zrank is -1!

[ArtundStuff]

Hi, 

i'm new here, my zrank is -1 ! and i'm wondering why since it is stated that the value ranges from 1 to 10, i understand that because i'm new it is normal to have a low zrank, but -1 ?

can somebody please explain to me why is that.

[Roberta · Accepted solution]

Hi @ArtundStuff 

Thank you for reaching out! Z rank is an algorithm that modifies itself in proportion to modifications made to the store. The rating of -1 is likely due to the fact that this is a new store and all products uploaded are from the last 48hrs. The algorithm needs time to assess the store. This should update in due time so I would suggest checking back in 1-2 weeks. Hope this helps 🙂

Roberta 🌷

[ArtundStuff]

That is helpful, thank you for your answer.

[CrazyMermaid]

@Roberta this advice needs to be updated. Time doesn't help and there is no ETA when this will be fixed. Scott also suggested that the true Z Rank might not be -1. However, it wasn't clear that this would be the case for everyone. 

[CrazyMermaid]

-1 is where we all start with new stores. Many of us told Zazzle when this first occurred that it would upset people new to the platform. It will increase pretty quickly as you work on your store. 

[ArtundStuff]

Thank you so much for your answer.

[Chrissi]

Turns out it’s a technical issue and not just a matter of waiting. I currently have the same issue! ArtandStuff, has your zrank changed by now? Mine has been -1 at least for a couple of weeks now. Just wanted to see if yours has changed by chance.

[ArtundStuff]

Hi Chrissi,

Unfortunately, nothing has changed, my profile and store are at 100% completion for a while now and I uploaded different designs and different products but it’s still -1. It is frustrating because it’s unclear how it works. Let me know if you learn anything helpful.

[Chrissi]

Hi! I will keep you posted for sure and you do the same, please. There is another post where they are talking about it and I keep checking in there. I contacted the team for support and they said that it's a technical issue. However, I don't understand why this can't be fixed (unless the team hasn't reached that tech ticket yet). We know it worked before, so what is different now? It is SO frustrating for sure especially because I was SO excited to open up a Zazzle store and now I sit here with all my stuff missing out on Christmas sales. 😞  I guess I'll just keep creating and once it works my store will be filled to the rim. Ha! 

[ArtundStuff]

I hope they fix it soon, i'm considering quitting alltogether, i'll keep you updated if anything changes😉. Good luck

[Chrissi]

I am with you on this one! I was so excited about Zazzle and then this... Trying to stay hopeful that it will be taken care of soon. Now that they introduced instant downloads people are wanting to open new stores for it and are running into this problem. Not sure why they wouldn't take care of the issue first before adding new things. 

[Mermaidparty]

Hi Chrissi

I have 5 new stores with-1.  They were all created over two months ago ready and waiting for Christmas.   I am like many creators, worked long hrs through the night staying up till midnight almost every night. 

Zazzle is aware  

"Checking in on our zrank inquiry, unfortunately, I do not have an ETA for when the issue will be rectified. Our developers are aware of the issue and are working to correct the ranks across the board".

In the past when you completed a store to 100% your rating would start with a 4.  Zazzle Zrank terms advises you need this 4 before your products can be seen in their marketplace. 

Hope this helps anyone new

[Chrissi]

Oh gosh..that really sucks! That's a lot of stores that aren't getting the traffic they deserve! I get just some views and they are all from social media. I'm kind of starting to hate this feeling of the unknown. I was so excited at first, but it's taking my drive away...slowly but surely. However, I'll just keep plugging away.. At the same time I wonder how much they are actually really working on this because I'm sure they are busy with their new digital stuff and all. My feeling tells me after Christmas is when things might happen... I sure hope so because this is such a bummer!

[ColsCreations]

I went to your store and then searched for a couple of your products and rest assured, they ARE in the marketplace and coming up in search results regardless of your zRank issue. I think something to consider is that some of your themes are extremely popular so competition is fierce. [rustic string lights wedding invitation] for example gives over 21,000 results just in the wedding category. [red plaid white deer] gives 500 results overall. But if I sort either by Newest, yours are right there. Products that have been in the market for only a few weeks if that don't have any "traction" yet so it's going to be very difficult to get seen over long-standing popular products that already have an established view/sales history. The more niche something is the more unique the keywords thus fewer competing designs in search results thus the better chance of organic searches leading to views/sales. For the more popular searches with much competition, you'd need to promote the heck out of your own stuff and hope that over time you'll rise higher in the results.  But your products are findable in searches right now so I wouldn't let the zRank thing keep you from working on your goals.

@Chrissi 

[Chrissi]

ColsCreations - thank you so much for taking the time to check in on my stuff! I really appreciate you doing this!!!! I know I have a long way to go with my products and have many more things to add. Rustic is certainly a very popular theme for creators, but I had the design from my Etsy life and figured I might as well put it out there. 🙂 I have several other designs that I will be working on once I have all my rustic ones done. It is good to know that my products show up!!! So, either the zrank doesn't matter all that much or it really is different than what I see (-1). So good to know and now I know it's all worth my time and I just need to keep putting my designs out there to establish my store. Again, thank you so much for checking in on things! 👊

[WHS_Designs]

just noticed that my newest store (created a month or so ago) has zRanked up from -1 to 4 today.

thanks Team Zazzle!

[Birdycoconut]

Hello, about 2 weeks ago, my store ranked 9,  yesterday it was down to 5, I have disactivated a few collections I wasn't happy about, and today it ranks - 1 (negative)

I have re activated the collections, it made no change. Is it a bug or the result of my messing with the collections ? 

Thanks for your help ! 

[Birdycoconut]

it just went up to 5 again ! 

Is there a minimum number of active collections to keep an average rank ?