Amazon Error: 97779 Error 97779: Please reduce your generic keyword length to less than generic_keyword bytes

The "Error 97779: Please reduce your generic keyword length to less than generic_keyword bytes" occurs when the total length of the generic keywords provided exceeds the maximum allowed byte limit set by Amazon.
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Error 97779: Please reduce your generic keyword length to less than generic_keyword bytes

Error Description

The "Error 97779: Please reduce your generic keyword length to less than generic_keyword bytes" error indicates that the total byte size of the generic keywords for a product listing exceeds the maximum limit specified by Amazon. This limit is usually in bytes, and the total byte count includes all characters and spaces. Generic keywords are important for SEO and visibility, but they must adhere to Amazon's length restrictions to ensure proper indexing and search functionality.

Common Causes:

  1. Exceeding Byte Limit: Entering too many keywords or keywords with high byte values that cumulatively exceed the allowed byte limit.
  2. Including Unnecessary Keywords: Adding redundant or irrelevant keywords that increase the byte size unnecessarily.
  3. Misunderstanding Byte Limit: Not being aware of how to calculate the byte size of keywords, especially considering multi-byte characters.

Error Solution

To resolve the "Error 97779: Please reduce your generic keyword length to less than generic_keyword bytes," follow these steps:

  1. Identify the Keyword Length Issue:
    • Review the error message details in Amazon Seller Central to identify the specific SKU and the keyword length causing the issue.
  2. Verify Keyword Byte Limit:
    • Refer to Amazon’s guidelines to understand the maximum byte limit for generic keywords, typically 250 bytes.
  3. Calculate the Byte Size of Keywords:
    • Calculate the byte size of each keyword, considering that each character may use 1 byte for standard ASCII characters and more for multi-byte characters (e.g., UTF-8).
  4. Optimize and Reduce Keywords:
    • Access your inventory file or the specific product listing.
    • Optimize the generic keywords by removing unnecessary or redundant keywords.
    • Ensure that the total byte size of the keywords is within the allowed limit.

Example Calculation:

  • If the allowed byte limit is 250 bytes and your keywords exceed this, you need to trim or optimize them:
  • Before: {"generic_keywords": "long list of keywords that exceed the allowed byte limit"} (300 bytes)
  • After: {"generic_keywords": "optimized keywords within byte limit"} (200 bytes)
  1. Use Amazon’s Tools:
    • Utilize Amazon’s keyword tools or third-party software to help manage and optimize keyword length and byte size.
  2. Submit the Corrected Data:
    • Prepare a new inventory file with the optimized keyword values.
    • Use Amazon’s bulk upload tools to submit the corrected inventory file.
    • Validate the file before uploading to ensure it meets Amazon’s requirements.
  3. Monitor and Verify Updates:
    • After submission, monitor the status of your SKU updates in Amazon Seller Central.
    • Verify that the error is resolved and that the listing is active without issues.
  4. Implement Data Validation Checks:
    • Integrate data validation checks in your inventory management system to ensure that keyword lengths conform to Amazon’s byte limits.
    • Use automated tools to validate and verify the correctness of product data before submitting listings.
  5. Educate Your Team:
    • Train your team on Amazon’s requirements for keyword lengths and the importance of adhering to byte limits.
    • Provide guidelines and resources to help them stay updated with Amazon’s requirements.

Pro Tip

Advanced Strategies for Managing Generic Keywords on Amazon

  1. Develop a Comprehensive Data Management System:
    • Implement a robust data management system to centralize and manage all product information, including generic keywords. Such systems help ensure data accuracy, consistency, and compliance with Amazon's guidelines.
    • Utilize software that integrates with Amazon’s API to automate the synchronization of product data, minimizing the risk of exceeding byte limits.
  2. Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
    • Develop and document SOPs for entering and managing product data. These procedures should include steps for verifying keyword lengths, using the correct templates, and validating data before submission.
    • Regularly update these SOPs to reflect any changes in Amazon’s requirements or your internal processes.
  3. Regular Training and Updates:
    • Provide ongoing training for your team on Amazon’s standards for keyword lengths and the importance of adhering to byte limits. Ensure they understand the impact of non-compliance on listing visibility and performance.
    • Keep your team informed about any updates or changes in Amazon’s guidelines through regular briefings or training sessions.
  4. Conduct Periodic Data Audits:
    • Schedule regular audits of your product listings to ensure compliance with Amazon’s keyword length requirements. Use audit reports to identify and correct any discrepancies.
    • Implement corrective actions based on audit findings to prevent recurring issues.
  5. Utilize Amazon’s Tools and Resources:
    • Take advantage of the tools and resources provided by Amazon, such as inventory templates and validation tools, to ensure your product data is complete and compliant.
    • Use Amazon’s Seller Central support and forums to stay informed about best practices and common issues faced by other sellers.
  6. Engage with the Seller Community:
    • Participate in Amazon seller forums and communities to share experiences and learn from other sellers. Engage in discussions about data management and compliance to gain insights and best practices.
    • Attend webinars, workshops, and events hosted by Amazon or industry experts to enhance your understanding and skills.
  7. Monitor Product Performance Metrics:
    • Regularly monitor the performance metrics of your listings to identify any potential issues related to keyword lengths. Use performance reports to track the impact of accurate data management on sales and visibility.
    • Address any performance issues promptly to maintain compliance and optimize your listings.
  8. Implement Automated Solutions:
    • Consider implementing automated solutions or software that can assist in managing product data. These tools can help validate data, automate updates, and integrate with your inventory management system.
    • Evaluate the benefits of such solutions to determine if they can enhance your data management processes and reduce the risk of exceeding byte limits.
  9. Stay Updated with Amazon’s Policies:
    • Regularly review Amazon’s policies and guidelines regarding product listings and keyword lengths. Stay informed about any changes or updates that may affect your listings.
    • Subscribe to Amazon’s newsletters and follow their seller blogs to receive the latest information and updates.
  10. Professional Consultation:
    • If you face ongoing challenges with managing keyword lengths, consider seeking professional consultation from experts specializing in Amazon compliance and data management.
    • Professional consultants can provide tailored advice, help navigate complex issues, and improve your overall data management practices.

By adopting these advanced strategies, sellers can effectively manage keyword lengths, minimize the risk of "Error 97779: Please reduce your generic keyword length to less than generic_keyword bytes," and ensure accurate and compliant product listings on Amazon. Proper data management not only prevents errors but also enhances the visibility, searchability, and overall performance of your products on the platform.

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