Knowing how to read Amazon PPC metrics offers numerous advantages, including heightened visibility, increased sales, and heightened brand awareness. Amazon PPC auction is a dynamic system where advertisers place bids on specific keywords or competitors. Initially, Amazon’s primary advertising model revolved solely around Sponsored Products. This offered basic metrics such as impressions, clicks, and sales.
The Amazon ads platform was released in 2012, allowing brands to target shoppers on and off the platform with display ads. Since then, Amazon’s PPC metrics have evolved alongside the platform’s growing prominence as an e-commerce giant. They were introduced to provide sellers and advertisers with vital performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of their advertising campaigns. As the platform continues to grow it has become prevalent that businesses need to utilise the available metrics for effective ad campaigns.
Introduction to Amazon PPC Metrics:
PPC offers numerous advantages, including heightened visibility, increased sales, and heightened brand awareness. A comprehensive grasp of these metrics empowers you to fine-tune your campaigns to achieve your desired outcomes, whether it’s focused on revenue, traffic, ranking, or profitability.
This guide is designed to unravel these metrics, providing insights from the fundamentals to the nuances of TACOS (Total Advertising Cost of Sales) and its pivotal role in determining ROI (Return on Investment). Whether you’re delving into auction dynamics, exploring the significance of ad placements, or considering the impact of seasonal trends, this guide serves as your comprehensive roadmap to mastering Amazon PPC.
Why are Amazon PPC Metrics Crucial for Sellers?
Amazon PPC metrics provide the data foundation for making informed decisions about your advertising campaigns, ensuring you optimize for visibility, relevance, and profitability on Amazon. PPC drives business growth for over 75% of sellers on Amazon, but optimum success on the platform requires consistent analysis of the provided metrics.
Identifying success through metrics looks different depending on the goals of a business. An established brand may want to dominate its product category and take over as much real estate as possible. Since this brand is already successful they can afford to aggressively bid on competitor terms and the risk of cannibalisation would be minor. Brands with a greater budget can afford to rank organically and through advertisement to take over the space and have a higher ACOS. However, smaller businesses may be more conservative to preserve profits and keep ACOS low.
Another indicator of success through metrics for Amazon sellers is achieving cost-effectiveness. For instance, if your product has a strong ranking and a history of good sales, you might aim to enhance your margins. This could involve refining campaigns, adjusting bids, and experimenting with Top of Search (TOS) modifiers. In such a scenario, it’s crucial to monitor if your impressions remain steady despite bidding lower. A consistent Click-Through Rate (CTR) ensures that traffic continues to flow to your listing. Ultimately, a decrease in ACOS indicates that is operating more profitably.
For new brands and products launching on Amazon, a common strategy involves accepting initial unprofitability, sometimes with TACOS and ACOS exceeding 100%. The primary focus is on generating clicks, achieving a high Click-Through Rate (CTR), and ensuring a strong Conversion Rate (CVR) on relevant keywords. The objective is to drive substantial traffic to listings, signalling to Amazon’s algorithm that the product is of significant interest to buyers. A high CTR not only reflects listing quality but can also be an indicator of product quality in certain cases.
Which Key Metrics Should Every Amazon Seller Monitor?
The top 5 metrics every seller should monitor for success on Amazon are: ACOS and TACOS, impressions and top of search, clicks, spend and campaign type. Assessing these metrics consistently will give a relative indication of the performance of a campaign. Use these to optimize bids, keywords and placement etc to get the most out of a campaign.
These are the five key metrics, but there are other metrics that are important to monitor. These include CTR, CPC (Cost per click), CVR and in some cases NTB (New to brand) Orders – depending on your PPC goals.
Metric 1: TACOS
Total Advertising Cost of Sale (TACOS) provides a comprehensive view of your overall profitability. You can work this out by doing (Ad Spend / Revenue) x 100. Unlike ACOS, which only takes into account the sales directly from ads, TACOS considers your entire sales picture. By monitoring TACOS, you get insights into whether or not you’re selling profitably, factoring in both your ad-driven and organic sales.
TACOS is a clear cut indicator of overall product profitability. But there are external factors, which will also affect your profitability, for example: referral fee (this can differ from one category to another), varying COGS, different tax amounts for those selling in several countries, and shipping fees.
Selling a Fictional Product on Amazon.co.uk:
- Product Price: £100
- COGS (Cost of Goods Sold): £30
- FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) Fee: £2.59
- Referral Fee (15% of Product Price): £15
- Tax (15.45% of Product Price): £15.45
- FBA Labelling Fee: £0.15
- Monthly Revenue: £10,000
- Monthly Ad Spend: £2,500
Using the provided numbers:
TACOS = (2,500/10,000) x 100
TACOS Result: 25%
Gross Margin Calculation:
Gross Margin (in £) = Product Price – (COGS + FBA Fee + Referral Fee + Tax + FBA Labelling Fee)
Using the provided numbers:
Gross Margin = £100 – (£30 + £2.59 + £15 + £15.45 + £0.15)
Gross Margin Result: £36.81
Gross Margin Percentage Calculation:
Gross Margin Percentage = (Gross Margin / Product Price) x 100
Using the provided numbers:
Gross Margin Percentage = (36.81/100) x 100
Gross Margin Percentage Result: 36.81%
Adjusted Margin Calculation after Advertising Costs:
Adjusted Margin Percentage = Gross Margin Percentage – TACOS
Using the provided numbers:
Adjusted Margin Percentage = 36.81% – 25%
Adjusted Margin Result: 11.81%
Estimated Monthly Profit Calculation:
Monthly Profit = Adjusted Margin Percentage x Monthly Revenue
Monthly Profit = 11.81% of £10,000
Monthly Profit Result: £1,181
Metric 2: ACOS
ACoS represents the ratio of ad spend to targeted sales and is calculated as follows:
(ad spend / ad sales) x 100
Assessing ACoS indicates if advertising spending is yielding a positive return on investment. For instance, if a product’s breakeven ACoS is 30% and the ACoS is set at 25%, it means that for every sale generated by the ad, the seller will be making a sale at a profit. It should be noted that there are numerous factors that can affect ACoS, and viewing this should not the the sole indicator of a successful campaign.
It is equally important to assess the campaign’s conversion and impression rates as a higher ACoS does not always indicate a failing campaign.
Metric 3: Impressions & Top of Search
Impressions signify how frequently an ad is presented to users following a pertinent search. Tracking impressions provides insight into an ad’s market presence compared to competitors. However, it’s essential to note that high impressions don’t automatically equate to effectiveness. Advertisers should evaluate conversion and TOS (Top of Search) rates in relation to impressions for an accurate performance assessment. Top of Search (TOS) denotes whether your ad is featured on the initial page of search results. Maintaining a steady TOS is pivotal for visibility, as most shoppers rarely venture beyond the first page of results. TOS Impressions are encompassed within the total count of campaign impressions.
Metric 4: Clicks
While impressions provide visibility, they don’t reveal the complete picture. The true resonance with potential buyers is determined by clicks. The click-through rate directly reflects your listing’s appeal. If you’re garnering impressions but not clicks, it might be an indication to optimize ad content or product images for better engagement.
Likewise if there are plenty of clicks without the sales it is an indication of a problem with the product or listing. Sellers should monitor clicks to determine how often customers follow through with a purchase. The product listing may not have competitive pricing or clear information, resulting in shoppers leaving the page for another brand.
Metric 5: Spend
The amount you’re spending on your ads is, of course, fundamental to your budget and profitability. Monitoring spend in relation to clicks offers insights into your average cost per click (CPC). If your CPC is too high relative to your ACOS or TACOS, it’s a sign to revisit your bidding strategy. Conversely, a low CPC in a well-performing campaign could indicate an opportunity to increase bids and gain even more visibility.
Metric 6: Campaign Type
types of campaign are determined by the marketing objectives of your business. Whether you are looking to increase brand awareness, optimise for specific customers or optimise for sales. Depending on where the brand is looking to affect the sales funnel determines what type of ads are most relevant and effective. Could we potentially include a chart that shows the funnel and relevant ad types in this section to show this…
The type of campaign you choose dictates how and where your ads are displayed. Each campaign type targets a specific aspect of the buyer’s journey. For instance, Sponsored Products campaigns might focus on direct product searches, while Sponsored Brands aim to increase brand visibility and Sponsored Display is great for retargeting potential customers. Evaluating the success of your chosen campaign type can guide strategy adjustments for better alignment with your advertising goals.
In essence, mastering these metrics provides the tools for sellers to navigate the Amazon advertising landscape effectively, striking the right balance between visibility, profitability, and competitiveness.
How Do PPC Metrics Influence an Amazon Seller's ROI?
Metrics serve as indicators of positive ranking development, profitability, and brand awareness, or conversely, a digression in performance. PPC metrics play a pivotal role in shaping the Return on Investment (ROI) for sellers. They wield influence over both sales figures and the general well-being of a product listing.
6 ways PPC metrics influence an Amazon Seller’s return on investment:
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- Organic Ranking Boost:
Successful PPC campaigns increased sales velocity, which is rewarded by Amazon with higher organic rankings. Higher organic ranking results in less spend on advertising, which lowers the ACOS of a campaign. Advertisers can improve their Amazon organic rankings through positive reviews, sales and making sure they are stocked up. An adjustment of listing headlines and descriptions can improve performance against certain keywords, which has a knock on effect on the product’s organic ranking. - Direct Sales Influence:
Metrics such as conversion rates (CVR) provide crucial insights into how efficiently ads are transforming clicks into actual sales. Generally, a higher CVR signifies a more favorable Return on Investment (ROI) from your ad expenditure. This indicates that your advertising efforts are translating into tangible revenue. - Brand Awareness and Visibility:
The impact of a click isn’t always immediate. The heightened visibility achieved through Sponsored Brand and Sponsored Product PPC campaigns significantly boosts brand awareness. - Efficient Budget Allocation:
PPC metrics such as ACOS (Advertising Cost of Sale) and ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) offer a clear view of campaign profitability. Through careful analysis of these metrics, sellers can make informed decisions on budget allocation. This means directing more resources towards high-performing campaigns while scaling back on underperforming ones.
This approach maximizes ROI and ensures that advertising efforts yield the highest possible returns. It’s a critical step towards achieving cost-effective and results-driven advertising campaigns on Amazon. - Feedback for Product Optimization:
A high click-through rate (CTR) but a low conversion rate could signal a misalignment between the ad content and the product listing. This misalignment might be attributed to factors such as suboptimal product images, reviews, or descriptions, or potentially targeting the wrong keyword or product.By taking action based on these observations, sellers can optimizing listings effectively. This, in turn, leads to an improvement in ROI as the listings become more appealing and relevant to potential buyers. - Campaign Type Impact:
Different campaign types can have varied ROI outcomes. For example, Sponsored Brands campaigns might be more about building brand awareness, so the immediate sales return might be lower than a direct-response Sponsored Products campaign.
As time progresses, this heightened awareness can translate into organic sales, as shoppers grow acquainted with and place trust in your brand. While this long-term effect might not be instantly apparent, it contributes to an enhanced ROI over time. This highlights the enduring value of strategic PPC campaigns in building brand equity and trust among consumers.
PPC metrics don’t just measure the performance of advertising campaigns; they’re intertwined with a seller’s ROI on Amazon. By understanding and acting on these metrics, sellers can adjust their strategies to achieve the best return on their advertising investments. - Organic Ranking Boost:
How does the Amazon PPC auction work?
Amazon PPC auction is a dynamic system where advertisers place bids on specific keywords or competitors. However, winning the auction isn’t solely determined by the highest bid. Amazon’s algorithm considers several factors to ensure optimal user experience and product relevance.
For newer products without an established sales history, Amazon may favor them in the auction, granting an initial visibility boost often referred to as the “honeymoon” phase. Once this period concludes, the algorithm evaluates not just the bid amount but also competing bids and the product’s historical sales performance.
Step-by- step of how the Amazon PPC auction works:
- Keyword Selection:
Advertisers select keywords/products/categories they want their products to appear for. These can be manually selected, or Amazon can automatically target relevant keywords. - Bid Amount:
Advertisers decide how much they are willing to pay each time a shopper clicks on their ad. This is known as the Cost Per Click (CPC) bid. - Auction:
When a shopper searches for a keyword on Amazon, an instantaneous auction occurs among all ads targeting that keyword. Several factors influence who wins the auction, including the bid amount and the ad’s relevance. - Ad Rank: The outcome of the auction is determined primarily by two factors:
- Bid Amount: Higher bids have a better chance of winning the auction.
- Quality & Relevance: Amazon also considers the relevance of the ad to the search query, the product’s historical performance, and other factors. If Amazon deems an ad to be very relevant, it might win the auction even if its bid is slightly lower than competing ads.
- Ad Placement:
The ad’s position is determined by its Ad Rank. Ads can appear on the top of the search results, within the search results, or on product detail pages. You can see this by looking a the ‘Top of Search Impression Share’. - Cost-Per-Click (CPC):
Advertisers are charged based on the actual CPC, which is usually slightly above the second-highest bid. This means that you often pay less than your maximum bid. For example, if you bid $1.00 and the next highest bid is $0.80, you might be charged $0.81 for the click. - Budget:
Advertisers set daily budgets for their campaigns. Once the budget is reached, the ads will stop showing until the next day. - Ad Formats:
Amazon offers several ad formats like Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display. Each has its own features and strategies, but the auction mechanism largely remains consistent across formats.
Winning the auction and getting ad placements is just the first step. The ultimate goal is to convert those ad clicks into sales. Hence, advertisers should also focus on optimizing their product listings, maintaining competitive prices, collecting positive reviews, and ensuring adequate inventory.
Why does Amazon use a second-price auction model for the PPC auction?
The second price auction model is where the highest bidder wins but only pays the price equal to the second-highest bid plus one cent. This auction model works in the favor of the advertiser and means that the marketplace isn’t dominated by high bidders. The auction system naturally regulates and maintains a balanced bid environment, preventing artificial inflation of bid prices and fostering a competitive yet fair marketplace for all sellers.
Here is why Amazon uses a second-price audition model:
Encourages True Valuation Bidding:
One of the main benefits of a second-price auction is that it incentivizes advertisers to bid their true valuation for the keyword. Since they know they will only pay the second-highest bid (or slightly more) if they win, there’s no strategic advantage to underbidding.
More Competitive Landscape:
With a second-price auction, advertisers might be more willing to participate, knowing that they aren’t necessarily paying their maximum bid amount every time. This can lead to a more active and competitive auction environment, driving higher revenues for the platform.
Fair Pricing:
Advertisers often feel the pricing is fairer in a second-price auction. They only pay slightly more than what another advertiser was willing to pay, rather than their maximum bid, which might be substantially higher.
Less Need for Constant Bid Management:
Since advertisers are bidding their true valuations, there’s less need to continually adjust bids to “game” the system. While bid adjustments are still a part of optimizing Amazon PPC campaigns, they might be less frequent than in a first-price auction model.
Efficient Allocation:
In economic terms, second-price auctions are seen as efficient because the ad space goes to the bidder who values it the most (highest bid), but they pay what the market (second-highest bidder) deems it’s worth.
Predictability and Stability:
Second-price auctions can lead to a more predictable and stable advertising ecosystem. Advertisers can more easily anticipate the cost structures, and there’s less fluctuation in prices.
User Experience:
From Amazon’s perspective, a well-structured auction system should result in more relevant ads being displayed to users. If advertisers bid their true value, then it’s more likely the winning ad aligns closely with what the searcher is looking for, which in turn can enhance the user experience.
While the second-price auction model offers numerous advantages, it’s essential for advertisers to understand how it works fully, so they can optimize their PPC strategies accordingly. As the advertising landscape evolves, platforms like Amazon are continually refining their approaches to provide the best value to both advertisers and users.
Is there a formula to calculate the maximum bid I can afford?
Absolutely, but it’s essential to factor in the specific amount you’re willing to invest:
Maximum CPC = Target Cost Per Sale × CVR
But you have to work out a couple of things beforehand:
- Determine your Average Order Value (AOV): AOV = Total Revenue from Product / Total Number of Sales for Product
- Determine your Target TACOS on a product level. This will help you ascertain the desired TACOS (Total Advertising Cost of Sale). During the initial stages of selling, your TACOS may exceed 100%, rendering your campaigns unprofitable, but this strategic move can be beneficial in achieving higher product rankings.
- Breakeven Formula: Breakeven = (AOV – Sum of All Incurring Costs)/AOV
- Minus the percentage of breakeven for the level of profit margin you want then you have your Target TACOS Potential Incurring Costs Include: Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) Amazon Referral Fee FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) Fee VAT (Value Added Tax) Labelling Fee (if applicable) Shipping Fee Additional costs as applicable
- Determine your Conversion Rate (CVR): CVR = (Number of Sales from Ads / Number of Ad Clicks) × 100%
- Calculate your Maximum Bid: Maximum CPC = Target Cost Per Sale × CVR
Why is relevancy considered in the ad placement calculation?
Relevance plays a crucial role in Amazon’s ad placement calculation for several reasons. Amazon’s primary goal is to enhance the user experience and facilitate seamless purchases. When ads align closely with what users are searching for, it increases the likelihood of conversions and actual sales.
On the contrary, irrelevant ads can disrupt the user experience and decrease the chances of successful conversions. By prioritizing relevancy in ad placements, Amazon ensures that customers are presented with products that closely match their search intent. This not only builds trust in Amazon’s platform but also guarantees that advertisers receive higher-quality traffic. This, in turn, leads to improved campaign efficiency and a higher Return on Investment (ROI).
In essence, by giving weight to relevance, Amazon strikes a balance between the seller’s advertising objectives and the shopper’s purchasing needs, creating a win-win situation for all parties involved.
How can advertisers determine the relevancy of their ads?
Advertisers can determine the relevancy of their ads by examining the click-through rates (CTR), conversion rates, and engagement metrics to gauge how well the ad aligns with user intent and interests.
How to determine the relevancy of ads:
- Keyword Research
- Match Types: Different match types to capture a range of search queries and assess which ones align best with your product.
- Ad Content Review: Ensure that your ad copy, titles, and images resonate with the keywords you’re targeting. For example, an ad for a ‘non-stick frying pan’ should not only contain that keyword but also showcase images and features highlighting its non-stick nature.
- Click-Through Rate (CTR): A high CTR often indicates that your ad is relevant to users’ search queries. If your CTR is low, it might suggest a mismatch between the ad content and what users expect.
- Conversion Rate (CVR): Even if users click your ad, it doesn’t always translate to sales. A good CVR indicates that your ad not only attracted the customer but also met their expectations once they landed on the product page.
- Customer Feedback and Reviews: If customers express discontent about receiving a product that doesn’t match the listing and ad’s promise, there’s a relevancy issue.
- Check Search Term Reports: Amazon provides a Search Term Report that reveals which search terms triggered your ads. Use this to discern if your ads appear for irrelevant search terms and make necessary adjustments.
- Competitor Analysis: Study the ads of top competitors in your category. Understand the keywords they target, and the language and imagery they use. This can provide insights into what is considered “relevant” within your niche.
- Continuous Optimization: Regularly review and refine ad content, keywords, and targeting strategies based on performance metrics and changing market dynamics. So that they remain relevant and provide high-quality traffic to your listing.
- Engage with A/B Testing: Test different ad variations to determine which version resonates more with your audience in terms of relevancy.
By diligently following these steps and being in tune with customer needs, advertisers can ensure their ads remain relevant, improving both user experience and ad performance.
Why is Click-Through Rate (CTR) Often Considered a Keystone Metric in PPC?
CTR highlights the prominence of your listing on the search engine results page (SERP). It reflects factors like distinctiveness from competitors, the appeal of the main image, pricing strategy, and the credibility conveyed by customer reviews.
Here’s a breakdown of what CTR can indicate:
- Visibility in SERP: CTR shows how often your ad is seen, indicating its prominence in search results.
- Ad Relevance: It reflects how well your ad aligns with user queries, ensuring it’s shown to the right audience.
- Listing Quality Indicators
- Main Image Quality: A compelling image can significantly impact click-through rates.
- Pricing Strategy: Positive reviews build trust and drive clicks
- Review Count & Quality: Positive reviews build trust and drive clicks
- Competitive Analysis: CTR helps gauge how well you’re faring against other sellers in the same space.
- Budget Efficiency: It shows if your budget is effectively driving clicks, ensuring cost-effectiveness in your advertising efforts.
CTR serves as a pulse check on the health of your PPC campaigns. It provides immediate feedback on your ads’ relevance to the audience and the effectiveness of your marketing message, ensuring your advertising efforts are on the right track.
What is Conversion Rate (CVR) and Why It's More Than Just a Percentage?
CVR is a metric that is presented as a percentage as a measurement of the engagement of customers. CVR is a reflection of how many shoppers transition from browsing to purchasing a product.
A brand’s conversion rate is determined by the efficacy of their listing quality, encompassing elements like reviews, imagery, product descriptions, A+ content presentation, and the emotional resonance of your brand narrative with potential customers.
Here’s a bit more detail on each of the aforementioned points:
- Listing Quality Gauge: A strong conversion rate often points to a well-optimized product listing.
- Review Impact: A high CVR indicates that customers trust the feedback from their peers and believe in the quality and reliability of your product.
- Content Efficacy: When CVR is high, it often signifies that your A+ Content effectively showcases your product’s features and benefits, enticing customers to purchase.
- Emotional Resonance: A compelling brand story can instill a sense of trust, loyalty, and connection. When these elements resonate with potential customers, they’re more likely to convert, and a healthy CVR is a reflection of this resonance.
CVR embodies the culmination of several interlinked factors. From product quality and presentation to brand reputation and storytelling, CVR serves as a mirror of how well all these elements come together to influence a customer’s purchase decision.
Return on Ad Spend (ROAS): Measuring the True ROI of Your Campaigns
Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) acts as an indicator of the profitability of your advertising campaigns. ROAS is essentially the same as ACOS, but in this case, it isn’t a percentage, and the higher the number, the better the campaigns are performing.
While many marketers may be familiar with Return on Investment (ROI), ROAS specifically focuses on the returns generated from advertising expenditures.
At its core, ROAS calculates the revenue generated for every dollar spent on advertising. The formula for determining ROAS is: ROAS = (Revenue from Ad Campaign) / (Cost of Ad Campaign). A ROAS of 4, for instance, means that for every dollar spent on advertising, $4 in revenue was generated.
While ROI gives an overall picture of profitability, ROAS zones in on the effectiveness of advertising efforts. It allows marketers to quickly assess which campaigns are driving sales and which might need revisiting.
Strategic Decision Making:
ROAS is instrumental in allocating budgets. High ROAS campaigns might warrant increased investment, while low ROAS campaigns could indicate a need for optimization or re-evaluation.
Balancing Act:
It’s essential to note that chasing a high ROAS shouldn’t come at the expense of growth. For instance, a new product launch or entering a competitive market might initially yield a lower ROAS, but it’s an investment in long-term market positioning.
While ROAS offers invaluable insights, it’s crucial to consider it in conjunction with other metrics. Factors like lifetime customer value, customer retention rate, and overall brand awareness can influence the broader impact of advertising efforts.
What Common Mistakes Do Sellers Make in Interpreting PPC Metrics?
While metrics like ACOS provide valuable insights, exclusive reliance on them might not always yield the most comprehensive understanding of your campaign’s performance.
Below, we delve into some of the most common misconceptions and highlight strategies for a more nuanced approach to interpreting PPC metrics for optimal outcomes.
Over-Reliance on ACOS:
One of the most common mistakes is placing undue emphasis solely on Advertising Cost of Sale (ACOS). While ACOS provides insights into the direct cost-effectiveness of ad spend, it doesn’t paint the whole profitability picture. Sellers must recognize the nuanced relationship between ACOS and product ranking.
For instance, a high ACOS isn’t intrinsically indicative of unprofitability. It might be a strategic play to achieve better organic rankings. If the product TACOS is still under the breakeven limit then the overall product is still profitable.
In theory, you can have an over 50% ACOS on a product level but still have a 20% TACOS on a product level, and that could still be profitable for you.
TACOS Over ACOS for Product Development:
TACOS factors in the total sales, encompassing both organic and paid, giving a clearer perspective on overall profitability. Prioritizing TACOS over ACOS can lead to more informed decisions regarding scaling or optimizing product listings.
Misinterpreting Impressions:
Impressions indicate how often your ad is displayed, but they don’t necessarily guarantee optimal visibility or competitiveness. Even with a substantial number of impressions, compare this with your search volume to really see if you’re showing up.
If your bid is high enough, then, in theory, you should still have considerably more impressions than the given monthly Search Volume.
So, here you have to ask yourself: Is the bid competitive enough? Could adjusting the bid upwards yield even greater visibility and potential conversions? Am I bidding on something that’s relevant to my product?
Under Budgeting for Campaigns:
A restrictive budget can hinder a campaign’s potential. Being too conservative in allocating funds can limit the ad’s reach, reduce its competitiveness, and subsequently negatively affect its efficacy. It’s essential to ensure that there’s adequate budgetary breathing space to adapt to changing market dynamics and capitalize on prime opportunities.
How Do External Factors, Like Seasonality, Influence PPC Metrics?
Seasonal trends greatly impact consumer behavior on Amazon as demand fluctuates for specific products throughout the year, so PPC metrics will change. Here’s how seasonal factors influence advertising metrics and the strategic shifts sellers should consider.
Product-Dependent Seasonal Variations:
Certain products naturally see fluctuations in demand based on the time of year. For instance, swimwear may see a surge in demand during summer months, while winter gear becomes popular as temperatures drop. These seasonally-driven shifts directly influence the competition and cost-per-click for related keywords, as well as the overall conversion rates. You also have products that correlate to events such as Christmas or Halloween – these can definitely positively/negatively affect sales.
Seasonal Deal Events:
Major shopping holidays, such as Black Friday, Prime Day, or Cyber Monday, exert a considerable influence on buyer behavior. While these events might witness a surge in traffic and sales, it’s not uncommon for the days leading up to these events to experience a drop. Potential customers might delay purchases in anticipation of upcoming deals. For sellers, this means anticipating these buying patterns and adjusting PPC strategies, budgets, and bids accordingly.
Seasonal Advertising Budgets:
Many brands and sellers allocate larger advertising budgets during peak sales seasons, leading to increased competition and, potentially, higher bid costs. This heightened competition can impact various PPC metrics, making it absolutely necessary for sellers to adjust their strategies to maintain visibility and profitability.
Changing Customer Preferences:
Beyond mere product demand, seasons can influence customer preferences. For example, during festive seasons, gift bundles or novelty items might be more sought after. Advertisers need to recognize these shifts and tailor their offerings and ad creatives to resonate with the evolving customer mindset.
Recognizing and adapting to external seasonal factors is key to ensuring the efficacy and profitability of any Amazon advertising endeavor.
How Have Amazon PPC Metrics Evolved Over Time?
- More Detailed Metrics: Amazon introduced metrics like Advertising Cost of Sales (ACOS) and Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), which allowed sellers to understand the profitability of their campaigns better.
- Impression Share Metrics: Amazon introduced impression share metrics like “Top-of-search impression share” to provide insights into how often an ad appeared at the top of search results compared to its competitors.
- New Ad Types and Corresponding Metrics: As Amazon introduced new ad formats like Sponsored Brands and Sponsored Display, new metrics came along with them. For instance, Sponsored Brands introduced metrics related to headline search ads, such as headline impressions and headline clicks.
- New-to-Brand Metrics: Recognizing that sellers wanted to understand customer acquisition, Amazon introduced “New-to-Brand” metrics. These metrics indicate how many sales and orders came from customers who hadn’t purchased from the brand in the past year, providing insights into customer acquisition versus retention.
- Video and Display Ad Metrics: As Amazon expanded its ad offerings to include video and display ads, metrics related to video views (e.g., video complete, video unmute) and viewability (e.g., viewable impressions, VCPM) became available.
- Refinement of Existing Metrics: Amazon has made continuous updates to ensure accuracy and clarity in reporting. For instance, they’ve refined how they measure and report clicks to better account for unintentional clicks.
- Introduction of Bulk Operations: With the increasing complexity of managing multiple campaigns, Amazon introduced bulk operations and reporting. This allowed advertisers to make mass changes and understand their performance at scale.
- Performance Insights: Amazon added features like “performance insights” which provide alerts and suggestions to advertisers on potential improvements, like adding new keywords or adjusting bids.
- Integration of External Factors: More recently, Amazon has started integrating external factors like seasonality and global events into its advertising recommendations, recognizing that these play a significant role in PPC performance.
- Better Customization and Segmentation: Advertisers now have more options for segmenting their data, allowing for deeper dives into performance based on specific criteria like date ranges, product categories, or geographic locations.
