How to Find Backend Keywords for Amazon Listings
Backend keywords are a powerful yet often overlooked tool for Amazon sellers. These hidden keywords help improve your product's discoverability without cluttering your listing. In this guide, we’ll show you how to find and optimize backend keywords to maximize your Amazon SEO.
What Are Backend Keywords on Amazon?
Backend keywords are search terms entered in the backend of your Amazon product listing. Unlike frontend keywords (title, bullet points, description), they aren’t visible to shoppers but are indexed by Amazon’s A9 algorithm. They help your product rank for relevant searches without affecting readability.
Why Backend Keywords Matter
Using backend keywords effectively can:
- Increase visibility for long-tail searches
- Capture misspellings and synonyms
- Improve ranking without sacrificing listing quality
How to Find Backend Keywords for Amazon
1. Use Amazon’s Autocomplete
Start typing your main keyword in Amazon’s search bar. The autocomplete suggestions reveal popular search terms customers are using.
2. Analyze Competitor Listings
Tools like Helium 10 or Jungle Scout can extract keywords from top-ranking competitors. Look for terms they’re ranking for that you might have missed.
3. Leverage Amazon Keyword Tools
Specialized tools like:
- Sonar (free)
- Keyword Tool Dominator
- MerchantWords
provide valuable keyword data specific to Amazon searches.
4. Mine Customer Reviews
Read through product reviews for phrases customers use to describe features or problems. These often reveal valuable keyword opportunities.
Best Practices for Backend Keywords
- Limit to 250 bytes (about 50 words)
- Avoid duplicates with frontend keywords
- Include synonyms and alternate spellings
- Don’t use brand names you don’t own
- Separate terms with spaces (no commas)
Where to Add Backend Keywords
In Seller Central, navigate to:
- Inventory > Manage Inventory
- Select your product
- Click ‘Edit’ then ‘Keywords’ tab
- Enter your terms in the ‘Search Terms’ field
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Stuffing irrelevant keywords
- Including prohibited terms
- Repeating frontend keywords
- Exceeding character limits
By strategically researching and implementing backend keywords, you can significantly improve your Amazon product visibility and sales. Regularly update your keywords based on performance data and changing search trends.