Optimize Amazon Backend Keywords in 2024 for Explosive Growth

If you’re new to selling on Amazon, it can feel a bit like trying to navigate New York City without a Google maps. There’s so much to figure out, but one thing that can make a huge difference for your business is understanding how to optimize backend keywords.

Think of Amazon backend keywords like secret ingredients in your grandma’s famous apple pie — they’re hidden, but they make all the difference. These keywords won’t show up to the customer, but they help get your products discovered, just like grandma’s pie getting all the attention at Thanksgiving. And in 2024, mastering these backend keywords is going to be key to reaching the first page of search results and boosting your sales faster than a viral TikTok trend.

What Are Amazon Backend Keywords?

Backend keywords on Amazon are search terms that are behind the scenes. You add them in the "hidden" part of your listing, kind of like adding spices to a recipe—you don’t see them, but boy, do they make an impact. These terms don’t show up on your product pages, but they are essential for helping Amazon’s SEO (Search Engine Optimization) understand what you’re selling.

Backend keywords are the alternative to keyword stuffing that actually works. They allow sellers to include all their targets without cluttering their listings. This approach optimizes your Advertising Cost of Sale (ACoS) on Amazon while maintaining a professional voice. In simple terms, you can reach more buyers without overwhelming them with too many keywords upfront.

Why Are Amazon Backend Keywords Important?

Think of backend keywords as your secret weapon in the battle for Amazon’s top search positions. They enable you to target a wider range of search queries, including variations and alternative phrasings that customers might use when searching for a product like yours. For example, if you sell "wireless headphones," some buyers might search for "Bluetooth earbuds" or "noise-cancelling earphones." With backend search terms, you can make sure your listing shows up for those searches without stuffing your product description with endless keywords.

By using backend keywords, you open the opportunity for your business to reach more valuable sales. For instance, let’s say you sell strings of lights. Some people might search for “light strings,” while others will search for “Christmas lights,” “patio lights,” or “light strands.” Instead of missing out on these potential customers, you can incorporate all these terms into your backend, allowing your product to appear in multiple relevant searches.

Amazon’s 2024 update expanding the character limit from 250 to 500 characters is a game-changer. This significant shift impacts sellers’ SEO strategies by allowing more keywords, ultimately improving how products are presented and ranked in Amazon’s search results. With 500 characters at your disposal, you can now target a broader audience with more specific terms. It’s like having more billboards on the highway—more eyes on your product means more potential buyers.

Before 2024, we were only allowed to use 250 characters in the search term box by Amazon. This restricted the targeting Amazon sellers were able to make. But with the 2024 update, sellers will be able to broaden their target audience.

Where to add Backend Search Terms in Amazon

By now you do understand how important it is to add back-end keywords to your Amazon listings. But if you’re wondering where to find them, then follow the below steps to find the section where you can add back-end keywords to all your listings.

1. Log in to your Amazon seller central account

2. Go to the “Inventory” drop-down menu, select “Manage Inventory"

3. Find the listing in which you want to add backend keywords. Click on the “Edit”button at the right side corner on the listing. You will be redirected to a new page.

4. On this page, select the “Keywords” tab

5. Enter your backend keyword in the “Search Terms” field and select “Save and finish”

How to Optimize Backend Search Terms on Amazon

Here’s a quick, bite-sized guide to optimizing your backend keywords for maximum impact:

1. Focus on What Matters Most
   Start by researching keywords that drive sales. Use tools like Helium 10 or Jungle Scout to find Amazon-specific keywords. With the expanded 500-character limit, you have more room to play ball.
2. Avoid Repetition
   Just like we don’t need a dozen versions of “Let It Go” from Frozen, you don’t need to repeat keywords already in your product title or bullet points. Use that backend space for fresh terms to broaden your reach.
3. Max Out Your Space
   The 500-character limit is your best friend. Use all the available space to include variations, alternative spellings, and even common misspellings—just like how some people say "soda" and others say "pop."
4. Monitor Keyword Performance
   Backend keywords aren’t a "set it and forget it" thing, like your high school yearbook photos. You need to check in regularly and see how they’re doing. Use tools like Helium 10’s keyword tracker to see what’s working and what needs tweaking.
5. Competitor Brand Names
   Just like the front-end, even in the back-end you’re not allowed to use competitor brand names to target them. So, ensure you don’t use them or Amazon might take down your listing due to trademark infringement.
6. Copyright Words
   Another type of words which we shouldn’t use anywhere in our listing - whether back-end or front-end are copyright words like 3M or Toyota. These words will again jeopardize your listings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even in the land of opportunity, there are pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• No Need for Punctuation– Just like Twitter’s character count, spaces are enough. Don’t waste room with commas or periods. Try to not use any kind of punctuation marks like , or ‘ or - or | or ;. These will end up using your precious character limit without making any impact on your listing.
• Stick to the Character Limit– Exceeding the 500-character limit will result in Amazon ignoring your backend keywords. Don’t go too far, or you’ll be benched.
• Keep It Relevant– Don’t use irrelevant keywords. Adding “Game of Thrones” references to a listing for headphones won’t make your product show up more, just like naming your cat “Tiger King” won’t turn it into a viral sensation.
• Avoid Keywords which are Similar - As we’ve only 500 character space available, we should avoid any keywords that are similar to each other like headphone & headfone.

Conclusion

In 2024, optimizing your Amazon backend keywords is the way to go if you’re looking for explosive growth. By taking advantage of the increased character limit, keeping your search terms relevant, and consistently monitoring keyword performance, you’re setting yourself up for success. It’s like shooting for a three-pointer in the final seconds of a basketball game—it takes strategy and focus, but the payoff can be huge.

So, get those backend keywords ready, and may your product listings soar higher than the Top Gun: Maverick box office numbers. Happy selling!