What makes a good listing title
A title has one job: help the right buyer find your item and recognise it in a list of results. Buyers search with the words they would use to describe the thing they want, usually a brand, a model and the item type. A good title uses those words first, adds the details people filter by, and stops there.
Every word should be true and specific. A title that matches what the buyer typed, and then matches the photos and description, earns clicks from people who are likely to buy.
Keyword order: most important first
- Brand and model. These are the words most buyers search for, so they lead.
- Item type. Say what it is: sneakers, jacket, camera body, teapot.
- Size, color and material. The details buyers narrow results by.
- A key feature. Edition, year, capacity, or what is included, such as an original box.
- Condition, when it helps. Short forms such as NWT (new with tags) are widely understood. Most marketplaces also have a separate condition field, so fill that in too.
The builder suggests three versions: one in search order, one that puts your key feature straight after the model, and a short one with only the essentials. It removes repeated words, so a brand typed in two fields appears once.
Why 80 characters
Many marketplaces, including eBay, limit titles to around 80 characters, and long titles are cut short in search results on phones. Keeping the important words at the start means they stay visible. Check your marketplace's current limit, since rules vary and can change.
Common mistakes
- Filler words. L@@K, wow, amazing or must see use space without matching any search. The builder leaves these out.
- Writing in capitals. All-caps titles are harder to read and look like spam. The builder converts fully capitalised text, while keeping common acronyms.
- Keyword stuffing. Adding other brands or unrelated terms can break marketplace rules and attracts the wrong buyers.
- Guessing the model. A wrong model number sends your item to the wrong searches. Read it from the label.
- Hiding the item type. A title with only a brand and code may not tell buyers what the item is.
Once your title is ready, see how to go from photos to an eBay listing and how to photograph items for resale.
Frequently asked questions
How long can an eBay listing title be?
eBay titles are generally limited to 80 characters. Other marketplaces set their own limits, so check the current rules for the site you sell on.
What should come first in a listing title?
Put the brand and model first, then the item type, then details buyers filter by such as size, color and material. Add a key feature or condition if there is room.
Should I use words like rare or L@@K in a title?
No. Buyers rarely search for them, they take up characters you could use for real details, and they can make a listing look less trustworthy.
Does this title builder send my data anywhere?
No. The titles are built in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to a server or saved.