What should I know about Amazon A9 ranking algorithm to become a successful seller?

Ultimately, your global target as a successful seller on Amazon is winning the Buy Box over there. If taken by definition, the Buy Box is a specific location on the Amazon listing page where each visitor is offered to start making purchases – just by moving the items to a customer’s cart. 

And here is when Amazon A9 search ranking algorithm comes into play. I mean that to find your product offers inside that deserved Buy Box, you will need to check some of the main SEO aspects Amazon A9 ranking algorithm pays attention to. Of course, these specific factors used by Amazon A9 to determine search ranking for each product on sale over there have never been disclosed, at least officially. But according to the most recent hard practical tests, we figured the following.

Here are specific targets required for every successful seller on Amazon to win the Buy Box over there. Let me say it once again – there is no official evidence to give them any definite confirmation or guaranteed ranking promotion with Amazon A9 ranking algorithm. Nevertheless, here is what we have to do, at least to increase our chances of being displayed among top searched items over there. That way, focus on optimizing your product listings through the following main areas of performance:

• Competitive Pricing – before anything else, you should keep an eye on your competitors’ pricing. Just to make sure your own price tags are maintaining the adequate level of market competition. The thing is that most commonly the Buy Box listings are showing the lowest priced deals available (i.e., the total amount due to be paid by the customer upon the receipt, including the cost of shipment). Among the others, I recommend using specifically tailored Amazon price tracking tools – like Camelcamelcamel, or Keepa – to have everything in place with your pricing and promptly respond to any adjustments delivered by your closest market opponents. 

• Sufficient Stock Availability – it may seem like a no-brainer, but inventory planning is a very important thing not only to attract the potential buyer, but from the viewpoint of Amazon A9 ranking algorithm too! Make sure you’re updating your inventory numbers in a timely manner (the Seller Central Portal), and don’t forget about maintaining a sufficient level of your product stock availability. Remember, it’s impossible to dominate the Buy Box for your listings that aren’t backed with the actual stock availability for the moment.
• Fulfillment – is also a very important sales metrics taken into account by Amazon A9 search ranking algorithm as well. All you need to remain competitive – is to update your shipping options (the Seller Central) so that you’re offering as many shipping terms and conditions as possible. Of course, ideally, you should have a free shipping offer (if possible). After all, those Amazon sellers who charge for their shipments (don’t have them included in the price total) have got a certainly lower chance of being displayed in the Buy Box.