The 7 Most Common Amazon Listing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them for More Sales)

Introduction: Why Strong Listings Matter

Amazon is one of the most competitive e-commerce marketplaces: about 1.9 million sellers are actively selling on the platform, so standing out isn’t easy. Your Amazon product descriptions aren’t just a digital storefront. They’re the deciding factor between a shopper adding your item to their cart or scrolling past it in favor of a competitor, making Amazon listing optimization an absolute must.

Sadly, there are many common mistakes sellers make on Amazon that, though minor, can be costly. From keyword stuffing to compliance slip-ups, these errors kill conversion rates, tank search rankings, or even get listings suppressed.

At Hemisphr, we’ve helped brands of every size diagnose and correct these pitfalls, clearly demonstrating how to fix Amazon listing errors for more sales. In this guide, we’ll cover seven frequently seen Amazon product listing errors and how to correct them so that your business can thrive.

Mistake #1: Weak or Incomplete Product Titles

First, we’ll address how to improve Amazon product titles and descriptions. Your title is the single most important piece of real estate on your product page. It’s the first thing shoppers (and Amazon’s algorithm) see. Yet many sellers either write vague, uninformative titles (“Water Bottle – Blue”) or cram in every possible keyword (“Stainless Steel Water Bottle Eco-Friendly Leakproof BPA-Free Hot Cold Insulated Travel Sports Gym Yoga Hiking”).

Both extremes hurt performance. Vague titles won’t rank well, and keyword dumps look spammy, driving customers away.

Amazon Seller Tips

A strong Amazon title should naturally include your primary keyword while also highlighting your most compelling differentiator (size, material, pack count). It also needs to stay within category-specific character limits (generally 150-200 characters). 

For example:
Instead of: “Water Bottle – Blue”
Try: “32oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Double-Walled Insulated, Leakproof Lid, Keeps Drinks Cold 24 Hrs / Hot 12 Hrs”

To fix your Amazon listings, go for the version that is keyword-rich, descriptive, and customer-friendly.

Mistake #2: Generic or Confusing Bullet Points

Amazon bullet points (also called “Key Product Features”) are the main area in the listing for addressing buyer objections, but even experienced sellers repeat generic terms or overload the text with technical jargon that shoppers don’t understand.

Amazon Seller Tips

Think of bullet points as answers to a shopper’s unspoken questions:

• “Will this product solve my problem?”

• “Is it safe?”

• “What makes it better than others?”

A strong bullet point frames a feature as a benefit:
Instead of: “Made of stainless steel.”
Try: “Durable stainless steel design resists rust and keeps your bottle looking new, even after years of use.”

This ties the product’s material to a benefit the customer cares about: longevity.

Mistake #3: Poor Image Strategy

Amazon allows up to nine image uploads per listing, and typically up to seven tiles display on the product detail page, but many sellers upload only one or two. Others rely solely on plain studio shots without lifestyle or instructional photos.

That’s a missed opportunity: because customers can’t handle your product, images must do the heavy lifting.

Amazon Seller Tips

Always lead with a crisp primary image that clearly shows the product on a white background. Then, add lifestyle photos showing the product in use. Include infographics that highlight key features and/or assembly steps, and use comparison charts if you have product variations. 

Shoppers who see themselves using your product are far more likely to buy it.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Compliance Rules

Amazon is strict about compliance. Listings that make prohibited claims, such as “FDA-approved” for supplements, or “guaranteed results” for beauty products, risk immediate suppression or even account suspension. Note: Amazon’s Misleading & Prohibited Claims policy bans inaccurate or unverified health claims; for supplements, Amazon added stricter checks in 2024, requiring third-party testing and/or verification in some cases. The FDA distinguishes structure/function claims (allowed if not disease claims) from disease-treatment claims (which are not allowed). 

However, with the advent of AI copywriting tools, many sellers are letting AI write unchecked copy, which leads to overpromises that violate FDA or Amazon guidelines.

Amazon Seller Tips

Always avoid absolute claims like “cures,” “guaranteed,” or “100% safe.” Instead, opt for compliant phrasing like “Supports relaxation with natural botanicals,” rather than “Cures anxiety instantly!” Finally, you must stay up to date on Amazon’s Style Guides and Restricted Word Lists for your product’s category. 

Human oversight is non-negotiable for success on Amazon. At Hemisphr, we always pair AI drafting with manual compliance reviews to protect sellers from costly takedowns.

Mistake #5: Overstuffing Keywords

Keywords matter, and on Amazon, SEO is a necessity. They’re how Amazon’s algorithm knows what your product is. However, many sellers assume more is better, cramming every variation into titles, bullets, and descriptions. Doing this results in robotic-sounding copy that alienates shoppers and barely makes sense. 

Amazon Seller Tips

Avoid Amazon SEO mistakes by using primary keywords in your title while sprinkling secondary keywords naturally into bullet points and descriptions. Mirror phrasing from real customer searches, reviews, and Q&As (like “postnatal yoga mat” instead of “eco-friendly non-slip professional mat”). 

Remember: conversion rates are a ranking signal, too. Copy that appeals to humans will perform better than keyword soup.

Mistake #6: Skipping A+ Content

Amazon A+ Content (formerly Enhanced Brand Content in Seller Central) is one of the best ways to elevate your product page. Too many sellers either skip it entirely or fill it with generic lifestyle stock photos that add no real value.

If you do that, you’re leaving money on the table! Amazon reports that A+ Content can substantially boost conversion rates (8% boost and 20% boost for Basic A+ Content and Premium A+ Content, respectively).

Amazon Seller Tips

One of the best practices for Amazon product listings is to use the first A+ modules to tell your brand story, setting your product apart from the competition. Include explainer visuals like step-by-step use guides or exploded views. Add trust signals like certifications, awards, or brand heritage, and don’t forget to design for mobile-first. Most shoppers these days browse and buy on their phones. For example, you could note brand qualities like “Family-Focused” or “Made in the USA,” before moving on to product qualities and guarantees like “10-Year Warranty,” “Sustainably Sourced Materials,” or “Third-Party Tested for Purity.”

When it’s done right, A+ Content doesn’t just look good, it builds trust and drives sales. Just remember, A+ Content is available to registered brand owners, and Premium A+ Content is invite/paid only.

Mistake #7: Neglecting the Customer’s Voice

Sometimes, in the face of all the data, sellers forget that listings aren’t written for algorithms; they’re written for people. When this is lost, listings can feel more like technical spec sheets than persuasive sales copy. Ultimately, you’ve got to sell to the person behind the phone, not the algorithm serving your product to them.

Amazon Seller Tips

Start by mining your customer reviews and Q&As for real phrasing and customer concerns. Address common objections and questions directly (e.g., “Is this safe for kids?”). Most importantly, write in a tone that reflects your brand. That may be playful, luxurious, scientific, adventurous, serious, whimsical, or something else entirely. It doesn’t matter as long as it is true and organic to your brand. 

When shoppers feel like you are genuine and understand their needs, they’re far more likely to buy.

The Hemisphr Approach: Human + AI

At Hemisphr, we believe AI is a powerful tool, but only when paired with human judgment. Our process combines AI insights for keyword trends and competitive data, but relies on human creativity for storytelling, compliance, and emotional connection. We also continuously optimize to keep listings up-to-date and aligned with Amazon’s evolving rules. 

This approach ensures your product listings will do more than rank; they’ll convert, while keeping your brand both safe and authentic.

Conclusion: Small Fixes, Big Impact

Amazon listing mistakes are common, but they’re easily fixable. Whether it’s rewriting titles, rethinking bullet points, or adding mobile-optimized A+ Content, small changes can lead to big results.

Strong listings aren’t just words and images; they’re the foundation of your brand’s presence on Amazon. If they’re done right, they will go above and beyond informing the customer. Instead, they will persuade, reassure, and convert.

If you’re ready to turn your listings into sales engines, book a 15-minute audit with Hemisphr. 

 

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