An Amazon seller’s biggest fear is getting their account suspended. And, the platform has some of the most stringent rules and regulations, or “Amazon Restricted Words”, when it comes to sellers complying with standards.
As a seller, it isn’t easy to know where to start. Creating the ideal product listing requires work. It’s not good enough to have impressive designs and detailed descriptions of your products, you also have to pay close attention to the use of certain keywords and phrases.
Amazon’s ‘Exclude Words from Search’ feature is a method that users use to find the product they are looking for faster. and avoiding using Amazon Restricted Words. While Amazon does not offer a direct function for this, there are some useful tricks we’ve learned along the way that we’re sharing with you.
As a seller on Amazon, getting the attention of buyers is paramount, so these tricky strategies can make all the difference.
Table of Contents
Keywords and the Algorithm: Why are there Amazon Restricted Words in the Search System
SEO 101: Keywords are crucial to matching buyers to your product.
Using the right terms can make a difference not only in your sales but also in your reputation. Every detail counts, and establishing the right strategy is essential. However, before you get started, it’s a good idea to understand a bit about the platform’s algorithm…
The A9 algorithm is essential in terms of how products appear to buyers. It is designed to make searches effective based on the keywords the buyer enters. This translates to products with exact or similar search terms in product titles, descriptions, and feature lists that are more likely to appear in the top results.
As a seller, it’s important to know what you can do to get better results with the A9 algorithm: ie optimizing your listings with keywords in both the titles and descriptions of your products.
💡Pro Tip: Amazon’s algorithm values well-structured titles filled with essential information such as brand, model, and standout features. For example, if the product is headphones, you can add the model, color, size, and battery durability, whether they are for gamers or for listening to music. Keeping this information in mind will lead to success in terms of Amazon Restricted Words from Search.
Download our FREE Guide to Help you Avoid Account Suspension on Amazon ✖️
Here’s a list of seven things to consider if you want to keep your Amazon Seller Account
Best Practices to Avoid using Amazon Restricted Words
As mentioned earlier, Amazon excludes words from Search so that buyers can find the products they want easily. When selling on Amazon, it is crucial to understand the platform’s guidelines and their relationship with keywords. As we saw earlier, the algorithm is crucial, but there are also rules that help maintain market integrity and safety.
As a seller, it’s imperative to understand which words Amazon restricts, rules around hidden keywords, and how to use certain punctuation marks.
In some cases there are obvious examples, but in others, there are not.
So understanding Amazon’s rules will help you avoid the dreaded seller account suspension.
Amazon Restricted Words in Listings
The Amazon platform has strict guidelines regarding the use of what are called Amazon Restricted Words, consisting of certain terms and phrases in product listings. The aim? To protect consumers, ensure compliance with legal frameworks, and maintain a safe shopping market.
There are three categories of Amazon Restricted Words.
- Prohibited Content: offensive terms and profanity, any words related to illegal activities (terms that suggest dangerous activities), and unproven claims. You must be very careful when using expressions like “miracle cure” or “guaranteed remedy” unless they have scientific backing.
- Intellectual Property: You cannot use trademarks without authorization, nor include copyrighted material or patents. Your product must have the necessary permission to be published without issues.
- Misleading Claims: Any claim that may be misleading to the consumer, such as “the best” or “the only one,” will be flagged by Amazon. Likewise, it is important to ensure all product details are accurate.
Amazon Restricted Words: Hidden Keywords
Hidden keywords are terms that you can use as a seller in product listings to improve visibility. However, for a better chance of success, avoid repeating these same words in the title or description. This resource can be very useful to increase the chances of your target audience reaching your product or service.
Other considerations to keep in mind: Hidden keywords must be relevant and appropriate for the product. Those that are seen as deceptive or misleading, according to platform guidelines, may result in Amazon Restricted Words from Search for your product and likely a significant penalty, or even account suspension.
Punctuation Marks and Other Symbols
It’s important to not only pay attention to keywords when creating product titles and descriptions but also to the use of certain punctuation marks. Otherwise, Amazon may exclude words from searches or even suspend your account.
Here’s what we know you should avoid using:
- Too many capital letters: The platform could consider your listing as ‘spam’. The same applies to the use of exclamation points.
- The use of special symbols such as @, #, $, %, ^, &, *, ( ), in both the title and description: This may be seen as a tactic to manipulate the algorithm, resulting in Amazon Exclude Words from Search of your product.
- Emojis: While emojis are fun and attractive on social media, the same does not apply to the Amazon platform. Their use can be flagged as unprofessional and are considered Amazon Restricted Words.
- Dashes (-) and slashes (/): Moderate use of both is recommended because otherwise, the algorithm may determine that you are using manipulative tactics in your keywords.
- Quotation marks and asterisks: Should also be used with care. They should not be used in the title, as it may be interpreted by Amazon as an attempt to highlight the product inappropriately.
Staying within the platform’s guidelines will ensure that your brand and products remain visible to potential buyers, as well as compliance with Amazon’s rules to avoid suspension.
Amazon’s Restricted Keywords: Safeguard Your Listings With These Tips
Keywords are the engine of your brand’s success on Amazon because they help improve the visibility of your products and attract your target demographic.
Here are some tips that will be useful when planning your keyword strategy.
- Study your competition closely. Take the time to examine your competitors’ products and listings to see what keywords are working for them.
- Look for successful products and positive reviews, as well as descriptions, and pay attention to how those keywords appear.
- Avoid generic terms. The more specific the keywords of a product listing are, the more likely your listing is to appear in top search results.
- Don’t forget that the title acts as the perfect hook to promote your brand or product. Optimize it with attractive keywords that also provide enough information to introduce you to your target audience.
- Include the terms you have chosen naturally and organically, staying away from Amazon Restricted Words.
- Amazon allows you to add keywords in search fields that are not visible to buyers, but that you can use to your advantage. The algorithm takes these words to make the search more efficient, so consider this space for the growth you want to achieve.
- Remember not to repeat words in the title, description, or listing. Choose which terms you are going to use in each element of your publication to make it much easier to assemble them.
- Take advantage of trends and seasonality. By doing this, you will take advantage of popular searches at any moment of time.
- Review your listing performance. Stay up-to-date with Amazon updates, policies, and rules so that you are one step ahead.
Dare to try new things and avoid Amazon Restricted Words! Do you have a strategy in mind? Well, don’t be afraid to implement one, as it will allow you to plan ahead for your brand and, above all, what your audience wants.
Download our FREE Guide to Help you Avoid Account Suspension on Amazon ✖️
FAQs
What are Amazon Restricted Words in listings?
Words that are prohibited include swearing, derogatory language, phrases linked to illicit activity, unsubstantiated assertions, unapproved use of trademarks, content protected by copyright, and deceptive advertising. These limitations are in place to safeguard customers and preserve a superior marketplace.
How can I make my product title on Amazon more effective?
Provide the brand, model, salient features, and usage information succinctly. To make the title both thorough and legible, keep it between 150 and 200 characters and instructive.
What are hidden keywords on Amazon?
Terms that aren’t explicitly mentioned in the title or description but are nonetheless present in the product listing’s metadata and help increase its exposure are known as hidden keywords. These keywords ought to be reasonable and relevant, not copied verbatim from visible content, nor deceptive.
What products are restricted on Amazon?
Certain products are prohibited from being sold on Amazon. These products include illicit or controlled narcotics; guns and ammunition; hazardous materials; non-compliant toys and kid’s products; unreliable health supplements; and non-compliant technology.
Can I use the word gift on merch by Amazon?
Generally speaking, “gift” is okay on Merch by Amazon as long as it’s used properly and doesn’t infringe upon any other rules or trademarks.
How many words can be removed from an Amazon search?
Amazon does not specify the number of words that can be excluded. Customers can more effectively find the things they’re looking for by using this functionality to narrow down their searches. Avoid utilizing restricted keywords and make sure your listings are optimized with relevant and appropriate terms to make sure customers can simply find your products.
What impact does punctuation have on my Amazon product listing?
If you use improper punctuation, your product listing may be removed or flagged. Steer clear of overusing emojis, exclamation points, special symbols (@, #, $, etc.), and capital characters. Make sure you use proper punctuation and stay away from strategies that could be interpreted as manipulative or keyword stuffing.
What is the best way to study keywords for my Amazon listings?
Utilize Amazon-specific SEO tools, examine competition listings, and seek popular, relevant search terms. Include precise and thorough keywords associated with your goods, such as the model, brand, and special features.
Are the title and hidden fields able to have the same keywords?
Reusing terms in the title and hidden fields is not recommended. To maximize exposure and efficacy, use the title for your most important keywords and the hidden fields for other pertinent terms.
What use do bullet points in product descriptions serve?
Your product’s salient characteristics and advantages can be emphasized with the use of bullet points and detailed product descriptions. Use them to naturally add more keywords and give prospective customers clear, succinct information.
How often should my keywords be updated and reviewed?
Use Amazon’s analytics tools to track the performance of your keywords regularly. To consistently increase the visibility and sales of your listing, update and modify your keywords based on seasonality, trends, and performance metrics.
What happens if you use products or terms that are prohibited on Amazon?
If you use Amazon Restricted Words or include products that are restricted, you risk having your product taken off the market, having your selling rights revoked, and maybe facing legal repercussions. To keep your Amazon selling account active and profitable, always make sure you are following their rules.