Understanding the Basics of Amazon’s A9 Algorithm
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Are you aiming to boost your products' visibility on Amazon's search results? Understanding the Amazon A9 algorithm is important for this. This algorithm plays a crucial role as the backbone of Amazon's search engine optimization (SEO) and chooses which products show up when customers search for specific queries.
Essentially, what the Amazon A9 algorithm does is to match shoppers with the most relevant products to increase their chance of making a purchase. If your product doesn't align with what shoppers are looking for, you may struggle to attract sales.
Therefore, getting to know how the A9 algorithm operates is important for optimizing your product listings and securing a high rank on Amazon's search results pages.
What exactly is Amazon's A9 Algorithm?
The Amazon A9 Algorithm is like the engine behind Amazon's search, checking which items on sale get the spotlight in the search results. This works similarly to other search engines by considering keywords, but it's more about which item is driving sales than just keyword stuffing.
Here's the deal: Amazon wants products that not only show up in searches but also give the most power to customers to hit that "buy" button. That's why it prioritizes products with a track record of sales and conversions over those that are simply filled with keywords.
Think of it as a cycle: products that sell well are pushed to the first page of the results, they rank higher, and then draws more attention and, you guessed it, more sales. It's a win-win loop that keeps boosting a product's visibility and sales organically.
So, if you're serious about getting your product noticed and driving sales on Amazon, you've got to understand the code of the A9 Algorithm. Having an idea how it works and optimizing your listings accordingly is key to success.
What does Keywords have to do with Amazon’s A9 Algorithm?
Keywords are like guiding lights for your product in the vast world of Amazon. When someone searches for a specific item, Amazon's search engine sifts through tons of product listings to find the best match. That's where these keywords come in – they serve as road signs that tell the search engine that your product is a perfect fit for what the shopper wants.
So, when you place relevant keywords throughout your product listing – in the title, bullet points, description, and back end keywords – you're basically giving Amazon's algorithm a big thumbs-up, saying, "Hey, my product is exactly what this shopper is looking for!"
If your Amazon listing is getting traffic but not sales, it’s almost always because the copy isn’t doing its job. Most brands think conversion is about keywords, PPC, or price — and while those matter, they only get you the click . What determines whether someone stays, scrolls, and buys is the story your listing tells the moment they land on the page . And the truth is: most Amazon listings don’t tell a story at all. They list features. They copy competitors. They try to say everything instead of the right things. And they forget that shoppers make decisions emotionally first, logically second. After optimizing hundreds of listings across dozens of categories, these are the most common reasons your listing isn’t converting — and what your copy should be doing differently. 1. Your Listing Doesn’t Distinguish Your Product From the Competition Amazon is a comparison engine. Shoppers jump between tabs. They scroll through “Similar Items.” They check “Products You Might Like.” If your listing copy sounds like every other product in your category, shoppers assume yours is the same — and buy the cheapest one. Most low-conversion listings fail here because they highlight category features , not unique benefits . Everyone has: “premium quality” “easy to use” “durable materials” “fast performance” Those statements mean nothing. High-converting listings win by clearly defining: Why your version exists What makes your design different What problem you solve better than the rest Without that, price becomes your only differentiator — and that kills your margin. 2. Your Copy Doesn’t Create Buyer Confidence Quickly Enough Amazon buyers don’t read long blocks of text. They skim for confidence . They want confirmation that they’re making the right decision. If your bullets don’t immediately deliver: clarity trust value outcomes …then shoppers bounce. The most important real estate on your listing — the title and top two bullets — has to make the shopper think: “This is exactly what I need.” “This brand knows what they’re doing.” “I trust this product to solve my problem.” If your listing doesn’t create this moment fast, conversions drop. 3. Your Bullets Are Too Technical or Too Generic Many listings fall into one of two traps: ❌ Too generic Example: “High quality construction for long-lasting use.” This tells the shopper nothing. ❌ Too technical Example: “Constructed with 6061-T6 anodized aluminum with reinforced thermoplastic polymer inserts.” This overwhelms shoppers who aren’t experts. The sweet spot is technical accuracy + practical meaning. Example: “Lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum body designed to withstand everyday wear without adding bulk.” Same feature. But now it means something to the shopper. 4. Your Listing Doesn’t Explain Real-World Use Cases Amazon customers buy solutions. If your listing never explains when and why someone would actually use your product, add-to-cart rates stay low. Instead of saying what your product is , say what it does for the customer in real life . For example: “Ideal for securing windows during remodels” “Helps prevent heat loss around door frames” “Perfect for quick sealing jobs during outdoor repairs” Use cases make your product instantly more useful — and more buyable. 5. You Haven’t Built a Strong Enough Brand Presence on the Page Your brand matters more than ever. Amazon shoppers are tired of anonymous sellers and private-label lookalikes. They need to see signs of legitimacy. Strong listings incorporate: consistent tone unique phrasing confidence-building microcopy professional imagery A+ content with flow Brand trust directly increases conversions, especially in competitive categories. 6. Your A+ Content Isn’t Strengthening the Narrative A+ content is your conversion engine — but only if it's used correctly. Low-performing A+ modules: repeat the bullets list features without context lack a clear visual hierarchy don’t teach anything meaningful High-performing A+ content does this: Shows the “why” behind the product Uses visuals to explain the outcome Reinforces unique differences Builds trust with brand credibility signals A+ is not filler. It’s the final push that turns hesitation into “Add to Cart.” 7. You Forgot the Most Important Part: The Shopper’s Emotional Trigger Even technical buyers (contractors, hobbyists, pros) buy emotionally. They want: reliability ease precision durability efficiency simplicity Your listing needs emotional anchors — not hype, not exaggeration — just clear confidence-driving language that connects with why they need the product. Examples of subtle emotional phrasing that converts: “Built to perform every time you reach for it.” “Designed to solve the problems that slow jobs down.” “Engineered so you don’t have to worry about failures.” Those phrases land because they speak to the shopper’s real frustrations. Final Thought Most low-converting Amazon listings don’t fail because the product is bad. They fail because the copy isn’t telling the right story. Once you fix the story — the clarity, the flow, the confidence, the differentiation — everything else rises with it. If you want expert help tightening your listings, strengthening your brand voice, or raising your conversion rate… 👉 Book Your Fr+ee Strategy Call with CMO Now
If you’ve ever optimized a technical Amazon listing — tools, adhesives, optics, equipment, parts, gear — you already know the biggest challenge: Technical products rarely “sell themselves.” They’re not beautiful. They’re not emotional. They don’t have lifestyle appeal. So when the listing is filled with hard specs, long feature lists, and highly mechanical language, shoppers disengage quickly — even when the product is exactly what they need. This is why storytelling has become one of the most powerful, underrated drivers of conversion in technical categories. Not fluffy storytelling. Not lifestyle fluff. But clear, purposeful storytelling that explains the logic behind your product, the problems it solves, and how it integrates into the shopper’s everyday workflow. When you add storytelling into a technical listing, it does three things extremely well: It removes confusion. It increases confidence. And it speeds up decision-making. Let’s break down why this works so effectively — and how you can apply it to any SKU you manage. 1. Storytelling Makes Complex Products Easy to Understand Most technical listings fail because they assume the shopper already understands the specs. In reality, shoppers want clarity, not complexity. For example, a feature like: “6061-T6 anodized aluminum housing” is technically accurate — but does nothing to help the shopper visualize how this matters in daily use. When you apply storytelling, the same feature becomes: “Built from lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum so it stays durable without adding bulk to your gear.” Nothing was changed except context . And context is what buyers convert on. Storytelling translates specs into outcomes. Outcomes create clarity. Clarity creates conversion. 2. Storytelling Helps Shoppers Visualize Real-World Use Visualization is one of the strongest triggers behind add-to-cart decisions. When the shopper can picture themselves using the product, they’re already halfway to buying it. Technical listings struggle with this because they describe the product, but not the experience. Here’s what strong micro-storytelling sounds like: “Perfect for quick roof fixes when weather is coming in fast.” “Built for contractors who work long days with demanding gear.” “Designed for smooth installation even in tight or awkward spaces.” When the shopper sees themselves in the scenario, the product starts to feel necessary — not optional. That shift dramatically increases conversion. 3. Storytelling Explains the “Why” Behind Technical Choices Technical products often include design decisions the shopper may not understand unless you explain them. For example: UV-rated facer pressure-sensitive adhesive reinforced polymer recessed controls flexible membrane raised edging If you just list the feature, the buyer can’t interpret its purpose. But if you explain the reason behind the feature, trust builds instantly. For example, instead of: “UV-rated aluminum facer for durability” use: “UV-rated facer stands up to long exposure when exterior panels are delayed — keeping the seal intact until final installation.” This explains: what the feature is why it matters when the shopper will benefit That’s the core of technical storytelling: Giving every feature a purpose the shopper can understand immediately. 4. Storytelling Builds Trust With Beginners and Experienced Users Technical categories attract two very different customer types: A) Highly knowledgeable buyers (pros, contractors, specialists) B) New or frustrated buyers (DIY homeowners, first-timers, problem-solvers) If your copy leans too technical, group B gets overwhelmed. If your copy leans too simple, group A loses confidence. Storytelling bridges this gap by offering clarity without dumbing anything down. For experienced buyers, storytelling communicates: “This brand understands real-world use.” “These features solve problems I deal with on the job.” “This isn’t generic — it’s purpose-built.” For beginners, storytelling communicates: “Now I understand how this works.” “This feels like the right tool for what I’m fixing.” “I can do this.” When both audiences feel understood, conversion climbs. 5. Storytelling Makes Commodity Products Feel Like Professional Tools Amazon is full of technical items that look nearly identical to competitors. Some buyers are choosing between 20 nearly identical flashing tapes, 30 red dots, or 40 rechargeable work lights. The difference? The brand that tells the clearest story wins. Even a simple narrative line like: “Engineered for long days in tough outdoor conditions.” …already separates your product from the “copy/paste listings” that feel manufactured and soulless. When your product feels purposeful, buyers trust it more — and trust always leads to higher add-to-cart behavior. 6. Storytelling Makes Your A+ Content Actually Useful Most A+ modules fail because they simply rephrase bullet points instead of expanding the story. Strong technical A+ content should: provide clear visuals break down complex features explain engineering choices show how the product fits into real applications reinforce quality in a way text alone can’t The A+ is your storytelling engine. If your bullets attract shoppers, the A+ convinces them to commit. Your A+ should make buyers think: “I get what this does. I get how it helps me. And I trust this brand.” When your A+ does that, your add-to-cart rate rises — even in highly technical categories. 7. Storytelling Reduces Buying Anxiety in High-Stakes Categories Some technical products carry higher purchase anxiety because buyers want to be absolutely sure they’re purchasing the correct component. This includes: firearm optics tool parts vehicle accessories electrical components adhesives and tapes safety equipment Storytelling eliminates hesitation by guiding the shopper through: fitment installation compatibility expected results scenarios where the product excels This removes friction from the decision, so the shopper never leaves the listing wondering: “Is this the right one?” When anxiety drops, conversions rise. 8. Storytelling Gives Your Brand a Clear Voice in a Category Where Most Brands Sound the Same Technical listings have a bad habit of sounding robotic, repetitive, and identical across competitors. But when you incorporate storytelling: your tone becomes recognizable your brand builds authority your listing becomes more readable shoppers retain more information your product feels more premium And most importantly: You stand out. In categories full of nearly identical SKUs, your voice becomes your competitive edge. Final Thought Technical listings don’t need less detail — they need better detail. Storytelling turns complex information into clarity, context, and confidence. And confident shoppers convert. If you want help transforming your listings, tightening your copy, or elevating your entire Amazon strategy to perform at a higher level… 👉 Book Your Free Strategy Call with CMO Now