Seller Sessions Amazon FBA and Private Label

Main Image Monthly - Winning the Amazon Game with Data   Welcome back to another Main Image Monthly episode of Seller Sessions, where we analyze, test, and refine product imagery to help brands optimize their Amazon listings. Hosted by Danny McMillan, this episode features a stellar lineup: Sim Mahon: A seasoned seller managing six private label brands and driving eight-figure revenues, Matt Kostan and Andri Sadlak: Founders of ProductPinion and 7-8 figure sellers, with over a decade of experience in e-commerce growth strategies. Then stop the scroll expert Dorian Gorski on the main image optimisation, and Oana Padurariu (image recognition insights), with special guest Luke T. Shelley from the viral TikTok brand Lucky Egg.   Meet the Brand: Luke T. Shelley Luke, co-founder of Lucky Egg, shares his brand's journey from selling stationery products to launching a party game brand in 2021. With TikTok as a primary driver for traffic, the brand has achieved exceptional success. However, the Amazon listing needed fine-tuning to ensure consistency across traffic sources and optimize conversions. Qualitative Testing: Real Customer Feedback Product Opinion provided unfiltered feedback from 10 board game enthusiasts, focusing on three key questions: How could this party game’s images be improved? What are the top features and benefits that matter most? Why wouldn’t someone buy this game? Top Objections from Testing: Dark and Dull Colors: The black box was criticized for feeling uninviting and not matching the festive vibe of a party game. Looks Fake: Overuse of Photoshop, especially on the headphones, led to concerns about product quality. Too Busy: Customers felt the main image was cluttered with text and unclear instructions. Customer Quote: "The black background makes it look dull. I can’t immediately tell it’s a party game. The text is too small and busy." Concept Testing: Data Meets Creativity The team ran multiple iterations of the main image to address feedback while testing hypotheses: Original Image: Straightforward, clean box with headphones and cards. Concept A: Simplified, more focus on the headphones with gameplay text. Concept B: Open-box concept with brighter interior colors, added human element (smiling faces), and prominent TikTok branding.   Round Two: Refining the Winning Concept The team didn’t stop there. They hypothesized further improvements: Concept D: Enhanced the original image by rearranging elements and improving clarity. Concept E: Added customer-requested features, such as player count, playtime, and ease of use, directly on the box.   Key Takeaways from Testing: Clarity is King: Customers prefer simplicity and a clear understanding of the product. Highlight Key Benefits: Playtime, player count, and ease of play are critical for party games. Social Proof Works: The “Best Party Game” badge was a standout element. Quotes Build Trust: Consider adding a powerful testimonial or review to the packaging for instant credibility. Amazon Recognition Insights Oana shared critical insights about how Amazon’s algorithm interprets images: The current image risks being labeled as “electronics” or “business cards” due to the black headphones and text-heavy design. Recommendation: Incorporate the word “game” on the box and cards to ensure accurate indexing. Key Optimization Tip: Run Amazon Recognition tests before finalizing images to ensure they are correctly categorized by Amazon. Sim’s Key Takeaways Quotes Matter: Adding a humorous or impactful quote can drive purchases, as seen with competitors. Giftable Packaging: A party game is often purchased as a gift, so showcasing appealing packaging is crucial. Segmentation: Keep the core audience (e.g., adults, party-goers) in mind when refining designs. Dorian’s Expert Insights Testing Process: Creative optimization requires multiple iterations. Testing with real customer feedback separates opinion from data. Simplify and Enhance: If the original image performs well, focus on incremental improvements rather than dramatic changes. Final Advice: Focus on clarity and a focal point that attracts attention. For party games, simplicity and fun elements are key. Next Steps for Lucky Egg Luke will balance all feedback to test a refined main image: Retain the award badge with potential source credibility. Incorporate key gameplay features (e.g., player count, ease of play). Explore adding a reputable quote or humorous testimonial. Address Amazon’s recognition by ensuring “game” is part of the image design. Final Round-Up This episode showcased the power of combining data and creativity in image optimization. From brutal customer feedback to multiple rounds of testing, the process demonstrated that even strong-performing listings can be improved with methodical, customer-focused changes. Key Learnings for Sellers: Always test hypotheses; assumptions don’t drive conversions. Listen to your target audience—their feedback reveals critical pain points. Use data-driven tools like Product Opinion and Amazon Recognition to validate changes. Follow Lucky Egg on TikTok: @luckyegg for inspiration on creating viral, engaging content. Connect with Luke T. Shelley via LinkedIn or email: luke@luckyegg.co. Looking for a Free PPC Audit? https://www.databrill.com/ Out Now on SellerSessions.com: "The Cold Reality of the Honeymoon Period and External Traffic" https://sellersessions.com/the-cold-reality-of-the-honeymoon-period-and-external-traffic/ Your opinion matters! Drop us a comment 📣 and join the conversation. Sharing is caring—hit the like button 👍❤️ and share this episode! 🔄

AI Magic: Unlocking Data Analysis and Creativity for Amazon Sellers Episode Summary In today’s episode of Seller Sessions, Danny welcomes first-time guest Joanna Lambadjieva, an expert in AI consultancy for e-commerce sellers and founder of Amazing Wave. Jo brings her 13 years of experience across digital marketing, agency, and aggregator spaces to discuss the game-changing role of AI in data analysis for Amazon sellers. Why AI Isn’t Just for Text and Images: Jo shares how sellers often overlook the incredible capabilities of AI for data analysis. By leveraging tools like ChatGPT and Claude, sellers can unlock deep insights into their performance, category trends, and customer behavior. Understanding Large Language Models (LLMs): Jo breaks down how LLMs like ChatGPT and Claude, while text-focused, can also handle complex numerical analysis using Python and JavaScript extensions. The best part? You don’t need to be a coder to use them. Claude vs. ChatGPT: Jo compares the strengths of these two leading AI tools: Claude excels in semantic text analysis—perfect for understanding customer reviews and uncovering deeper insights like benefits, negatives, and use cases. ChatGPT shines in numerical data processing—ideal for tasks like keyword analysis, spreadsheets, and producing Excel-ready outputs at scale. AI in Creativity and Design: AI is only as good as the human behind it. Jo and Danny discuss how AI, combined with domain knowledge, can enhance image creation and creative processes for Amazon listings, but true creativity still comes from human insight. Practical Use Cases for Sellers: Jo highlights the power of categorization with AI. Whether grouping keywords into themes or analyzing best-seller product features, categorization helps sellers understand their market, positioning, and trends more effectively. Key Takeaways: Experiment with multiple AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to see which works best for your specific needs. Focus on providing clear prompts and context for better AI outputs—structure your data and analysis requests step-by-step. Leverage AI to categorize and analyze keywords, product features, and customer reviews to uncover actionable insights. Use AI for heavy lifting in data and creativity, but combine it with human expertise for the best results. About Jo Lampagina Founder of Amazing Wave, an AI consultancy for e-commerce sellers. Publisher of the AI for E-commerce Newsletter, reaching over 13,000 subscribers. Co-host of the upcoming New Frontier Podcast, exploring the intersection of AI and e-commerce. Connect with Jo: LinkedIn: Joanna Lambadjieva (Joanna Lambadjieva) Email: jo@amazingwavedigital.com Seller Sessions Live, 2025 – Grab tickets now: https://sellersessions.com/seller-sessions-live-2025/ Watch this podcast in its full glory. Out now on YouTube: 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@SellerSessions

Mastering Amazon PPC and Organic Rankings with Anthony Nguyen Introduction: In this episode of Seller Sessions, host Danny McMillan welcomes Anthony Nguyen , a first-time guest, accomplished Amazon seller (sold in the peak of the aggregator run, and co-founder of JungleAce. With experience scaling his own Amazon business to seven figures and a strong background in data-driven PPC strategies, Anthony dives deep into the art of mastering Amazon's search engine and unlocking organic rankings.   Follow along on Youtube Key Takeaways: Top-of-Search PPC as a Data Source: Anthony explains how using PPC at the top of search results can act as a controlled split-testing environment to fine-tune conversion rates and CTRs. Keyword Validation and Ranking Feasibility: Learn how data from Amazon's Search Query Performance (SQP) report helps determine whether a keyword is worth targeting. Anthony introduces his three-step system for validating ranking potential. Improving Conversion Rates: Dive into split-testing strategies to enhance product listings, ensuring your conversion rate surpasses market standards and unlocks top ranking opportunities. The Relevance Web: Explore Anthony's theory on Amazon's interconnected keyword groups and how ranking for a single root keyword can improve rankings across related long-tail keywords. Strategic PPC Execution: Discover how to focus campaigns on high-value keywords, adjust placements for top-of-search visibility, and optimize bids to minimize wasted ad spend. Decoding Ranking Signals: Learn to interpret Amazon’s ranking fluctuations and stability periods, and use them to guide decision-making during launches or relaunches. Real-World Case Studies: Anthony shares actionable insights from campaigns, illustrating how conversion rate changes, pricing strategies, and competitor actions directly impact rankings. Reach Anthony - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-nguyen-%F0%9F%9F%A2-30522ba7/ Out Now on SellerSessions.com 'The Cold Reality Of The Honeymoon Period And External Traffic' The Cold Reality Of The Honeymoon Period And External Traffic If you have problems with the links, check the link in our bio! Seller Sessions Live, 2025. Grab tickets now: Seller Sessions Live 2025 Watch this podcast in its full glory. Out now on YouTube: Watch on YouTube

Pushing the Limits of Main Image Optimization for Amazon Sellers Join Danny and an all-star panel of e-commerce experts in this episode of Seller Sessions as they dissect the science of main image optimization for Amazon sellers. Using insights from their Main Image Monthly feature, the panel takes a deep dive into improving click-through rates (CTR) and driving conversions through data-driven design changes. Featured Product: A standout wooden ride-on toy, modeled after a London double-decker bus, is at the center of the discussion. Designed for kids aged 1-3, this unique product undergoes a real-time transformation guided by the panel's expert feedback. Key Takeaways: Customer Objections Turned into Strengths: By analyzing video reviews and surveys, Simon, a featured brand owner, tailors his listing to address common buyer concerns effectively. A/B Testing for Visual Excellence: The panel explores how image quality, badges, and strategic callouts influence customer perception and improve listing performance. Leveraging Data for Results: Discover how measuring CTR changes and tracking conversion feedback can revolutionize your main image strategy. Your Expert Panel: Sim Mahon: A seasoned seller managing six private label brands and driving eight-figure revenues. Matt Kostan: Founder of ProductPinion, with over a decade of experience in e-commerce growth strategies. Peter-Paul Maan: Head of Sales and Partnerships at Intellivy, connecting brands with their target audience through strategic alignment. Hannah Lyss Tampioc: Founder of Mad Cat Creatives, specializing in high-impact visual strategies for Amazon listings. Get ready to unlock practical tips and actionable insights for optimizing your product's main images and driving sales success on Amazon!   Reaching the Guests https://www.linkedin.com/in/sim-mahon-46a30123a/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahlysstampioc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattkostan/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmaan/   Reaching the Guests Sim Mahon Hannah Lyss Tampioc Matt Kostan Peter-Paul Maan   Out Now on SellerSessions.com 'The Cold Reality Of The Honeymoon Period And External Traffic' 🔗 https://sellersessions.com/the-cold-reality-of-the-honeymoon-period-and-external-traffic/ 💬 Your opinion matters! Drop us a comment 📣 and join the conversation. Remember, sharing is caring—so hit the like button 👍❤️, give us some love, or share this post with someone you think will enjoy it! 🔄 🎟 Seller Sessions Live, 2025. Grab tickets now: https://sellersessions.com/seller-sessions-live-2025/ 📺 Watch this podcast in its full glory. Out now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SellerSessions

Advanced Ranking on Amazon in Q4: Garfield Coore In this episode of Seller Sessions, Danny McMillan welcomes back Garfield Coore, a top-ranking strategist, to break down Amazon’s algorithm. Garfield shares insights for sellers to maximize organic rank, external traffic, and achieve ranking stability as Q4 peaks., Garfield shares essential techniques for sellers looking to stay competitive and profitable. Key Takeaways The Three-Stage Ranking System: Primary Ranking Events: Roughly 90% of ranking impact comes from core behaviours on Amazon. Key actions include searches leading to a product page, add-to-cart from a search click, and purchases from a search pathway. Garfield stresses avoiding variations that interrupt the ranking pathway. Keyword Cohorts: Leveraging keyword "families" (using Amazon’s Opportunity Explorer) helps products gain ranking bleed-over. Start ranking with smaller keywords, allowing spillover to higher competition terms. Territorial Influence: Minor ranking factors include BSR and inventory location, affecting regional rank. BSR reflects category sales ranking relative to competitors. Conversion Events Beyond Sales Clicks, page visits, and add-to-cart actions all serve as ranking events, which Garfield calls “conversion events.” Focus on generating quality traffic to accumulate these events, which can boost rank without immediate sales. PPC Strategy: Maximizing Click-Through Rate PPC placement relies on expected revenue from clicks, not relevance. Garfield explains that a history of clicks improves PPC placement probability.   Timing Event-Driven Ranking Garfield advises starting campaigns for seasonal events early to establish a low-cost rank before high-demand periods. For example, healthcare and weight loss products should begin ranking efforts before New Year’s resolutions in January. Reach Garfield - https://www.facebook.com/garfield.coore Out Now on SellerSessions.com The Cold Reality of the Honeymoon Period And External Traffic 👉 https://sellersessions.com/the-cold-reality-of-the-honeymoon-period-and-external-traffic/ If you have problems with the links, check the link in our bio! Engage with us! Your opinion matters! Drop us a comment 📣 and join the conversation. Remember, sharing is caring—so hit the like button 👍❤️, give us some love, or share this post with someone you think will enjoy it! 🔄 Seller Sessions Live, 2025 Grab tickets now https://sellersessions.com/seller-sessions-live-2025/ Watch this podcast in its full glory Out now on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SellerSessions

Advanced: Master Amazon Ranking: Bite-Sized Insights from the Whiteboard Episode Summary In this episode of Seller Sessions, hosts Dan and Oana take a deep dive into Amazon's ranking mechanism, focusing on the Bayesian update process and its impact on product visibility. Inspired by their previous series on the complexities of the "cold start," Dan and Oana aim to simplify the algorithm’s operations, allowing sellers to apply these insights to common Amazon business challenges, from managing stockouts to ASIN resets. The Bayesian update plays a crucial role in Amazon's ranking formula, guiding the platform's initial "guess" for each new product’s rank and continuously refining it as user interaction data accrues. They explain the difference between prior and posterior predictions: Initial Prior Prediction: When a new product launches, Amazon evaluates similar products based on shared attributes and performance data, assigning a starting rank that’s essentially a best guess. Posterior Prediction: As users engage with the product (clicks, scrolls, purchases), this real-time behavior helps Amazon fine-tune its ranking, transitioning from a speculative ranking to a data-informed position. The duo also references two pivotal Amazon patents from 2022 and 2023, which document how real-time interaction data (e.g., clicks and conversions) informs ranking recalculations every 2-24 hours, depending on available data. This Bayesian cycle is fundamental to Amazon's dynamic ranking shifts, especially in crowded categories where initial guesses are quickly updated with interaction-driven insights. Key Takeaways The Role of Bayesian Updates: Sellers learn how the Bayesian update transforms initial ranking predictions by integrating real-time user data, continuously recalculating product rankings. Exploration vs. Exploitation: Amazon prioritizes real user data over hypothetical scenarios, relying on actual behavior to shape ranking results. New Products vs. Returning Products: Newly listed items start from scratch, but if a product goes out of stock and returns, it resumes with past data, allowing quicker integration of new engagement data. Ranking Frequency: Ranking updates may occur every 2-24 hours, creating a near-real-time feedback loop that adjusts based on ongoing user interactions. Dan and Oana emphasize that traditional concepts like the "honeymoon period" are less relevant due to Amazon’s continuous ranking adjustments. As technology advances, rankings are now recalculated frequently, meaning sellers should focus more on engagement metrics than waiting for prolonged ranking boosts. This episode demystifies complex Bayesian methods in Amazon’s ranking algorithm, offering insights that will help sellers understand how to strategically navigate the platform’s data-driven system. Out Now on SellerSessions.com - "The Cold Reality Of The Honeymoon Period And External Traffic" https://sellersessions.com/the-cold-reality-of-the-honeymoon-period-and-external-traffic/ If you have problems with the links, check the link in our bio! Your opinion matters! Drop us a comment 📣 and join the conversation. Remember, sharing is caring—so hit the like button 👍❤️, give us some love, or share this post with someone you think will enjoy it! 🔄 Seller Sessions Live, 2025. Grab tickets now: https://sellersessions.com/seller-sessions-live-2025/ Watch this podcast in its full glory. Out now on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SellerSessions

Building a Full-Funnel DSP Strategy For Amazon Sellers   Danny welcomes Sam Lee, an Amazon DSP expert with years of experience at companies like Thrasio. Sam provides insights into the Amazon DSP (Demand Side Platform), a less accessible yet powerful tool compared to Amazon’s PPC. DSP allows for advanced targeting using Amazon’s first-party data, perfect for those ready to expand beyond traditional ad methods. Danny and Sam dive into the essentials of DSP, covering campaign structures, targeting methods, and common pitfalls that many brands face when venturing into DSP.   What is Amazon DSP? Sam explains that Amazon DSP is different from traditional Amazon PPC in accessibility and functionality:   Barrier to Entry: DSP isn’t as easy to access as Seller Central; it requires Amazon-approved agencies or meeting certain spend thresholds. Initial Challenges: Early misuse led to its reputation issues, as many advertisers applied blanket strategies, not optimizing DSP for unique brand/product needs.   Building the Full Funnel Sam emphasizes a strategic approach to DSP that adapts to product price points and buying cycles, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach:   Understanding Customer Journey: Higher-priced products require longer consideration windows, so retargeting timelines should vary. Tailoring Campaigns by Product Type: A $10 product doesn’t need a 30-day retargeting window, while a $200 product may need up to 45 days to properly engage the audience.   Key Metrics for Success in DSP To evaluate DSP campaign effectiveness, Sam discusses focusing on core metrics:   Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) and Total ROAS as primary performance indicators. Effective Cost Per Detail Page View: Lower costs (below $1) signal efficient DSP campaigns, with top performers achieving $0.50 or less. Percent of Purchases New-to-Brand: Indicates how well DSP attracts fresh customers, avoiding retargeting those already inclined to purchase.   Sam highlights Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) as a tool to monitor customer touchpoints in the purchase path, offering more transparency into DSP’s role in converting new users.   DSP Budgeting Insights One misconception Sam dispels is that DSP requires excessive budgets to yield results:   Optimal Spend Range: While larger budgets provide more data for refinement, DSP can still be tested effectively at lower levels if PPC campaigns are fully maximized first. Synergy Between PPC and DSP: He advises investing as much as possible into PPC until returns diminish, then strategically layering DSP to further boost conversions.   Evaluating DSP Managers When hiring or assessing a DSP manager, Sam recommends looking for these critical skills:   Sales Deduplication Knowledge: A solid understanding of deduplicating sales between DSP and PPC, often through merchant tokens, which ensure accurate attribution. Customized Campaign Strategy: Effective DSP managers tailor retargeting windows and budgets based on product price points and sales cycles, avoiding generic settings. Expertise with Streaming and Video Ads: Familiarity with OLV (Online Video) and Streaming TV (OTT) can add value to campaigns, especially for brand awareness.   Streaming TV and Online Video (OLV) Advertising Sam and Danny discuss the advantages of Streaming TV (OTT) and Online Video (OLV) as part of DSP’s offerings:   OTT vs. OLV: OTT, or Over-the-Top Media, is a more premium option, placing ads on streaming platforms like Hulu and Prime Video, while OLV covers a broader online space (e.g., ads between games or online content). Use Cases: Streaming ads are highly effective for certain brands but come with higher costs, while OLV offers a budget-friendly alternative for brands targeting broader, online-savvy audiences.   DSP for Non-Amazon Sellers One of the most forward-thinking DSP strategies involves leveraging Amazon’s first-party data for external brands:   Application for Non-Amazon Sellers: Brands not selling on Amazon, like car companies or public services, can still use DSP to target potential customers based on Amazon’s deep data insights. Geotargeting and Demographics: For example, public transit services like LA Metro have used DSP to target specific areas, showing the versatile applications of DSP data.   The Role of DSP in Amazon’s Search and Ranking Algorithm Sam shares advanced insights on how DSP impacts Amazon’s ranking system through behavioral targeting:   Bayesian Update System: Amazon’s algorithm adapts based on live data (clicks, conversions), helping high-performing products “win” visibility quickly while demoting less successful items. Behavior-Driven Launch Strategy: For launches, a well-optimized DSP campaign can create significant early traction, contributing to better search rankings.   Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions in DSP Sam addresses frequent DSP errors that agencies and brands make:   Misleading Attribution: Lack of merchant tokens can lead to inflated success metrics, misleading clients on actual DSP effectiveness. Uniform Strategy Application: Applying the same retargeting window or budget across all campaigns, regardless of product type or target audience, can dilute DSP’s impact.   Amazon as a Search Engine First Both Sam and Danny agree that Amazon’s primary goal is search relevancy, driven by conversion rates and user experience:   SEO Principles on Amazon: Amazon prioritizes high-conversion products to ensure users find relevant, desirable items. Successful DSP campaigns enhance this by generating high-quality traffic. Cold Start Problem: New products face Amazon’s cold-start challenges, where initial performance metrics determine future visibility. DSP’s behavioral targeting can boost early sales velocity, easing this process.   Closing Thoughts Danny and Sam conclude by reinforcing Amazon’s profit-centric nature, encouraging sellers to align with Amazon’s goals to maximize DSP benefits. For sellers looking to experiment with DSP, Sam advises working with knowledgeable agencies or managers to avoid wasted spend and achieve incremental gains over PPC alone.   Reach Out to Sam Lee:   Company: Trivium Co. Contact: sam.lee@triviumco.com   Looking for a Free PPC Audit? https://www.databrill.com/

Ritu Java, CEO and co-founder of PPC Ninja, brings her extensive eCommerce experience to the discussion. She delves into how AI is revolutionizing Amazon sales, emphasizing tools like Canva AI and ChatGPT for creating stunning product images. Ritu also discusses the impact of AI on podcast production and offers insights into maximizing productivity through digital tools. Additionally, she shares strategies for training businesses to integrate AI effectively while maintaining a personal touch, all designed to enhance seller success.

Andrew Bell, former Director of Amazon for Touch of Class and now with the National Fire Protection Association, shares insights on Rufus, an innovative AI tool improving product detail pages. He discusses Rufus's capabilities in text retrieval, allowing for enhanced data analysis from customer feedback and visuals. The conversation highlights the importance of image optimization and machine learning in engaging customers. Andrew emphasizes how Rufus revolutionizes product search, making it more intuitive and contextually relevant for users.

Dive into the evolving landscape of Amazon's A9 algorithm, exploring algorithm improvements from 2022 to 2023. Discover how Bayesian updates and advancements in machine learning are reshaping ranking and visibility. The discussion debunks the 'honeymoon period' myth, emphasizing the significance of personalized product titles and accurate data. Gain insights into launching products effectively and leveraging Amazon's AI recommendations to enhance conversions. Understand the pivotal role of keyword prioritization in improving search relevance and shopper experience.