Recently, I have faced a battle with technology. I am not referring to the emergent threat of artificial intelligence (AI). Much has been said about AI’s threat to all professions, particularly creative endeavors. No, I refer to the battle with algorithms.
Algorithms determine one’s placement on websites, in searches, et cetera. They are the engine that drives people to a product. People devote entire careers to optimizing descriptions and other items so that a mysterious algorithm gives choice placement to the product.
Don’t have a lot of sales (like, millions)? Don’t have millions of followers? Don’t use the right keywords? Don’t have a big corporation backing you? Well, good luck to you! Getting noticed by the algorithm becomes less about the quality of your product and more of a popularity contest. Geez, it’s high school all over again!
Of course, I speak from experience. I have noticed random issues with my books on Amazon’s site. Sometimes, you must click “books” as the category in the search bar . Sometimes, you can type the title in the search bar and find the book right away. Or, on a particular day, you must be ultra precise. I have heard that you cannot type “Wooly.” You need the second “L” in the title Love at the Woolly Bookworm Shop. There is no standard pattern. It varies from day to day.
Small businesses deserve notice. What can you do when you hear about a great product and cannot find it? Be patient. Keep looking. Contact the business owner. Don’t give up! Until the business owner generates enough “likes” or sales, they will remain buried in the algorithm. They need your support.
As we move into the busy holiday shopping season, it is important to highlight the issue. Sure, I would love more sales. This post is really for all small business owners. It is hard enough to do business with rising costs from materials to vendor fees. They produce a quality product. They don’t need a phantom algorithm hiding it. Help us all by supporting your favorite small business.