The Algorithm Got Smarter... But Did You?

Old-school keyword stuffing is dead—and it’s not coming back.

Amazon’s search algorithm, A9, just got a brain upgrade. And if you’re still obsessing over keyword cramming like it’s 2016, you’re gonna get left in the digital dust.

We’re not just talking about a tweak here. This is a game-changer.

📖 The GPS Metaphor: How My Buddy Got Lost—and Found—on Amazon

Last summer, my buddy Dave decided to sell a “car GPS holder” on Amazon. He did everything by the book (or so he thought):

• Researched high-volume keywords

• Loaded his listing with exact-match phrases

• Ran broad match auto ads

…and waited.

Crickets. 🚫

Meanwhile, a seller with a similar product—but with a totally different title: “Dashboard Phone Mount for Driving”—was crushing it.

Why?

Because Amazon now understands what customers mean, not just what they type.

A customer might search “hands-free iPhone map stand” or “cell phone dash clip,” and A9 now knows they’re looking for the same thing. That’s semantic search.

The seller who understood that? They didn’t chase keywords—they chased intent.

🔢 How to Optimize for Semantic Search in 4 Steps

1. Think Like a Shopper, Not a Seller

   • Ask: “What problem is my product solving?”

   • Use tools like Helium 10 or Amazon Suggest to study how people phrase their needs.

2. Use Natural Language in Your Listings

   • Sprinkle in variations and synonyms.

   • Don’t force it—write like a helpful human, not a keyword robot.

3. Lean into Your Bullet Points

   • Amazon scrapes bullets hard.

   • Include use cases: “Great for Uber drivers, road trips, and city navigation.”

4. Ads Still Matter—But Smarter

   • Use broad and phrase match to collect real-world search terms.

   • Test ASIN targeting on similar solutions, not just keyword twins.

🎯 Big Takeaway: Context > Keywords

You’re not selling a “USB blender.” You’re selling a “portable smoothie maker for gym bags and work desks.”

Amazon’s AI is finally catching up with how real people think. And that’s great news—if you’re ready to play by new rules.

💬 Proverb Worth Repeating: “Keywords are clues. Intent is the treasure.”

🖋️Stay sharp,

Andy Splichal
Founder & Managing Partner of True Online Presence & Author of the Make Each Click Count Book Series

P.S. Want to scale your sales without scaling your stress? I manage PPC for sellers who are serious about growth.
🎯 Book a free strategy call here — we’ll map out a winning game plan.

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