Amazon Product Ranking Guide: 2025 Strategies Based on Amazon’s Latest Algorithm
- Kelly Andrews
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
In 2025, the rules for ranking on Amazon have shifted again—and this time, the change runs deep. It’s no longer just about keywords and backend terms. Today, to climb the rankings, your strategy needs to account for Amazon's AI-driven evolution, particularly a powerful new model: COSMO.
If you're still relying on old-school A9/A10 tactics alone, you’re likely missing the mark.
Let’s break down how the latest algorithmic updates—especially the introduction of COSMO (Common Sense Knowledge Generation)—are reshaping product visibility on Amazon, and what smart brands should do to win.
What Is Amazon’s COSMO Algorithm?
COSMO is Amazon’s newer AI model designed to understand buyer intent more holistically. Think of it like Amazon’s answer to ChatGPT: it analyzes not just the literal words in a search query, but the why behind the search.
Where older algorithms focused on strict keyword matches, COSMO blends:
Semantic understanding (what the user actually means)
Product knowledge
Behavioral signals (clicks, conversions, bounce rates)
Real-world context and language models
➞ Example:
A10 might rank a product for “portable blender” based on keyword match, competitive pricing, and recent sales. COSMO, however, will also consider how well the listing aligns with search intent (e.g. travel use, quiet motor, ease of cleaning), and whether it earns trust signals like clicks, conversions, and engagement from various traffic sources.
Ranking Factors in 2025: What Amazon Now Cares About
Here are the four core ranking areas Amazon now leans into—beyond traditional SEO:
1. Semantic Relevance
Amazon is getting smarter at understanding context, synonyms, and user intent. Simply repeating the exact keyword 12 times won’t cut it.
What to do:
Build listings that sound natural and human-readable
Cover synonyms and related phrases (e.g. “office lamp” vs. “desk light”)
Use AI-friendly structure: title → bullet points → A+ content → backend terms
2. Behavioral Trust Signals
Amazon watches how buyers interact with your product, including:
Click-through rate (CTR)
Add-to-cart and conversion rate
Dwell time (how long they stay on your listing)
Refund or return frequency
These metrics now act like vote signals for whether your product deserves to rank.
What to do:
Use sharp hero images and clear pricing
Build urgency and value in bullets
A/B test to improve CTR and conversions
3. Cross-Channel Traffic & External Credibility
Amazon is now rewarding listings that attract outside attention—especially when that traffic converts. This ties into COSMO’s desire to understand what shoppers trust.
What to do:
Launch influencer content on TikTok or Instagram
Drive Google Ads or email traffic to Amazon
Track and tag Amazon Attribution links to monitor performance
This external flywheel boosts your Amazon organic ranking because it signals: “People care about this product beyond Amazon.”
4. Content Depth & Listing Quality
Longer, more detailed, visually engaging listings tend to outperform short, keyword-stuffed ones.
What to do:
Use A+ content to expand your story
Answer common questions in bullets and FAQs
Add comparison charts, lifestyle images, and UGC where possible

Bonus: Don’t Ignore Rufus
Amazon’s new AI-powered shopping assistant “Rufus” (in beta) will eventually surface products via conversational queries. This means structured, content-rich listings will become even more important.
What This Means for Brand Owners
The takeaway is clear: Amazon wants to rank listings that feel credible, helpful, and aligned with shopper intent—not just keyword-heavy.
The best way to rank now is by orchestrating a full-funnel strategy:
SEO-optimized but human-friendly content
Conversion-focused creative
External traffic that feeds trust
Constant optimization based on behavioral signals
TL;DR: 2025 Amazon Ranking Checklist
Use natural, semantically rich copy
Boost engagement metrics (CTR, conversions, low bounce)
Drive high-quality external traffic
Build trust with rich content, reviews, and visuals
Monitor listing performance and iterate often
If you’re serious about ranking in 2025, you need to think like COSMO—contextual, connected, and buyer-first. Need help crafting a modern SEO strategy? ZonLabs can build the full-stack system that makes your listings rank and convert.