How to Manage and Optimize Your PPC Campaigns
If you’re trying to boost Amazon sales with PPC, it’s important to understand that advertising on Amazon isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ type of undertaking. Amazon PPC management is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring. Here are some of the steps you should take to ensure maximum returns:
1. Find the Right Type of Ad
As a rule of thumb, Sponsored Products are the go-to choice if you want to drive traffic to a newly-listed product or a new brand. But if your aim is to boost brand awareness, opt for Sponsored Brands. Then, if you want to re-engage shoppers who didn’t convert, go for Sponsored Display ads.
2. Do Your Research on Keywords
Keywords are the foundation of any PPC campaign. Focus on high-intent and relevant keywords to maximize ROI. Use Amazon’s Search Terms Report or third-party tools like Helium10 to identify keywords with high search volume and low competition.
| Pro Tip: Include negative keywords to avoid spending on irrelevant searches. For example, if you sell premium products, exclude “cheap” as a keyword.|
3. Refine Your Targeting
Review the data you collect from your campaigns. Download your Targeting Report and use it to refine your targeting strategy and your ad spend. Check your search term reports for keywords that are not worth bidding on, as well as hints for high-yield keywords.
4. Budget and Bidding
Be sure to adjust your daily budget based on your product’s profit margins and the desired exposure. Increase bids for high-performing keywords to maximize exposure and lower your bids or pause your campaigns for underperforming keywords.
If you want to minimize costs, opt for “dynamic bidding – down only”. If you’re willing to risk fluctuating costs, go for “dynamic bidding – up and down”, but remember that adjusting bids by placement can double your cost.
5. Optimize Your Product Listings
Before launching ads, ensure your listings are optimized. We cover this topic in great detail in our post titled “How to Optimize Your Amazon Listings”, but here are a few quick reminders:
- Title. Use primary keywords in a clear and concise format.
- Images. High-resolution photos showcasing the product’s features and benefits.
- Bullet Points. Highlight key features and address common customer questions.
- Backend Keywords. Include additional keywords that don’t fit naturally in the title or description.
6. Track Key Metrics
Sponsored Products ads are Amazon’s main source of ad revenue. That’s great for sellers who run well-timed and cost-effective campaigns. But an ineffective campaign can not only lose you money, but also drive buyers to your competitors on your dime. Here’s what to look out for:
- ACoS. The lower the ACoS, the more profitable your campaign is. Every product category is different, but you should aim for 30% or lower. To learn more about the ACoS formula and how to keep track of your ACoS calculation on Amazon, be sure to read our blog post on ACoS and RoAS for Amazon sellers.
- CTR. A high CTR tells you that your ads are compelling and relevant. You should expect a CTR of 0.5% on Amazon, but aim for 2% or higher.
- Conversion Rate. Measures how effectively your clicks turn into sales. A good conversion rate can be as low as 10% for non-Prime shoppers or as high as 75% for Prime buyers.
7. Experiment and Scale
It’s important to keep up with the latest in Amazon advertising, but don’t rely too heavily on technology. The AI craze, for instance, may alienate some shoppers or completely revolutionize the customer experience. Where your buyers stand on this issue may not yet be clear.
Test different ad formats and creative elements that pertain to your products and business, and boost your budget for top-performing ads to scale your campaign and get even more eyes on your listings.