Amazon Success Guide: Do’s & Don’ts for New Sellers

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Amazon Success Guide: Do’s & Don’ts for New Sellers

Starting your journey as an Amazon seller can be both exciting and challenging. With millions of customers browsing the platform daily, the potential for success is enormous.

Hence, navigating Amazon’s competitive marketplace requires careful strategy, attention to detail, and an understanding of best practices.

Below, we highlight essential do’s and don’ts that every new seller should follow to maximize profitability and avoid common pitfalls.

The Do’s of Selling on Amazon

1. Develop a Strategic Pricing Plan

Pricing your products effectively is a key factor in attracting buyers and maintaining profitability. Amazon’s algorithm favors competitively priced products, but that doesn’t mean you should always aim to be the cheapest.

Instead:

Consider all costs, including production, shipping, Amazon fees, and marketing.

Adjust pricing based on demand, seasonality, and competitor trends.

Test different pricing strategies to determine what works best for your target audience.

2. Understand Amazon’s Marketing & Advertising Tools

Amazon provides powerful advertising options that can significantly enhance product visibility.

Utilize:

Sponsored Products to promote individual listings and drive conversions.

Amazon Stores to create a branded storefront and strengthen customer trust.

Display & Video Ads to reach customers both on and off Amazon.

Monitoring and optimizing ad campaigns regularly ensures that you maximize return on investment (ROI) and reach the right audience.

3. Manage Inventory Efficiently

Running out of stock can damage your rankings and reduce customer trust, while overstocking can lead to unnecessary storage fees. 

To maintain balance:

Use inventory management tools to track stock levels and forecast demand.

Plan for seasonal fluctuations and promotional campaigns.

Ensure suppliers can meet demand efficiently to prevent stockouts or delays.

4. Account for Amazon’s Fees

Amazon’s fee structure includes referral fees, fulfillment fees (for FBA), storage fees, and more. These costs can quickly eat into profits if not accounted for in pricing.

Research all applicable fees before setting your product prices.

Consider using Amazon’s FBA Revenue Calculator to estimate costs accurately.

5. Pay Attention to Customer Feedback

Customer feedback is vital for long-term success. Positive reviews improve rankings and sales, while negative feedback can deter potential buyers.

Address negative reviews professionally and work on improving problem areas.

Encourage satisfied customers to leave honest reviews.

Monitor your feedback score to maintain a strong seller reputation.

6. Monitor Competitor Strategies

Keeping an eye on competitors can provide valuable insights into pricing, product features, and marketing trends.

Identify gaps in their offerings that you can capitalize on.

Learn from their mistakes and successes.

Adjust your strategy based on market trends to stay competitive.

7. Invest in High-Quality Product Content & Images

Your product listings should be visually appealing and informative to convert browsers into buyers.

Use high-resolution images that showcase product features clearly.

Write compelling and keyword-rich product descriptions.

Include bullet points that highlight key benefits and address common concerns.

8. Optimize for Mobile Users

A large percentage of Amazon shoppers use mobile devices. Ensure your listings are optimized for mobile by:

Using concise and engaging product descriptions.

Testing your listings on mobile devices to check readability.

Making sure images and videos display correctly.

9. Build a Brand Beyond Amazon

Relying solely on Amazon can be risky. Strengthen your brand by:

Creating a website and social media presence.

Engaging with customers outside of Amazon through email marketing.

Diversifying your sales channels to reduce dependency on one platform.


The Don’ts of Selling on Amazon:

1. Don’t Rush Without Research

Jumping into selling without researching the market, customer demand, and competition can lead to poor sales and wasted investment. Take time to:

Analyze competitor products and pricing.

Understand customer expectations and pain points.

Test demand before making large inventory commitments.

2. Don’t Ignore Inventory Management

Stock mismanagement can result in lost sales, penalties, and storage cost overruns. Avoid these common mistakes:

Overstocking slow-moving products.

Underestimating demand during peak seasons.

Failing to update stock levels, leading to cancellations.

3. Don’t Underestimate Amazon’s Fees

Many new sellers fail to account for all associated costs, leading to lower-than-expected profits. Avoid this by:

Factoring in all Amazon fees when setting prices.

Monitoring changes in Amazon’s fee structure.

Using financial tracking tools to manage expenses efficiently.

4. Don’t Ignore Negative Customer Feedback

Ignoring customer complaints can lead to lower ratings and even account suspension. Make sure to:

Respond to complaints promptly and professionally.

Improve product quality and descriptions to reduce returns.

Encourage happy customers to leave reviews.

5. Don’t Focus Solely on Price Competition

Competing only on price can lead to a race to the bottom and lower profit margins. Instead, focus on:

Product differentiation through unique features or superior quality.

Excellent customer service and fast shipping.

Building brand trust and loyalty to command premium pricing.

6. Don’t Take Mobile Optimization Lightly

With a significant portion of shoppers using mobile devices, failing to optimize for mobile can cost you sales.

Ensure text is easy to read on small screens.

Use high-quality images that load quickly.

Test your listings across multiple devices.

7. Don’t Expand Too Fast

Scaling too quickly without proper infrastructure can backfire. Common issues include:

Poor customer service due to increased demand.

Financial strain from investing too much in new products.

Inefficient logistics leading to delayed deliveries.


How Chief Marketplace Officer Can Help?

Navigating Amazon’s complexities can be overwhelming, especially for new sellers. That’s where the expertise of a Chief Marketplace Officer (CMO) comes in.

CMO provides strategic guidance to help:

Optimize product listings for maximum visibility and conversions.

Develop competitive pricing strategies that balance profitability and market trends.

Enhance advertising efforts through targeted Amazon marketing solutions.

Manage inventory efficiently to avoid stockouts or excess fees.

Build a strong brand presence both on and off Amazon.

With a dedicated expert handling your Amazon strategy, you can focus on growth while ensuring your business remains profitable and sustainable.


Key Takeaways

Success on Amazon requires more than just listing products and hoping for the best. By following these do’s and don’ts, new sellers can build a strong foundation, avoid costly mistakes, and create a thriving business. 

Whether it’s leveraging Amazon’s marketing tools, optimizing inventory management, or maintaining stellar customer service, strategic planning is key. For sellers who want to scale efficiently, partnering with Chief Marketplace Officer can make all the difference. 

Ready to elevate your Amazon business? Reach out here or book a zoom call  today!

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The Psychology of Product Images: How to Create Visuals That Drive Clicks & Conversions

By William Fikhman • July 30, 2025
In the split-second decision-making world of Amazon, your product images are your first impression—and often your last chance to win the sale . Before a shopper reads a bullet point or sees your pricing, they judge your product based on the thumbnail. One glance decides if they click… or keep scrolling. And once they land on your listing? Each image either builds trust or fuels hesitation. This isn’t just about photography—it’s about psychology . Strategic, emotion-driven visuals can skyrocket your conversions, increase perceived value, and tell a complete brand story without saying a word. In this blog, we’ll dive into the psychology behind product images and how to craft visuals that don't just look good—but sell . Why Images Matter More Than Copy Amazon shoppers are visual. They scan. They skim. They compare. Here’s why product images are so powerful: 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual Shoppers process images 60,000x faster than text On mobile, images often load before text , and thumbnails dominate screen space Strong visuals reduce doubts, increase trust, and enhance perceived quality Even if your bullet points are genius, they won’t matter if your images don’t stop the scroll. 1. The Thumbnail Trap: Win the Click with Visual Clarity Your main image (the thumbnail ) is your product's billboard in the search results. It needs to grab attention and clearly communicate what the product is. Psychological triggers to leverage: Simplicity: A clean, high-resolution product image on a pure white background helps the brain quickly process shape and form. Visual clutter = confusion. Contrast: Bright or bold products stand out better among muted competitors. Shape recognition: The human brain is wired to recognize familiar outlines—make sure your product is clearly distinguishable even in small thumbnails. Tips: Use 1000x1000px minimum for zoom capability Avoid props or shadows in the main image Show the product in its most iconic or recognizable form 2. Image #2 = Hook Their Imagination Once they click, the second image should answer the question: "What is this and why do I need it?" This is your chance to connect emotionally and help the shopper visualize the product in their life. Use: Lifestyle photography that shows the product being used in context Emotionally charged imagery : joy, relief, satisfaction, convenience Demographics that reflect your target audience Psychological principle: Mirror neurons. When shoppers see someone using and enjoying your product, their brain simulates that experience, making them more likely to convert. 3. Infographics That Reduce Risk & Build Trust After desire, the brain looks for reassurance . It asks: “Is this really going to solve my problem?” “Will it fit/work/do what I expect?” Infographic-style images answer these questions visually . Examples: Dimensions and sizing guides Compatibility info (e.g., “Works with iPhone 13–15”) Key features with icons (e.g., “Waterproof,” “BPA-free,” “30-day battery life”) Why it works: Cognitive fluency : Visual data is easier to process than text Trust amplification : Visual proof is perceived as more truthful than a sales claim 4. Comparison Charts = Competitive Psychology Your buyer is looking at other options. Don’t hide from it— control the comparison . Create an image that: Shows your product next to generic versions or key competitors Highlights clear advantages (material, warranty, features, bundle inclusions) Psychological principle: Anchoring. People make decisions based on relative comparisons. By showing your value directly, you "anchor" them to the idea that yours is the superior choice. 5. User Intent Matching = Click to Conversion Ask yourself: What would make a shopper feel “This is exactly what I was looking for”? Each image should match buyer intent and eliminate objections: “Will this fit in my space?” → Add scale reference or room context “Is it complicated to use?” → Add a simple step-by-step use guide “Will it last?” → Add a zoomed-in texture shot or highlight materials Brain hack: The brain avoids uncertainty. Remove friction and guesswork with visuals that reassure and inform. 6. Tell a Story from Image 1 to Image 7 Too many listings treat product images as isolated pieces. Instead, think of your image set as a visual story arc . Ideal flow: Main image – Clear, clean, scroll-stopping Lifestyle shot – Show the product in use Infographic – Highlight top features Comparison chart – Establish superiority Benefit-led image – Focus on how it makes life better How it works – Instructions or setup Guarantee, certifications, or bundling – Final trust boost This mimics the emotional journey a buyer takes: curiosity → desire → logic → trust → purchase. 7. Color Psychology in Product Imagery Color isn't just aesthetics—it influences mood and behavior . Use color intentionally: Red = urgency, energy (great for fitness or limited-time offers) Blue = trust, reliability (ideal for tech or health products) Green = calm, nature, eco-friendliness Black/Gold = luxury, high-end appeal Even if your product is neutral, use colored background accents, icons, or overlays to guide emotion. 8. Optimize for Mobile Viewing Over 70% of Amazon shoppers browse on mobile. That means: Small screens Faster scrolls Quick decision windows Mobile-friendly image tips: Keep text overlays large and minimal (no small paragraphs) Use vertical or square images to fill mobile screens Ensure key info is visible in the top ⅓ of the image 9. Real People = Real Conversions Stock photos are obvious. So are AI-generated faces. Want trust? Use real, diverse people that mirror your buyer avatar . Why it works: Authenticity reduces skepticism Faces increase engagement (especially eye contact) Representation makes your product more relatable and inclusive Final Thoughts: Images Sell Before Words Do You can’t afford to treat product images like an afterthought. Great Amazon listings don’t just “look nice”—they convert . They tell stories, answer questions, tap into psychology, and guide the shopper to “Add to Cart” with confidence. So stop thinking like a photographer. Start thinking like a buyer. Need help redesigning your Amazon image stack for better conversion? We specialize in data-backed, psychology-driven visuals that turn browsers into buyers. Let’s build image assets that actually sell. Schedule a call now with CMO !
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SEO for Sellers: How to Reverse Engineer Bestselling Listings

By William Fikhman • July 30, 2025
In the world of Amazon, ranking = revenue . And if your product isn’t ranking on page one for high-converting keywords, you’re leaving serious money on the table. The good news? You don’t need to guess what works. You just need to reverse engineer what already is working. Top-performing listings on Amazon are optimized for visibility, conversion, and trust. They’ve already cracked the code—and smart sellers use them as a blueprint to build better listings, faster . In this post, we’ll break down how to reverse engineer Amazon’s bestselling listings to improve your own SEO and climb the ranks. Why Reverse Engineering Works Amazon’s algorithm—A9—rewards performance. It pushes products that convert, maintain strong sales velocity, and check all the right boxes for SEO. When you analyze top listings in your category, you get a shortcut to: The keywords they’re ranking for The copy structure that converts The images and A+ layouts that close the sale What buyers love (and complain about) You’re not copying—you’re learning. And then optimizing smarter. Step 1: Identify Your True Competitors Start by searching your top 3-5 most relevant keywords on Amazon. These are the terms your ideal customer would type when looking for a product like yours. Ask: Who keeps showing up on page one? Are their products similar in price, size, category, or function? Are they organically ranked, or relying on ads? Pick 3-5 top competitors whose listings are consistently visible—especially organic results , not just sponsored placements. Step 2: Analyze Their Keyword Strategy Now that you’ve got your competitor ASINs, it’s time to uncover which keywords are driving their traffic. Tools you can use: Helium 10 – Cerebro Jungle Scout – Reverse ASIN Lookup ZonGuru or DataDive Amazon Brand Analytics (if you’re brand registered) What to extract: Top-ranking keywords (organic) High search volume + high relevancy terms Long-tail keywords Backend (hidden) keywords they might be targeting Pro Tip: Export the keywords from all 3-5 competitor ASINs and look for overlapping terms. These shared keywords should form the core of your SEO plan. Step 3: Deconstruct Their Listing Copy Now dive into the listing itself. Focus on how they’re using keywords and what tone or structure they’re using to convert shoppers. Title Where are the most important keywords placed? (Front-loaded?) Are they keyword-stuffed or clean and benefit-driven? Are they using compatibility terms, size, or use cases? Example: Instead of “LED Night Light for Kids,” a top listing might say “Soft-Glow LED Night Light for Kids, Plug-in Wall Lamp for Nursery, Bedroom & Bathroom.” This variation blends keywords with clarity. Bullet Points Are they leading with features or benefits ? How long are they? Are they repetitive or concise? Look for keyword usage in natural language , not robotic stuffing. Description / A+ Content If your competitor has A+ Content, study: Headings (SEO hint: these are indexed) Image-text layout Storytelling techniques Product comparisons Even though A+ Content doesn’t directly index in traditional SEO, Amazon crawls some elements , and it definitely boosts conversion , which impacts ranking indirectly. Step 4: Evaluate Their Visual SEO Images speak louder than words on Amazon. Top listings don’t just rank—they convert with compelling visuals. Look for: Infographics with keywords (e.g., “BPA-Free | Travel-Safe | Fits in Cup Holders”) Size comparison charts Lifestyle photos that match search intent Text overlays that highlight benefits Don’t underestimate image text . While Amazon doesn’t index image alt text directly, customer behavior influenced by visuals affects performance metrics like time on page and conversion rate. Step 5: Harvest Review Insights for Keyword & Messaging Clues Amazon customers write your copy for you—all you have to do is listen. Analyze competitor reviews: What words do customers repeatedly use? (e.g., “lightweight,” “easy to clean,” “perfect for travel”) What are positive themes ? What problems or objections do they raise? Use these insights to: Improve your bullet points Refine your images Add new keyword variations (especially emotional or pain-point terms) Step 6: Spy on Their Backend Keywords You can’t see backend search terms directly, but you can make educated guesses based on what they’re ranking for but not mentioning visibly in the listing. Use reverse ASIN tools to find: Keywords they rank for that don’t appear in the title, bullets, or description → These are likely in their backend search terms . Use this to expand your own hidden keywords without cluttering your copy. Step 7: Benchmark Performance Metrics Use tools like: Helium 10 – Market Tracker DataDive – Listing Scores Sellerboard – Competitor Monitoring Track: BSR (Best Seller Rank) Number of reviews Average rating Price changes New variations launched This helps you understand why they’re ranking well —and what you can emulate or beat. Step 8: Build a Listing That’s Better, Not Just Similar Now it’s time to apply what you’ve learned—but do it in a way that’s strategic, original, and compliant . Focus on: Keyword density without stuffing Front-loaded title with clarity High-converting bullet points that address pain points and benefits Backend terms that add long-tail support Mobile optimization (bullet length, image order, thumbnail clarity) Better visuals than your competitors Clear differentiation (USP) Don’t just match your competitors. Outperform them . Step 9: Track, Test, and Iterate Amazon SEO is not a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process . After optimizing: Track keyword rankings with tools like Keyword Tracker Monitor CTR and CVR using Amazon Brand Analytics (if available) Split test titles or images with tools like PickFu or Manage Your Experiments Keep what works. Replace what doesn’t. Final Thoughts: Data-Driven Creativity Wins Reverse engineering isn’t about copying—it’s about learning what works, why it works, and how to do it even better . By dissecting bestselling listings: You shorten the SEO learning curve You gain insight into buyer behavior You build listings designed for ranking + converting In the ultra-competitive Amazon marketplace, guesswork is a liability. Use real data from real winners to build a smarter strategy that puts your product on page one—and keeps it there. Need help with listing teardown, SEO keyword mapping, or a full optimization? Our team can reverse engineer your top competitors and build a tailored listing strategy that ranks and converts. Book a call now with CMO !