How to create a new product listing on Amazon

Creating a new product listing on Amazon involves several steps to ensure your product is properly presented to customers and complies with Amazon’s guidelines. Each step contributes to maximizing visibility, ensuring accuracy, and increasing sales potential. Here’s a detailed guide to creating a new product listing:

Table of Contents

1. Prepare for the Listing

Before you start, gather all necessary information about your product. This includes the product title, description, specifications, high-quality images, pricing details, and any other relevant details. Preparation ensures that the listing process is smooth and minimizes errors.

Key components to prepare:

Product Name/Title: Keep it concise yet descriptive. Include important keywords customers might search for.
Images: Use clear, high-resolution images. Amazon recommends at least 1000 pixels in width or height for optimal zoom functionality. Include multiple angles and close-ups.
Product Details: Prepare bullet points summarizing features and benefits. Also, draft a compelling product description.
UPC or GTIN: Most products require a unique identifier like a Universal Product Code (UPC). You may need to obtain this from GS1 or check if Amazon allows you to apply for a GTIN exemption.
Pricing and Inventory Information: Decide your price and inventory stock levels.

2. Log in to Amazon Seller Central

To create a listing, you need an Amazon Seller account. If you don’t have one, register at Amazon Seller Central.

Types of Seller Accounts:

Individual Account: No monthly subscription fee, but a per-item fee applies. Suitable for low-volume sellers.
Professional Account: Monthly subscription fee applies but allows access to advanced tools, bulk listing, and advertising options. Ideal for businesses.

Once logged in, navigate to your dashboard to start creating the listing.

3. Choose Your Listing Method

Amazon provides two primary methods to create product listings:

1. Add a Product (One-by-One Listing):

Suitable for a small number of listings.
Navigate to “Inventory” > “Add a Product.”
Search for your product to see if it already exists in Amazon’s catalog. If it does, you can list under the existing ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number). If not, choose the option to create a new listing.

2. Bulk Upload:

Ideal for high-volume sellers.
Use a spreadsheet template from Seller Central to input product details in bulk. Upload the completed file to create multiple listings simultaneously.

4. Select the Product Category

Choosing the correct category and subcategory is critical for product discoverability and compliance with Amazon’s guidelines.

When creating a new listing, Amazon prompts you to select a category.
Use Amazon’s “Product Classifier” tool to find the most relevant category.
Ensure the chosen category aligns with your product type to avoid listing rejections.

5. Enter Product Information

Amazon’s product listing form is divided into multiple tabs to input various details. Here’s what each section typically includes:

1. Vital Info

Product Name (Title): Limit it to 200 characters and include relevant keywords.
Manufacturer: Specify who made the product.
Brand Name: If you own a brand, ensure it is registered with Amazon’s Brand Registry.
Product ID (UPC/GTIN/ASIN): Enter the appropriate identifier or apply for an exemption.

2. Offer

Price: Set your product’s price, considering market competition.
Quantity: Specify the available stock.
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): Assign a unique identifier for your inventory management.
Condition: Select the product’s condition (e.g., New, Used, Refurbished).

3. Images

Upload high-quality images. The main image should display the product clearly on a white background, with no additional text or graphics.
Add supporting images to showcase different angles, packaging, and use cases.

4. Description

Bullet Points: Highlight key features and benefits in five concise bullet points. Focus on what makes the product unique.
Detailed Description: Provide a narrative that elaborates on the product’s features, benefits, and use cases. Optimize with relevant keywords for search engine visibility.

5. Keywords

Add backend search terms that customers might use to find your product. These are not visible to buyers but help improve search ranking.
Use synonyms, related phrases, and alternate spellings.

6. More Details

Input specific attributes like dimensions, weight, color, material, and other technical specifications.
Provide warranty information, if applicable.

6. Optimize Your Listing for SEO

Amazon’s search algorithm (A9) ranks products based on relevance, performance, and customer satisfaction. Optimizing your listing ensures better visibility in search results.

Tips for Optimization:

Use Keywords Strategically: Incorporate primary and secondary keywords naturally in the title, bullet points, and description.
Focus on Benefits: Highlight how the product solves a problem or meets a need.
Enhance Readability: Use clear formatting, bullet points, and short paragraphs.
Include Enhanced Brand Content (EBC): If enrolled in Amazon Brand Registry, use EBC or A+ Content to add visuals, comparison charts, and branding elements to your listing.

7. Set Shipping and Fulfillment Options

Decide how your product will reach customers:

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA): Amazon handles storage, packaging, and shipping. This option offers faster delivery and better customer service but comes with fees.
Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM): You manage storage, shipping, and customer service independently.

8. Review and Submit

Before publishing, review your listing for accuracy and completeness:

Check for typos or missing information.
Ensure all required fields are filled.
Verify that images meet Amazon’s quality standards.

Click “Save and Finish” to submit your listing. Amazon may take a few hours to process and publish your product.

9. Monitor and Optimize

Once your product is live, continuously monitor its performance. Key metrics to track include:

Impressions and Clicks: Measure how often your listing appears in searches and how many people click on it.
Conversion Rate: Evaluate how many visitors complete a purchase.
Customer Reviews and Ratings: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and address any negative feedback promptly.

Use Amazon Seller Central’s tools to adjust pricing, optimize keywords, and run promotions or advertisements to boost visibility.

10. Leverage Advertising and Promotions

To increase sales, consider using Amazon’s marketing tools:

Sponsored Products: Pay-per-click (PPC) ads to promote your listing in search results.
Lightning Deals and Coupons: Offer time-sensitive discounts to attract buyers.
Brand Storefront: Create a dedicated store page for your brand to showcase your entire product catalog.

By following these steps, you can create a professional and optimized Amazon product listing that attracts customers, drives sales, and builds your brand presence.