Ever wondered why some products top Amazonโs search results while others stay hidden? The secret isnโt only a great product or a catchy title. Itโs about using smart keyword placement. With 59% of US consumers starting their product searches on Amazon, the right keywords can make a huge difference in both visibility and sales.
But hereโs the thing: Amazon doesnโt allow unlimited keywords everywhere. There are specific limits, and understanding how to use them can mean the difference between a best-seller and a forgotten listing. Hereโs a clear look at how many keywords you can use, where to add them, and how to make every character count for maximum impact.
Why Amazon keyword optimization matters for sales and visibility
Keywords are the foundation of Amazon SEO. They link your product to what shoppers really search for, shaping your visibility and sales. With Amazonโs net sales growing by 11% year-over-year to $158.9 billion in Q3 2024, competition is only getting tougher.
If your listings arenโt filled with the right keywords, you could miss out on this incredible growth. Placing keywords in the right spots helps your products show up higher in search results, increases clicks, and can boost conversions. In todayโs crowded marketplace, every keyword makes a difference.
Where to add backend search terms on Amazon listings
Amazon offers several areas for adding keywords, each with its own rules and limits. Understanding these areas is important for standing out. Hereโs how to use each one to create a strong Amazon keyword strategy that improves your ranking.
1. Product Title Keyword Limits and Best Practices
Your product title is the most important spot for Amazon keyword optimization. It is the first thing shoppers see and a powerful Amazon ranking factor. Although Amazon allows up to 200 characters for product titles, itโs best to keep your titles under 80 characters for better mobile display and compliance.
To optimize your title:
- Start with high-volume keywords.
- Include your brand, product type, and top features.
- Avoid keyword stuffing; clarity and relevance are more important than squeezing in every term.
For more tips, check out our Amazon Listing Optimization guide.
2. Bullet Points: How Many Keywords Can You Use?
Bullet points highlight your product benefits and features and are another place for Amazon keyword research. Each bullet usually allows up to 200 to 250 characters, but keep your language clear. Cramming too many keywords can turn shoppers away.
Best practices for bullet point optimization:
- Use all 5 bullet points to cover your main selling points.
- Integrate high-volume and low-competition keywords naturally.
- Focus on what matters to shoppers: benefits, uses, and what makes your product different.
Want to see how bullet points can increase your Amazon sales rank? Read our Amazon SEO Services.
3. Product Description: Optimizing for Secondary Keywords
The product description is your space for storytelling and details. Amazon allows up to 2,000 characters here, so use this area for secondary keywords and long-tail phrases that didnโt fit into your title or bullets.
Tips for strong product description SEO:
- Write in natural language to build trust and address common questions.
- Add relevant keywords, but donโt overload your text.
- Point out unique features, care tips, and your brandโs story.
Learn more about writing descriptions that convert in our Amazon SEO Best Practices.
4. Backend Search Terms: Maximize Amazon's Hidden Keywords
Backend search terms are hidden from shoppers, but theyโre essential for Amazon keyword optimization. Amazon gives you up to 250 bytes (about 250 characters) for backend search terms per product. This area lets you add synonyms, alternate spellings, and other useful keywords you couldnโt fit elsewhere.
How to make the most of backend search terms:
- Donโt repeat keywords already used in visible sections.
- Add variations and common misspellings.
- Skip unnecessary punctuation or filler words to maximize space.
Backend search terms are one of your best tools for search term optimization, so take advantage of them to improve your Amazon sales rank.
5. A+ Content and Alt Text: Extra Space for Indexable Keywords
A+ Content enhances your listing with detailed visuals and extra information. Most of this content isnโt indexed for Amazon SEO, but alt text on your images is. Use image alt tags to include relevant keywords for better discoverability.
Tips for A+ content keywords:
- Write short, descriptive alt text packed with keywords for every image.
- Choose terms that could drive traffic from image searches.
- Make sure alt text is always relevant.
To learn more about A+ Content, see our Amazon Marketing Agency services.
6. Amazon PPC Campaigns: Keyword Resources and Limits
Amazon PPC keywords are key for your ad strategy. Every campaign can support up to 1,000 keywords, but for the best results use 35 to 60 keywords per ad group.
How to get the most from Amazon PPC keywords:
- Mix high-volume and low-competition keywords.
- Regularly check and improve your list with performance data.
- Use Amazon keyword tools to discover new keyword options.
Want more strategies? Read our Ultimate Amazon Advertising Strategy Guide and Automating Amazon PPC Campaigns.
Amazon Keyword Limits Explained: Section-by-Section Chart
Knowing the keyword limits for each section helps you create an effective Amazon keyword strategy while staying within Amazonโs guidelines. Hereโs a quick table for easy reference.
Keyword character limits and best practices for Amazon listing optimization
SectionCharacter LimitBest PracticeProduct Title200Under 80 for mobileBullet Points200โ250 each5 concise, keyword-richDescription2,000Use for secondary keywordsBackend Search250 bytesNo repeats, use variationsPPC Campaigns1,000 keywords35โ60 per ad group
Keep this table handy for Amazon listing optimization. For more help, see our Amazon Full Account Management services.
Does repeating keywords help or hurt Amazon SEO myths explained
Repeating the same keyword throughout your listing does not improve your ranking. It can actually waste space. Amazonโs algorithm indexes only the first time a keyword appears, so itโs better to use a variety of keywords rather than repeats.
For more tips, see our Amazon Bidding Strategies Guide.
Avoiding keyword stuffing and penalties with smart Amazon keyword optimization tips
Keyword stuffing may result in suppressed listings or even penalties. Amazonโs algorithm rewards clear and relevant content. To avoid problems:
- Use each keyword once in the section where it makes the most sense.
- Keep your text clear and easy for shoppers to read.
- Update keywords as you get new performance data.
By focusing on smart Amazon keyword optimization, your listings stay both safe and effective. For more advice, check our Amazon SEO Best Practices.
Maximizing your Amazon keyword strategy for higher rankings
To stay ahead on Amazon, keep improving your keyword strategy. Continuous research and tweaks are needed to keep your listings visible and competitive.
How to Do Ongoing Keyword Research and Optimization
Amazonโs platform changes constantly. Review your keyword performance often and update your listings to catch new trends, seasonality, or buyer behavior. Amazon keyword tools help you track high-volume keywords and find new opportunities that matter.
If you want a hands-off approach, see how our team makes this easy with Amazon Full Account Management.
Keyword tools and data sources for Amazon keyword research and optimization
Use Amazon Brand Analytics, Product Opportunity Explorer, and reliable third-party Amazon keyword tools to find high-volume and low-competition keywords. These resources help you base your decisions on real data and keep you ahead of the pack.
To dig deeper into data, see our AI-driven sales reporting.
Pro tips for top Amazon ranking using keyword variations, synonyms, and trends
Keep your listings fresh by trying keyword variations, adding synonyms, and catching trending searches. Keep an eye on your competitors and move fast when customer preferences shift. The top Amazon sellers are always updating their approach.
Conclusion
Mastering Amazon keyword limits is crucial for better ranking and stronger sales. Keep working on your keywords, use data to guide your updates, and ask for expert help when you need it. Looking to scale up? Book a 1:1 growth call with our account managers!
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Meet Nandita Nair, an Associate Content Writer at SalesDuo, passionate about creating impactful content that helps Amazon businesses grow and thrive. When sheโs not writing, she finds joy in listening to music, exploring art, and getting lost in the world of novels.
