July 2024 Walmart Marketplace Updates: Enhancements and Actionable Insights for SellersTable of ContentsIntroductionEnhancements to the Seller Center ExperienceRevamped Sales ReportsManaging Duplicate ListingsSearch Engine Marketing (SEM) Suggestions in Success HubCritical API UpdatesAddressing the Ongoing Phishing ScamUnderstanding Cookies and PrivacyConclusionFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)IntroductionRunning a successful eCommerce business on Walmart's Marketplace involves navigating an ever-evolving landscape of tools and features designed to enhance seller experience and boost sales. Whether you are a seasoned seller or just starting, keeping up with these changes is crucial for maintaining and growing your business. This post delves into July 2024's key updates at Walmart Marketplace, providing you with all the essential information you need to optimize your operations seamlessly.In this authoritative guide, we will explore the latest improvements to the Seller Center experience, the introduction of new visualizations in sales reports, enhanced search engine marketing (SEM) tools, critical API updates, and more. Each of these aspects is aimed at aiding sellers in managing their accounts more efficiently and making data-driven decisions. Let's get started.Enhancements to the Seller Center ExperienceWalmart has implemented several updates to the Seller Center, simplifying and enhancing how sellers manage their online stores. These changes focus on improving user experience and offering more control over inventory and sales data.Improved Search FunctionalityThe updated search functionality on the Items page now requires only two characters when searching for SKU and Item Name, and it no longer considers capitalization. This streamlines the process of locating items, especially in larger inventories, saving valuable time.New Sortable ColumnsAdditionally, the Items page now includes new, sortable columns such as SKU, Ratings, and Reviews. These columns enable sellers to easily sort and manage their products based on key performance indicators, aiding in quicker decision-making.Revamped Sales ReportsOne of the most significant changes this month is the overhaul of the Account Sales and Item Sales reports, which are indispensable tools for tracking your performance.Enhanced VisualizationsThe newly designed reports feature easier-to-understand visualizations. These graphical representations allow sellers to quickly glean insights from their data, identifying trends and anomalies at a glance.Multiple Metrics and CustomizationSellers can now view multiple metrics simultaneously, providing a more comprehensive overview of their business performance. Furthermore, additional customization options allow you to tailor your reports to meet specific needs, whether you're focusing on a particular product line or a promotional campaign's impact.Managing Duplicate ListingsDuplicate listings can confuse customers and negatively impact your sales. Walmart has introduced new tools and notifications to tackle this issue effectively.Notification Settings for Potential DuplicatesYou can now enable notifications for potential duplicate items easily via the Seller Center. Simply go to the top navigation bar, select Notifications, and click the Settings tab. This feature ensures you stay updated on potential duplicates requiring your attention.Reviewing and Merging DuplicatesTo review flagged items, navigate to Pending Review in the left-hand menu or follow the link received via email. This process allows you to assess each item and decide whether to merge duplicates or mark them as unique, maintaining a clean and accurate inventory.Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Suggestions in Success HubEffective SEM strategies can significantly boost your product visibility on search engines like Google and Bing. Walmart has taken a step forward by integrating SEM suggestions directly into the Success Hub.Viewing SEM Item SuggestionsBy navigating to the Success Hub, you can effortlessly access item suggestions specifically curated for external SEM campaigns. This integration helps optimize your marketing efforts, driving more qualified traffic to your listings.Critical API UpdatesWalmart is continuously improving its APIs to enhance seller experience and functionality. The latest updates are crucial for preventing duplicate listing errors.Action Required by August 26Sellers must update their Items and Disputes API integrations by August 26 to comply with the latest standards. Failing to do so will result in your duplicate listings being unpublished, adhering to Walmart's Duplicates Listings Policy.Addressing the Ongoing Phishing ScamWalmart Marketplace sellers need to be vigilant about an ongoing phishing scam involving emails from @walmartcustomersupport.com. These are fraudulent emails designed to mislead sellers into sharing sensitive information.Safety PrecautionsDisregard any emails from this address and do not respond to them. Instead, forward these emails to Walmart's official support channels to help curb this issue.Understanding Cookies and PrivacyCookies play a crucial role in enhancing your experience on Walmart’s website. Knowing the types of cookies and their functions can help you make informed decisions about your privacy settings.Types of CookiesWalmart uses various cookies, including strictly necessary cookies, performance cookies, functional cookies, and targeting/advertising cookies. Each serves different purposes, from enabling core website functions to personalizing your browsing experience.Managing Cookie PreferencesYou can manage your cookie preferences by navigating to the Privacy Center located in the website footer. This flexibility allows you to balance between a personalized experience and your privacy concerns.ConclusionJuly 2024 brings a host of impactful updates for Walmart Marketplace sellers. From streamlined search functionalities and enhanced sales reports to new SEM tools and essential API updates, these changes are designed to optimize your selling experience and improve business performance. Staying informed and proactive in implementing these updates will help you harness their full potential.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Q: How do I enable notifications for potential duplicate listings?A: Go to the Seller Center, select Notifications from the top navigation bar, then click the Settings tab to enable notifications for potential duplicates.Q: What is the deadline for updating API integrations?A: You must update your Items and Disputes API integrations by August 26 to avoid having duplicate listings unpublished.Q: How can SEM suggestions help my business?A: SEM suggestions in the Success Hub provide tailored strategies to boost your products' visibility on search engines, driving more qualified traffic to your listings.Q: What should I do if I receive a phishing email from @walmartcustomersupport.com?A: Do not respond to the email. Forward it to Walmart's official support for further action.Q: How can I adjust my cookie settings on Walmart’s website?A: You can adjust your cookie settings by clicking on the Privacy Center link in the website's footer, which allows you to manage your preferences.Staying on top of these updates and changes will ensure that you are making the most of what Walmart Marketplace offers, thus driving better results for your business.