No matter how much work you put into an auction description, a good title is a must. Setting up a good auction and then paying scant attention to the title is a bit like setting up a stall in the middle of a desert and forgetting to place a signpost anywhere...

I always work on the principle that most of the items I have up for sale will be found by a title search. I'm sure that many buyers/collectors have favourite categories which they peruse, and sometimes buyers might opt to tick the box to search for keywords in the description as well as title. But human nature being what it is, the easiest and quickest way to search is to type a few key words into a search box and hope you find what you are looking for.

Especially if you opt for items to be sold worldwide, the few words in a title represent the main method of steering as many possible buyers to your auction as possible.

So here are some golden rules to apply!

1/ Use all the spaces available. Selling a CD? Even a couple of letters at the end of the title could be used to add the word "CD" if you've run out of ideas. If the CD is by the band Yes, and simply called "Yes", then add the names of a couple of the band members.

2/ Think about how you would search for the item you're selling. It may be worth ignoring the title of a book or compilation music item if the title is fairly unspecific. A book on rare teddy bears might be entitled "The Care & Preservation Of Antique Soft Toys". I would be inclined to ignore a title like this and make sure that "Teddy, Bears, Steiff" were included instead. With a compilation CD it may be better to just list some of the artists involved. If unsure which ones to include, search for completed items and list the ones who sell for the most money and appear the most collected! 

3/ Always take time to check typos in the title. Seasoned buyers will take advantage of schoolboy errors, and you will be gutted to see someone reselling your item for twice as much after just a bit of tweaking!

4/ Avoid words like rare, look, and also words such as "the" and "of" etc, if there is not room for them. These are not words commonly typed into search boxes by prospective buyers.

5/ Use all alternate spelling if it appears unclear how someone might search for a specific item. Some names are a nightmare - AC/DC, ACDC, AC DC??? Doctor/Dr Who??? R.E.M./REM???

6/ Remember to use USA spelling if you think your item may sell better in the USA, i.e., it may be better to type "color" than "colour" in certain situations.

7/ When all is said and done, look back at the title and think if it would help YOU find that particular item.

Feel free to peruse my listings to see how I make use of the title bar!

My Items For Sale.