Selling in Amazon: A Starter's Guide

Author name

With over billions in sales, Amazon, a global marketplace, offers sellers an easy way to reach a worldwide audience. Here’s a straightforward approach of selling on Amazon.


Before we begin, let’s identify your most preferred way of selling before you venture into the Amazon arena. Do you want it Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) or Fulfilled by Merchant? Here’s what you want to know between the two:


Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA)
Ship your products to Amazon's warehouse, and they’ll handle storage, shipping, and customer service. Ideal for small, fast-selling items. Keep in mind, there are storage and monthly service fees.

Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM)
Store, ship, and manage customer service for your own products. Best for large, slow-moving items where long-term Amazon storage would be costly.


Now, if you’ve already decided, you may want to check out the process of putting your store on Amazon. Let’s make it simple. 


5 Simple Steps to Start Selling on Amazon


1. Do Market Research
Check Amazon’s restricted products list before you start. Look for trending products with less competition. Consider private labeling (putting your brand on an existing product). Once you find a supplier, calculate your costs and ensure your profit margin is high enough.


2. Set Up a Seller Account
When setting up your seller account, make sure to gather these details:

Bank info

Credit card

Government-issued ID

Tax information

Phone number

Once these details are in place, navigate to Seller Central, then choose between two plans:

Individual Plan: 99¢ per sale for sellers with fewer than 40 sales a month

Professional Plan: $39.99/month for larger sellers, offering advanced tools


3. Add Products
List your products by either joining an existing listing or creating a new one. If you’re the only seller for a particular product, you must use a new listing.

You’ll need a product identifier (UPC, ISBN, etc.), SKU, price, quantity, product details, and images. Use SEO to add relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions for better search visibility. High-quality images (1000x1000 pixels) are also essential.


4. Attract Customers
With over a thousand competitors in the market, make your listing stand out. Stay on top of the competition by setting the best practices, such as pricing, shipping, and advertising. 


Set Competitive Pricing

Amazon offers seller tools that automatically adjust your product prices based on the rules you set, ensuring you remain competitive while maintaining profit. You can also use bulk pricing to attract Amazon Business customers.


Ship Fast

If you're not using Amazon Prime for shipping, ensure quick delivery times when using FBM. Fast shipping improves customer satisfaction and helps your products stand out.


Advertise with Sponsored Listings

Sponsored listings appear on product pages and in search results, operating on a cost-per-click (CPC) model. This means you pay every time someone clicks on your ad, regardless of whether they make a purchase. CPC costs can range from a few cents to several dollars per click.


Conclusion

Selling on Amazon is simple, but success requires careful product selection and consistent optimization of your listings. Regular maintenance and attention to detail will help you stay ahead of the competition.


By partnering with an Amazon agency, you’ll get to have a strategic, cohesive approach that integrates all key areas of Amazon, including product listing optimization, PPC, and demand forecasting. This ensures a strong brand presence that helps your business stand out in

Amazon’s search results. And, this is what we do best at CMO.


Let’s drive your business to success with better ranks, sales, and brand management. Reach out here or book a zoom call  today!







A hand is holding a magnifying glass with a graph on it.

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 !
A banner for amazon seo with an illustration of a computer screen.

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 !