How to Choose the Right Category and Keywords for Faster Sales

Even a great listing can go unnoticed if it's filed under the wrong category or uses words buyers aren't actually searching for. A few minutes spent on this before publishing makes a real difference to how many people see your listing.

Choosing the right category

• Browse the category tree yourself and check where similar, successfully sold items are listed rather than guessing.
• Pick the most specific subcategory available rather than a broad parent category — specific categories tend to have more targeted, ready-to-buy browsers.
• If an item genuinely fits more than one category, choose the one where your target buyer is more likely to be searching, not just the one that feels most accurate.

Choosing keywords that match how buyers search

• Use the specific brand, model, and key specifications in your title — buyers frequently search by these exact terms.
• Avoid jargon or abbreviations that aren't widely recognized; a slightly longer, clearer title outperforms a clever but ambiguous one.
• Include size, colour, or material where relevant, since these are common search filters buyers use.

Testing your own listing

Search for your own item using the terms you'd expect a buyer to use, and see where your listing ranks. If it's hard to find even when you know exactly what you're looking for, it will be much harder for a buyer who doesn't.

Revisiting over time

If a listing has been up for a while without traction, it's worth re-checking the category and title rather than assuming the item simply isn't wanted — sometimes a small change in wording or category placement is all it takes.