Writing an effective title What to avoid in your title Writing an informative description What to avoid in your description Examples of titles and descriptions

Your listing's title and description are your advertisement; an opportunity to inform and excite buyers. A good title and description provides a clear picture of your item, which increases your chances that buyers will find and bid on or buy your item.

Writing an effective title

Make a clear, compelling first impression by writing a great title for your item.

Here are some elements of an effective title:

• Use multiple, descriptive keywords that clearly convey what you are selling. Use all 80 characters.

• Include your item's brand name, artist, or designer.

• Include item-specific attributes. For example, if selling shoes, include size, colour, and condition. 

• State exactly what your item is, even if your title repeats the category name.  

• Omit punctuation marks and asterisks  

• Try not to include "wow" or "look." Buyers don't search for words like these.

• Don't worry about creating a grammatically correct sentence.  

• Don't overuse acronyms.

• Don't use all caps.

What to avoid in your title

Follow eBay's rules by avoiding titles that:

• Fail to state the nature of the item.

• Contain website addresses, email addresses, or phone numbers. The exception is the sale of domain names.

• Contain profane or obscene language.

• Use the following words in an attempt to market or advertise their item:

  • Prohibited

  • Banned

  • Illegal

  • Outlawed

• Use any other descriptive word that may bring into question the legality of an item by either governmental or eBay standards.

• Include brand names other than the specific brand name used by the company that manufactured or produced the item you're listing. This is called keyword spamming and isn't allowed on eBay. These types of listings will be ended and the insertion fee for the listing automatically credited.

Learn more about eBay's search and browse manipulation policy.

Writing an informative description

Here are some questions to consider when writing your item description:

• What is the item? 

• What material is it made of?  

• When was it made?  

• What company/artist/designer/author made it?  

• What condition is it in?  

• Is the item new, used, or still under warranty? Be sure to mention any flaws or repairs.  

• What are its dimensions?  

• What country/location is it from?  

• Does it have any notable features or markings?  

• Does it have a special background or history?

• What is your method of payment? Be clear about payment methods you accept, and be as specific as you can about your shipping costs.

Tell your story. Many sellers have found that adding a creative, human approach to their descriptions boosts bids and sales. Consider including points of interest, such as:

• What you especially like about the item.   

• Who you think it would appeal to and why  

• An interesting story about the item (for example, how you acquired it).  

• How the item might be used.  

• Highlight the value and savings for buyers.  

What to avoid in your description

Avoid including the following:

• Anything that isn't true. 

• Prohibited and restricted content (see eBay's prohibited and restricted items - overview).

• Item descriptions copied word-for-word from other sources (for example, ecommerce websites, other eBay listings, manufacturer websites, etc.)

• Trademarked logos, unless you have permission to use them.

When you are finished, spell check your title and description.

Examples of titles and descriptions