Reader Question: What Exactly is Key Word Spamming on eBay?

Suzanne — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:18:02 +0000

Key word spamming occurs when members place brand names or other inappropriate or unrelated keywords in a title or description for the purpose of gaining attention or diverting members to a listing. This is also called search engine manipulation. Keyword spamming in your title or listing is not permitted on eBay. The searchable text sellers place in listings must be directly relevant to the item being sold.

When doing store critiques, I have seen this tactic used many times. I’m not sure why the spammers even think that buyers will buy from them in the first place – it is obvious that they are using underhanded techniques. For example, one customer was selling handmade beaded earrings. Her title read:

“iPod Nano Wii Playstation 3 earrings LOOK”

Key word spamming is a waste of your time and the customer’s time. Not only is this seller driving customers to her listings who aren’t even interested in earrings, but she isn’t even targeting customers who might actually be interested in buying her product. eBay gives you 55 characters for your title – use them wisely to attract potential buyers to your listings. What good does it do you to have hundreds of page views, if the customers are searching for a product that you don’t even offer?

Another example is using inappropriate brand names to describe your item. I see this one often:

“Homemade candle pillar like Yankee Candle Clean Cotton”

This seller is using an established brand name to drive traffic to his homemade item. Many sellers offer homemade candles on eBay, but a seller cannot claim they are “like” an established brand name – that description is subjective and the seller’s personal opinion. Stick with factual information only. You don’t want to manipulate your buyer into purchasing something, and then be dissatisfied and leave you negative feedback.

Abuse of key words can lead to:

Listing cancellation
Limits on account privileges
Account suspension
Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings
Loss of PowerSeller status

eBay is over-run with key word spam and this makes it very difficult for legitimate honest sellers compete when so many other sellers are blatantly breaking the rules. to If you see any listings that are obviously key word spam, report them to eBay trust and safety. Read this helpful guide on Key Word Spam Busting.