Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Streamlined Search Functionality on the Items Page
- Revamped Sales Reports
- Managing Duplicate Listings
- Boosting Visibility with Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Suggestions
- API Updates and Integration Adjustments
- Addressing Phishing Scams
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
As the eCommerce landscape continues to evolve, staying updated with the latest tools and features is vital for any online seller striving for success. Did you know that over 240 million customers visit Walmart’s stores and websites weekly? With such a vast customer base, optimizing your presence on platforms like Walmart Seller Center can significantly impact your business. This blog post delves into the latest updates and enhancements introduced in July 2024 to Walmart's Seller Center, designed to improve seller experience and operational efficiency. Whether you are a seasoned Walmart seller or new to the platform, understanding these updates will help you leverage the platform more effectively.
Streamlined Search Functionality on the Items Page
Enhanced Search Capabilities
One of the most notable updates is the improved search functionality on the Items page. Previously, sellers might have struggled with exact match requirements while searching for SKUs or item names. With the new update, sellers now only need to enter as few as two characters to yield search results. This change simplifies the process, making it faster and more user-friendly.
Simplified Capitalization Requirements
Additionally, capitalization is no longer a prerequisite for search terms. This improvement reduces input errors and saves time, making it easier for sellers to find the products they need quickly without worrying about case sensitivity.
New Sortable Columns
The introduction of new, sortable columns, including SKU, Ratings, and Reviews, empowers sellers to organize and analyze their product data more efficiently. These columns provide critical insights at a glance, allowing sellers to prioritize their inventory management and make data-driven decisions more effectively.
Revamped Sales Reports
Better Visualizations
The Account Sales and Item Sales reports have been revamped to offer more intuitive visualizations. This means sellers can now interpret their sales data more easily, identifying trends and patterns at a glance.
Simultaneous Metric Viewing
One of the standout features of the new reports is the ability to view multiple metrics simultaneously. This multi-dimensional approach enables sellers to compare various data points without having to switch between different report screens.
Enhanced Customization Options
For those who require specific data views, the additional customization options allow sellers to tailor reports to their unique needs. Whether it's filtering by date ranges, item categories, or specific metrics, these customizations make it easier to focus on the most relevant data for strategic planning.
Managing Duplicate Listings
Setting Up Notifications for Duplicate Items
Managing duplicate listings can be a daunting task, but with the new updates, Walmart has made it easier. Sellers can now enable notifications for potential duplicate items directly within the Seller Center by navigating to the Notifications tab in the top navigation bar. This proactive approach helps sellers address duplicates before they become problematic.
Reviewing and Merging Listings
Once notified, sellers can review their listings by accessing the Pending Review section in the left-hand menu or via email links. This section allows sellers to assess potential duplicates and either merge them or mark them as unique, ensuring that their product catalog remains accurate and optimized for better discoverability on Walmart.com.
Boosting Visibility with Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Suggestions
Exploring Success Hub
Walmart has now integrated Search Engine Marketing (SEM) suggestions into the Success Hub. This enhancement provides sellers with valuable item suggestions for external SEM campaigns on major search engines like Google and Bing. By leveraging these suggestions, sellers can boost the visibility of their products outside of Walmart’s marketplace, driving more traffic and potentially increasing sales.
API Updates and Integration Adjustments
Avoiding Duplicate Listing Errors
Walmart has updated its API integrations to help sellers avoid duplicate listing errors. It's crucial for sellers to update their Items and Disputes API integrations by August 26 to maintain their items' transactability. Failure to comply with this update may result in duplicate listings being unpublished, as per Walmart’s Duplicates Listings Policy.
Immediate Action Required
For sellers utilizing API integrations, it's mandatory to make these updates immediately. Ensuring API integrations are current will maintain operational efficiency and prevent disruptions in product listings and sales.
Addressing Phishing Scams
Ongoing Phishing Threats
An ongoing phishing scam has been identified, involving fraudulent emails purportedly from Walmart Marketplace support. Sellers are advised to disregard any emails originating from @walmartcustomersupport.com. Awareness and vigilance are key in protecting personal and business information from such scams.
Conclusion
Walmart’s latest updates in Seller Center aim to streamline operations, improve data access, and enhance overall seller experience. From improved search functionalities and enhanced sales reports to proactive duplicate listing management and SEM suggestions, these updates are designed to help sellers optimize their presence on Walmart's platform more effectively.
FAQ
What are the new search functionalities in Seller Center?
The new search functionalities include the ability to yield results with just two characters and no longer requiring capitalization.
How have the sales reports been improved?
The sales reports now include better visualizations, the ability to view multiple metrics simultaneously, and enhanced customization options.
How can I manage duplicate listings more effectively?
Enable notifications for potential duplicates within the Seller Center and review your listings in the Pending Review section to merge or mark duplicates as unique.
What action is required regarding API updates?
Update your Items and Disputes API integrations by August 26 to avoid duplicate listing errors and maintain your items' transactability.
How should I handle phishing emails?
Disregard and do not respond to emails from @walmartcustomersupport.com to protect against phishing scams.
By staying informed about these updates, sellers can ensure they are making the most of the tools and features available to maximize their success on Walmart's platform.
