Amazon star rating searches

okay, shed light please, guys.

Abendau's Heir has 4.75 stars in Uk, 4 stars on US. When I go into amazon and search by average rating I'd expect it to start with 5 stars and work down the list, yes? In science fiction, last 30 days, the first book listed has 3.5 stars. It then goes through some 4s, 3s, no ratings, 5s, all bundled in together. I think I'm on about page four after a run of 6 no starred books.

Anyone understand this? I have emailed Amazon to ask how it works and will see what they say. Thoughts?

They probably have Catbert running their search function. If it isn't actually evil, it's rubbish. I bet they've got algorithms to push certain books -- I can't see that the 3.5-star one that ranked four on my list ("ordered by average customer rating", apparently) had any relevance to me as a customer at all. It's like nothing I'be even looked at, let alone bought.

What you said in your blog is right -- they need to offer more customisable search functions that allow the user to determine what's relevant. Why shouldn't I be able to search for, say, SFF books ordered by review rating, taking into account only those reviews by people who have ten reviews or more, or maybe even those reviews with >100 words?

I'm wondering how, under consumer law, it can actually be legal to advertise a search as one thing and then it be another. But I might have to look into that. Anyhow, for those not wanting to read my ranting blog this was Amazon's response to my email:

I have checked and the search algorithm will display results that are the most relevant for customers. This may mean that the results may not adhere strictly to the filters.

To perform a more deeper search, you may wish to use the "Advanced Search" facility using the below link:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/browse.html?node=125552011

Please be assured that your book is treated exactly the same by the search as another with the same sales rank and metrics.

"More deeper search"

There isn't a button for "stop arsing me about", though.

Well, I have sought advice from Trading Standards. Their response clearly indicates that this search is based on sales rank and metrics and not what it clearly states it is listed by - average cutomer ratings. As far as I'm aware under consumer law this needs to be clearly advertised to the customer.

I'll see what happens.

I'm aware I'm being pedantic but a search term is a search term. The insurance sites are in trouble with selective data - I feel this is the same. I suspect, in fact, I'd lose out by them changing their search terms and being pushed behind all the five star single ratings reviews but at least it would be accurate and as described.

I shall report back...

Being a seller on AZ for years, I can tell you this, it is about the algorithm which identifies the key words that the seller attaches to their product, or book.

If you know what you are doing with your keywords, and long-tailing them, and you place the same keywords in your book description, and you have had sales, or even a sale within the last hour, you will come up on the search.

The stars do not make a difference in the algorithm, it makes a difference to the consumer. The power of the review. Bad reviews = limited sales. And that affects the search, it is all based on sales. The more sales you have the more Amazon will bring up your product.

Have a #1 book one day, and no sales the next day for what ever reason, then you drop like a hot potato, can be as much as 70,000 in ranks, no sales the next day, and your down even more.

Interesting. Do you mean that in the blurb I should have keywords like Space opera?

Yes, yes, yes. stuff those keywords too. Say you have two categories you can be listed under. And you know your book would fit also into others categories. Add those to your key words and the bottom of your book description. But write it to fit into your book description. Don't worry about have too many, AZ will shoot up a red box if you do, then just pick one or two to remove. I have 52 words in my 7 keywords.

I just ran big promo and hit #1 on ten Sci-fi charts, #1 in 5 countries, and #2 #3 on 34 different charts. It works. Now I have Street Cred.

Also, BooksButterfy.com, they guarantee and they do all the platforms, nook, kobo and such. And they WORK! So if you are going to do free, or .99 promo these are your guys. Well worth the money. I can't tell you enough about them! They Rock!

And for those of you who do not like Amazon, it was estimated that Amazon sold 65% of all books world-wide, with the acquisition of Good Reads in Oct 2014, and other book retailers, they're now estimated to sell 80% of all books world-wide.

Thank you so much! I will go and chat to my publisher and get something added at the end of blurb to hit more keywords. I know the tags are in place.

J. L. Holtz said:

with the acquisition of Good Reads

Click to expand...

Book depository

What's your book called J L Holtz - PM me it as you may overstep rules on self-promo