To get shoppers to purchase from you in a bustling marketplace, they first have to land on your listing. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting on your entrepreneurial journey, the competition is fierce. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of last-minute enhancements for your Bob Shop listings. We’ll explore the strategies and tactics that can give your products the edge they need to shine. Whether you’re selling handmade crafts, vintage collectibles, cutting-edge gadgets, or anything in between, these tips will help you optimise your listings for maximum impact.

Optimising your BFCM product listings

To ensure that you adhere to global ecommerce standards during the BFCM period, it’s essential to follow these best practices across the various components of your product listings.

Product title:

• Create a concise, eye-catching and informative product title that quickly conveys what you’re selling.
• Use relevant keywords to improve your listing’s visibility in search results.
• Refrain from using generic adjectives like “Wow” and “Great deal!” in your product title.

Images: 

• Use clear, sharp images with no watermarks and a clean white background. A white background is important for SEO purposes. 
• Keep in mind that most buyers will be browsing on mobile devices, so ensure that your images look great on a mobile phone.

Descriptions:

• Use clear, concise, and well-written descriptions that are easy to read.
• Avoid spelling mistakes, unnecessary information and excessive formatting.
• Your description should answer all of a buyer’s questions without taking a long time to read.

Pricing:

• Use whole, round numbers  to inspire buyer confidence.
• If needed, use the Charm pricing strategy where values end in ‘9’ – e.g. R39.99 and avoid prices like R137.28 or R473.19. 
• Use Bob Shop’s “Market Price” field to show a discount on your products during the BFCM period. A difference of 10% or more between the selling price and market price will display as a discount on your product.

Enhance your product listings

Enhanced listings are a strategic move that empower sellers to increase their presence and visibility on Bob Shop. There are several types of enhanced listings:

• Premium listings: These listings command attention by securing prime real estate at the top of relevant categories or paid promotion pages.
• Homepage listings: Enjoy the spotlight with listings featured prominently on the Bob Shop homepage, guaranteeing maximum exposure.
• Category-featured listings: Nestled just below Premium items on category pages, these listings offer a significant visibility boost.
• Priority listings: Claim your place of prominence above regular items on category pages, ensuring potential buyers take notice.
• Highlighted listings: A visual tag sets these listings apart, making them instantly recognizable amidst the sea of options..
• Bold listings: With an attention-grabbing title, these listings make a bold statement. Please note, this feature is not applicable on the homepage and select specialised pages.

To apply enhancements to an existing listing, navigate to your open items list and click the plus sign beside the enhancements button. For optimal results, consider extending your buy-now listing by an additional 30 days. This option is exclusive to buy-now listings and is not available for auction listings.

Please note that a fee is charged for most enhanced listing options. 

Crazy Wednesday, Snap Friday or Weekend Specials

At Bob Shop, sellers have the opportunity to showcase their items through various exclusive paid promotion events. These events, namely Crazy Wednesday, Snap Friday, and Weekend Specials, provide a dynamic platform for increased visibility. 

Paid promotion items enjoy dual exposure, appearing both in their designated category and within the relevant paid promotion event.

• Crazy Wednesday is an online auction event that kicks off at noon every Tuesday and concludes just before midnight on Wednesdays. It features auctions that start from R1, without reserve. 
• Snap Friday follows suit, offering an online auction extravaganza held every Friday. Starting at 9 am and concluding at 2 pm, this event showcases auctions that start from R1, without reserve.
• For those seeking a blend of options, Weekend Specials combines both buy-now and auction formats. Launching at 3 p.m. on Fridays and wrapping up at midnight on Sundays, it’s a prime opportunity to attract eager buyers.

Image courtesy of Mart Production. Published on: April 18th, 2021. Source: Pexel.com

Take advantage of special promotions

Bob Shop hosts a range of distinctive, season-specific online selling events that cater to special occasions like the cherished traditions of Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and both Mother’s and Father’s Day. These annual catalogues provide a unique opportunity for sellers to showcase their offerings in alignment with the holiday spirit.

Please note that the special promotions option is exclusively available in the lead-up to the relevant event. To maximise visibility, it’s advised to list your item in both its designated category and the special promotion category. Bear in mind, however, that there is an enhancement fee associated with listing in the second category and participating in these special, seasonal promotions. 

Opt for banner advertising

Explore a diverse array of advertising options on Bob Shop tailored to suit your promotional needs, ranging from high-traffic placements on the homepage to strategically-targeted positions on category pages.

• Homepage banner: Positioned prominently at the centre of the homepage, this dominant banner display showcases a maximum of four scrolling banners. Advertising is available for slot two.
• Homepage promo box banner: Located on the right-hand side of the Bob Shop homepage, this dynamic rotating banner offers a prime advertising space to grab the attention of potential customers.
• Category banner: Tailor your promotional efforts to specific categories with this slot, showcasing up to four scrolling banners on the designated category page. Select the category that aligns best with your brand to effectively reach your target audience.
• Vertical banner: Enhance your visibility on the left-hand side alongside category and search results listings. By strategically placing your vertical banner in the most relevant category or search results pages, you can effectively connect with shoppers in your target market.
• Specials mailer: Elevate your product’s visibility and introduce it to a broader audience through our dedicated mailers, reaching thousands of engaged users and potential customers.

All advertising is subject to approval. Rates are negotiable for longer campaigns.

With these last-minute enhancements, you’ve set the stage for success. Now, it’s time to put them into action, watch your listings soar, and revel in the fulfillment of seeing your marketplace endeavours flourish. 

If you have any questions on boosting your business on Bob Shop, do not hesitate to reach out to our team (010 005 6200 | hello@bobshop.co.za)