top of page

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


ree

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.

 
 
 
bottom of page