How To Do Amazon PPC Keyword Research

Are you looking to boost your Amazon sales and visibility? Mastering Amazon PPC keyword research is key for any seller aiming to optimize their advertising strategy. As an expert Amazon advertising agency, we've helped countless businesses improve their PPC campaigns, and in this comprehensive guide, we're going to help you do the same thing. Let’s dive in and take a look at how to do PPC keyword research right.

What is Amazon PPC Keyword Research?

Put simply, Amazon PPC keyword research is the process of identifying and analyzing the search terms potential customers use when looking for products like yours on Amazon. It's the foundation of any successful PPC campaign, enabling you to target the right audience and maximize your return on ad spend (ROAS).

Getting Started with Amazon PPC Keyword Research

Before you start spending, it's essential to lay the groundwork for your strategy. This involves understanding your product, your target audience, and your competition. When you're well-prepared, you'll be better equipped to find the keywords that will drive relevant traffic to your listings.

Setting Objectives for Keyword Research

To make the most of your keyword research efforts, you also need clear objectives. Are you looking to increase visibility for a new product? Or perhaps you're aiming to boost sales for an existing bestseller?

Recommended Tools for Amazon PPC Keyword Research

While it's possible to conduct keyword research manually, using specialized tools can significantly streamline the process and provide valuable insights. We’d recommend:

1. Amazon's Brand Analytics
2. Jungle Scout
3. Helium 10
4. Sellics
5. Merchant Words

Steps to Perform Amazon PPC Keyword Research

Now that we've covered the basics, let's dive into the step-by-step process of conducting thorough Amazon PPC keyword research.

Step 1: Identify Seed Keywords

Start by brainstorming a list of seed keywords related to your product. These are the core terms that best describe what you're selling. For example, if you're selling a yoga mat, your seed keywords might include "yoga mat," "exercise mat," and "fitness equipment."

Step 2: Expand Your Keyword List

Using your seed keywords as a starting point, it's time to expand your list. Utilize keyword research tools to discover related terms, long-tail keywords, and phrases your potential customers might be using. Don't forget to consider variations, synonyms, and even common misspellings.

Step 3: Analyze Keyword Metrics

Once you've compiled an extensive list of keywords, it's a good idea to analyze their performance metrics - look at search volume, competition level, and relevance to your product, and prioritize the keywords worth targeting in your PPC campaigns.

Step 4: Refine Your Keyword Selection

Not all keywords are created equal. At this stage, you'll want to narrow down your list to the most promising options. Focus on keywords that strike a balance between search volume, relevance, and competition - and remember, it's often better to target more specific, long-tail keywords that have lower competition but higher conversion potential.

Step 5: Optimize Keyword Selection for PPC Campaigns

When finalizing your keyword selection for PPC campaigns, consider the different match types Amazon offers: broad, phrase, and exact. Each has its advantages and can be used strategically to maximize your campaign's effectiveness. It's also important to understand how negative keywords work on Amazon to prevent your ads from showing up for irrelevant searches.

Step 6: Create Campaigns Based on Research

With your refined keyword list in hand, it's time to structure your PPC campaigns. Group related keywords together and create ad groups that align with your product categories or specific features. This organization will make it easier to manage your campaigns and track performance.

Step 7: Monitor and Adjust Your Strategy

Keyword research isn't a one-and-done task. It's an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring and adjustment. Keep an eye on your campaign performance, identify which keywords are driving sales, and which aren't performing as expected. Use this data to continually refine your keyword strategy.

Best Practices for Amazon PPC Keyword Research

To ensure you're getting the most out of your keyword research efforts, keep these best practices in mind:

Start with Seed Keywords

Always begin with a solid foundation of seed keywords that accurately represent your product. These will serve as the springboard for discovering more specific and potentially lucrative keywords.

Use Keyword Research Tools

While manual research has its place, leveraging specialized tools can provide valuable insights and save you time. Invest in quality tools that offer comprehensive data and analysis features.

Prioritize Relevance and Conversion Potential

It's tempting to go after high-volume keywords, but relevance should be your top priority. Focus on keywords that are most likely to convert browsers into buyers.

Monitor Competitor Keywords

Keep an eye on what keywords your competitors are targeting. This can reveal gaps in your own strategy and help you identify new opportunities.

Regularly Refine and Update Keywords

The Amazon marketplace is dynamic, with trends and customer behavior constantly evolving. Make it a habit to review and update your keyword strategy regularly to stay ahead of the curve.

Final Thoughts

All in all, mastering Amazon PPC keyword research is an ongoing process that requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to adapt. And while keyword research is a key element of any strategy, it's worth noting that it’s just one piece of the Amazon advertising puzzle.

Ready to supercharge your Amazon PPC strategy? Contact us today to learn how we can help you optimize your campaigns and boost your bottom line.