You have a great product, you have listed it on Takealot, and now you wait for the sales to roll in. But all you hear are crickets. You see the traffic, but the “Add to Cart” button is gathering dust. It is a common frustration for many sellers on South Africa’s biggest online marketplace. Before you start questioning your product, let’s look at the more likely culprit: your listing.
Remember, you have only seconds to grab a shopper’s attention before they wander over to the next one. Let’s unpack why potential customers are simply scrolling past.
Shoppers can’t touch or feel your product, so your images have to do all the heavy lifting. Grainy, poorly lit, or single-angle photos don’t build trust. Customers want to see the product from multiple angles, in use, and understand its scale.
Your title is your first impression. A title like “Blue Mug” is forgettable. A title like “12ml Ceramic Coffee Mug with Comfort-Grip Handle – Sky Blue” is informative and specific. It tells the shopper exactly what they are getting and includes keywords they might be searching for.
Your product description should sell, not just tell. This is your chance to sell the benefits, not just the features. How will your product make the customer’s life better, easier, or more enjoyable? Tell a story and answer questions before they are even asked.
Details matter. Dimensions, materials, what’s included in the box, and compatibility information are essential. If a customer has to guess, they will likely choose a competitor’s product that provides clear answers.
Shoppers trust other shoppers more than brands. No reviews or bad reviews can crush conversions.
Even a R20 difference can make or break a sale. South Africans love value, and Takealot makes price comparison effortless.
Step back and shop your own product. Would you buy it? Does it stand out? Here are three simple steps to start optimising your Takealot listings today.
Invest in clean, high-quality photography. Use a plain background and show the product from every important angle. Include a lifestyle image to help customers visualise themselves using it.
Rewrite your titles and descriptions. Lead with the most important information and use bullet points to make features easy to scan. Focus on the benefits and use language that connects with your target audience.
Go through your listings and fill in every possible detail. Think like a shopper and anticipate their questions. The more information you provide, the more confident they will be in their purchase.
👉Ready to turn browsers into buyers? Let’s make your Takealot listings stand out together. Reach out to AdMe-Marketing today on email: hello@adme-marketing.com or connect through our contact us page, and let’s boost your sales.