How to write eBay titles that get found
When buyers type words into eBay search, your title is one of the main things those words are matched against. A clear, accurate title made of the words buyers actually use beats any trick.
What is the eBay title character limit?
Your eBay title can be up to 80 characters long. eBay’s Seller Centre puts it simply: you’ve got 80 characters, so use as many as you can, and include the brand, model or type, colour, style and even the model number.
That doesn’t mean filling the space with anything that fits. Every word should describe the item in front of you. A shorter title made of the right words is better than a long one padded with fluff.
eBay also lets you add a subtitle for a fee. A subtitle can add detail on the listing page, but your main title is still where the searchable words belong.
What should go first in an eBay title?
eBay’s Best Match guidance says to include the keywords buyers are likely to search for in your title and description. In practice, that means putting the most important words at the start, so a buyer scanning the results can see straight away that your item is what they searched for.
A simple order works for most items:
- Brand, if the item has one. If it’s unbranded, start with the product type instead.
- Product type, in the words a UK buyer would use, such as “trainers”, “hoodie” or “kettle”.
- Model name or number, if there is one. Buyers who know exactly what they want often search by model.
- Key details buyers filter on: size, colour, material, capacity or quantity.
- Anything else that helps, if there’s room: style, pattern, fit or what’s included.
Tip Not sure which words buyers use? Start typing your item into eBay search and look at the suggestions, then check the titles of similar items that have sold.
Words to avoid in eBay titles
Some words waste characters. Others break eBay’s rules. These are the ones to leave out:
- Attention-grabbers such as L@@K, WOW, MUST SEE or BARGAIN. Nobody searches for them, and eBay’s Seller Centre advises avoiding special characters and irrelevant words.
- Other brands. Phrases like “not Nike”, “like Dyson” or “Apple style” on an item made by someone else are not allowed. eBay’s search manipulation policy bans unrelated keywords and comparisons with other products.
- Keyword stuffing. Long lists of loosely related or popular search terms are not allowed. eBay’s policy says every keyword must be directly related to the item for sale.
- Keywords with question marks, such as “Gucci?”. eBay’s policy says these can be misleading and are not allowed.
- Claims you can’t back up, such as “new” for a used item or “genuine” when you can’t be sure. eBay’s item description policy also rules out confusing or unclear titles.
- Words about price or postage, such as “cheapest” or “free P&P”. Buyers already see your price and postage in the results, so these words just use up space.
Watch out Using another company’s brand name to get more views can also breach eBay’s intellectual property policy. eBay can remove listings, restrict your selling or suspend your account for this.
Can I use “for” or “compatible with” in an eBay title?
Yes, for accessories and parts. eBay’s search manipulation policy says that if an item is an accessory for, or compatible with, another item, you should put “fits”, “for” or “compatible with” before the name of the item it fits. For example, “Case for iPhone 15” makes it clear you are selling a case, not a phone.
The same policy says this wording is not allowed before the brand names of clothing, jewellery and accessories, or for universally compatible items. If your item is not made by the brand and is not genuinely tied to one product, leave that brand out of the title.
eBay title examples: weak vs better
The better titles below are examples of structure, not templates to copy. Only include details that are true for your item.
| Weak title | Better title | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| L@@K!! Amazing speaker WOW must see | Portable Bluetooth Speaker Waterproof IPX7 Black with Carry Strap | Removed filler and symbols, added product type and key features |
| Trainers like Nike not Adidas size 9 | Men’s Running Trainers Mesh Lace-Up Grey UK Size 9 | Removed other brands, added who it’s for, style, colour and UK size |
| Phone case | Case for iPhone 15 Clear Silicone Slim Shockproof Cover | Added the compatible model after “for”, plus material and features |
| Lovely dress nice blue | Women’s Midi Wrap Dress Floral Print Navy Blue Size 12 Short Sleeve | Swapped vague words for type, length, pattern, colour and size |
| KITCHEN SCALES BEST PRICE FREE P&P | Digital Kitchen Scales 5kg Stainless Steel LCD Display Tare Function | Removed price and postage claims, added capacity, material and features |
Does the rest of the listing matter as much as the title?
Yes. Your title gets you into the search results, but item specifics decide whether you stay there when buyers start filtering by size, colour or brand. Fill in the same facts in both, and make sure the photos and description match.
eBay’s item description policy also says items must be listed in the correct category, and that information must go in the right field. Don’t put the brand in the size field, for example.
OneDS’s Chrome extension drafts a title within 80 characters from an Amazon UK product page, for you to check and edit before you publish.
Once your listing is live, search for it the way a buyer would. If you can’t find it with the obvious words, your title is probably missing them.
Questions
How many characters can an eBay title have?
Up to 80. You can also add a subtitle for a fee, but buyers search mainly by the words in your main title.
Should I use all 80 characters?
eBay’s Seller Centre says to use as many as you can, but every word should be accurate and relevant. Don’t pad your title with filler or unrelated keywords to reach the limit.
Can I mention another brand in my eBay title?
Only if it’s the item’s own brand, or the item is an accessory or part that genuinely fits a branded product and you use “for”, “fits” or “compatible with” before the name. Comparisons such as “like” or “not” another brand are not allowed.
Do capital letters and symbols help my listing stand out?
No. Buyers search with words, not symbols, and eBay advises avoiding special characters. A title in normal capitalisation is also easier to read.
Sources
Rules and fees change. These are the official pages this guide was checked against on 5 October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.