Learn about the different listing components that can be optimized with the Item Optimization feature.
In this article:
Listing titles
Listing titles are concise, descriptive phrases that summarize what an item is. They appear prominently in search results, listing pages, and browsing screens, and serve as the first point of contact to grab potential buyers' attention. Most importantly, they help the item appear in relevant search queries.
With Item Optimization, listing titles benefit from:
- Improved SEO,
- Strategic and relevant keyword placements, and
- Optimizations within eBay’s character limit (80 total characters) and rules.
Mobile descriptions
Mobile descriptions are listing descriptions that are displayed to eBay app users, or to those who view listings from mobile device browsers. On mobile devices, desktop descriptions are only accessible by clicking the See full description prompt in the listing details.
If a listing is not assigned its own mobile description, eBay may generate its own.
The different types of HTML tags and their formatting rules are summarized below:
- Compatible tags: All opening and closing tags used for ordered or unordered lists (<ol>, </ol>, <ul>, </ul>, <li>, </li>), (non-breaking space), and <br> or <br/> (line break) tags.
-
List formatting: Each list element (<li>element1</li>) counts as 3 characters toward the maximum character limit. Other list tags (i.e., <ol>, </ol>, <ul>, </ul>) will not count toward this limit.
- Space formatting: Each <br> or <br/> tag counts as 50 characters toward the maximum character limit, and each (non-breaking space) counts as 1 character toward the maximum character limit.
With Item Optimization, mobile descriptions benefit from:
- Improved SEO,
- Optimizations within eBay’s character limit (800 total characters) and rules (such as limiting the use of line break tags), and
- Automated visibility based on whether a user is using a mobile or desktop device.
Desktop descriptions
Desktop descriptions are comprehensive, full-length listing descriptions displayed to buyers who view your listings from a desktop or laptop web browser. They provide ample space for detailed item specifics, shipping policies, and rich HTML formatting, serving as the primary resource for buyers to get all the in-depth information they need to make an informed purchase.
With Item Optimization, desktop descriptions benefit from:
- Safe, template-preserving updates that ensure your custom HTML layouts and store designs remain intact,
- Improved language and grammar that focuses on fixing typos and refining vague statements into highly descriptive text, and
- Enhanced SEO and missing detail integration through strategic keyword placement.
META tag descriptions
Meta tag descriptions are short HTML summaries that appear as a listing preview in external search engine results, such as Google or Bing, as well as in messaging apps and social networks. They help buyers understand what your item is before clicking through to your eBay listing, and can influence how often buyers choose your item over others.
With Item Optimization, meta tag descriptions benefit from:
- Improved SEO to help your listings rank better in external search results,
- Strategic and relevant keywords based on your item details, and
- Optimized meta tag lengths (maximum 160 characters recommended) to appear clearly in search results.