Table of Contents
- Intro
- Case 1: Optimizing an existing listing
- Case 2: Generating a new listing
- Audit the output
- Wrap-Up
Note: COSMO isn’t a full replacement for Amazon’s old A9+ ranking systems (yet).
It’s a new layer that feeds those models with intent-aware signals – understanding what shoppers mean rather than just what they type.
It still uses keyword data, but context and relationships now carry far more weight.
Why Keyword Stuffing Is Dying
COSMO builds a knowledge graph of relationships from how people actually shop.
It cares about:
- Capable_Of: what the product does (e.g., “keeps ears warm in winter”).
- Used_for / Used_for_Event: the task or situation (e.g., “for camping weekends”).
- Used_for_Audience: who it’s for (e.g., “for daycare workers,” “for hikers”).
- Used_In_Location: where it’s used (e.g., “in carry-on luggage,” “on mountain trails”).
- Complement: what it pairs with (e.g., “works with our travel toiletry bag”).
That’s why keyword lists alone don’t work anymore. If your copy doesn’t spell out benefits, audience, and scenarios, COSMO assumes you’re irrelevant.
So when you use AI, you’re not just “SEO-ing” – you’re teaching Amazon’s algorithm how your product fits real life.
Case 1: Optimizing an Existing Listing
If you already have a listing but it feels weak, AI can act as an editor. The trick is telling it exactly what you want: Keyword prioritization, COSMO coverage, and policy compliance. Don’t just paste your listing and say “make it better.”
Inputs to gather
- Your current title, bullets, description, backend keywords.
- Your primary keywords (top 5–10 you must prioritize).
- Your secondary keywords (supportive but lower priority).
- Compliance constraints: no health claims, no superlatives like “best,” etc.
Prompt template which you can adapt
I want you to optimize my current Amazon listing for COSMO (2025). Output must be human-readable with clear benefits, audience callouts, and use cases. **Do not keyword stuff.** Focus on clarity, natural tone, and emotional alignment with the target buyer.
### INPUTS
- **BRAND:** [brand name]
- **PRODUCT TYPE:** [e.g., Leather Duffle Bag]
- **TARGET BUYER:** [e.g., husband shopping for travel gear | wife buying a premium gift for him]
- **EMOTIONAL ANGLE:** [e.g., craftsmanship, timeless style, confidence through quality]
- **BRAND MOTTO (optional):** [e.g., Built to Journey]
- **EVENTS TO SURFACE (optional):** [e.g., Anniversary, Graduation, Christmas]
- **CLAIMS YOU CAN PROVE (origin, materials, warranty):** [e.g., Full-grain leather, YKK zippers, 2-year warranty, handmade in Italy]
**CURRENT LISTING**
TITLE: [paste]
BULLETS: [paste all 5]
DESCRIPTION: [paste]
BACKEND KEYWORDS: [paste]
**PRIMARY KEYWORDS (prioritize in title + bullets):** [list]
**SECONDARY KEYWORDS (work in naturally):** [list]
### RULES
- **Title**: ≤ 200 characters. Start with PRODUCT TYPE + BRAND (or omit brand entirely).
- Keep the main root keyword near the start.
- Use long-tail variants once, naturally.
- Do *not* repeat the same noun to rank (no “hat hat hat”).
- Avoid overuse of separators like “|” unless already present.
- Maintain emotional readability and scannability.
- **Keyword reinforcement:**
Cross-section reinforcement instead of stuffing - ensure the root primary keyword and each chosen EVENT appear **once in Title, once in Bullets, once in Description**.
- **Bullets:** Exactly five (150–200 characters each).
- Start each with a clear benefit, then specifics.
- Each bullet maps to one COSMO relation:
**Capable_Of, Used_for/Used_for_Event, Used_for_Audience, Used_In_Location, Complement.**
- Label the relation in brackets at the end.
- Keep tone conversational and human.
- **Description:** 2–4 short paragraphs (250–400 words total).
- **P1:** Emotional + identity hook (align to TARGET BUYER and EMOTIONAL ANGLE).
- **P2:** Benefits + real-life scenarios (Capable_Of, Used_for).
- **P3 (optional):** Product details, materials, care, fit, warranty.
- **P4 (optional):** Brand story, community, or emotional close.
- Keep paragraphs short; no walls of text.
- Remember: *write for humans in the first 400 characters, write for COSMO after that.*
- **Backend Keywords:**
One line of single words only, ≤ 250 characters including spaces.
No brand names, no ASINs.
Deduplicate.
Prioritize synonyms and relevant context words (materials, use cases, occasions).
- **Avoid vague filler:**
No “everyday lifestyle design,” “great quality,” “premium feel,” or similar empty phrases.
Use measurable benefits and identity language tied to EMOTIONAL ANGLE.
Only include claims that can be proven from the “Claims You Can Prove” list.
### TASKS
1. **Title:** Rewrite under 200 chars using the rules above. Include ≥2 primary keywords and maintain natural flow.
2. **Bullets:** Rewrite 5 bullets (150–200 chars each). Each with one COSMO relation. Label [Relation].
3. **Description:** Rewrite using 2–4 paragraphs as defined above. End with an emotional or audience callout.
4. **Backend Keywords:** Regenerate single-word line ≤250 chars, deduped and relevant.
5. **Audits:**
- Primary keyword placement table (Title/Bullets/Description/Backend).
- COSMO Coverage Check: Bullet # | Declared Relation | Detected Relation | Pass | Notes.
- Character & length verification table for all fields.
### OUTPUT FORMAT
- **Title** (with character count)
- **Bullets 1–5** (each with character count and [Relation])
- **Description** (word count)
- **Backend Keywords** (character count)
- **Primary Keyword Placement Table**
- **COSMO Coverage Table**
- **Character/Length Verification Table**
Why it works: The AI knows your exact constraints. You’ve told it where keywords must land, how to handle COSMO relations, and how to return usable outputs (with char counts and audits). That’s miles beyond “make it better.”
Do not blindly trust the output – read it – after the initial output, you can “massage” fields into shape, or have it regenerate with your clarifying instructions “I want the phrase ‘red tent’ earlier in the title”.
Remember to remove any em-dashes (long-dashes: — ) since it makes it look like AI, and any emojis, which aren’t acceptable on Amazon in 2025.
Case 2: Writing a New Listing from Scratch
For new products, the AI can’t invent what your product is – it will hallucinate features. Instead, give it scaffolding: Competitor listings (for structure) plus your factual differences.
Inputs to gather
-
- 1–3 competitor listings that are as close to your product as possible (title, bullets, description).
- A list of factual differences: What precisely differentiates your product
- Your primary and secondary keyword lists.
Prompt template which you can adapt
You are writing an Amazon listing for my product.
Use competitor listings as scaffolding for structure and positioning only - your copy must be fully original, written for humans first, and aligned with how COSMO (2025) interprets context and intent.
Do not keyword stuff. Prioritize clarity, emotional resonance, and authentic differentiation.
### PRODUCT INFO
- **PRODUCT TYPE:** [e.g., Leather Duffle Bag]
- **TARGET BUYER:** [e.g., business traveler | partner buying a premium gift for him]
- **EMOTIONAL ANGLE:** [e.g., confidence through craftsmanship, timeless travel, pride in quality]
- **BRAND MOTTO (optional):** [e.g., Built to Journey]
- **EVENTS TO SURFACE (optional):** [e.g., Anniversary, Graduation, Christmas]
- **CLAIMS YOU CAN PROVE (origin, materials, warranty):** [e.g., full-grain leather, YKK zippers, 2-year warranty, handmade in Italy]
- **Primary Keywords (must appear in title and bullets):** [list]
- **Secondary Keywords (to use naturally in description and/or backend):** [list]
### RULES
- **Title:** ≤200 characters. Start with PRODUCT TYPE + BRAND (if relevant).
- Include ≥2 primary keywords; root primary near the start.
- Include one audience or scenario phrase (e.g., “weekend travel,” “gift for men”).
- Avoid repetition or keyword stacking.
- Emotionally scannable, not mechanical.
- **Bullets:** Exactly 5 (150–200 characters each).
- Lead with benefit, then specifics.
- Each bullet must map to one COSMO relation:
**Capable_Of, Used_for/Used_for_Event, Used_for_Audience, Used_In_Location, Complement.**
- Label each bullet with the relation in brackets.
- Write for clarity and flow - avoid listing specs without context.
- **Description:** 2–4 short paragraphs (250–400 words total).
- **P1:** Emotional + identity hook (aligned with TARGET BUYER and EMOTIONAL ANGLE).
- **P2:** Benefits and real-world use scenarios (Capable_Of, Used_for).
- **P3 (optional):** Product details, materials, size/fit, warranty, or other provable claims.
- **P4 (optional):** Brand story, ethos, or emotional close tied to BRAND MOTTO.
- Keep paragraphs short. First 400 characters must be human-readable and emotionally engaging - COSMO indexes the rest.
- **Backend Keywords:**
One line of single words only (≤250 characters, including spaces).
No brand names, ASINs, or duplicates.
Prioritize synonyms, materials, and contextual terms relevant to use cases and events.
- **Difference Check:**
Provide a short factual comparison showing how our product differs from competitors (materials, construction, features, warranty, or included items).
### TASKS
1. **Title Options (x3):** ≤200 characters each. Include ≥2 primary keywords and 1 audience/scenario phrase. Natural flow, no repetition.
2. **Bullets (x5):** 150–200 characters each, labeled with COSMO relations.
3. **Description:** 2–4 paragraphs following the structure above.
4. **Backend Keywords:** Single-word list ≤250 characters, deduped.
5. **Difference Check:** Short factual list comparing our product to competitors.
### OUTPUT FORMAT
- **Title Option 1 (character count)**
- **Title Option 2 (character count)**
- **Title Option 3 (character count)**
- **Bullets 1–5 (each with character count and [Relation])**
- **Description (word count)**
- **Backend Keywords (character count)**
- **Difference Check Table**
**STOP** - Read and apply all rules above before generating output.
Then, reference the competitors below for structure and positioning only.
**COMPETITORS (Reference Only - Do Not Copy):**
[COMPETITOR A title + bullets + description]
[COMPETITOR B ...]
Why it works: You’re giving the AI a skeleton to work with, plus explicit instructions to reframe around your differences.
That prevents copycatting and forces the AI to explain your unique value.
Do not blindly trust the output – read it – after the initial output, you can “massage” fields into shape, or have it regenerate with your clarifying instructions “I want the phrase ‘red tent’ earlier in the title”.
Remember to remove any em-dashes (long-dashes: — ) since it makes it look like AI, and any emojis, which aren’t acceptable on Amazon in 2025.
When to Paste Competitors: Before or After Instructions?
Always paste your task instructions first, then the competitor listings after. If you paste competitors first, the AI often just mimics them. If you paste them after, the AI treats them as raw material – useful for reference, but subordinate to your rules and your differences.
Rule of thumb: Instructions first, examples second.
Bad vs. Good Example
Sometimes the fastest way to “get it” is to see it:
| Bad (keyword salad) | Good (COSMO-friendly) |
|---|---|
| “Travel Tent Waterproof Cheap Lightweight Camping Tent Red Tent Family Tent” | “Lightweight 2-Person Camping Tent, Waterproof Shelter for Backpacking Trips, Easy Setup for Weekend Hiking” |
| “Made of polyester fabric, multipurpose, quality design” | “Keeps you dry in heavy rain; waterproof seams and durable polyester hold up on mountain trails [Capable_Of]” |
The difference: one is a keyword dump, the other reads like it solves a real problem.
COSMO knows the difference, and so do shoppers.
Reminder
Always treat AI like the new VA you just hired. It doesn’t know your product, your rules, or your market until you explain them. If you don’t, it will guess, which is how you end up with a listing that promises features you don’t have, or worse, a title that could sell you a tall pointy metal building in Paris.
Spell out what you want, feed it facts, and audit the result. That’s how AI becomes an asset instead of a liability.
Final Step: COSMO & Keyword Audit (Editor Pass)
Before you publish or even polish manually, run this final AI-based audit on your generated listing. Stay in the same session in the Chat window, so that it can read what it just generated.
This step verifies COSMO coverage, ensures keyword compliance, and checks that all length and structure limits are respected. Treat it like a built-in editor pass that enforces discipline before going live.
Purpose
The goal is to confirm that the listing aligns with COSMO’s relational model, avoids keyword repetition, and stays within Amazon’s 2025 limits.
It doesn’t rewrite – it audits and flags.
How to Use It
- Stay in the same window you just generated the previous prompt in (or if you closed it, paste your full output (title, bullets, description, backend keywords) into a new AI prompt).
- Append the audit text below without altering its content.
- Run it. Review the tables and the final verdict. Only proceed if the verdict is PASS.
Audit Text to Paste
You are now acting as an **Amazon Listing Editor** focused on COSMO alignment and keyword integrity. Evaluate the provided listing (title, bullets, description, backend keywords) against Amazon COSMO 2025 standards and return only the requested tables and a final verdict. ### 1) COSMO Coverage Check Confirm there are exactly five bullets and each maps to one COSMO relation: **Capable_Of**, **Used_for / Used_for_Event**, **Used_for_Audience**, **Used_In_Location**, **Complement.** Return a table: **Bullet # | Declared Relation | Detected Relation | Pass (✅/❌) | Notes** ### 2) Semantic Audit Identify vague or redundant phrasing, repeated adjectives, or keyword stuffing. Return a table: **Section | Issue | Suggested Fix** Focus on clarity, human readability, and emotional consistency. Flag clichés (“premium quality,” “everyday lifestyle design”), repeated nouns, or off-tone language. ### 3) Keyword Compliance Extract all keywords across title, bullets, description, and backend keywords. - Deduplicate the set. - Ensure backend keywords ≤ 250 characters including spaces. - If over limit, output a **trimmed, deduplicated version ≤ 250 characters.** Return: - Keyword count - List of duplicates found before deduplication - Final trimmed backend keyword line (if adjusted) ### 4) Character & Length Verification Check compliance for: - Title ≤ 200 characters - Each bullet 150–200 characters - Description 250–400 words (or ≈150 ±15% if short-format) - Backend keywords ≤ 250 characters Return a table: **Field | Current Length | Limit | Pass (✅/❌)** ### 5) Primary Keyword Placement For each provided **primary keyword**, mark whether it appears in: **Title | Bullets | Description | Backend** Return a presence table using ✓ or blank. ### 6) COSMO Fit Summary In 2–3 sentences, explain whether this listing effectively teaches COSMO how the product fits real-world use (benefits, audience, and scenarios). End with one line: **Verdict: PASS** or **Verdict: REVISE** ### Constraints - Do **not** rewrite or rephrase any text; only flag and suggest. - Use neutral, professional tone - no filler commentary. - If any check fails, set **Verdict: REVISE** and list the highest-priority issues first. - Keep evaluation strictly structural and semantic - not stylistic preference.
Checklist Before You Publish
- Title ≤200 characters, includes top keywords, no promo fluff.
- Exactly 5 bullets, 150–200 characters each, benefit first, COSMO labels covered.
- Description ~150 words, benefits then facts, ends with audience callout.
- Backend keywords: ≤250 characters, single words, no brand names or ASINs.
- Audit keyword coverage: top keywords appear in title and bullets, not just backend.
- If using competitors: instructions first, competitor text last.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, Amazon optimization means writing for COSMO, not just for tokens. COSMO rewards listings that spell out benefits, audiences, and scenarios in human language.
AI can help you get there, but only if you feed it facts, enforce constraints, and ask for audits. Whether you’re fixing an old listing or launching a new one, the secret is the same: Control the AI with detailed prompts, and you’ll get copy that both humans and Amazon’s AI understand.
