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Seller Question: What Should I Do If My Product Is Not Selling on Amazon?

Given its vast customer base, global reach, and streamlined logistics, you are likely well aware of how lucrative Amazon marketplaces are. But the road to success is not always smooth, and not all ecommerce businesses experience the desired results. This leads many sellers to ponder, “What should I do if my product is not selling on Amazon?”

Don’t worry! We’re here to shed light on this predicament and offer actionable strategies to help you turn the tides in your favor.

My Product is Not Selling on Amazon: The 6 Roadblocks to Amazon Selling and How to Fix Them

Whether you’re a first-time Amazon seller or a seasoned veteran, experiencing periods of slow sales is common in the dynamic world of ecommerce. Perhaps you’re missing something, and it’s okay to admit that.

But it’s never too late to turn things around and revitalize your overall performance on Amazon. The key lies in understanding the underlying causes of your stagnant sales. Here are six reasons your product may not sell as expected and how you can resolve them.

1. Your Product Reviews Are Unsatisfactory

Amazon lauds itself as a customer-centric company. That is why product reviews come from customers and are one of Amazon's metrics to assess the quality and popularity of your offerings.

Positive reviews are valuable assets as they indicate that your product is gaining traction and receiving free publicity from satisfied customers. But it can also be a double-edged sword. On the other side stand customers who give one to three-star ratings, which can hurt your business.

Negative reviews can stem from the following reasons:

infographic poster - 4 Reasons for Unsatisfactory Product Reviews

Potential customers may avoid buying your product once they notice it has only a few stars. They may even filter results with only four- to five-star ratings, leaving out offers with lower ratings.

Solution: Be Consistent in Providing a Good Customer Experience 

Don’t even think about paying someone to help you get stellar ratings and positive reviews, or you may face dire consequences like account suspension. Amazon only wants authentic reviews from customers who purchased the item. 

One way to get better product reviews is to respond to negative reviews in public. Terrifying? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely. Try to take a stance on the issue. Tell the irate customer how to solve the problem and promise it won’t happen again. When you approach it like this, it lessens the issue’s impact and shows that you care about your customers. If you get lucky, they might change their review and rating of their own will.

Another possible solution is to request Amazon to delete the negative review. Do this only if you’re confident that the customer didn’t follow Amazon’s community guidelines regarding product reviews. Simply bring this up to Amazon by clicking “Report Abuse” at the bottom of the review.

2. You’re Not Advertising Your Products

Amazon sellers like you won't stand out in the cluttered marketplace if you only focus on product listing optimization. Advertising must also not be overlooked. Otherwise, you risk missing out on significant opportunities to achieve consistent sales, connect with a broader audience, and build your brand identity on the platform.

Solution: Leverage Amazon PPC Campaigns

Break through the noise by advertising products through Amazon PPC campaigns: Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Displays. 

Let's differentiate each one.

Sponsored ProductSponsored Brand Sponsored Display
Your ad appears within the shopping results, at the top of the search results page, and on product pages. Use this to promote your low-converting product listings.Your ad displays your brand logo, custom headline, and three product listings you want to advertise. It has the same ad placement as Sponsored Products. Your ad promotes your products even outside Amazon Marketplace. It's a self-service display ad with three targeting options: views targeting, product targeting, and interest targeting.

Always keep your products on the buyer's radar with Amazon Sponsored Ad campaigns. For Sponsored Products and Sponsored Brands, you must win the bidding game to grab the top spot or at least land on the first page of the search results. Meanwhile, Sponsored Display relies on browsing and buying signals to reach customers.

3. Your Pricing Is Not Competitive

Contrary to popular belief, lowering your price doesn't always give you a competitive edge. In fact, it can lead to a race to the bottom. When sellers constantly lower rates, it can create a price-centric environment where margins are squeezed, and profitability becomes challenging. 

This approach devalues the customers’ perception of your product and brand. They may question its quality, reliability, or long-term value. Plus, once you've established a reputation for being the lowest-priced option, it can be difficult to raise prices in the future without losing buyers.

Solution: Research Your Competitor’s Pricing Strategies

So what is the "best price" according to Amazon's standards? It depends on your strategy. But regardless of your approach, a thorough analysis of your competitor's pricing strategy must be your first step.

Use Amazon's search features to find products similar to yours and take note of their sales prices. Consider product quality, features, and customer reviews when comparing your competitors' products. These components will help you position your products effectively in the marketplace and identify trends within your market niche.

In addition to competition analysis, these strategies will also help you with your selling:

Pricing Strategies
💲Repricing: This strategy is suitable if you want to compete with the lowest-priced product similar to yours. 
You can do this manually or use a tool to adjust the price dynamically.
📦Getting the Buy Box: It involves certain factors such as average shipping time, number of returns, number of replacements, number of cancellations, and your seller rating. 
Keep the price components at a minimum value.
🏷️Stable Pricing: This is applicable if you aim to build a long-term presence on Amazon. 
But make some exceptions when launching a new product or during the holiday season.
Note: Before developing a pricing strategy, ensure it follows the Amazon Marketplace Fair Pricing Policy to avoid infractions.

4. Your Amazon Product Detail Page Is Not Retail-Ready

What is a retail-ready product detail page? It means your product listing is ready for display on Amazon Marketplace. It ensures the customer will have a positive experience and find the correct information to make an informed buying decision. It is your initial investment in various advertising opportunities.

Unfortunately, many sellers neglect the importance of boosting their detail page. They think sales and discounts are the only factors driving purchases. Little do they know that a poorly optimized product detail page can confuse potential Amazon shoppers, leading to lost sales and a negative perception of your brand.

Solution: Optimize Your Product Listings

Avoid losing sales through Amazon listing optimization. Here’s your checklist to improve your product detail page on the platform.

Product Title

  • The title should accurately describe your product and entice the customer to click on it.
  • Capitalize the first letter of each word. 
  • Ensure you have no broken links and the customer ends up on the right product page. 

Key Features

  • Follow the “Show; Don’t Tell” strategy when creating the key features of your product.
  • Summarize the benefits and features of your product in bullet points.
  • Use relevant keywords when writing your product descriptions.

Product Photos

  • The product should fill 80–100% of the image frame.
  • The background must be pure white (RGB = 255, 255, 255). 
  • Show the entire product and not only a part of it. 
  • The allowed image formats are JPEG (.jpeg/.jpg), PNG (.png), GIF (.gif), and TIFF (.tif/.tiff). 
  • Don’t put texts, inset images, or graphics inside the frame.

Product Reviews

  • Use the Early Reviewer Program to encourage recent buyers to post authentic reviews. 
  • Enroll in Amazon Brand Registry to protect your brand and gain access to additional review management tools. 

5. You Don’t Know Your Search Intent

In today's digital landscape, the search bar has become the primary gateway between potential customers and your offerings, making it crucial to align your product listings with their intent. Insufficient research, a lack of product relevancy, and disregarding search trends can all contribute to missed opportunities and reduced sales. 

Solution: Perform Keyword Research and Search Optimization

Invest time and effort into keyword research and search optimization. This way, you won’t miss the chance to strengthen your organic ranking on search engines and attract potential buyers.

With keyword research, you can identify the terms and phrases that potential customers use when searching for products or services like yours. Furthermore, understanding search volume and competition for specific keywords empowers you to optimize your content accordingly. 

Here are actionable steps to make it happen:

  1. Select Relevant Keywords

Identify high search volume terms closely related to your products. Various keyword research tools are available to help you find the best search terms. Consider synonyms, common misspellings, and alternative terms your target audience might use.

  1. Optimize Product Listing for Search Terms

Once you have identified the primary and secondary keywords, incorporate them into your product listing to improve its discoverability. Here's how:

Optimization AreaKey Points
Product Title
  • Incorporate essential keywords in your product title to improve visibility and relevance. Keep the title clear, concise, and representative of your product.
  • Product Description
  • Craft a detailed and compelling product description that integrates your keywords naturally.Communicate the unique selling points of your product and emphasize its value to potential buyers.
  • Backend Search Terms
  • Utilize the "backend search terms" section in Amazon Seller Central to include additional relevant keywords.They are not visible to customers but help associate your listing with relevant searches.
  • Note: Understanding and optimizing for search intent is an ongoing process. Continuously monitor search trends, adapt your keywords as needed, and refine your listings to maintain relevance and stay ahead of the competition.

    6. You Have Poor Inventory Management

    Poor inventory management practices can lead to stockouts, excess inventory, lost sales, and dissatisfied customers. Continuously monitoring your inventory levels is crucial to run a successful Amazon store. This practice will help you observe patterns and make informed decisions. 

    Solution: Consider Using Amazon FBA

    Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) allows you to store your products in Amazon's fulfillment centers. This means that Amazon will take care of storage, packing, shipping, and customer service for your orders. Choosing FBA has multiple advantages:

    • Amazon takes care of fulfillment, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.
    • Your products become eligible for Prime shipping, increasing customer trust.
    • FBA automates order processing, shipping, and returns, which could improve your overall efficiency and customer satisfaction.

    The use of Amazon FBA comes with associated fees. You need to weigh the benefits against the costs and decide whether FBA is the right strategy for your business. Consider factors like the type of products you sell, your target audience, and your storage needs.

    Accelerate Your Business Growth With Seller Interactive

    Amazon selling is indeed a tough business. It requires dedication, knowledge, and strategic decision-making. It's a challenging environment with relentless competition and ever-evolving dynamics. 

    Nevertheless, armed with the right tools, resources, and expertise, you can navigate any obstacles if your product is not selling on Amazon. By applying the tips above, you will soon taste the victory of closing a sale.Do you want to boost your sales? Seller Interactive has a team of expert Amazon consultants who can help you with Amazon account management. Contact us today.

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    The Power of Amazon Reputation Management in Building Brand Reputation

    Brand reputation is an essential factor for a business's success, but it holds even more significance on massive ecommerce platforms like Amazon. Simply glossing over negative feedback can drive potential customers to another brand.

    It's only natural for people to look for good Amazon customer reviews and ensure a smooth buying experience before committing to a product or service. Remember, trust is a sensitive relationship between a business and its buyers, so you should find ways to keep it strong. In other words, manage your reputation as early as you can. 

    This article delves into the influential power of Amazon's reputation management, providing valuable insights into its definition and some effective strategies. It also explores techniques for protecting your brand against negative product reviews and building a positive image on Amazon.

    What Is Brand Reputation Management on Amazon?

    According to a BrightLocal report, 98% of consumers use the Internet to find information about businesses. So it’s no surprise that much shopping happens in cyberspace, where anyone can effortlessly drop online reviews and share opinions about a business.

    And it’s not just consumers who are crucial to consider; businesses must also pay attention to prominent platforms like Google and Amazon marketplace. These platforms operate on algorithms determining a web page’s value, emphasizing the need for active brand reputation management.

    Brand reputation management is the strategic and ongoing process of protecting and enhancing people's thoughts about a particular company, product, or service. Various actions are implemented to:

    • Build a Company’s Reputation: This involves establishing a positive perception and recognition among the target audience, fostering trust, and developing a reputation for delivering high-quality products or services. 
    • Maintain a Good Reputation: This involves monitoring and managing the brand’s online presence and reputation through active engagement with customers on social media, review platforms, and other relevant channels.
    • Recover When Receiving a Negative Rating: Negative feedback or incidents can occur no matter how well a brand is managed. In such situations, effective reputation management involves promptly addressing and resolving issues, demonstrating accountability, and transparently communicating with customers and the public.

    By effectively managing brand reputation, Amazon sellers can strengthen customer satisfaction, attract new customers, differentiate themselves from competitors, and ultimately contribute to long-term success.

    Why Do You Need Amazon Reputation Management?

    In the ecommerce industry, where customer experience holds immense influence, brand reputation becomes a make-or-break factor for businesses. A single negative review can sway online shoppers towards rival brands.

    This situation highlights the relevance of prioritizing reputation management efforts and gaining good reviews from customers. Here are four reasons why you should start adding them to your business core activities.

    1) It Directly Affects Your Sales

    Many customers buy items based on positive brand feedback. The presence of positive reviews directly impacts their decision-making process, influencing their willingness to proceed with a purchase. 

    This simply illustrates the direct correlation between positive brand feedback and increased sales. By managing and fostering Amazon customer feedback, you can harness this influential factor to generate sales and establish a solid online reputation.

    2) If You Don’t Move Now, Someone Else Will

    Most of the time, the intensity of competition in Amazon can lead to unscrupulous practices. Everyone wants to be on top and get 5-star reviews to the point that some people take advantage and cheat their way.

    If you don't bother with customer feedback, others might have a chance to hurt your business. These actors may resort to black hat tactics such as posting fake Amazon reviews or engaging in deceptive practices that undermine the platform's integrity.

    3) Marketing Efforts Will Go Downhill

    Negative Amazon reviews can hinder your brand's marketing efforts, regardless of the excellence of your brand content. It reduces customer confidence and interest, especially when they come across unfavorable comments about your brand's quality, reliability, or value.

    The consequences of a bad reputation extend beyond just customer hesitation. Your marketing strategies, no matter how well-crafted, may lose their effectiveness when overshadowed by negative feedback. A tarnished reputation can weaken the impact of your marketing campaigns, rendering your messaging less persuasive and less likely to resonate with your target audience. 

    4) It Boosts Your Search Engine Ranking

    Positive reviews and high ratings act as valuable social proof, indicating to search algorithms that your product offers value, integrity, and customer satisfaction. Search engines recognize and reward these positive signals, leading to improved ranking over time.

    Even if your product initially ranks low in organic search results, an exceptional customer experience can elevate its position. This amplifies your product's reach, impact, and visibility in your target market.

    How To Maintain a Positive Brand Reputation on Amazon

    Verified purchase review from Amazon

    Maintaining a positive brand reputation on Amazon requires a proactive approach and strategic management. Here are some key tactics to consider.

    Learn the Basics of Amazon First

    If you wish to sell on Amazon, familiarize yourself with the platform. Amazon has its rules and regulations that ensure a fair and trustworthy marketplace for customer and seller feedback. With these rules, you can avoid violations that may negatively affect your brand reputation.

    Know what your limitations are as an Amazon seller. Learn what's safe and what violates Amazon's policies. Your actions should be consistent with their standards to keep a positive standing on the platform.

    Maintain Ethical Practices in Addressing Negative Feedback

    A business with negative feedback doesn't necessarily indicate a lack of credibility or quality. Removing negative reviews is not right just because you want to keep customers. Constructive negative reviews help customers decide if a brand is worth the purchase. 

    As a responsible business owner, your focus should be promptly and appropriately responding to negative feedback. Acknowledge their complaints if the problem is valid, and wrap it up with your will to improve. You can also offer solutions, such as a refund or replacement, to compensate for the damage. 

    Invest in Review Management Tools

    When you feel like you no longer have enough time for Amazon product review management, don't worry! There are valuable tools and software available to lend a helping hand. These review management solutions are tailored for Amazon sellers, providing efficient ways to streamline your Amazon tasks.

    With these review management tools, you can bid farewell to the manual and time-consuming task of juggling multiple platforms and sifting through numerous reviews. Instead, you can manage and analyze feedback efficiently, helping you make data-driven decisions about your future product strategy and customer satisfaction improvements. 

    Report Fake Reviews

    Market prices are dynamic and fluctuate due to various factors such as supply and demand, seasonality, and competitor actions. By actively monitoring market prices, you can quickly adapt to these changes and make timely adjustments to your pricing strategy. 

    Even with Amazon's efforts to improve the feedback system, individuals still get away with fake reviews. Sellers need to know common signs that can help identify these misleading reviews.

    What are some telltale signs of fake reviews?

    • Reviews that read like an ad for another product
    • Reviews with an overly short length
    • Reviews with poor spelling and grammar
    • Feedback from an unverified purchase (verified purchases have the orange badge)
    • Another seller writing the review
    • Malicious remarks rather than constructive criticism

    Optimize Product Listings

    Listing optimization provides clear and precise information about your product, which helps you set realistic expectations for customers. They are more satisfied when they receive what they want based on the listed product database.

    A well-organized, comprehensive, and visually appealing listing signals that your brand takes pride in its products and is committed to delivering high-quality service. This attention to detail can create a positive impression and reinforce your brand reputation as consistently delivering on its promises.

    Monitor Market Prices

    This responsiveness demonstrates your agility and ability to stay in tune with customer expectations, enhancing your brand reputation as a customer-centric and proactive seller.

    Protect Your Brand

    Amazon brand protection includes protecting your business against counterfeits, unauthorized distribution, trademark infringements, and other threats that can confuse customers and dilute your brand’s identity.

    With brand protection measures and strict control, you’re ensuring that your customers can trust the authenticity and quality of your products when they purchase them from Amazon. You’re also sending a strong message that you value their trust and prioritize their safety.

    In the Case of Account Suspension…

    Any Amazon seller, including yourself, risks account suspension, particularly when encountering negative feedback. You might receive an email saying: "Your Amazon account has been suspended." 

    When this happens, it means you have violated regulations from Amazon's perspective, so they're taking your privileges away. Here's what you need to do.

    The Amazon Reinstatement Service

    Amazon reinstatement is the process of appealing to get a seller's account or listing back. First, know the reasons why you got suspended. Once you figure that out, with or without the help of a professional, you will need to submit a Plan of Action (POA).

    Your Amazon reinstatement letter must contain the following:

    • A brief introduction of your business on Amazon
    • A description of the issue and how you were able to identify the reason behind it.
    • An explanation of how you are going to deal with it (this should include long-term solutions)

    To read more on the subject, see our article on how to craft a compelling appeal letter that will get your account or listings reinstated in no time.

    Key Takeaway

    Always remember that your brand's reputation is one of your biggest assets. It directly impacts customer trust, loyalty, and purchasing decisions. With effective Amazon reputation management, you can create a unique selling proposition, drive sales, and foster prolonged success.
    If you encounter challenges delivering exceptional customer experiences on Amazon, Seller Interactive can assist you. Book a call today or reach out to us at [email protected].

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    4 Amazon Keyword Tips You Need, According to Listing Experts

    There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to finding business success. Different people take different paths to achieve their goals. Some learn from the failures and successes of others, while some prefer to learn from their own experiences.

    Interestingly, these principles also apply to learning Amazon strategies like listing optimization. You must embrace a blend of these approaches to outrank your competitors and propel your business forward.

    But if you truly want to improve things, include this in your journey: listening to listing experts. You will certainly be able to apply their Amazon keyword tips to refine your keyword research strategy and quickly connect with your target audience.

    In this blog post, we’ve gathered four keyword tips we think are gold. Unlike other articles, these tips aren’t generic; we based these on Amazon experts’ years of experience, study, observations from their accounts and competitors, and forward-thinking. 

    4 Important Amazon Keyword Tips Backed by Listing Experts

    Amazon keywords can make all the difference in the success of your product listings. It’s not just about incorporating popular terms in your listings; it’s about strategically optimizing them to align with your customer’s search behaviors and preferences.

    It might be tough to conduct Amazon keyword research, but you don’t have to do it alone. This is where listing experts come into play. They know the ins and outs of Amazon’s search algorithm. They have conducted extensive research and gained valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t in the realm of keywords.

    So, what are their expert-backed tips to help you master Amazon keywords?

    Tip #1: Know the Relevant Keywords

    We all know the power of keywords, these being a primary element to rank on Amazon. While there is no single formula on how we can use them, experts have listed three keyword ideas to optimize your content on the platform.

    infographic - amazon keyword tips for optimizing content

    Use Main Keywords

    The easiest way to begin your listing optimization is to look for valuable keywords and use the top-ranking ones in your account. This strategy is what most people use because it means investing in what's already working.

    Leverage Other Keywords

    Unfortunately, main keywords pose stiffer competition, just like with other search engines. With tons of pages and hundreds of listings appearing, the chances for you to get a click and sale are small.

    Here enters the possibility of using secondary ranking keywords. They may have low search volume, but they face less competition. This increases your chances of more sales and clicks, especially when paired with appealing images and content. 

    Use Long-Tail Keywords and Be Creative

    Using long-tail keywords may not be widely adopted, but experts consider it a hidden gem. This is an often overlooked opportunity because long-tail keywords don’t usually have high search volumes. However, they attract more qualified and motivated users, boosting the number of visitors to your page.

    Because Amazon users search for their desired items using long-tail and more specific keywords, you can target these keywords and expect higher sales and soaring conversion rates. These higher rates will enhance your visibility and prominence in the Amazon search engine.

    Tip #2: Avoid Putting Your Brand Name in the Product Title

    Many sellers often make the mistake of including their brand name in the product title, thinking it will help them with their Amazon search term optimization. Experts strongly advise against using your brand name in the product title, even if it may seem beneficial. 

    Instead of brand name, you must prioritize terms that align with what customers are searching for rather than using words (like your brand name) that don’t have high search volumes. By optimizing the title with descriptive and targeted keywords, you can increase its relevance without compromising valuable search term space.

    Tip #3: Don’t Forget Your Off-Page

    There is more to Amazon than meets the eye. What we mean by this is that there are more areas where you can incorporate keywords than what appears on your product page

    Backend Keywords

    Also known as hidden keywords, backend keywords are vital to boosting your conversion. They may look like a compilation of key phrases that do not make sense, but search engines index them to help customers find the products they’re looking for.

    The strategy of some Amazon listing experts goes like this: 

    Step 1: Copy the ASIN and the keyword phrase on the search. If your product appears, then your product is appearing for the search term you used. 
    Step 2: Use a keyword research tool to check all the keywords associated with your ASIN. If your product appears for the search then, you’ll know you chose the keywords correctly. 
    Step 3: If there are search keywords absent in your content, create a list and include them in the backend. Focus on variations, synonyms, and related keywords. Avoid using keywords already present in your on-page content.

    Online Platforms

    Look beyond Amazon; you’ll see countless ways to increase your audience and direct more qualified traffic to your listing.

    • Option 1: Setting up your website is your best bet if you want the freedom to write everything about your product. Make it easy for customers to click the buy button for more conversions and ranking. Don’t forget to link your Amazon account to the site.
    • Option 2: Use the power of social media influencers to your advantage. Connect with influencers and have your brand endorsed on their social media channels. Their followers are your potential clients.
    • Option 3: Invest in email marketing. Make your pitch short but snappy and informative. Tell the readers what your product is and the advantages of using your product. Include a quick link leading to your Amazon product pages for easy access.

    Most Amazon SEO companies offer all these services mentioned. Delegate the tasks to a team of experts to ensure quality and efficiency. 

    Tip #4: Be Consistent in Keyword Usage

    Consistency is the key to Amazon listing optimization. This means you must:

    • Use the Same Keyword in All Your Listing Areas: From product titles to backend search terms, maintaining consistency helps search algorithms recognize the relevance of your listing and enhance its presence in search results.
    • Take Advantage of Keyword Research Tools: These keyword tools filter irrelevant keywords and identify relevant ones. They also provide keyword suggestions, search volume data, and direct competition analysis, saving time and effort.
    • Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Experts discourage keyword stuffing, even if you think using as many keywords as possible is helpful. Focus specifically on using important keywords within your content. 
    • Avoid Subjective Keywords: Avoid subjective keywords that may not align with the nature of your customer. Stick to certain keywords that directly relate to your product and cater to customer preferences.
    • Consider Customer Search Behavior: Conduct market research with tools like Google Trends and Google Analytics. Adjust your keywords naturally. By understanding how customers search for products like yours, you can consistently optimize your listings to meet their needs.

    The Ultimate Amazon Keyword Tip: Work With Experts

    a businesswoman working with sales statistics

    The work never stops in finding the best keywords for listings. You need dedication and commitment to outshine other Amazon sellers and bring your brand to the forefront. Keep digging, exploring, and refining your keyword strategy to stay one step ahead. With this approach, you can conquer the cluttered marketplace and make your brand shine brightly.

    If you want to make better decisions and fewer mistakes, work with Seller Interactive. We have industry knowledge and detailed guidance to help you navigate the complexities of keyword optimization.

    At Seller Interactive, we offer a range of Amazon services to amplify your performance, including:

    • Amazon Full Account Management
    • Listing Optimization
    • Amazon SEO
    • Sponsored Ad Management/PPC Management
    • Product Launch
    • Brand Protection and Assistance
    • Amazon Account Suspension Appeal and Reinstatement
    • Reimbursement and Refund
    • FBA Wholesale Partnership 

    Seller Interactive: Your Ultimate Listing Experts

    There are things you can do on your own. But with all the tasks ahead of you, getting help is the way to go. You'll be at peace knowing that professionals are handling your optimization, which is vital for your success on Amazon. 

    Let your brand be known! Book a call with us to discuss your business needs and what we can do for you.

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    Amazon FBA Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know

    Running a business on Amazon may seem easy, but it is far from it. Aside from learning how to maximize online business opportunities, you must also consider how other Amazon-related aspects work. 

    Some of those are managing an Amazon seller account, optimizing product listings, navigating Amazon's fee structure, dealing with customer inquiries and reviews, and understanding the intricacies of Amazon policies.

    Fortunately, there is a solution that can help alleviate some of the challenges of Amazon selling: the Fulfillment by Amazon program. With the FBA service, you can outsource your products' storage, packaging, and shipping to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. In short, they free up your time and resources to focus on what you do best: growing your business. 

    But despite the benefits this program offers, it also has its drawbacks. In this article, we'll look closer at Amazon FBA's pros and cons so you can make an informed decision on whether it aligns with the needs of your ecommerce business.

    How FBA Works on the Amazon Platform

    center view of a warehouse hallway illustrating an Amazon fulfillment center

    Before delving into the pros and cons of Amazon FBA business, everyone should know how the program works, especially new sellers.

    Any business working on the vast eCommerce platform can enroll their store or products on FBA, granting them access to Amazon warehouse facilities. By registering for the program, sellers agree to have Amazon handle the entire order fulfillment process, shipping costs, returns, refunds, and product warehousing.

    There is no limit to the number of products Amazon sellers can sign up for with the FBA program. Plus, Amazon offers FBA wholesale for businesses that sell their products in bulk. It is more beneficial for wholesale sellers to join this program. With it, they don’t have to deal with many SKUs and order placements personally.

    Let’s now talk about the critical aspects of Amazon FBA.

    • Process

    If you’re interested in becoming an Amazon FBA seller, we can provide you with a more detailed outline of how the service works:

    • You take the goods to one of Amazon’s warehouses.
    • Amazon securely stocks the goods in its warehouse.
    • Customers buy the items. 
    • Amazon handles the whole process, from billing to inventory updates.
    • Amazon will package and mail the order to the consumer.
    • Amazon meets the rest of the customer service needs, including returns and refunds.
    • Amazon transfers your revenue earnings directly into your bank account.

    Amazon's staff will dispatch all shipments, handle customer calls, inform them when their item has been shipped, and manage delivery and payments. All you have to do is replenish them with the stock and collect the cash. Running out of stock can lead to problems as Amazon cannot fulfill and ship orders for out-of-stock items.

    • Cost

    The next thing you must know about the FBA program is the fees. Logically speaking, you’re expected to pay for the service and the labor. After all, Amazon offers you its service and takes a lot of workload from you; ultimately, business is business.

    There are two primary components of Amazon’s FBA costs:

    • Inventory Storage Costs

    Paying for Amazon's inventory storage is the key for small to medium-sized businesses looking for storage space. But suppose you're unsure about it. In that case, compare renting or buying your warehouse costs versus using the FBA program.

    • Fulfillment and Shipping Costs

    Sufficient manpower is crucial for ensuring the safe delivery of packages. Leaving your fulfillment and shipping operations to Amazon can be advantageous, provided you understand the unique nature of your business, products, and business model.

    The Pros and Cons of Joining the Amazon FBA Program

    closeup of Amazon Shopping app on a mobile screen

    In the Amazon marketplace, sellers only have little leeway to make errors. With one lousy delivery or poor fulfillment, customers have a higher chance of avoiding their business in the future. That's why many of them are jumping to FBA to handle their logistics work. They can satisfy consumer needs while minimizing the risks of errors.

    But more is needed to know this information alone; you also need to weigh the pros and cons of joining the program. From here on, we will help you decide whether being an Amazon FBA seller is for you.

    Pros

    First, let’s sift through the advantages of Amazon FBA for sellers.

    • You can use Amazon’s prestige to your advantage. Customers trust Amazon's reliability and credibility, so they feel assured that their orders will be delivered and can be returned if necessary. This trust factor can greatly impact their buying decisions.
    • You acquire the opportunity to deliver lightning-fast operations. Amazon's one-of-a-kind online shopping system provides quicker loading and delivery. They’re able to distribute goods to your clients faster than you can.
    • You can boost your Amazon ranking and popularity. Amazon FBA can improve your product's search rankings as it is classified based on price alone, unlike products from non-FBA sellers that are sorted by total price, which includes shipping costs.
    • You have a higher chance of getting the Buy Box. This button is the large 'Add to Basket' icon on all Amazon product lists. Winning the Buy Box would mean increasing your sales and outperforming your competitors.
    • You can provide customers with free shipping. Offering free shipping to Amazon Prime customers can give you an advantage over non-FBA sellers, especially during the busy shopping season.
    • You can lower operating costs. You won't have to worry about storage, staff, or management thanks to Amazon fulfillment centers. You’ll be able to concentrate on delivering more goods and increasing your earnings.
    • You won't have to contend with too many client inquiries. Amazon offers 24/7 support to FBA sellers. They also give your customers the same support and assistance, so you won't have to deal with fulfillment and shipping issues anymore.

    Cons

    While many sellers have found great online sales success with FBA, some still need to fully embrace the program. Here’s why:

    • Potentially costly charges. Paying Amazon FBA fees is required for sellers using the program, but only some are willing or able to do so. For others, the cost of using FBA can eat into their profit margins, making it difficult to justify the expense.
    • Increased returns. Vendors often discover a spike in the amount or volume of returns. This is attributed, in part, to Amazon’s no-questions-asked return policy. Previously, Amazon would mail returns to you, and you have to pay to proceed with the return. The platform is now trying to send the returns directly to your warehouse.
    • Long-term storage fees. Amazon charges extra for items that have been stored for a long time. They may bill you and negatively impact your metrics for slow-selling items. You must factor in this cost to ensure FBA is financially viable. 
    • Laborious product preparation requirements. FBA requires specific packaging and labeling standards for goods entering Amazon's warehouse, which can be time-consuming and tedious on your part.
    • Complex sales tax. Sales tax is administered at the state level. It can be confusing which tax rate to use if your business resides in one state but has its inventory warehouse in another. 

    Final Say: Should I Go With FBA or Fulfill Orders Myself?

    Signing up for the Amazon FBA program must be a challenging decision for you. But we believe that its benefits still outweigh the drawbacks you’re considering. From storing your products at the Amazon fulfillment center to managing your inventory, FBA can provide faster yet reliable delivery to customers, eliminating the hassle of multitasking.

    While fees are inevitable in the FBA program, the increased convenience and sales potential make it a worthy option. It’s up to you to calculate the potential costs, assess your business’s nature, and consider other important business aspects. This lets you determine how well your business fits the program’s requirements.

    Getting on Amazon FBA doesn’t seem so bad. All you need is the right knowledge and assistance from Seller Interactive to guide you every step of the way! 
    Contact us today. Learn more about Amazon FBA and how it can boost your business.

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    Social Media Marketing for Amazon Sellers: How Amazon Agencies Can Expand Your Reach

    Social media can be a noisy, crowded, and overwhelming place to deal with. But for digital marketers, it presents a giant goldmine for expanding a brand’s reach. In this brief guide on social media marketing for Amazon sellers, we’ll provide valuable insights on navigating social channels for success.

    a person thinking deeply while holding their phone and with their laptop open

    Benefits of Social Media Marketing for Amazon Sellers

    The number of social media users continues to grow exponentially. According to a 2023 statistical report, more than 5 billion people are now using the internet, and nearly 60% are social media users. This report gives digital marketers an excellent opportunity to market brands on social media platforms. 

    Social media is undoubtedly one of the essential areas you should focus on as a business owner. More than half of salespeople outsell their peers by using social media. So if you want to grow your Amazon business in today's market, include a social media strategy. 

    Discover how utilizing social media channels can transform your Amazon business and how Amazon marketing agencies can turn this into reality! 

    But before anything else….

    You may still wonder what specific benefits social media marketing will bring your brand and if it’s all worth a shot in the long run.

    Below are the advantages your business can gain from a well-planned social media marketing strategy.

    Consumer-Brand Relationships

    Social media is all about engagement. Brands post various content to communicate and connect with customers better. This allows the target audience to learn more about a product or service through trivia posts, fun or educational content, company photos, news updates, and more. 

    Brand Awareness 

    With tens and thousands of users on almost every platform, social media marketing provides a valuable avenue to introduce your brand to the public. It is one of the easiest ways to spread the word about your Amazon business. 

    Customer Satisfaction

    Building customer trust thrives on proximity. When existing and potential customers know they'll get a prompt response to every comment or direct message from your page, it leaves a good impression.

    Brand Authority

    Brand authority is built through customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and communication. Your brand must create content, post regularly, and take the time to communicate with audiences to establish brand credibility. 

    This action prompts customers to extend their support by promoting your brand through social media accounts. Just a few clicks here and there could bring you higher conversion rates, so make the most out of that.

    Valuable Insights

    What could be better than acquiring first-hand insights about your customers’ needs through accurate data? Social media offers tools that give you detailed reports you can analyze and monitor to improve your marketing methods continuously. These tools keep track of your progress and help you develop more effective marketing strategies and efforts.

    How to Maximize Your Social Media Presence

    A short infographic detailing the essential tips and tricks to create a solid social media strategy

    Building a strategy is a crucial part of social media marketing. Here are some essential points you should consider to create and implement one.

    Choosing The Right Platform

    Choose the social media platforms you will market on. Most businesses use more than one social media platform to solidify their online presence and maximize marketing efforts, allowing them to influence their audiences and followers.

    Here are some of the most prominent social media platforms this year and their number (in millions) of users and engagements as of January 2023.

    A horizontal bar graph showcasing the top 6 social media platforms based on user count as of January 2023

    Meanwhile, these are the latest social media platforms recommended for marketers.

    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • TikTok
    • Twitter 
    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest
    • Whatsapp
    • Telegram

    Prospecting

    Get in touch with digital audiences who have never seen your brand before and build brand awareness. To do so, you will need to research thoroughly and study the behavior of your prospects closely. Use this information to set up advanced targeting capabilities, personalized messaging, and compelling content for better engagement.

    Since awareness is built on engagement, devising a solid content marketing strategy for your social media platform that can produce valuable and engaging content for your audiences is essential. 

    Retargeting or Remarketing

    Are you planning to win back users who glossed over your brand but didn't take any further action? Social media marketing can be a powerful tool to reconnect with them. For instance, you can display targeted ads with captivating and interactive elements. This way, users will be more interested in visiting your platforms and knowing more about your brand.

    Driving Conversions

    Do you want to focus on converting users and persuading them to take action? You could do this through email subscriptions, offering downloadable informational documents (whitepapers, case studies, and more), and encouraging users to fill in forms. 

    Complement those strategies with engaging social media content, targeted ads, and compelling calls-to-action leading to your landing pages.

    Keeping Yourself Updated With The Current Trends

    Contrary to what many beginner marketers believe, learning how to create a social media marketing strategy isn’t the final step to gaining the ideal social media engagement numbers. Knowing the basics isn’t going to cut it.

    With how fast the internet and social media change, most strategies won’t stay the same forever. Keeping yourself updated and adapting to the current trends is necessary for successful social media marketing

    Some of the biggest trends in social media marketing are as follows:

    • Human-to-human marketing - Whether in the B2B or B2C category, you must interact with your customers like a human. Establish a brand personality. Since many users spend time on those platforms, keeping in touch with them is essential.
    • Social commerce - Facebook and Instagram have been catching up with major shopping stores like Amazon. Customers can now shop for items without leaving their social media platforms. 
    • Short-form video content - According to Social Insider, more people consume short videos than other content. People want information, entertainment, and ease of viewing. 
    • Micro-influencers - Micro-influencers have a decent follower count and are experts in a specific niche. They have genuine and relatable storytelling ideal for marketing. Collaborate with them for partnerships, sponsored posts, giveaways, polls, and more.
    • Inclusivity - Today's consumers seek brands that actively endorse social causes. Forge stronger connections with your target audience by fostering inclusiveness in your social media accounts and posts.

    Working With An Amazon Marketing Agency for Successful Social Media Marketing

    While social media marketing is a promising strategy, managing it all by yourself is also a potential burden. If you’re concerned about this, an agency will be a good choice for you to work things out. They can help implement your social media campaigns more effectively. 

    An Agency For Amazon Social Media Marketing

    Do you envision the promotion of your Amazon products on social media? Partnering with Amazon experts can transform this vision into a flourishing reality. Here's what they can do to elevate your social media marketing game:

    • Create an effective social media marketing plan.
    • Take charge of choosing the right platform for your ads.
    • Connect with social media influencers to help market your products.
    • Monitor and gather data to understand the market and construct measurable goals.
    • Make sure your social media efforts are relevant to your Amazon conversions.

    What Makes an Agency Trustworthy?

    Whether it's an Amazon FBA agency or a seller consultant you're looking for, you must know what makes a good agency before officially working with them. Have these items as a checklist and see if your potential Amazon partner lives up to each characteristic.

    • They must have proven expertise in the Amazon marketplace.
    • They should show transparency by consulting with you first before taking any actions.
    • They should deeply understand how search engine optimization (SEO) works and how it’s done effectively.
    • They should have real and impressive client testimonials.

    Launch Engaging Social Media Campaigns Today!

    Partnering with an Amazon marketing agency for social media marketing can significantly help expand your brand's reach. By tapping into the expertise of professionals combined with the power of social platforms, you can effectively navigate the complexities of digital marketing and thrive in this competitive environment. 

    Growing an Amazon business is about building the right team, aligning with shared objectives, and executing a well-crafted plan to accomplish defined goals. Teaming up with Seller Interactive offers an experience like that—a choice you will not regret. 

    We are a team of Amazon experts dedicated to helping bring your business to success. Book an appointment with us today to get the discussion started. 

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    Improve Your Brand Visibility with Amazon Store Optimization

    Brand visibility makes the world go round—at least on Amazon. As a seller, visibility can spell the difference between a business earning millions and a part-timer selling a couple of products monthly.

    Amazon Stores are an excellent way of achieving this. Brand owners can further separate themselves from the competition using a storefront that offers shoppers an immersive experience.

    Let's discuss how Amazon Stores work and some Amazon store optimization tips to enhance brand visibility and bring you closer to ecommerce success.

    closeup of amazon website logo with blurred clothing products in the background

    What Is an Amazon Store?

    Amazon Stores allow you to showcase your brand and products in an engaging way. It is like an eye-catching miniature website for your brand in the world's largest online marketplace, aiming to establish a unique and professional presence.

    With Amazon Stores, you can

    • help shoppers discover your entire product range with your own branded URL on Amazon,
    • easily customize your Store using on-brand pre-designed templates and drag-and-drop tiles, and
    • measure success using metrics such as page impressions, visits, sales, and traffic sources.

    Amazon Store vs. Amazon Storefront

    While some sources use them interchangeably, they have different meanings.

    An Amazon Store refers to your brand's home on the platform. It's a custom shopping destination with multiple pages showcasing a brand's story and products. You need to join the Amazon Brand Registry to create a Store with no extra fees and complete with a unique Amazon URL.

    On the other hand, Amazon Storefronts are carefully picked destinations highlighting top products from Amazon sellers. This feature was introduced in 2018 to empower and support small businesses, offering a curated place to shop exclusively for American small and medium-sized brands.

    business plan illustration

    Why Invest in Amazon Store Optimization? Here are the Top 6 Benefits

    While Amazon Stores seem like a promising solution, you want to know exactly what you will gain from it. This ensures that you're investing time and effort in activities that will help you meet your business goals.

    Amazon Store Statistics

    Let's begin with two of Amazon's internal data statistics.

    • +83% dwell time: Stores consisting of three or more pages experienced a remarkable 83% increase in shopper dwell time, along with a 32% increase in attributed sales per visitor.
    • +35% attributed sales per visitor: Stores regularly updated within the initial 90 days witnessed a significant 35% boost in attributed sales per visitor and attracted 21% more repeat visitors on average, contributing to their overall success.

    Improved Search Engine Optimization Rankings

    Search engines love Amazon. It is guaranteed to reflect on the first page of the search results, so take advantage of that to entice more visitors with a compelling Amazon Store. A well-optimized custom Store offers easy navigation and other relevant functions. These qualities naturally contribute to higher SEO rankings.

    Increased Traffic and Sales

    Amazon Stores are excellent for helping people discover more about your brand and products. There's much to consume on Amazon results pages, so a customer might not notice who's selling what. But with a compelling Store, you separate yourself from the rest, catch people's attention immediately, and get a chance to be chosen over non-Store sellers.

    Enhanced Brand Credibility and Trust

    With a well-optimized and attractive Store, you have more chances of generating customer loyalty. They will find your brand professional and genuine because you've created a place to find almost everything they want to know about your offer. That's precisely the formula for customer trust.

    Take Your Business Online

    In today's digital age, establishing an online presence is crucial for the success of any business, and Amazon Store provides a platform to achieve just that. With a Store, you can seamlessly take your business online and reach a vast and diverse customer base.

    The convenience of online shopping on Amazon allows customers to easily browse and purchase your products, boosting your sales and revenue. Furthermore, you can ensure your business is here to stay, regardless of any potential restrictions in the future, similar to those encountered during the coronavirus pandemic.

    Stunning Way to Showcase Your Inventory

    Enough with the dull and messy sight of standard ecommerce inventory templates; with Amazon Stores, you can easily display your product detail page in a more efficient way that helps customers to browse through them per category, ranging from best-sellers to the type of ingredient used.

    3 Steps to Start an Amazon Store

    Can I create my Store now? 

    Not so fast! In the past few years, Amazon has been strengthening its stance on providing accurate brand representation for its customers and proactive brand protection for its sellers. So this feature is exclusive to brand owners and involves a few requirements.

    Here are three steps summarizing how to start building your Amazon Store.

    1) Enroll in the Amazon Brand Registry

    Before you create your store, enroll in the Amazon Brand Registry first. Doing so will make you eligible for Store creation, facilitate the management of your product listings, access powerful tools, and be automatically protected.

    2) Start Building Your Store

    Here's how you start creating your Store in chronological order.

    • Review the Store's ad policies and ensure your ASINs and content comply.
    • Structure your Store with a homepage and category pages using the templates and features available.
    • Add branded content to those pages such as videos, text, and images to show your offerings in action.
    • Add ASINs next and group them according to their variation and pricing. Choose between the product grid or product tile feature to organize how your listings appear.
    • Include unique header photos, lifestyle images, and other interactive creatives to provide a dynamic buying experience for your customers.

    3) Submit Your Store for Approval

    When you're ready to publish your newly constructed Amazon Store, submit it for review. Allow yourself sufficient time because Store moderation can take up to 24 hours.

    How to Know If Your Amazon Store is Approved or Not

    When your Store is approved, you'll spot a link in the Stores section in your Amazon advertising account. This also includes Manage Store and See Insights options.

    Meanwhile, a rejected Store has two different types:

    • Soft rejections -  Helps you catch errors you may have missed during Store creation. You can ignore these warnings and submit the Store for approval.
    • Hard rejections - Unlike soft rejections, you can't move forward without addressing these issues.
    a pile of memo stickies with business-related words written on them

    The Next Step: Managing Your Store and Implementing Amazon Store Optimization Strategies

    Is your Store approved? Congratulations! Now what?

    The next step is to manage and strategize your Store activities. In building a business on Amazon, no single surefire blueprint or formula guarantees success. Entrepreneurs should create plans from A to Z in line with current market trends and the pace where the business is at. This ensures you still progress if one strategy doesn't work.

    Here are some valuable tips for managing and implementing Amazon Store strategies.

    1. Conduct a Post-Launch Checklist
    2. Understand Amazon's Algorithm
    3. Optimize Your Product Listings
    4. Utilize Effective Keyword Research
    5. Enhance Content with Compelling Visuals
    6. Leverage Customer Reviews
    7. Use Sponsored Ads to Increase Store Traffic
    8. Know When to Make Store Changes
    9. Monitor and Adapt Strategies Based on Data

    Conduct a Post-Launch Checklist

    The first thing you should do when your Store goes live is to ensure all the necessary setups and considerations are addressed after launching. Your post-launch checklist will serve as a systematic guide to verify everything is in order and identify anything else that may require your attention.

    Here's what you can do:

    • Link your ASINs to your Store's brand byline (the hyperlinked brand name on the product detail pages that directs organic traffic to your Store.)
    • Submit a request to the Vendor or Seller Central account support team to replace your long URL with a short one you have in mind.
    • Hit up the Insights dashboard to see how your Store is performing.

    Understand Amazon's Algorithm

    You need to understand how Amazon's latest algorithm, the A10, works and affects how you run your Store. The current update shows what Amazon considers several factors that can affect your product's ranking and relevance in the search results. 

    colourful letters spelling out algorithm update on white background
    • Keyword Relevance
    • Impressions
    • Click-Through Rate (CTR)
    • Conversion Rate
    • Amazon PPC Advertising
    • Sales History
    • Sales Velocity
    • Internal Sales
    • Organic Sales
    • Customer Ratings
    • Pricing
    • A+ Content
    • Delivery Time
    • Customer’s Location
    • Customer’s Purchase History
    Amazon store optimization services factors

    Optimize Product Listings

    Optimizing your product listing ensures a high search ranking for your chosen keywords. The A10 updates didn't change a lot about this aspect. It only changed the weight of each part of the product listing. Here's what you can do:

    Product Title

    The A10 rules prioritize keyword readability and relevance over placement. Focus on those two factors and make things work within the 200-250 character limit. Resist the temptation to cram as many keywords in the title as possible. 

    The preferred format should be:

    [Brand Name]  [Product Type]  [Feature #1]  [Feature #2]  [Variance]

    Bullet Points

    Outline the features and benefits your customers will get from your product in bullet points and within 1000 characters (including spaces). Make your points concise but can evoke a customer's emotions. Avoid making them too long, as readers might skip reading them.

    Product Descriptions

    Don't treat your product description as an afterthought; Amazon customers still read them. When a buyer is intrigued about what you wrote in the bullet points, they go to the description for more details. You can put the materials used, the item's texture, assembly instructions, and other benefits here.

    Backend Search Terms Optimization

    Most sellers overlook backend keywords when it's one of the most important parts of a listing. Keywords that you can't put in the other parts of a listing should be placed here. Prospective buyers can't see them, but search engines do.

    The limit for backend keywords is 249 bytes, including spaces and punctuation marks, so don't waste this valuable piece of real estate. Use it efficiently.

    Utilize Effective Keyword Research and Implementation

    Just like in Google, the effective use of keywords is vital in Amazon SEO. This determines how the algorithm analyzes what customers are looking for and matches the most relevant products to their queries. 

    Enhance Content with Compelling Visuals

    The ecommerce world is often noisy and cluttered. It's hard to stand out in an environment like that, so you need eye-catching visuals to make heads turn. They must also be relevant and compelling, representing your brand short and sweet.

    Product Images

    After searching, the first thing potential buyers check is the product image. This is the ultimate driver for sales. Ensure your images are optimized and geared towards converting those browsers into buyers.  

    EBC / A+ Content

    Buyers are likely to buy from your brand if they see something unique. It comes down to how uniquely you can showcase your wares. A+ Content (formerly Enhanced Brand Content) can do that for you by allowing special characters in the product title and other features that will catch any jaded customer's eyes.

    Videos

    Videos are an excellent way to increase online engagement if we look at social media trends. It could show potential buyers what the product looks like in real life or demonstrate a few of its features.

    You can put videos under the image block or below the fold under “Related video shorts.” Depending on your goals, you can create brand videos, how-tos, testimonials, unboxing, or how a product operates under extreme conditions. 

    amazon customer reviews about product features on mobile screen

    Leverage Customer Reviews and Ratings

    Reviews mean a lot to Amazon. It shows how reliable your product is and how customers like what you're selling. More positive reviews would go a long way in improving your search traffic, according to the A10 algorithm.

    Of course, your initial plan would be to get as many good reviews as possible. But before making elaborate plans to achieve that, you need to consider a few things.

    Memorize Amazon's Rules

    Review and memorize Amazon's Customer Product Reviews Policy to avoid any infractions. These rules include, but are not limited to, the following:

    • Don't create a review of your own product or a competitor's product.
    • Never offer rewards in exchange for reviews on your products or a competitor's.
    • Don't ask any family member or employee to review your product.
    • Asking a reviewer to remove or change their review is unacceptable.
    • Never put any incentive to get a positive review on the box or shipping label.
    • Avoid using a third-party service that offers free or discounted items tied to a review.
    • Don't do anything that can influence a customer's review in any way post-purchase.

    Violating these rules could result in listing suppression, account suspension, permanent deactivation, or legal action. Be careful.

    Spread the Word About Your Amazon Store

    Making people outside Amazon aware of your store is a good idea, as long as you create a funnel to filter the people coming in. Social media has always been an excellent platform for marketing. Some examples of these platforms are Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and Pinterest. 

    Improve Your Overall Customer Service

    Good customer service significantly affects how customers see your products. It begins with promptly addressing customer queries and ends with effectively handling post-purchase inquiries.

    • Answer queries about your store and products promptly. Not only will you lose sales if you fail to do this, but you might start the buyer-seller relationship with the wrong impression.
    • Be honest about your products. Don't try to exaggerate, overhype, or embellish anything about your products, as these will come back to haunt you. Avoid making unsubstantiated claims unless you have documents to prove them.
    • Set your customers' expectations about the delivery time frame. Bad reviews come from not telling customers when they can expect their package. Using a logistics partner with a tracking feature might help ease any doubts your customers may have.
    • After your buyer receives the package, they might have more questions about the product, or something wasn't up to their expectations. You must be vigilant in answering these questions, as ignoring them might result in an awful review.

    Use Sponsored Ads to Increase Store Traffic

    Sponsored Ads can increase your impressions faster than advertisers who choose to skip them. Consider linking Sponsored Brand campaigns to your Store's homepage or any subpage to bring in more relevant traffic and make the customer's journey seamless.

    You should also try sharing your unique Store URL on your off-Amazon channels, such as your ecommerce website, social media platforms, or blog.

    Know When to Make Changes to Your Store

    You must continuously update your Amazon Store for new or returning customers, trends, seasonality, content refresh, and new releases. It's not a one-time task; you must check it regularly to see if it requires an update. Doing so will also boost your repeat visitors and attributed sales per visitor.

    Watch out for the following signs and take immediate action:

    • Low daily traffic
    • Excellent traffic, but sales are low.
    • Some category pages convert well, but they lack traffic.

    Monitor and Adapt Strategies Based on Data

    Finally, it's crucial to ensure your Store optimization techniques are effective. You can do so by checking the See Insights dashboard, identifying your specific store KPIs, and tracking other metrics in your account. Additionally, you should stay up-to-date on the Store feature's releases, updates, and other important announcements.

    All this information will affect your brand visibility, so adjust your strategies according to your Store's performance insights.

    Keep the Ecommerce Engine Running

    Treat your Store as a pride factor for your business. It's one of the best platforms to showcase what your brand is all about, expand your targets, and thrive in the competitive digital market.

    And after getting your Amazon Store on the map, all you have to do is keep it going. However, the rules change, so you must always be ready to take the next step. We hope this discussion empowers you with the necessary knowledge and confidence to succeed in your ecommerce marketing journey!

    What Seller Interactive Offers

    It takes work to keep up with the constantly-changing ecommerce world. Because of this, many sellers get Amazon store optimization services to keep an eye on their accounts and ensure they're on the right track. You should, too.

    Seller Interactive can be your partner agency in fulfilling all the Amazon tasks you need. We offer:

    • full account management,
    • search engine optimization,
    • sponsored ad management,
    • product launch management,
    • product listing optimization,
    • wholesale partnership,
    • brand protection,
    • account suspension appeal and reinstatement,
    • reimbursement and refund, and
    • DSP advertising.

    When the tasks seem daunting, we have a team of experts to assist. With years of experience, we have seen what works and what doesn't on Amazon. We are committed to making every account we manage to succeed. 
    Contact us, so you can discuss your business needs and present you with our offer.

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    Everything You Need to Know About Amazon EBC Services

    The more you explore, the more possibilities you uncover. This also applies to the evolving nature of the Amazon marketplace. As the platform’s standards and guidelines change over time, it prompts us to develop new digital strategies, one of which is leveraging Amazon EBC services.

    Selling on Amazon is no easy feat, so sellers must be equipped with various techniques like Amazon listing optimization. No matter how the algorithm or industry changes, a fully optimized and visually appealing product listing remains adaptable and can help you reach a good spot.

    But what does a fully optimized, visually compelling listing mean, and how can you achieve it? This is where we'd like to introduce the EBC or A+ Content. Let's look deeper into it and find out how it can fulfill your business needs.

    Defining Amazon EBC

    Amazon constantly introduces new avenues for brands like yours to customize their content and incorporate their unique aesthetic. Amazon A+ Content (formerly Enhanced Brand Content or EBC) is a feature that lets you enhance the visual appeal of your listings by adding more images and product information

    The Importance of Amazon Enhanced Brand Content

    There are other and simpler ways to optimize product listings. This may make you wonder why Enhanced Brand Content is necessary. Let’s explore the reasons behind this.

    Enhanced Brand Content takes the optimization process a step further. 

    Even if you have the fundamental aspects, such as the right keywords, precise product details, and high-quality images, so are your competitors. But this content feature from Amazon has additional, visually appealing options to improve your product listing and showcase brands.  

    Access Content Enhancement Tools and Features

    With Amazon EBC, you can access various tools and features that allow you to go beyond the basics. For example, you may create a compelling product detail page through enhanced images, descriptive text, and formatting, among other things.

    Such detailed touch on your listing can lead to a cohesive and consistent product presentation. This, in turn, will help you highlight your brand story, build credibility, increase your conversion rate, and drive sales on the platform.

    hands typing on a laptop showing Amazon’s homepage illustrating amazon online shopping

    What Can You Do With Amazon EBC Services?

    We’ve provided you with a brief introduction to Amazon EBC. Now, let's review its specific capabilities and advantages for your business.

    1. Integrate Rich Content into Your Listings

    People looking into your product are contemplating whether they should make a purchase. As an Amazon seller, you have to share all the necessary information they need if you want to increase the possibilities of conversion.

    Amazon EBC offers ready-made listing templates which contain specific product descriptions for you to fill in. These templates help you determine your brand’s type of content style. Depending on your products, you may need more text than images and vice versa.

    The difference between enhanced and non-enhanced listings is enormous. 

    • A non-enhanced product listing has the usual Amazon listing format: product images on the left and descriptions on the right and below the product image.
    • On the other hand, it is more like looking into high-quality infographics about a specific product with an A+ listing. There are more colors and visually appealing designs with EBC that can entice buyers.

    You can also add a short video file to your EBC listings but don’t go overboard. Amazon videos are usually recommended to be less than a minute to maintain viewers’ interest.

    2. Nail Your Brand's SEO

    Since online consumers search for a product through a keyword, you must utilize those relevant terms and phrases in your content. Going for EBC services ticks many boxes in your Amazon Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to-do list. These are, but not limited to:

    Reducing Bounce RateA+ Content minimizes the percentage of visitors who leave your listing without taking action.
    Improving ConversionsEnhanced content communicates product value, building trust and improving conversion rates.
    Addressing Technical IssuesEBC services address listing issues, such as optimizing text readability and image quality for a seamless customer experience.
    Keyword Research and ApplicationA keyword-rich content attracts organic traffic and reaches target shoppers actively searching for products like yours.
    Prevent Negative Reviews and Product ReturnsClear and detailed descriptions and enhanced images help set accurate customer expectations, reducing the chance of dissatisfaction and returns.

    These strategies align your brand's position in search result rankings.

    3. Improve Brand Recognition

    Not only does an outstanding A+ listing help build brand awareness, but it also showcases what makes you unique! As you add more creative and customized touches to your listing, they will find you more reliable, credible, and fun to get to know. It can leave a long-lasting impression and encourage them to engage with your brand personally. 

    More Important Information on Enhanced Brand Content

    Now that you've learned about the benefits of A+ Content, we presume you're convinced to give it a shot. To further familiarize yourself with the program, here are some commonly asked questions answered for your reference.

    Who is Eligible for A+ Content?

    Only sellers and vendors approved under the Amazon Brand Registry program can acquire Enhanced Brand Content services. All accounts, including those in the Amazon Launchpad and Exclusives, are eligible if their products are registered. 

    Amazon promotes a secure and safe environment for both buyers and businesses. By limiting the EBC access to brand-registered sellers, they can maintain the platform's integrity and prevent unauthorized sellers from misrepresenting products under a brand's name.

    Is EBC Free or Paid?

    Enhanced Brand Content offers free and paid options. Let's have a quick view of each.

    • Free EBC: The availability of A+ Content within Seller Central means sellers can access this feature without additional cost.
    • Amazon A++ or A+ Premium Content: An invite-only feature. You cannot join with the exact requirements like the free EBC. Amazon invites only massive brands with feature-heavy products. 

    Understanding the differences between these two options can help sellers choose the best solution that aligns with their business goals and budget.

    What Actions Are Considered Violations of A+ Guidelines?

    Aside from the freedom to customize listings to your heart's content, Amazon EBC has guidelines for modifying your submissions. Avoid Amazon's rejection by knowing what it doesn’t want you to include in your content. Here’s a preview of some exclusions to remember:

    • Referencing your company as a distributor or seller
    • Providing contact information
    • Playing cheap, using unnecessary promotional claims to get customers 
    • Using trademark, copyright, or registered symbols 
    • Including shipping details
    • Low-quality and duplicated images that don't reflect the product you sell
    • Reviews or quotes from 3P sources
    • Warranty or guarantee mentions
    • Errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and excessive use of bold and italics
    • Web links
    • Time-sensitive content
    • Mentioning competitors, their products, or using their brand logos other than your own

    These points also apply to the EBC video content policy.

    How to Start Using A+ Content?

    Here’s a glimpse of the step-by-step process to access A+ content:

    Log into your Seller account and navigate the Advertising tab.

    🡇

    Find and click the A+ Content Manager option from the drop-down menu.

    🡇

    Click the Start Creating A+ Content button and choose a suitable template for your brand.

    🡇

    Fill out the required content details and click Create Module once you’re done.

    🡇

    Start working on your content layout, modules, and additional text and images.

    🡇

    Choose ASINs that will benefit from the A+ content you’ve created. Amazon can recommend some if you’re unsure which to select.

    🡇

    Review and submit.

    Best Practices in Using Amazon Enhanced Brand Content 

    Keep the following best practices in mind when leveraging A+ Content on Amazon:

    • Focus on unique points: Prioritize your most vital points as a brand in your highlights. Your content should be benefit-driven. 
    • Make it short and quick: Don’t make your content lengthy, even if you want to include all the essential information. Customers prefer shorter content that can quickly help answer what they need to know about your product.
    • Be mobile-friendly: As of this writing, there are 6.92 billion mobile users worldwide today. It’s your chance to ensure mobile users have an excellent shopping experience.
    • Proper image editing: Envision yourself as a customer when editing an image. Ensure your pictures, whether background or lifestyle images, are relevant to their needs and meet the platform’s size and quality requirements.
    • Your best-sellers come first: Work on your best products, especially if you’re starting for EBC.
    • Competitor check: See what your competitors are doing with their A+ content. If you realize they are outperforming yours, identify what makes them. Review customer feedback and use those insights to improve your product.
    • Following a template is optional: You shouldn’t worry about filling out all the spaces provided on an EBC template. Amazon will adjust the template for you—no need to add more images or text when unnecessary.
    • Consult with an Amazon agency: Tap into their knowledge and experience in EBC to thrive in the market. Skip the learning curves, and don't worry about starting with limited understanding. An Amazon expert got your back.

    Seller Interactive: The Best Amazon Agency for Your EBC Needs 

    Enhanced Brand Content might seem overwhelming to you initially, but take time to understand its potential in boosting your Amazon business. It offers a unique way to attract your target audience and differentiate yourself through compelling content. 

    Using EBC for your Amazon business may require a learning curve. That’s where Seller Interactive excels. We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions in this area. Our expertise extends across various aspects of EBC, including content creation, image optimization, keyword research, and building effective SEO campaigns.

    Here’s a preview of our other Amazon services for optimizing your presence and thriving in the marketplace:

    • Seller Account Setup
    • Amazon SEO
    • Amazon Product Listing Optimization and Management
    • Brand Registry and Protection
    • Sponsored Ads Management
    • Account Suspension Appeal and Reinstatement
    • Reimbursement and Refund
    • Product Launch
    • Amazon DSP
    • Wholesale Partnership Program
    • Walmart Full Account Management

    What are you waiting for? Book a call today.

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    Boost Your Ranking With Amazon and Google SEO for Amazon Products

    The world wide web is governed by algorithms that rank all sorts of business content, from product listings to ecommerce websites. When selling on Amazon, it is essential to keep a good Amazon product listing ranking. To accomplish this, you must learn Amazon SEO and Google SEO for Amazon products to expand your viewers and increase your sales. 

    Amazon search engine optimization (SEO) makes your store and products visible to searchers who intend to buy. On the other hand, Google SEO serves as your springboard to lead searchers with low buying intent to your products and encourage them to purchase. Although the two have different functions, they go hand-in-hand in helping your business grow.

    This article will discuss the differences between Amazon and Google SEO and how to leverage both to run a successful business. So, keep reading!

    Amazon SEO and Google SEO Differences

    Amazon SEO and Google SEO are two entirely different concepts, and understanding the differences can significantly impact your eCommerce business. Let us explore the nuances of Amazon and Google SEO to help you optimize your online presence and boost your sales.

    Algorithm

    The set of rules and signals that Amazon and Google use to show search results differ. Many factors go into each algorithm, but let's discuss the most important ones. 

    Google Algorithm

    Google algorithm considers the following (but is not  not limited to) for a particular content to rank:

    1. Keywords – Like Amazon, the primary ranking factor on Google is keywords. But in Google, the search terms heavily focus on providing information.
    2. Backlinks – Google checks how many high-quality backlinks you incorporate in your content.
    3. Clicks – Google pays close attention to the number of clicks your website receives. you can increase your visitors' click-through rate and engagement.
    4. Bounce Rate –   In line with clicks, Google also considers the time a visitor spends on your site. Factors such as the page's loading speed of your page, content readability, and overall responsiveness influence how long a visitor stays on your site.

    Amazon Algorithm – A10

    Meanwhile, Amazon’s latest algorithm, the A10, considers the following (but is not limited to):

    1. Keywords – Keywords govern the A10 with purchase intent. Include strategic keyword placements in your Amazon SEO strategy, such as in the product title, product description, seller name, and backend keywords.
    2. Performance or Conversion – Unlike Google, sales are paramount for Amazon since it is the main function of the platform. Keep your product, store impressions, and click-through rates high to help boost organic and PPC sales.
    3. Customer Reviews –  Amazon determines rankings by determining the quality and quantity of customer feedback and reviews.  
    4. Sales History – Keeping a close eye on your product inventory is crucial to ensure uninterrupted sales. Running out of stock can halt your sales momentum and impact your rankings. Continue your store optimization and PPC to maintain and increase sales.

    Keyword Focus

    When optimizing for Google SEO, you need to focus on the following:

  • High-quality and relevant keywordsValuable content that keeps visitors engaged, informed, and entertained
    Strong backlinks to show authority and credibility
    Site structure and user experience that improves navigation and decrease bounce rate
  • With Amazon SEO, your primary concerns should be:

  • Accurate and engaging product titles, descriptions, and images
  • Backend keywords that help Amazon categorize your products correctly
  • Competitive pricing and positive customer reviews, which influence clicks and conversions
  • Amazon SEO and Google SEO are different from one another. Nevertheless, both require a well-optimized website or product page. To achieve that, check out the strategies outlined below for both platforms. Implement them into your Google and Amazon optimization.

    Amazon SEO Strategies

    To succeed in Amazon SEO, here are some techniques you can apply:

    Finding Relevant Keywords

    Keyword relevance brings the right buyers to your store. To find the most relevant keywords for your Amazon products:

    1. Start by brainstorming and listing down terms associated with your product.
    2. Focus on search queries your target audience likely uses when looking for products like yours. You can use free Amazon SEO tools to generate keyword ideas and see what people are searching for.
    3. Analyze competitors' listings to identify popular search terms in your niche.

    Short-Tail vs. Long-Tail Keywords

    Know the difference between long and short-tail keywords. As the name suggests, long-tail keywords are longer than the regular one to two-word customer searches. They usually have lower search volume but can have high conversion rates, as they target customers who know exactly what they're looking for. For example, "noise-canceling wireless headphones for work."

    Short-tail keywords are more general and usually consist of one or two words. They typically have higher search volume but may also have higher competition, making it more challenging to rank for them. For example, "headphones."

    Strike a balance between targeting both types of keywords. Long-tail keywords can help you attract more qualified traffic, while short-tail search terms can bring higher visibility. Using keyword research tools may also help, as they readily show each keyword's search volume and competition level. Utilize this data to pick the best search terms for your store.

    Strategically Placing Keywords on Product Titles and Descriptions

    Your product title is the first thing a potential customer will see, so make it clear, concise, and contain the most relevant keywords. A well-optimized title can improve your product's ranking in Amazon's search engine.

    Writing a compelling product description is just as important. Your description should accurately describe the product, its features, and its benefits concisely and accurately. Seamlessly input the ranking keywords you chose for your store. These words can help your listing appear on relevant and organic search results.

    Taking Time and Precision Adding Keywords on Bullet Points and Details

    Bullet points are a feature on the Amazon product detail page that makes the content layout more reader-friendly. This way, customers can easily understand your product features. Use relevant, concise, and informative bullet points to capture a potential buyer's attention.

    The details section is where you can expound on the product features that you could not say in the limited space of the product description. This is an opportunity to emphasize any unique features or technical specifications further. Utilize the space to let online shoppers know why your product is worth every penny.

    Optimizing Images and Videos

    Genuine, high-quality images are crucial for showcasing your product's features and creating a positive impression. You should include photos that display your product from multiple angles and close-ups to highlight specific details.

    A well-made video can also help customers visualize the product and demonstrate its practical benefits. Videos highly effectively showcase your product's functionality and advantages. Consider the loading time of the images and videos you upload.

    You can create high-performing Amazon product listings that attract customers, drive sales, and boost your business by focusing on the key aspects covered in this section—product titles and descriptions, bullet points and details, and images and videos.

    Check out how using this tool called PickFu can help you choose images that boost your sales:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVfKE0bZjuo

    Leveraging Customer Reviews

    Customer reviews play a crucial role in your product's success on Amazon. Positive reviews can help boost your product's visibility and increase your sales. Customer service and quality products make it easier for you to get positive reviews.

    Initiate giving feedback by politely asking your customers to leave a review. Avoid appearing too pushy and offering incentives in exchange for one. Meanwhile, you should handle negative reviews professionally and learn from them to provide a better experience moving forward.

    Generating Backlinks

    While direct backlinks don't have the same impact on Amazon product rankings as they do for Google, they are still important. Creating high-quality content related to your products on external websites generates interest and drives traffic to your Amazon product pages. 

    On-point anchor texts holding links to your Amazon page significantly increase traffic. Additionally, backlinks boost page clicks, which play a role in getting Amazon's favor for you to rank higher on the search engine results page.

    Maintaining Good Conversion Rates and Sales History

    The A10’s ranking factors primarily include store sales and conversion rate. Therefore, it is only crucial to optimize your conversion rates, ensuring your product listings are well-crafted to encourage buyers to click and perform a desired action (usually a purchase).

    Keep an eye on your numbers to pinpoint best practices and points for improvement. Identify periods of high sales and replicate those conditions, focusing on pricing strategy, inventory management, and other marketing efforts.

    Making strategic adjustments to your reviews, external links, backlinks, clicks, conversion rates, and sales history will help increase your product's rankings and performance.

    a woman searching on Google using a laptop on a table with a coffee mug beside it and a mobile phone near the mouse pad

    Google SEO Strategies

    Now you’re equipped with sufficient knowledge about the factors Amazon SEO focuses on. Let’s now move on to the Google SEO strategies you can implement. You can do this simultaneously with your Amazon game plans.

    With effective Amazon search engine optimization, Google SEO for Amazon products can occur naturally, despite their differences. But to make the most of it, here’s how you can create content based on Google's algorithm:

    Establish Your Business Website

    Do you have a business website yet? If none, now’s the time to consider building one. Your primary intent in this move is not necessarily getting a sale but increasing the credibility of your brand and creating a springboard for Google searches and other search engines. This way, Google search users can easily find your Amazon page. 

    A separate website also means an added platform for Amazon marketing strategies, backlinking, and ad campaigns. If you have a well-optimized website, Google will crawl into this authority and include you in the top results when people search for brands, topics, or products similar to yours.

    To optimize your website for Google, refer to the following sections below.

    Keyword Research

    Google SEO focuses on keywords too. Through keyword research, you'll know which words to incorporate into your content as potential customers use them. Knowing the right keywords helps you create high-quality content, optimize your website structure, and enhance your online visibility. Consider short and long-tail keywords related to your products and ensure your website structure includes them wherever applicable.

    Create High-Quality Content

    The quality and relevance of your content are crucial to succeeding in Google SEO. By creating unique and substantial content, you can demonstrate expertise, authority, and trustworthiness, signals that Google values.

    With the many listings and competitors selling the same items as yours, make sure not to create content that just copies others. Highlight your selling point, and always keep your description factual. Consider creating a blog as part of your SEO strategy, where you can write informative and educational articles, share industry news, and engage your audience.

    Here’s a quick look at the different types of content you can create for marketing off Amazon:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqMOkD9h_NM

    Optimize Website Structure

    Your website structure is not only for aesthetics but a factor influencing the website’s appeal to an average web user and Google’s algorithm. A well-structured website makes it easy for Google to identify and organize your content, making it more visible to your target audience.

    Put yourself in your site visitors' shoes to organize your categories and subcategories as human-friendly as possible. Use descriptive headings and meta tags, and meta descriptions that include relevant keywords, and optimize your images and videos with alt tags that contain keywords. Also, ensure your site is mobile-friendly, as Google considers it a ranking factor.

    Incorporate Snippets and Structured Data

    Snippets, such as featured snippets or rich snippets, provide concise and valuable information directly on the search engine results page (SERP), making it more likely for users to click through to the website. 

    Websites can increase their chances of being featured in search results by optimizing content to be snippet-friendly, such as answering commonly asked questions or providing clear and concise answers. 

    Structured data, on the other hand, helps search engines understand and interpret the content of a webpage better. By implementing structured data markup, websites can provide search engines with valuable metadata about their content, such as product information, reviews, event details, etc. This enables more relevant and comprehensive search results for users. 

    Get Backlinks

    Quality links from other websites to your own determine whether your site will be on the first page of search rankings. Backlinks prove that users see your website as relevant, credible, and reliable.

    Some ways to achieve backlinks include networking and collaborating with other industry influencers, publishing guest posts, and asking for backlinks from existing partners or customers. Nevertheless, backlinks should also come from reputable sources to avoid tainting your reputation.

    Enhance User Experience

    User experience (UX) is a significant driver of SEO. Google's algorithms prioritize websites that offer users a seamless and positive browsing experience.

    Make sure your website loads quickly. Think well of your website's navigation and functionality. Use clear and concise calls to action and optimize your product pages with high-quality images, videos, and descriptions. Make the checkout process as smooth as possible for a seamless purchase.

    amazon on a laptop and mobile phone

    Master Google SEO for Amazon Products With Seller Interactive

    Google SEO for Amazon products and Amazon search engine optimization can work separately or together depending on your Amazon SEO strategy.

    Focusing on Amazon search engine optimization is advisable for a beginner in eCommerce, so you can understand the workings of Amazon SEO first and increase your sales before moving to Google.

    Once your product starts ranks high and generates customer reviews, optimize for Google SEO. Use it to increase your visibility to non-Amazon users, boosting brand awareness and marketing capabilities.We at Seller Interactive can help you with both Google SEO for Amazon products and Amazon search engine optimization. Call us to get started.

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    5 Reasons Amazon Negative Reviews Are Useful for Optimization

    On average, 88% of customers read product reviews before buying to ensure they're not wasting money. Amazon shoppers are no different. In fact, Amazon's A10 algorithm considers seller feedback and product reviews as some of the many deciding factors when ranking products in the search results. 

    So, the consensus among sellers is that customer dissatisfaction and negative product reviews are bad. You're better off not having them. But that's not entirely true. There are a few good things that bad reviews on Amazon can benefit sellers regarding account optimization

    While having too many of them can negatively affect your search ranking, having no negative reviews can also hurt your conversion rate. Surprisingly, negative feedback can benefit you as an Amazon seller in the long run. Read on to find out how!

    Seller Feedback vs. Product Reviews

    Before continuing with how the ways negative reviews help with account optimization, let’s first differentiate these two seemingly similar terms: seller feedback vs. product reviews. They may be related, but they have significant differences.

    When optimizing your Amazon account, it is crucial to understand how each aspect works, as they play a vital role in enhancing your visibility and reputation on the platform.

    5 Reasons Amazon Negative Reviews Aid in Optimizing Your Amazon Account

    Don't worry too much about negative product reviews. Instead, look at ways to make them work in your favor. Here are five reasons outlining why negative reviews can be vital in your Amazon business: 

    1) Products with Mixed Reviews Are More Credible

    Most customers are considerably knowledgeable about eCommerce and the broader landscape of retail. If you think buyers are unaware of certain sellers creating positive but fake reviews for their own benefit, you'd better think again. 

    A 5-Star Rating Could Mean the Seller Only Has a Few Reviews.

    The Amazon A10 algorithm, like customers, relies on seller authority to rank products. It's easy to get a perfect rating but what matters more to Amazon is consistency. 

    To illustrate, which product rating do you think is more trustworthy: a perfect 5-star rating with less than 100 reviews or a 4.6-star rating and over a thousand reviews? Unsurprisingly, most people would choose the latter because it has more significant social proof.

    Don't be fooled by flawless stars; embrace the power of over a thousand voices!

    An almost-perfect rating with more than a thousand reviews shows that the product still managed to satisfy or even go beyond the majority of customer expectations. 

    Customer Expectations Are Not the Same

    Have you ever heard of the saying, “You can't please everybody?” This notion holds greater significance in the retail business. Managing the customer’s expectations can be challenging because of the diverse shopping preferences and requirements. The following reasons contribute to this phenomenon: 

    1. Social media has a significant influence on people's expectations. 
    2. Their expectations are affected by false advertising.
    3. Buyers feel that the customer is always right.
    4. The herd mentality overshadows the desire for individualism.

    These reasons make it harder for sellers to please everybody, and customers are also becoming aware of it. Consequently, prospective buyers no longer look for a seller with a perfect 5-star rating. They'd rather have someone with around 4.9 stars or nearly-perfect star ratings.

    Buyers Expect Honest Reviews

    Amazon customers love getting a wealth of information about products. The more information they get, the more informed their purchase decisions will be. Because of this, the demand for honest reviews has significantly increased. People want to know not only the valuable features of the products but also where it falls short.

    Contrary to popular belief, customers knowing the negative aspects of your product won't necessarily push them away. The decisive factor in their choice is still the price. You often see reviews like, “It's good for the price,” or “It's worth the price,” showing how people factor in the price when it comes to satisfaction.

    Many buyers consider 5-star reviews without any other detail fake. For a negative product review to be helpful, it should have three components:

    • The bad aspects of the product.
    • How the product helped solve (or didn't solve) a buyer's problem.
    • How the product compares with others like it.

    2) Negative Reviews Outline Your Product's Weaknesses

    As a seller, improving your products is a must, not just for Amazon account optimization but also to satisfy your customers. You can't accomplish that without getting information from them; after all, they're the ones buying and using your products. 

    If you're the manufacturer, you can have your development team look at negative reviews, so they'll know what other things they can do to enhance your products. You can also pass it on to the manufacturer if you aren’t the one who’s making them. 

    Example: A customer complained about a particular weakness in the boots he bought for his daughter, where snow accumulates at the bottom of the soles. This negative review will serve as room for improvement for manufacturers. The manufacturer should clarify that the boots require a break-in period to perform well in snowy conditions. This information can then be added to their updated Amazon product listing description, so future customers will know what to expect.

    3) It's an Opportunity for More Buyer-Seller Interaction

    Consumers want to be treated as a person, not a number. Automated communication is good, but some prefer to communicate with the seller directly about their concerns. This way, you can get more information about their negative product review. 

    A 30,000-respondent survey conducted by Bazaarvoice states that 48% of the respondents are more likely to buy from businesses that respond to their customer reviews. This can potentially boost conversions and sales.

    Confirm the Validity of the Issue

    When browsing Amazon, look for the "Verified Purchase" label on the right side of the product variances. The negative review may be invalid if you do not see this label. Responding to invalid issues serves no purpose, so we recommend creating a request for Amazon to remove it. 

    ⚠️ Any sign of profanity can also be a ground for removing the bad review. To do so, click the “Report abuse” button under the review or email [email protected] to notify Amazon about your concern.

    Acknowledge the Negative Customer Experience

    Let your customer know you feel bad about the negative experience. Empathy is one of the most critical aspects of customer service. Show them that you're also human and you understand their situation.

    Sincerely Apologize and Offer Solutions

    Making excuses is not an option here. It will only make the situation worse. Tell your customer that you regret the negative experience and start offering solutions. There are several options to address the problem without influencing the original review. 

    Check out this game-changing feature for registered brand sellers, where you can easily communicate with unsatisfied customers and address their concerns:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRNgX_ymIkQ

    You may process a refund, replace the product, process a return, offer discounts, or offer freebies. Remember, Amazon has policies penalizing sellers trying to manipulate customer reviews.

    4) Customers Want to Know the Worst-Case Scenario

    Some buyers are crafty when choosing the products they purchase. They evaluate your products and services based on the specifications in the ratings. And among these ratings, the negative reviews uncover the worst-case scenario associated with buying from you. 

    Most buyers look at these reviews objectively. For example, if they see a one-star review stating that their purchase was delivered two days late, they may perceive such a rating as quite severe for a slight delay. This might even make them buy from you. Compared to a seller with no negative reviews, you appear more credible for letting these reviews reveal your drawbacks.

    5) Negative Reviews Can Unexpectedly Spark Inspiration.

    Most importantly, negative reviews that go into detail about what went wrong with the product or service may actually spark inspiration in the seller. They can provide better insight into your target audience’s needs, allowing you to not only improve but also give you a brand-new product or service idea.

    Example: If your phone case product gets a review criticizing its inability to withstand water, you can manufacture and offer waterproof products more durable than your current designs.

    Bad Reviews Aren't the End of the World

    If you receive a negative product review, calm yourself and get to work. It's not the end of the world. Customers write negative reviews all the time. Your overall average star rating may suffer slightly, but it’s crucial to remember that having a few of these can be useful to you as a seller. 

    That said, it doesn't mean your goal is to get as many bad reviews as possible. The point is not to get discouraged when you get some. When done right, Amazon account optimization can make them work in your favor. 

    Remember the saying, “Nothing is permanent except death, taxes, and unfavorable reviews.” If you plan to sell for some time on Amazon, expect a few negative reviews and know precisely what to do using the tips we shared. Are you still finding it difficult to optimize your Amazon account? Let the experts handle it on your behalf! Book a call with Seller Interactive’s Amazon professionals today.

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    Unlock the Potential of Amazon SFP for Your Business

    If you're unsure or unsatisfied with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you'd want to look into the benefits of Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP). In a constantly changing environment like ecommerce, it always makes sense to diversify how you do business.

    Among the options available, Amazon SFP can play a pivotal role in ensuring your business thrives in the dynamic market. If your business cannot afford to hit potential slumps and economic setbacks, why not consider switching from FBA to Amazon SFP? We'll tell you why and how in this article.

    What is Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP)?

    Seller Fulfilled Prime is a fulfillment option offered by Amazon for third-party sellers who want to sell with the Amazon Prime badge straight from your warehouse. With SFP, you have the freedom to choose premium shipping solutions and have full control of your inventory and order fulfillment. 

    SFP vs. FBA: How is Amazon SFP (Seller Fulfilled Prime) Better than FBA?

    Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime is only one of the two ways to sell on Prime. There is also FBA, which you may have initially considered. So why consider SFP as a good alternative? Here are some reasons SFP may be a better option for your business: 

    woman making a choice with two smartphones

    The Prime badge entitles you to sell products to Amazon Prime members.

    With a Prime badge, you can sell your products to over 200 million buyers. This badge indicates that you're qualified to provide fast and convenient shipping of their orders. Prime customers expect fulfillment and delivery to happen within 1-2 days.

    What's more, they are eligible for free shipping, which non-Prime orders can't enjoy. If you can address your Prime customers’ need for convenience this way, SFP can be a massive advantage for you. Before you know it, the millions of visitors on your product page will convert into sure buyers.

    You can store your products in your own or a third-party warehouse.

    In the FBA program, Amazon takes care of everything—from packing and picking up your products, delivering them to your customer's doorsteps, and providing customer service.

    It's a convenient fulfillment option for many online sellers, but there's a downside: you have zero control over your inventory once you ship them to an Amazon fulfillment center. Your stock can suffer accidental handling damages, which may be subject to reimbursements from Amazon

    But with the Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime program, it's your own warehouse and, therefore, your rules. You can do the entire order fulfillment process yourself or employ reliable and experienced staff to do this for you. With your direct involvement or knowledge of the product, you can also provide a more helpful and personalized customer service experience.

    You're saved from paying steep storage fees because you don't use the FBA warehouse.

    Amazon FBA sellers think they can just sit back and relax as Amazon does everything for them. They could not be more wrong. Of course, such convenience comes at a cost. And if they are not careful, they will be spending more on FBA than profiting from it.

    For one, FBA fees are subject to change at any time. Letting Amazon handle your inventory when it goes stale, or business is slow is impractical. Why? Because stock sitting in their fulfillment center for longer than six months incurs a long-term storage fee.

    Storage fees are the least of Amazon SFP retailers' worries. Although fulfilling orders independently is much more work on your part, you don’t have to pay fees for storage, upkeep, and fulfillment. Your profit margin also increases as a result.

    You focus solely on the inventory stored in your own warehouse/s.

    Your control over your inventory depends on where you're storing them. Sending them to Amazon's warehouses means you have nothing to pull from when you want to sell on another channel or run flash sales on your website. If you need them back, you can always recall them from Amazon, but fees apply.

    This wouldn't be a problem in the first place if you store your stock in your own warehouse. It's particularly advantageous if you have a physical store, are active on other e-commerce platforms, and are expecting an influx of orders from a sales event.

    Your chances of winning the “Buy Box” increase.

    Did you know that Amazon sellers have to compete to get the Buy Box feature on their product page? Winning the Buy Box depends on your performance in 14 areas—the second most important is the fulfillment method.

    About the Buy Box
    clicking on the amazon buy box buy now
    The Buy Box is that prominent white box on the right side of Amazon's product detail page. It presents the buyer with what the platform considers the best deal but is not necessarily the cheapest option. It distinguishes a product from the rest, addressing the issue of overwhelming choices for buyers.

    Not all sellers are eligible to win the Buy Box, and you also have to compete for it.

    If you are a Seller Fulfilled Prime Amazon seller, you have priority over Fulfillment by Merchant sellers because of premium shipping services. FBA sellers also enjoy this advantage.

    2 people holding an amazon package

    Customers who order from you enjoy quick delivery speed, which helps boost your brand's reputation.

    Customers who get their orders fast are happy customers. In turn, happy customers become loyal customers. Some studies prove this:

    • A 2022 Marketing Profs study revealed that 53% of customers cancel or abandon their purchase because the delivery was too slow.
    • 62% of online US customers consider fast delivery as the most significant aspect of a good customer experience, according to a 2019 study from Insider Intelligence.
    • About 67% indicated a willingness to pay more for same-day delivery of packages needed at a specific time.
    • And according to this 2022 study from PWC, 41% of online buyers are more than willing to pay extra for same-day delivery. 

    A Few Cons

    No program is not without its disadvantages. Here are some areas where Seller Fulfilled Prime needs to catch up:

    Self-fulfillment responsibilities can be stressful.

    Offering free two-day shipping to your buyers means that (1) you will be responsible for paying their shipping fees, and (2) you will have the added stress of fulfilling your promise of quick delivery.

    Since you need to buy your packing slips from Amazon, you must access Amazon and go through the process. This may prove tedious if your system is not directly integrated with the platform's API.

    Failure to comply with the policies can cost your Prime badge.

    You have to see to it that your warehouse and self-fulfillment processes can meet the shipping targets imposed by Amazon. Failure to do so can cost you your Prime badge. Some sellers have reported negative profits, forcing them to quit SFP.

    Amazon SFP puts you on a waiting list.

    Applying for SFP includes sitting on a waitlist and undergoing a Prime trial period to prove that you meet the requirements. During this period, your products will not have a Prime badge yet. Only when you pass will the Prime badge be shown on your enrolled ASINs, and you'll be automatically registered in SFP.

    FBA has the upper hand in this aspect. Once enrolled in the program, you're automatically eligible for Amazon Prime. There's no need for a waiting list or a trial period. Amazon also shoulders the burden of one or two-day free shipping, but it comes with a price (and a hefty one, that is).

    a back shot of an amazon seller fulfilled fulfilled prime truck

    How can you join Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime?

    If you finally decide to sell on Amazon SFP, here are the requirements:

    Qualifications

    Currently, Amazon is not accepting new registrations for this program. However, a waitlist is open for those interested to join. So if you plan on registering once the sign-ups open, these requirements must be met.

    • You must have an Amazon Professional Seller account.
    • You must have Premium Shipping options available to your customers.
    • Not less than 99% of your products must be shipped on time.
    • Your order cancellation rate must be less than 0.5%.
    • Amazon Buy Shipping must be the shipping service provider for 99% of your orders.
    • Delivery of SFP orders must be through SFP carriers supported by Amazon.
    • Utilize shipping methods that accommodate weekend delivery and pickup.
    • You must agree to and comply with Amazon's return policy.
    • You must let Amazon deal with all customer service inquiries.
    • All Amazon Prime offers must be available for nationwide delivery coverage.
    • You must promise one-day delivery for at least 20% of your products and two-day delivery for at least 55%.

    Getting Started

    As mentioned, you must go through a trial period before becoming a full-fledged Amazon SFP seller. Depending on your performance, it can be as short as five days or as long as 90 days. Among other things, the platform looks at the delivery speed, tracking rate, and cancellation rate. 

    Once you pass this trial, Amazon will automatically enroll you in the SFP program and give your enrolled ASINs your Amazon Prime badge.

    The Benefits of Selling on Amazon Prime

    Whether you're an Amazon SFP or Amazon FBA seller, here are other reasons for selling on Amazon Prime that can drastically change the course of your ecommerce journey. 

    Prime shoppers are the ones who come to you.

    On Amazon Prime, customers voluntarily come to you rather than the other way around. Prime members are loyal members of the Amazon marketplace. That's because they get to enjoy these perks:

    Top-Notch Shipping Services

    Prime offers FREE and FAST shipping services for qualified purchases. It offers one- and two-day shipping on eligible orders. Prime subscribers can also get two-hour delivery for free if their zip code is included in the Prime Now list.

    Regarding specific rates, Amazon allows shipping for as low as $7.99 per item every Saturday. For standard shipping, the waiting period is only 4 to 5 business days.

    Unlimited Streaming

    Prime users can enjoy unlimited movies, TV episodes, and music streaming. They may access Amazon Channels like HBO, SHOWTIME, and STARZ. It also has Twitch Prime, which is perfect for avid gamers.

    Shopping Galore

    • Prime shoppers can get exclusive savings from Amazon's Whole Foods Market with 2-hour delivery in select cities. 
    • Prime shoppers can earn 5% back when they shop at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market using the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card.
    • Prime shoppers can get seven days to try the items in the Prime Wardrobe at home before purchasing them. 

    Reading Benefits

    Prime subscribers who love to read can borrow various reading materials from the Prime Reading catalog. They also get early access to download new books for free every month.

    Other Benefits

    • Amazon allows two adults in the same household to share particular Amazon Prime benefits.
    • Prime users can also enjoy unlimited photo storage using Amazon Photos.

    As an Amazon seller, you will have exclusive access to Prime's ready-to-buy customer base, which possesses high purchasing power, thanks to the rewards buyers can avail of for their membership.

    Amazon markets you.

    Amazon does the marketing for you. When you visit Amazon Prime's website, its homepage displays all the benefits its subscribers can enjoy. There is also the lure of free and speedy delivery service.

    Prime buyers pay more.

    Besides having strong purchasing power, Prime subscribers are willing to pay more. They have no qualms about spending a monthly membership fee of $14.99 or an annual fee of $139. On average, Prime members spend $1400 on Amazon yearly, twice that of non-Prime members.

    You have more chances to get your products featured.

    You will have a chance to win the Buy Box by default.

    In a Nutshell: How Amazon SFP Can Help Your Business Thrive

    If you want to appeal to Amazon Prime customers and have flexible shipping options to withstand ecommerce challenges, a Seller Fulfilled Prime account may be your best bet. By leveraging the SFP program, you can tap into a vast customer base that wants fast and reliable shipping.

    Additionally, Amazon SFP gives you control over your fulfillment process while meeting Prime standards. Living up to the platform's and customers' expectations can increase your brand's visibility, engagement, credibility, customer trust, and business growth.

    Undoubtedly, Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) offers a strategic advantage in securing your business's success on the dynamic platform. With Amazon Prime having every benefit you could ever want as a seller, it's now up to you to push your products on the market!

    Still Taking the Amazon FBA Route? Streamline Your Process and Become a Successful Seller With Seller Interactive!

    If you've decided to continue using or exploring the FBA program, you can always rely on professionals from Seller Interactive. We can handle everything, such as Seller Central account management, warehousing, fulfillment, and logistics for you with our Amazon FBA wholesale partnership program.
    To better understand which option works best for your business, feel free to leverage the expertise of our highly experienced Amazon account managers, who can help you navigate your situation.

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    Understanding Amazon CPC: A Guide for Beginners

    Amazon CPC (cost per click) is a popular advertising option on the platform. With the increasing competition on Amazon, understanding what CPC is, how it works, how to determine bid prices and ad placement, and how to make the most of your total ad spend are crucial for a successful ad campaign. The knowledge can help you stand out and increase your sales.

    This guide is designed to provide a basic understanding of Amazon CPC and equip beginners like you with the knowledge to start advertising and driving sales on Amazon. So, keep reading!

    CPC on a laptop

    Amazon CPC: A Brief Explanation

    Cost-Per-Click (CPC) refers to the cost you pay each time potential customers click your paid ads. It is a statistic that applies to all forms of advertising, including text, graphics, and videos. CPC also applies to advertising on search engines, display ads, and ads on other platforms like social media and websites. 

    This measure is vital for your Amazon PPC campaigns as it reflects whether the costs you pay for the clicks are worth it. You should be reaching your target audience and getting sales.

    The Ins and Outs Amazon CPC Bidding

    Launching ad campaigns on Amazon is similar to participating in an auction. To display your ad, you must bid on keywords and know how much to bid. The more optimized your biddings are, the higher the chance you’ll reach customers that will click through your ads and eventually buy.

    Because CPC pricing is based on keyword targeting, more popular terms tend to cost higher per click. Hence, be wise with your budgeting. Allot a higher budget to keywords that will bring your ads to the customer searches with the highest buying intent.

    CPC Calculation

    CPC/Cost-per-click is the average amount paid for each ad click. It is calculated this way: total cost of clicks/total clicks. A large number of clicks on an ad indicates that the ad is attracting client attention. However, it is the sales that show a more critical number. When your CPC is proportionate to your sales, your Amazon ads work.

    Maximum CPC

    A brand’s maximum cost-per-click is the highest bid you are prepared to pay for keywords to get a good ad placement. Amazon seldom spends the maximum budget set by sellers, so the actual CPC will typically be significantly lower than the first bid.

    Manual CPC Bidding

    Once you have determined your maximum cost-per-click, you must select whether to employ manual or CPC bidding. Manual cost-per-click bidding entails determining unique bid amounts for the keywords you want your ads to be placed on.

    Automatic and Enhanced CPC Bidding

    Enhanced cost-per-click bidding is an automated bidding used on Amazon to alter your bid based on the campaign’s conversion. It is an alternative to manual cost-per-click bidding in which you can specify the total budget and then automate the bids.

    Amazon PPC Tips and Strategies to Lower CPC

    A low CPC always goes hand-in-hand with how well you do your Amazon pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns. Only when your PPC ads are optimized for the algorithm and attractive and informative enough for potential customers will they rank, get clicks, and improve conversion rates. 

    So here’s how you can manage your Amazon PPC well to generate as many sales as possible while maintaining a low CPC. Let's check!

    1. Utilize the Amazon Learning Console

    The Amazon Learning Console is made to kickstart your way into a PPC Campaign. Whether it's your first time launching an Amazon ad campaign or you need a knowledge refresher, the course will guide you into Amazon CPC ads. It will help you navigate your way through the Amazon advertising platform. 

    The Amazon Learning Console will walk you through Amazon's different sponsored ad types. From Sponsored Product ads, Sponsored Brand ads, Sponsored Display, and Amazon Store, the knowledge will help you determine the best model for your marketing strategy. You can also optimize your campaigns, maximize your ad spend, and save money on CPC. 

    A woman reading on her laptop

    2. Read Through the Amazon Brand Guidelines. 

    The Amazon Brand Guidelines are a set of rules created by Amazon for sellers who are looking to venture into Amazon product ads. As a newbie to Amazon PPC campaigns, you should read this document before starting.

    The document outlines several rules for any Amazon PPC campaign, specifically for typeface and sizing, logo and imagery graphics, and technical specs. For instance, a seller is highly discouraged from including Amazon logos on any of their ads, nor are they allowed to promote discounts without an Amazon legal review.

    In general, this rule book allows Amazon to maintain a certain standard for any product ad that appears on their platform, so sellers should take a peek at it before launch to avoid any issues later affecting the continuity of ads or the pause thereof.

    3. Be Smart About Your Amazon PPC Campaign Structure

    Amazon PPC Campaign Strategy is crucial to reach more shoppers and increase conversion rates. You know your strategy works if you can maintain excellent performance for an extended period.

    To start, make sure you do your calculations ahead of time. Analyze and calculate your search term bids, determine how much you will spend for your campaign, and adjust/change your keywords based on their profitability. There are three primary spending factors that you should be aware of:

    • Your product's price;
    • The estimated conversation rates of the product
    • The product's Advertising Cost of Sale (ACoS).

    Once you have all these things written down, take the time to assess how much your default bids and ACoS will be. Overall, keeping an organized campaign structure will help you make fewer adjustments after launch and increase your campaign's chances of success.

    4. Focus Your Efforts on Optimizing Ad Keywords

    Take advantage of Amazon's automatic campaign to ensure that your low target ACoS is achieved while you are getting more sales. In this campaign type, Amazon makes your ad appear on search results where the algorithm thinks you’ll get more sales.

    You can determine which keywords have the best product conversion rate through an auto-campaign. You can then switch to a manual campaign to bid higher on keywords that are giving you sales.

    Another strategy is to test keywords related to your products. Most Amazon PPC businesses focus on bidding for either general high-volume keywords or the exact keywords of their products, but this may not always be the best route. Experimenting with other relevant keywords can be a stepping stone to gaining unprecedented ad traffic.

    5. Make Bid and Budget Changes Only When Necessary

    Do not make impulsive budget decisions. Creating a budget change 2 to 3 days after launching your first Amazon PPC campaign does not help you understand the full extent of your ads' potential and limits your understanding of how your product ads can be optimized.  

    Give your campaign at least a week or two before making any budget changes to ensure adequate data is available for your budget analysis. It may even take a month before keyword optimization data shows up for manual campaigns, so make sure to allow any relevant PPC data to mature.

    A man browsing Amazon’s Deals and Promotions page on his computer

    6. Go After Top-Performing ASINs for Product Targeting

    Search and target competitor brands with high traffic or views. In this way, you will have a chance to be seen alongside the most popular categories related to your brand. How do you know which brands or products have many views? In the search terms report, filter the clicks and click-through-rate (CTR) columns from highest to lowest.

    You can also target categories that complement yours for more chances of sales. For example, if you are selling sportswear, you can target it with the category which offers gym equipment or energy drinks.

    7. Target Product Listings That You Can Outperform or Vice Versa

    You have a better chance of increasing your conversion rate when you place ads on ASINs you can outperform. Look for a listing with a higher product price but a lesser quality offer than yours. You can get these details from the search terms reports. Filter the ASINs and search for the following criteria:

    • Products with a higher price than you
    • ASINs with lower ratings
    • Products with a fewer number of reviews

    On the contrary, the Item Comparison report can also show the ASINs selling products that were bought instead of yours. You can also target those to give you a second chance to sell your product against the ASINs that outperformed you. 

    8. Target Products Purchased With Yours

    It is not only the search terms report you should give attention to. You may also gather ASINs from the Market Basket Analysis and Item Comparison reports. You need to be a member of the Amazon Brand Registry to be able to do this. 

    You can find the products purchased with yours in the Market Basket Analysis report. Try targeting these again to replicate the scenario, but this time, your ad will be displayed in the "Sponsored Products related to this item" section. Thus the term "market basket." 

    9. Stop Showing Your Ad to the Wrong Audience

    Prevent your ads from showing on search terms unrelated to yours, also called "Negative ASINs." These keywords increase CPC costs but lower your conversion rate. Adding negative keywords allows you to pay a lower CPC, lower your average CPC, and lower your ACoS because it keeps you from spending on clicks that will never convert.

    Again, you can find it in the search terms report. In Amazon Seller Central, the negative targeting feature has a section where you can add Negative ASINs.

    Manage Your Amazon CPC Ads With Seller Interactive

    Understanding Amazon CPC is crucial for any seller or vendor looking to advertise on the platform. We hope to have provided you with a basic understanding of what CPC is, how it works, and how to optimize their PPC campaigns. 

    By utilizing Amazon's resources and following best practices for a low CPC, sellers can reach potential customers and increase their sales while keeping their ad budget efficient. 

    Seller Interactive can provide you with a comprehensive Amazon full account management services for Amazon CPC to ensure your advertising campaigns achieve maximum success.

    Book a call with us today.

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    Beginner’s Guide: ASIN Basics and Amazon ASIN Suspension Appeal

    As a new seller, you might get overwhelmed with Amazon policies and guidelines when creating ASINs. It is too overwhelming that you're tempted to skip reading it altogether. Unfortunately, this approach might get you into trouble, and you may get an Amazon ASIN suspension.

    Amazon ASIN suspension may have different causes, and unfortunately, a simple Amazon SEO optimization can't fix it. It would be best if you investigate deeper to know the suspension's root cause since Amazon will not provide specific information regarding the suspension notification. 

    This is why it is crucial to know the fundamentals of ASINs, the marketing best practices for ASINs, and how you can be suspended because of creating ASINs. This guide will cover these, plus how to open an Amazon account after suspension and other Amazon suspension help tips.

    ASIN: Definition and Importance

    ASIN, which stands for Amazon Standard Identification Number, is a 10-digit alphanumeric code that Amazon assigns to every product in the marketplace. It is Amazon's unique identifier for tracking inventory.

    Why is it important? ASIN has a valuable role in order fulfillment, specifically picking and shipping. Amazon uses it to track and find products on its website and warehouses, respectively. With ASINs, customers can find the exact product they are looking for. This is how vital an ASIN is to both sellers and buyers.

    How to Get an ASIN

    To get an ASIN, check if it exists in the Amazon catalogue. As a rule, only one ASIN and product detail page per product exists. Otherwise, Amazon will merge them into one.

    The easiest way to check is by entering the ASIN in the search box and looking at the Product Information on the product detail page and the URL of the said product, as shown below:

    ASIN Amazon

    Try at the Add a Product page of your Seller Central account. On the said page, Amazon will ask you to search Amazon's catalogue first. You may create a new product listing if it returns no results.

        Source: Screengrab from Amazon.com

    However, if you have a long list of ASINs, using an ASIN lookup tool is better.

    What Happens if the ASIN Does Not Exist?

    Two scenarios may happen after your search: whether the ASIN exists or not. If you're selling a new product without an ASIN, then you may create your ASIN. This is also applicable to private label sellers and brand owners.

    For new ASINs, you need to register your product first in GS1-US to have a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) like UPC (Universal Product Code) and EAN (European Article Number). Amazon will find these codes when you're making an ASIN.

    For existing ASINs, go to the Results table and click the “Sell Yours” button to start offering your product under that listing. You may also ask permission first by clicking on Request Approval. Remember that you will share this listing with other sellers who offer the same product.

    Reasons for Amazon ASIN Suspension

    Generating an ASIN looks easy, but that 10-digit code can get you into trouble when incorrectly done. Here are the instances that can lead to an Amazon ASIN suspension:

    Duplicate ASIN Creation

    Alright, what did we tell you? Check first if the ASIN exists. What if it was an honest mistake? Regrettably, Amazon is not lenient to this type of offence. Moreover, it is clearly stated in their ASIN creation policy as illustrated:

    ASIN creation policy

    ASIN Variation Misuse

    Variations in a listing occur when a product comes in different colours, sizes, or other characteristics. This is also called the parent-child relationship. You may get an Amazon ASIN suspension notification for the following reasons:

    • You've added a child variation under a parent product, which is not its true variation. 
    • You've modified the parent's product detail page to remove its children.
    • You've added a multi-pack variation that the manufacturer of the parent product doesn't create.
    • You've listed bundles under the same manufacturer.

    Expired Products

    You should also check out product expiration dates. Topical and consumable products for humans and animals must have an expiration date stamped on them. If you forget to put an expiration date on your products, Amazon might refuse your inventory at the fulfillment centers or suspend your account. Amazon allows only a specific shelf life duration for products stored in their warehouses.

    Inauthenticity

    Ah, the most classic Amazon ASIN suspension reason. Fake or counterfeit products are a major pet peeve in the Amazon marketplace. The online retail giant has a particular page for it. They even have programs like Amazon Brand Registry and Amazon Project Zero to eliminate counterfeiters in the platform.

    However, sometimes, it isn't the seller's fault. It could be the manufacturer's wrongdoing because they make fake or knock-off products. Practice your due diligence as a seller in researching and choosing the right supplier.

    Safety Concerns

    Product safety issues against Amazon were all over the news in 2021. In a Wall Street Journal investigation, thousands of products for sale on Amazon were declared unsafe, mislabeled, and banned by federal regulators and agencies. 

    You should be aware that Amazon doesn't tolerate selling products that may cause harm to the customer.

    How to Open Amazon Account After Suspension

    There is no other way to do this but through an Amazon seller suspension appeal letter. No shortcuts. No warnings.

    After receiving the Amazon ASIN suspension notification, you must thoroughly investigate the problem's root cause. You can't just request Amazon to reinstate your ASINs or account immediately. What you should do is redeem yourself and acknowledge your oversight.

    Here’s how to write an Amazon seller suspension appeal letter effectively:

    1. Identify the root cause. Amazon won't give away the specifics of your suspension, so it is up to you to find it out.
    2. Own up to your mistakes (even if they are not entirely your fault). In your letter, say that you acknowledge your errors and will resolve them immediately.
    3. Draft the immediate corrective action. What can you do at the moment to rectify the error? How will you appease the customer to keep them happy?
    4. Draft the preventive, corrective action. It is the long-term solution to prevent the root cause from happening again. Remember that it should not sound like mere suggestions. These should be concrete solutions to improving your business practices and abiding by Amazon's rules.
    5. Suppose Amazon asks something from you, like invoices or proof of identification, to provide them with what they want. Or if they instruct you to delete the ASINs or listings in question, do it ASAP.

    Amazon Marketing Best Practices for ASINs

    Do you want to prevent future listing suspensions? Amazon compliance is the key. From not selling restricted products and minimizing customer and counterfeit complaints to following the tips below, you can say goodbye to receiving an ASIN suspension notice and keep the reinstatement process on the trunk.

    Amazon SEO Optimization

    Optimizing your listings will not only improve the ranking of your products. It is also a way to check if anyone alters them. Moreover, ensure they are in the correct category and don't have any duplicates.

    Register in Amazon Brand Registry

    It is an Amazon program to help sellers have control over their listings and ensure the listing's information is correct. Brand Registry also allows you to use Amazon marketing services.

    Monitor Customer Reviews

    Sometimes the clues are in the negative reviews left by your customers, but only if you've been proactive. Ensure you address them quickly and keep Amazon from finding out first. 

    Comply With Amazon’s Invoice Requirements

    Never misplace your invoices or receipts! Always ask for them when ordering inventory from your supplier. Each invoice must contain Amazon's requirements, like invoice date, supplier and buyer information, unit description, and quantities. Note that Amazon doesn't accept delivery reports, commercial invoices, purchasing lists, contract documents, or order confirmations.

    Don’t Sell Fake Products

    You can do this by sourcing your products from reliable suppliers. Sometimes, the manufacturer itself is the cause of the problem. On your part, don't be tempted to offer knock-offs due to the lower price. Always prioritize quality over easy money.

    Monitor Your Account Health

    As Amazon explains, this page provides your account's compliance with Amazon's performance targets and policies. Make it a habit to monitor this page regularly. Also, keep track of the Seller Performance notifications you receive. It would be better to assign a separate folder to your email, where you can save it for future reference.

    Amazon's TOS Strict Compliance

    You've agreed to this before signing up, right? Make sure you understand and comply with each policy. Also, follow Amazon news and keep updated on any changes or new rules.

    Let Seller Interactive Assist You With Your Amazon Account

    Amazon ASIN suspension is a severe violation of Amazon's policies and guidelines. As a seller, you are responsible for knowing the basics of ASINs and their management. Even an accidental ASIN duplication may put your business at risk. 

    If you need Amazon account suspension help, don't hesitate to ask trusted Amazon consultants. Save your chance of reinstatement and send only the best Amazon seller suspension appeal letter crafted by an experienced third-party agency. Seller Interactive has a team of expert Amazon consultants willing to help and guide you on how to reopen your Amazon account after suspension. Contact us today.

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