Amazon IDQ Score Explained: How it Impacts Your Product Listing
Keren Dinkin, Copywriter
7 min read -
Updated:Have you ever wondered why some Amazon listings seem to dominate search results while yours could be struggling for visibility? The secret often lies in the Amazon IDQ score, where IDQ stands for Item Data Quality.
The IDQ score is Amazon’s way of grading your product detail pages. It also directly influences your product’s visibility, discoverability, and sales performance on the platform. A high score ensures your products rank higher in search results, appear in more customer recommendations, and qualify for special promotions.
Let’s dive into what makes this score so impactful and how you can optimize it to boost your Amazon sales.
What Exactly is the Amazon IDQ Score?
As mentioned, Amazon uses the IDQ Score to assess the quality and completeness of your product listings. The score ranges from 0 to 100 and is calculated based on several key factors.
Think of it as a report card for your product detail pages. A high IDQ score ensures your products are easier to find, rank higher in Amazon’s search results, and are eligible for special programs like Lightning Deals.
Why Does the IDQ Score Matter?
The IDQ score matters because it directly influences the visibility and performance of your product listings.
✅ Higher Scores (above 90) → Better placement in search results, increased organic traffic, improved CTR (Click-Through Rates), and higher conversion rates.
❌ Lower Scores (below 70) → Lower visibility, missed opportunities, and potential loss in sales.
Amazon’s algorithm prioritizes products with high scores; and you also benefit from increased organic traffic, improved click-through rates (CTR), and higher conversion rates.
Given the highly competitive nature of the Amazon marketplace, maintaining a strong IDQ score becomes essential — especially if you want to drive long-term sales growth. Optimizing your listings to meet IDQ standards also helps you unlock greater visibility and build trust with potential buyers.
How Amazon Calculates Your IDQ Score
Amazon calculates your IDQ score based on specific core elements that assess the completeness of your product information. Scoring is also based on some additional elements that enhance your listing’s relevance and appeal.
Here’s a quick breakdown of both:
Core Elements
Leaf Node | Ensures the product is categorized under the most relevant subcategory |
Keywords | Examines the presence of relevant and targeted keywords in the listing |
Is Search Indexed | Verifies whether the product is searchable on Amazon |
Is Website Active | Confirms the listing is live and available for purchase |
Image | Checks if the listing has a primary image |
Brand | Confirms the brand name is accurate and matches the product |
Ensures the brand name is mentioned at the beginning of the title | |
Is Title of Correct Length | Evaluates whether the title length adheres to Amazon’s guidelines |
Bullet Points | Checks for at least 5 concise, keyword-rich points highlighting product features |
Description | Checks the completeness of the product description |
A+ Content | Verifies whether enhanced content is included |
Main Image Zoom | Confirms the main image meets zoom quality requirements |
Total Images | Reviews the total number of images in the listing |
Review Average Rating | Assesses the overall customer review rating |
Review Ratings | Checks the total number of customer ratings received |
Additional Elements
Item Volume | Checks if the product volume details are accurate |
Item Dimensions | Confirms the product dimensions are listed |
Age Range Descriptions | Verifies if the target age range is specified for age-specific products |
Special Features | Highlights the unique selling points or features of the product |
“What’s in the Box” Section | Checks for a clear breakdown of product contents |
Voice Search Optimization | Relevant for Alexa-based product searches |
By addressing both core and additional elements, you can significantly improve your IDQ score and create a well-rounded, high-quality product listing.
However, among all these factors, five stand out as the most critical pillars of your IDQ score — and play a pivotal role in ensuring your product’s visibility, relevance, and appeal on Amazon.
Where to Check Your IDQ Score
Amazon does not provide an interface for checking IDQ scores within Seller Central. Instead:
- The IDQ score report is sent via email as an Excel file
- It includes comparison formulas to track improvements or declines
- The Amazon account manager (SAS program) sends the report once a month
- You must have an assigned Amazon account manager to receive it
📌 If you do not have a manager, the IDQ score is not accessible to regular users.
More details about Amazon’s SAS Program.
The Five Core Pillars of Your Amazon IDQ Score
To understand how the IDQ score works, you need to focus on the five main pillars Amazon evaluates:
1. Product Categorization (Leaf Nodes)
Accurate categorization is crucial. Products must be assigned to the most specific category, known as the leaf node, rather than broad parent categories. For example:
- Root Node: Shoes
- Branch Node: Women’s Shoes
- Leaf Node: Women’s Running Shoes
Categorizing products at the correct leaf node ensures they appear in front of the right audience. A miscategorized product, like listing a running shoe under “Athletic Equipment,” can dramatically reduce your product’s visibility and hurt your sales potential. Taking the time to align products with their precise category is an easy but critical step to improving your IDQ score and discoverability.
2. A+ Content
A+ content enhances your product detail pages with rich media such as videos, infographics, and comparison charts. Listings with A+ content have been shown to increase conversions by anywhere between 8% and 20%, with some case studies reporting even greater results.
A+ content elevates your product page, making it more engaging and visually appealing. Customers can better understand your product’s value through detailed visuals, clickable Q&A sections, and feature highlights. For example, a premium coffee maker listing with A+ content can include a step-by-step brewing guide, comparison charts against competitor models, and high-quality lifestyle images.
If you have the option, upgrading to Premium A+ Content (A++) takes it even further, offering tools like interactive hotspot maps and mobile-friendly layouts.
3. Bullet Points
Amazon allows you up to five bullet points to highlight your product’s most important features and benefits. Crafting strong, keyword-rich bullet points not only improves your listing’s readability but also boosts your product’s searchability.
To make your bullet points stand out, focus on the most important benefits and use data to quantify value. Instead of saying, “Durable and long-lasting,” say, “Built with high-grade stainless steel for durability that lasts over 10 years.”
You should also prioritize clarity and readability, as shoppers often skim bullet points. Ensure you make every word count!
4. High-Resolution Images
Images are critical for grabbing attention and building trust. Amazon recommends:
- A minimum of 5 high-quality images per product
- Dimensions of at least 1000×1000 pixels for enhanced zoom capabilities
- Lifestyle images to help customers visualize the product in use
Online shoppers can’t touch or test your item, so your images must do the heavy lifting. Ensure you include detailed shots, scale comparisons, and real-world applications to help shoppers feel confident in their purchase. For example, for a backpack listing, you could include an image showing its capacity, compartments, and durability in an outdoor setting — such as a hiker using it.
5. Customer Reviews
Products with a rating of 3 stars or higher and more than 20 reviews are considered trustworthy. Positive reviews significantly influence buyer decisions and contribute to a higher IDQ score.
To boost your reviews, you can start by providing exceptional customer service and using Amazon’s Request a Review button. Programs like Amazon Vine can also help generate early, credible reviews for new listings.
📌 PRO TIP: If you want to take review management a step further, tools like Sellerise’s Review Requester and Review Puncher can streamline the process by automating review requests, removing negative reviews early, and helping you maintain a healthier rating.
Remember, reviews aren’t just about quantity; they’re about addressing customer feedback to refine your product and listing over time.
Why a High IDQ Score Equals Sales Success
A high IDQ score is not just a number; it’s a key to unlocking Amazon’s full potential for your products. Here’s how it directly impacts your success:
Increased Visibility
Amazon’s search algorithm prioritizes products with high IDQ scores. This means your product will rank higher in search results, making it more likely to be discovered by potential buyers. Think of it as being on the first page of Google versus being buried on the fifth.
Better Conversion Rates
When your listings are optimized with A+ content, clear bullet points, and high-quality images, customers are more likely to trust your brand and make a purchase.
Eligibility for Exclusive Deals
High IDQ scores open doors to Amazon’s special programs like Lightning Deals and Amazon’s Choice. These promotional opportunities can dramatically boost your visibility and sales during key shopping periods.
Higher Organic Traffic
An optimized listing reduces your reliance on paid ads. With better content, your product naturally attracts more organic impressions and clicks, saving you money on advertising while still increasing sales.
Improved Customer Trust
A complete and professional-looking listing instills confidence. Customers can see that you’ve invested effort into providing all the information they need to make an informed decision. Add in positive reviews, and you’ve created a recipe for loyal, repeat buyers.
Amazon IDQ Score: Key to Your Long-Term Success
Your Amazon IDQ score is more than just a metric; it’s a strategic tool that lays the foundation for sales success. For sustainable growth, use your IDQ score as a starting point—a way to evaluate and refine your listings continuously. Ask yourself: Are my keywords accurate and relevant? Does my product description address customer needs? Are my images and bullet points optimized for maximum engagement
📌 If you’re unsure whether your chosen keywords truly match customer search behavior, tools like Sellerise’s Keyword Re-Ranker and Keyword Hunter can help. They analyze real-time data to highlight which search terms actually drive conversions, so you can fine-tune your listings and keep your IDQ score on track.
By ensuring that all elements of your listing are aligned—both quantitatively and qualitatively—you’ll not only influence Amazon’s algorithm but also enhance the shopping experience for your customers.
Also, remember that optimizing your listings isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing process. That’s where Sellerise comes in. With a suite of powerful tools, Sellerise empowers you to fine-tune your listings, streamline your processes, and unlock smarter growth for your Amazon business.
Check out Sellerise today and transform your success strategy.
