Steer Clear of These 7 Common Mistakes During Amazon's Honeymoon Period ??
Happy Monday Folks! Welcome to the second edition of our sizzling newsletter, where we take you on a wild ride through the do's and don'ts of launching a product on Amazon during the exhilarating 'Honeymoon Period'. We're here to spice up your Amazon adventure and ensure your product launch is anything but bland. Get ready to dodge the dreaded stock shortages and heat up your keyword game, because we've got all the ingredients for a fiery success. So buckle up and let's ignite your Amazon journey like never before! ??
HOT TAKE ??
The Amazon 'honeymoon period' is like a seductive double-edged sword for sellers. It swoops in, boosting sales and visibility, giving small and new businesses a taste of glory. But be warned, dear sellers, maintaining that success and staying competitive in the long run? Well, that's like juggling flaming torches on a tightrope. ?? ♀?
Oh, the joy of the intense competition on the marketplace and its ever-changing algorithm! It's a thrilling dance that demands sellers to constantly adapt their strategies, as if the honeymoon period was just the beginning of a wild roller coaster ride. ??
Therefore, today we're here to serve up a steaming platter of 7 things to avoid when launching a product on Amazon. Buckle up. Ready? Let's dive right in!
Rule no 1: Keep Your Inventory Well Stocked?
Oh no, the dreaded message: "Sorry, we're out of stock." Talk about a soul-crushing blow! Not only does it mean you're left empty-handed with no products to sell, but it's also a colossal missed opportunity that can send shivers down your spine. ??
Being out-of-stock is like willingly handing over customers to your competitors on a silver platter. It's a one-way ticket to disgruntled shoppers who are more than ready to jump ship and give their hard-earned cash to another brand. The sheer anxiety-inducing nightmare of running out of stock can throw a wrench into the gears of your brand's early momentum, especially during the precious Honeymoon Period. Amazon's unforgiving algorithm, always on the lookout for signs of unreliability, takes notice of those barren shelves. Brace yourself, because it's about to pull down your sales ranking, giving your competition a free ride to the top of the search results. ??
Let's talk about a major ranking factor on Amazon: SALES VELOCITY. It's like the heartbeat of your listing, showcasing how many units you're moving off the virtual shelves each day. But guess what happens when you go out of stock? That sales velocity plummets faster than a lead balloon, dragging your ranking down with it. Suddenly, your competition is gleefully rubbing their hands together, savoring the sales that should have been yours. ???
So, let this be a cautionary tale: stockouts are the stuff of nightmares on Amazon. They snatch away your sales, kill your momentum, and leave your profits hanging by a thread. Stay vigilant, keep those shelves stocked, and don't let the competition gulp down your hard-earned success. May your products always be in stock and your sales soaring high! ??
Amazon typically evaluates sellers on several factors during the honeymoon period and beyond. The platform uses a complex algorithm to determine a seller's performance and relevance, taking into account metrics such as:
Relevance is the Key ??
Ah, the Amazon optimization game, where sellers juggle the dynamic duo of keyword relevance and performance. It's a delicate dance between what shoppers search for and how sellers strategically position their products. Let's break it down, shall we?
Relevance is the name of the game. It's all about creating a seamless match between the search terms shoppers use and the keywords sellers cleverly sprinkle throughout their product's titles, bullet points, descriptions, Alt-text of images, and backend search terms. It's like a secret language that helps guide customers to your virtual storefront.
But wait, there's more! To truly conquer the Amazon realm, you need to acquaint yourself with the infamous A9 algorithm. This powerful force controls the flow of the search results, determining which products rise to the top and which ones are left in the dust.?
To truly move the sales needle, focus on what matters most. Craft relevant titles that catch the eye, enchanting images that beg to be clicked, and select exact match keywords for those pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns. It's all about listing relevancy! Keep those factors in mind, and you'll be on your way to conquering the sacred first page of Amazon's search results. It's a battle worth fighting, but remember, do it responsibly!
So, gather your wits, sharpen your keyword skills, and march forth with determination. The path to Amazon search dominance awaits those who embrace the perfect blend of relevance and performance. Go forth, and may the Amazon gods smile upon your endeavors
Stop Keyword Stuffing
Oh, the allure of keyword stuffing, that deceptive shortcut to enhance product discoverability. But let me drop a truth bomb: it's a slippery slope you should avoid at all costs. Sure, it might bring some short-term gains, but here's the catch: it confuses the algorithm, leaving it scratching its digital head as it tries to make sense of your product. And guess what? The end result is often nothing short of failure. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot! ?? ♂?
Let's get one thing straight: trying to game the system with black-hat SEO tactics is a big no-no. Search engines are wise to these shenanigans, and they have strict terms and policies in place to crack down on those who manipulate rankings. So, if you want to avoid the wrath of a search penalty raining down upon you, it's best to steer clear of such mischief. Trust me, it's not worth the risk.
Now, here's the silver lining: relevant keywords are your friends. They can be a powerful asset in generating traffic and boosting your sales. But here's the secret sauce: calculating and testing the frequency of your keywords. This helps you steer clear of both over-optimization and under-optimization pitfalls. It's like finding that sweet spot that keeps the algorithm happy, improves user experience, boosts your search rankings, and saves you from the dreaded search penalties. It's a win-win-win-win situation! ??
Remember this mantra: relevancy reigns supreme. Embrace the power of relevant keywords, tread carefully to avoid the temptations of black-hat tactics, and optimize your listings with the perfect keyword frequency. That way, you'll unlock the magic formula that ensures visibility, a delightful user experience, higher search rankings, and the avoidance of search penalties. It's a journey well worth taking in the vast Amazon landscape. ??
Embrace the Power of Creatives
When it comes to online marketplaces, the usual sensory delights of physical shopping are absent. It's a visual feast, and your product images are the dazzling stars that capture buyers' attention. Remember, first impressions matter!
Keeping your product images fresh and enticing is a surefire way to boost engagement, conversions, and ultimately, sales. It's like a visual invitation that beckons shoppers to explore what your brand has to offer. But here's the catch: Amazon has some strict guidelines when it comes to product photography, and they must be followed to the letter. Picture this: your main image should shine on a pristine white background, free from accessories, text, logos, or watermarks. Clean and simple, just like a breath of fresh air.
But don't stop there! Let your creativity soar when it comes to your additional images. Think outside the box and showcase your product in motion or in captivating lifestyle shots. Give potential buyers a glimpse into how your product looks or how it works in real-life scenarios. It's like offering a tantalizing preview that sparks their curiosity.
And here's a pro tip to lift the visual interest even higher: don't be afraid to change up the backgrounds in your additional images. Experiment with different settings, colors, and textures to create a visually stimulating experience for your customers. Let your product shine in a variety of scenes, adding that extra dash of flair. ????
领英推荐
Avoid Over Pricing & Price Fluctuation
Wrong pricing can be the ultimate dream crusher, snuffing out your success faster than you can say "cha-ching."? Picture this: you've reached the coveted page one of Amazon's search results, where the real magic happens. It's a playground of volume sales and untapped potential. But here's the thing: pricing plays a pivotal role in the Honeymoon period, where the success of your product launch hangs in the balance. It's like a high-stakes game where every dollar matters.
During this critical phase, Amazon evaluates your performance based on various factors, including sales velocity and growth. And guess what? The price of your product is a key player in this evaluation. If you dare to price your product too high compared to similar offerings, you might find yourself struggling to make those desirable sales. This, in turn, can lead to a lower sales velocity and, potentially impact your ranking in Amazon's search results. Talk about a buzzkill! ??
But hold on a moment. Pricing too low is no salvation either. Sure, it may attract attention and boost sales temporarily, but will it sustain your business in the long run? That's the million-dollar question. A price set too low might leave you swimming in shallow profits, struggling to keep the lights on and the wheels turning.?
That's why it's crucial to navigate the pricing waters with caution. Carefully consider your target market, study your competition, and strike the right balance when setting the price of your product during the Honeymoon period. It's all about maximizing sales while maintaining a profitable and sustainable business on Amazon. ????
Beware of Review Manipulation
Product reviews shape the platform's product search ranking algorithm. They exist to guide customers in their quest for quality and authenticity. But here's the twist: not all sellers play fair. Some are tempted to bend the rules and manipulate Amazon's review system for their own gain. Brace yourself for the dark side of the review game.
Picture this: sellers resorting to fraudulent tactics, like roping in their pals to write phony 5-star reviews or doling out cash incentives and freebies in exchange for glowing feedback. It's a desperate attempt to climb the ladder of Amazon's bestseller lists. But let's be real, this game is far from honorable.
Amazon has taken notice, and they're not playing around. They've adopted a zero-tolerance stance against these devious sellers. Suspension is the name of the game, not only for review manipulation but also for undermining the integrity of the entire buyer/seller system. It's a harsh penalty that can bring your Amazon dreams crashing down.
So, here's the moral of the story: stick to the guidelines and resist the allure of review manipulation. It's a dangerous path that's not worth the risk. Build your reputation on authenticity and genuine customer experiences. Embrace the power of honest feedback and let your products speak for themselves. Trust me, in the long run, it's the path to success that truly shines
Steer Clear of URL Manipulation
Fiddling with URLs and backlinks promise to boost your rankings on Amazon. Sure, they might give you a temporary surge in visibility, but let me drop a truth bomb: it's a treacherous game that could cost you your precious listings.
Let's be clear: while some may claim that super URLs work like magic, they're nothing more than a clever ploy to trick Amazon's search algorithm. And guess what? It's a blatant violation of Amazon's Terms of Service. The new policy changes leave no room for ambiguity. They explicitly mention the importance of intent, which means avoiding black-hat tactics aimed at manipulating rankings is a wise move.
But here's the kicker: playing with fire rarely ends well. While URL manipulation might provide a temporary boost, it creates a slippery slope that can lead to dire consequences. Amazon is wise to these tactics, and they're actively cracking down on those who try to game the system. Trust me, it's not worth risking your hard-earned listings and reputation.
Instead, embrace a more sustainable approach. Focus on providing value, optimizing your listings with relevant content, and delighting customers with exceptional products and experiences. It's a strategy grounded in integrity and authenticity. By playing by the rules, you build a solid foundation for long-term success.
WHAT WE’RE UP TO ??
Geoff Bekavac - CEO & Co-Owner - Swiftstart - Amazon's sudden and significant reduction of inventory storage limits
Marty Borotsik - Vice President Operations - Swiftstart - How Does Bad Amazon Marketing Look?
Ali Sulehria - Community & Content Specialist - Swiftstart - Are you skipping out on lifestyle photography? Then - Don’t!
?? QUICK TIP(s)
Here are some quick tips to successfully navigate through the honeymoon period.
?? QUOTE OF THE WEEK
‘’Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning’’
?- Bill Gates
?? That Concludes This Week's Update!?
Let's quickly recap - embarking on the journey of launching a new product on Amazon can be overwhelming without proper guidance. It's crucial to plan ahead by devising a comprehensive marketing strategy, considering PPC and influencer campaigns, and strictly avoiding the pitfalls we've outlined during the Amazon Honey Period. Lastly, add a touch of seasoning with salt and pepper, and voila!
Alright, we're finished. Moving forward with no regrets. P.S. If you'd like us to delve into a specific trend, topic, or tool, simply send us a direct message, and we'll jump right into it. Quite literally. See you in 6.5 days for our upcoming weekly newsletter. ??