Imagine your international marketplace store as a crowded farmers' market, where piles of products overwhelm buyers who eventually leave without purchasing anything. Many merchants previously believed "more is better," flooding their stores with products to compete on quantity. However, Alibaba International now declares this approach obsolete as it implements significant platform rule changes, cracking down on duplicate listings and upgrading search algorithms.
I. The Platform Transformation: From Volume to Value
This adjustment centers on two key principles: compliance and precision .
1. The End of Duplicate Listings
Previously, some merchants would split identical products into different SKUs or use nearly identical titles and images with minor variations to create multiple listings. Such practices now qualify as duplicate listings and face strict penalties, including:
- Product splitting: Listing the same product with slight variations (color/size) as separate SKUs
- Title duplication: Using highly similar product titles and images with excessive keyword repetition
- Information cloning: Posting nearly identical listings with only minimal attribute differences
First-time offenders receive warnings, while repeat violations incur 6-point deductions and search ranking demotions. More severely, the platform will display only the best-performing version of a product while suppressing others, with affected stores experiencing week-long search ranking penalties.
2. Search Algorithm Upgrade: Precision Over Deception
The new search mechanism analyzes multiple dimensions including titles, subtitles, and product attributes using AI technology, replacing the previous title-focused approach that encouraged keyword stuffing. The updated ranking process involves:
- Fraud filtration: Eliminating false or non-compliant content
- Precision matching: Connecting buyer searches with relevant products across multiple parameters
- Intelligent ranking: Sorting results based on product quality, store reputation, and buyer behavior
The platform now limits product quantities per store while introducing customizable "showcase product" features that highlight competitive advantages like "factory direct" or "48-hour shipping" to improve click-through rates.
II. Strategic Adaptation: Compliance as Foundation, Optimization as Advantage
Merchants must proactively adjust to remain competitive under the new framework.
1. Compliance Audit: Eliminating Obsolete Listings
Conduct comprehensive store cleanups using platform tools to:
- Identify listings with over 80% image similarity or 60% title keyword repetition
- Batch-screen duplicate titles and attributes using spreadsheet tools
- Complete compliance adjustments within 30 days of rule implementation
For legitimate product variations (like multiple colors), implement differentiation through unique photography and descriptions that emphasize distinctive features.
2. Core Product Development: Quality Over Quantity
Focus resources on optimizing high-potential products through:
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Strategic keyword implementation:
- Prioritize narrow product categories (e.g., "women's beach dresses")
- Incorporate long-tail keywords (e.g., "UV-resistant camping tents")
- Utilize showcase-specific labels (e.g., "ISO-certified medical supplier")
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Enhanced listing quality:
- Feature professional "product + context + certification" main images
- Structure detail pages to highlight specifications, case studies, and delivery timelines
- Optimize transactional elements like bulk pricing and payment options for B2B buyers
This platform evolution signals a transition from indiscriminate traffic distribution to preferential treatment of quality merchants. Success now depends on product excellence, buyer experience, and operational precision rather than sheer listing volume. As the platform streamlines, compliant merchants who optimize effectively will gain competitive advantage in the new marketplace landscape.