How to Stop Hijackers, Optimize PPC, and Master Honeymoon Period - My Amazon Guy Podcast Friday Q&A
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Introduction
Welcome to another exciting episode of the My Amazon Guy Podcast! Today, we tackle several pressing topics related to managing your Amazon business. Our hosts Noah and Shane answer questions about unauthorized sellers, Amazon’s honeymoon period, PPC optimization, and more. Here’s everything we discussed:
The Challenge of Unauthorized Sellers
Doug Piper, a returning participant in our Q&A, shared his experience about unauthorized sellers on his product listings. He upgraded his inventory to prevent these sellers from entering the market once new listings are live. He wanted advice on how to report counterfeit sellers and mitigate negative reviews from customers who receive counterfeit products.
To address Doug's concerns, it’s crucial to work with Amazon's Brand Registry, which helps in the removal of unauthorized sellers. If a negative review occurs regarding a counterfeit product, the best approach is to report the violation through Brand Registry. Amazon is the ultimate authority on removing such reviews if they are deemed to violate their Terms of Service.
Moreover, utilizing software like Helium 10 can help detect unauthorized sellers or counterfeits. When transitioning from an old product line to a newly upgraded version, creating a new ASIN while retaining product history can also be beneficial.
Understanding the Honeymoon Period
Next up was a question regarding the honeymoon period. This term refers to the first two to four weeks after launching a product, where sales velocity plays a pivotal role in gaining visibility on Amazon. The hosts explained that the honeymoon period typically starts when a product is made available for sale, not necessarily with the first sale itself.
To maximize the benefits during this period, providing discounts or coupons may accelerate sales, improving your product's Best Sellers Rank (BSR). Products that perform well during this time significantly enhance their chances of ongoing success.
Optimizing PPC Campaigns
The Q&A shed light on optimizing PPC bids. When dealing with a high Advertising Cost of Sales (ACoS) on certain keywords, it’s important to evaluate not only your bids but also placements. High ACoS can indicate a need for adjustment based on where your ads are displayed, such as top of search vs. product pages.
A suitable strategy is to increase bids in line with the average cost-per-click and ensure relevancy in keyword targeting. Tracking keyword performance over time is crucial—generally, a minimum of 48 hours is needed to gather sufficient data before making any optimizations.
Questions About Variations and Transparency
Several questions revolved around managing product variations effectively and navigating Amazon’s transparency program. A participant sought to clarify whether they could add variations to a generic product. The consensus highlighted that changing the brand name of a generic product to a registered one can lead to effective management of variations.
Participants also discussed how the transparency program can help control unauthorized sellers. It’s essential to know that although the program encourages labeling of all products—even if sold outside of Amazon—success often relies on how the product is distributed in the marketplace.
Conclusion: Utilizing the Knowledge Gained Today
Our engaging discussion covered various legitimate strategies to defend against hijackers, optimize PPC campaigns, and manage the vital honeymoon period for newly launched products. Taking note of these tips will undoubtedly enhance your ability to navigate the complexities of selling on Amazon.
Keywords
- Unauthorized sellers
- Brand Registry
- Honeymoon period
- ACoS (Advertising Cost of Sales)
- PPC optimization
- Transparency program
- Product variations
FAQ
How can I report counterfeit sellers on Amazon?
To report counterfeit sellers, utilize Amazon's Brand Registry. They can help facilitate the removal of unauthorized sellers from your listings.
When does the honeymoon period start for a new product?
The honeymoon period starts when a product becomes available for sale, not necessarily when the first sale occurs.
What is a high ACoS in PPC campaigns, and how can I manage it?
A high ACoS indicates that your advertising costs are outweighing sales. To manage this, you should adjust your keyword bids and placements, focusing on relevancy and tracking performance over time.
Can I add variations to a generic product on Amazon?
You can add variations to a generic product if the new product adheres to the registered brand name; often, you’d need to change the branding to registered branding.
Is it safe to use review manipulation services like Review Scan Go?
No, using review manipulation services is against Amazon’s policies and could lead to account suspension or deactivation. Always strive for organic reviews through legitimate means.