Amazon Marketing Agencies: How to Find & Vet Them in 2024

Introduction

As 1P and 3P Amazon Sellers alike aim to optimize their visibility and boost sales on Amazon, the significance of Amazon marketing agencies, commonly known as Amazon agencies, becomes indisputable. These specialized service providers and companies that have expertise in Amazon marketing services emerge as invaluable digital partners committed to navigating the intricacies of the Amazon platform and helping sellers boost their sales on Amazon. In this blog focused on Amazon marketing agencies, we want to shed light on the role an Amazon agency plays in driving business growth. We delve into the spectrum of services these Amazon agencies provide, illuminating their contributions to successful advertising management and digital strategy. Whether you’re a startup forging your path or an established brand aspiring for greater visibility, Amazon marketing services might be of interest to you as you grow your e-commerce brands. Discover the ways these agencies help you win on the Amazon platform as well as the potential cons of using a marketing agency for your Amazon marketplace management.

What Is an Amazon Marketing Agency?

An Amazon marketing agency is a digital marketing service provider dedicated to optimizing businesses’ presence and sales on the Amazon platform. These agencies offer a suite of tailored services, incorporating important aspects of account management like refining product listings through strategic Amazon SEO, involving keywords, descriptions, and images to significantly boost visibility in Amazon’s search results. Moreover, they manage and optimize paid Amazon advertising campaigns, covering sponsored product ads, sponsored brands, and sponsored display ads. Comprehensive services extend to content creation including photo and video enhancements, ensuring visually appealing A+ Content that engages potential customers effectively. With a focus on market analysis and competition assessments, these agencies devise strategies to not only improve sales but also enhance overall brand positioning within the Amazon marketplace. Furthermore, they track performance metrics, analyze data, and provide detailed reports, offering insights that contribute to evaluating product and campaign performance. The overarching goal of Amazon marketing agencies is to guide businesses of varying sizes, from startups to established brands, in navigating the intricacies of selling on Amazon, with the ultimate aim of driving increased sales and enhancing brand visibility on Amazon. Partnering with a top Amazon marketing agency ensures a holistic approach to digital marketing, incorporating successful Amazon business strategies and enhanced brand content, ultimately contributing to business growth and optimizing advertising performance on the Amazon platform.

What Does an Amazon Marketing Agency Do?

Amazon marketing services are helpful for businesses aiming to capitalize on the potential of the Amazon marketplace by helping sellers with Amazon seller central management and their digital marketing efforts. These specialized agencies provide tailored strategies and services to enhance sales, visibility, and overall performance on the platform. With a focus on digital marketing and strategic Amazon SEO, they effectively manage ad spend, implement PPC advertising, and optimize sponsored brands, ensuring a holistic approach to marketing efforts. Through dedicated account management, these agencies drive successful Amazon business outcomes, offering services like listing optimization, effective advertising campaigns, and enhanced brand content. Their expertise in digital strategy, marketplace management, and keyword research contributes to revenue growth and establishes a strong Amazon presence. As full-service digital marketing agencies, they navigate the complexities of the Amazon platform, offering services such as inventory management and brand registry support. For businesses looking to thrive on the world’s largest marketplace, partnering with a reputable Amazon marketing agency is a strategic move that ensures optimal advertising performance and business growth perfect for those learning how to advertise on Amazon.

How Much Do Amazon Marketing Agencies Typically Charge?

Amazon marketing agencies all have different pricing models, with costs influenced by factors like service scope, the number of product SKUs, client requirements, agency expertise, reputation, and experience. Amazon marketing agencies typically utilize different pricing structures to accommodate diverse client needs. Some may adopt a fixed fee model, offering set prices for specific services or packages such as product listing optimization or ad campaign management. Others might opt for a percentage-based model, charging a portion of the sales generated through their efforts on Amazon or a percentage of the ad spend for effectively managing campaigns. Monthly retainers are commonplace, where costs depend on the scope of work, including the number of products managed and the services provided each month. The pricing landscape can vary widely, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars monthly, depending on the complexity and scale of the services offered. Smaller businesses may find entry-level services starting from a few hundred dollars, while larger enterprises with more extensive needs may invest significantly more. It’s important for businesses to engage in direct communication with these agencies to gain a clear understanding of their pricing structures, ensuring alignment with budget constraints and business goals. Additionally, businesses should verify the services offered by the agency to ensure they meet specific needs and provide tangible value for the investment, keeping in mind potential initial setup fees for newer accounts or complex campaigns. At the end of the day, you want to make sure that the cost of the marketing agency doesn’t eat away at all of your profit. If an agency is growing your sales while keeping you profitable even with their fees, then it’s probably a good solution. However, if the investment in the agency itself takes all of your profit, you may want to consider doing most of the Amazon seller central management yourself until you have enough capital to hire an agency.

What Criteria Should I Use to Vet Amazon Marketing Agencies?

When considering an Amazon marketing agency, several factors should guide your assessment. Start by examining their experience and track record. Seek agencies that boast a proven history of successful Amazon campaigns, supported by case studies, client feedback, and tangible improvements in sales and product visibility.

Engaging with past clients of an Amazon marketing agency is a great way to vet agencies. Speaking with these references provides direct, candid insights into the agency’s performance, reliability, and client satisfaction. Through these conversations, you can gather information on the effectiveness of the agency’s strategies, their professionalism, communication, and problem-solving abilities. This firsthand feedback offers a more authentic and comprehensive understanding, validating the agency’s claims and revealing their actual performance and potential areas for improvement.

A key determinant is the agency’s expertise in utilizing Amazon’s various tools, including Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Stores. Their familiarity with Amazon’s algorithms, SEO tactics, and ad management capabilities is fundamental to driving success on the platform. An Amazon advertising agency should have expertise running ads and they should provide a clear plan of what they can do to enhance and grow your sales through Amazon advertising. It’s recommended to see examples of the work they’ve done and how they increased sales of other brands while reducing overall TACOS and what strategies they utilized.

Furthermore, it’s important to choose an Amazon marketing agency that tailors its services to your specific business needs. Look for an Amazon agency that can offer a broad spectrum of services and is capable of customizing strategies to align with your unique objectives, encompassing areas from SEO optimization to advertising management.

Transparent communication is critical. The chosen Amazon agency should maintain an open dialogue, share methodologies, report practices, and regularly update you on progress and performance metrics.

Inquire about client satisfaction and retention rates to gauge the agency’s ability to maintain successful, long-term relationships. This offers valuable insights into their track record and their capacity to deliver favorable outcomes.

Consider the cost versus the value that an Amazon agency brings to the table. Assess their pricing structure in relation to the return on investment they can potentially provide, rather than just the cost. If the marketing agency takes up all of your profit from their fees, it for sure isn’t worth it!

Look for adaptability and innovation. A good agency should demonstrate a capacity to adapt to changes in Amazon’s policies and algorithms, consistently updating strategies to remain relevant in the ever-evolving Amazon landscape.

Ensure that the agency adheres to ethical practices and complies with Amazon’s terms of service. Unethical practices can severely impact your brand’s reputation and standing on the platform. By evaluating potential Amazon marketing agencies against these criteria, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and ensures a successful partnership on the Amazon platform.

What Questions Should I Ask Amazon Marketing Agencies?

Engaging with Amazon marketing agencies involves asking a series of essential questions to gauge their expertise, approach, and alignment with your business requirements. Firstly, inquire about their experience with Amazon marketing, requesting examples of successful campaigns or case studies, and assessing their familiarity with Amazon’s tools and services. Delve into their specific service offerings and customization strategies for different clients, especially concerning product listing optimization and advertising campaign management on Amazon and how they can benefit your brand specifically. Understanding their reporting and communication practices is vital, inquiring about the frequency and depth of progress updates and performance metric sharing. Request references or testimonials to gauge client satisfaction and retention rates to comprehend their ability to maintain long-term relationships. Understanding their pricing structure, ROI measurement, adaptability to Amazon’s changes, and adherence to ethical practices is crucial. Lastly, explore their approach to handling challenges in campaigns and their process for collaborating with clients and integrating feedback, enabling a more comprehensive evaluation of an agency’s capabilities and suitability for your Amazon marketing needs.

Here is a list of potential questions to ask when interviewing agencies that offer Amazon marketing services:

1. Do you have a list of services that you provide? Do you offer your services a la carte?
2. Do you offer Amazon PPC Management? If so, how do you manage PPC day to day? Do you use software? Is there an account manager? Where are your account managers located?
3. Can you give me an example of a past client who had a lot of success with your marketing strategies? Do you have any written case studies that you can share that show measurable results?
4. Do you use freelancers for client work? How often? What is their experience and skill level?
5. What exact services do you take care of in-house and what do you outsource?
6. What tools will you use to manage my account? Is there anything that you are going to be automating with software tools?
7. What happens if a specific service such as photography, videos, or listing optimization isn’t up to my standards? Does your company give us a chance to request edits? Is there a limit to revisions?
8. How do you communicate with clients on progress and results? What tools and resources do you use to share information?
9. Can you give me a list of at least 3 current and past clients as a reference that I can contact?
10. What are your payment terms? Is there a contract or can we go month to month?
11. How often do you train your staff? How do you ensure that they are up to date on all of the latest in the e-commerce industry?
12. Can I approve emails, photos, social media campaigns, etc. before they go out to make sure they represent my brand well? How much can I edit, review, or redirect work? Is there a limit on revisions?
13. Are the “big names” on your client list companies you have worked with at this digital marketing agency, or are they companies your team has served or been employed by in the past?
14. Will I have an account manager that I can contact at any time with any issues that potentially may arise?
15. What strategies do you think will help take my business to the next level? What is your plan to implement those strategies quickly and efficiently?
16. What will you do to make sure that you learn about and understand my business so that you can do effective marketing for my company?

The above list is an example of some questions to ask your potential digital marketing agency. You can ask all of these questions or omit the questions that are not relevant. Also, any questions not listed here that you are curious about should also be asked. The more you have spelled out before you start working with a digital marketing agency, the better you can hold them accountable for their output.

How Should Marketing Agencies Communicate With Me on an Ongoing Basis While They Are Managing My E-commerce Accounts?

Marketing agencies should communicate with their clients consistently whether that is through meetings, video updates, slack channels, or other forms of communication. As a business owner, you must inspect what you expect and that means managing a marketing agency. In my own experience, it has been very important to keep tabs on all projects and give quick and efficient feedback to make sure things are going well. If someone else is managing your PPC, you should be monitoring your TACoS and ACoS to make sure that your marketing dollars are being spent wisely. Overall, make sure to clearly communicate your needs and explain to the agency what kinds of reporting/communication you expect. If they don’t follow through on their promises, it may be time to move on to another agency or bring these operations in-house. Finding a month-to-month agency is a good idea so that there is accountability in managing your business and you can leave the agency if they are not performing.

How Do I Find the Best Amazon Marketing Agencies?

To find the best Amazon marketing agencies, you can employ various strategies and tools. One effective method is to leverage platforms and resources that aggregate information and reviews on these agencies. Utilizing the Helium 10 Hub is a valuable approach. The Hub offers a directory of Amazon service providers, including marketing agencies, allowing you to explore and compare different agencies. You can search based on specific criteria, such as services offered, client reviews, and past performances.

Additionally, you might consider seeking referrals from business networks, industry groups, or professional associations. Prioritize agencies with a proven track record in successful Amazon campaigns, demonstrated expertise with Amazon tools, and a history of satisfied clients. Don’t hesitate to conduct in-depth research, read reviews, and directly contact these agencies to ensure their services align with your business goals and needs.

What Are the Best Amazon Marketing Agencies on the Market?

It’s challenging to specify the “best” Amazon marketing agencies, as their performance and suitability often hinge on individual business requirements and the ever-evolving market conditions. However, various reputable Amazon marketing agencies are known for their expertise in helping businesses succeed on the platform. Many agencies provide a spectrum of services, including SEO, advertising management, content optimization, and brand development. To discover these agencies, platforms like the Helium 10 Hub can be valuable. The Hub serves as a directory, enabling users to explore and compare different agencies based on criteria such as services offered and client reviews. Conducting thorough research, reviewing case studies, and directly engaging with these agencies is helpful in discerning how their services align with your specific business goals before making a decision. The landscape of marketing agencies is subject to change, so staying updated with the latest reviews and client feedback is essential to identify top-performing agencies in the current market.

Top Agencies in the Hub for Marketing Services

The following are some of the top Amazon digital marketing agencies in the Helium 10 Hub in no particular order:

Vendo

VENDO is a 360-degree full-service growth partner managing brands on Amazon, Walmart, and other marketplaces and platforms. They set up brands to scale, providing the experience, expertise, innovation, connections, and protection needed to reside on the right side of marketplace trends. Rooted with 25+ years of retail experience and $25B+ in sales-driven, they know what it takes to win.

Marketing by Emma

Since 2016, Marketing by Emma has helped over 2000 businesses launch and grow on Amazon. Whether you want to convert more traffic, boost organic ranking, or lower customer acquisition costs, their team can help you create Amazon listings, A+ Content, and more that can improve your SEO and conversion rates.

Their proven track record and expertise have made them authorities in the space, with modules on A+ Content and Listing Optimization for Freedom Ticket! Plus, in a recent joint case study, their work more than doubled the conversion rate!

If you want to know how you can improve your Amazon performance, be sure to reach out for a free consultation and listing analysis through the Helium 10 hub.

Ecomcy

Ecomcy has eighteen 5-star reviews in the Helium 10 hub showing that they are well-liked among their clients. Ecomcy is a full-service Amazon Brand Management Agency, providing tactical/execution support and strategic consulting services for Amazon sellers and vendors. Focused on mid-to-large-sized brands, Ecomcy uses specialist consulting frameworks, deep analytical ability, and powerful technology to grow revenue on Amazon. The Ecomcy team covers all aspects of the Amazon ecosystem, including Amazon PPC advertising, and organic SEO, as well as operations and Amazon account management.

BetterAMS

BetterAMS is an Amazon Advertising agency focusing on Sponsored Ads and DSP for some of the largest brands on the platform! While currently managing over 60 million dollars in ad spend a year, the BetterAMS team is on the cutting edge of all things Amazon Advertising.

Clear Ads

Established in 2011, their HQ may be in London but you’re just as likely to find them talking all things Amazon to sellers and partners in New York, Prague, or Las Vegas. They are proud to be a 100% Amazon agency. That means all of their account managers are entirely immersed in Amazon marketing services and Amazon DSP around the clock. They don’t dabble in social media and they don’t get distracted by content marketing. In fact, they guarantee that you won’t find a more knowledgeable Amazon team than the ClearAds crew outside of Amazon itself.

Incrementum Digital

Incrementum Digital is a Growth Engine for eCommerce Brands. They offer clients Amazon Advertising Management (including DSP), Account Management, Influencer Marketing, and Creative Optimization services. They value transparency, communication, and results above all else. Each of their clients receives a dedicated Slack channel with 24/7 access to their team of eCommerce experts. Some of our favorite core values are transparency, integrity, team culture, excellent work, and a fierce commitment to learning.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration into the realm of Amazon marketing agencies, it’s evident that these specialized digital marketing agencies play a pivotal role in helping businesses scale on Amazon. From mastering Amazon SEO to adeptly managing ad spend and employing various digital strategies, these agencies serve as strategic partners navigating the intricate landscape of Amazon.

In the pursuit of the ideal Amazon marketing ally, businesses are armed with a toolkit for vetting agencies based on experience, client satisfaction, and a nuanced understanding of Amazon’s tools. Transparent communication, adaptability to dynamic policies, and ethical practices further underscore these agencies as reliable partners in the journey to success on Amazon. By leveraging platforms like the Helium 10 Hub, businesses can identify agencies with proven track records, expertise in Amazon tools, and a history of satisfied clients, ultimately charting a course for sustained growth and success on Amazon.