing for typos.
• Ignoring brand names: If you're selling a recognized brand, definitely include it in your keywords! Someone might be searching specifically for "Nike running shoes" instead of just "running shoes."

• Research is your BFF: Check out similar successful listings to see which keywords they use. Platforms like eBay even have keyword suggestion tools.
  • Use a chrome extension like Keywords Everywhere to help you find keywords that work on the product you are listing. Simply install the extension, then navigate to a product listing from the original vendor and see what keywords they use or are pulled with the extension.
• Think like a buyer: Ask yourself, "If I were looking for this item, what would I type in?"
• Use all available space wisely: If the platform allows for a description, use it. But remember, prioritize the most important keywords in the title.
• Stay updated: Trends change. What's hot now might not be in six months. Regularly update your listings to keep up with popular search terms.

To wrap it all up, keywords aren't just an SEO thing for Google and Bing – they're essential for resellers on platforms like Poshmark, eBay, and Mercari. They connect you to your buyer, help you stand out, and ensure that the platform's algorithms work in your favor.

Next time you list an item, take a moment to really think about your keywords. Your sales might just thank you for it! Happy reselling!