Low Amazon Ad Performance: 5 Solutions That Work

If your Amazon ads aren’t delivering results, you’re likely facing issues like high costs, low conversions, or wasted spend. Fixing these problems requires targeting the right keywords, improving ad creatives, and optimizing your bids. Here’s how you can turn things around:
- Target better keywords: Use Amazon’s Search Term Report to find high-converting keywords and block irrelevant ones with negative keywords.
- Leverage AI tools: Automate bid adjustments and track performance with tools like metoda’s Ad Optimizer.
- Improve ad copy and product pages: Ensure your ads and product pages align with clear messaging, quality visuals, and accurate product details.
- Track key metrics: Monitor ACoS, ROAS, and conversion rates to identify what works and cut waste.
- Refine bids and placements: Adjust bids based on performance and focus on top-performing ad placements.
Fix Your Keyword Targeting and Block Bad Keywords
Misaligned keyword targeting can drain your Amazon ad budget fast. When your campaigns focus on irrelevant or overly broad keywords, you're essentially paying to show your products to people who are unlikely to buy. This not only wastes money but also reduces your chances of making sales.
The fix? Find the keywords that actually work for you and block the ones that don’t. By channeling your ad spend toward keywords that drive sales and cutting out the ones that don’t convert, you can make your campaigns far more effective.
Find Your Best Keywords
Amazon’s Search Term Report is your go-to tool for uncovering the keywords that lead to sales. This report shows exactly what people search for before clicking on your ads, along with the terms that result in conversions.
To access it, go to your campaign in Amazon’s advertising console and click on the "Search Terms" tab. Look for keywords with high conversion rates and an acceptable ACoS (Advertising Cost of Sale) - these are the ones you should prioritize.
Focus on long-tail keywords like "noise canceling wireless headphones for gym." These are more specific and often have less competition, making them more likely to convert than broader terms like "wireless headphones."
Another way to uncover winning keywords is through auto-targeting campaigns. These allow Amazon’s algorithm to test and find relevant keywords for your products. Run these campaigns for 2-3 weeks, then review the results to identify high-performing search terms. Add these terms to your manual campaigns and adjust bids for better performance.
Don’t overlook competitor research either. Check out the products ranking on the first page for your target keywords. Tools like metoda’s AI-driven Ad Optimizer can help by providing daily updates on keyword performance and suggesting changes to improve your campaigns.
Once you’ve identified the keywords that bring in sales, it’s time to focus on the flip side - blocking the ones that waste money.
Block Keywords That Waste Money
This is where negative keywords come in. These are the terms you tell Amazon not to show your ads for, helping you avoid clicks from people who aren’t likely to buy your products.
Start by reviewing your Search Term Report weekly. Look for keywords with high spend but no sales or those with unreasonably high ACoS after several weeks. These are the terms you should add to your negative keyword list immediately.
Common examples of keywords to block include competitor brand names, irrelevant product variations, and descriptors that don’t match your product’s positioning. For instance, if you sell premium leather wallets, you might want to block terms like "cheap", "plastic", or "kids" to avoid attracting the wrong audience.
Set up negative keyword lists at the campaign level for exclusions that apply across multiple ad groups. For more specific filtering, add negative keywords directly to individual ad groups. This layered approach gives you better control over who sees your ads.
Keep an eye on your negative keyword list to avoid accidentally blocking valuable terms. Review it monthly to ensure you’re not missing out on profitable traffic. Search behaviors evolve, and Amazon’s algorithm changes over time, so your strategy should adapt as well.
To save time, create negative keyword templates tailored to your product categories. For example, if you sell adult products, you might have a standard list that blocks terms like "kids", "children", or "baby." This ensures consistent filtering when launching new campaigns.
Finally, pay attention to match types when adding negative keywords. Broad match negatives can block more traffic than intended, so use them sparingly. Instead, rely on phrase and exact match negatives for more precise filtering while still allowing relevant variations through.
Use AI Tools to Improve Your Campaigns
Running Amazon ads manually can get overwhelming fast. Between adjusting bids, tracking performance, and keeping up with Amazon's ever-changing algorithm, it's a lot to handle. That’s where AI-powered tools can completely change the game for your campaigns.
These tools go beyond simple automation - they make decisions faster and more effectively than any human could. By analyzing massive amounts of data in real-time, they identify patterns you might miss and automatically fine-tune your campaigns for better results. Instead of spending hours tweaking bids and keywords, you can focus on strategy while the AI takes care of the nitty-gritty.
How AI Simplifies Campaign Management
Take tools like metoda's Ad Optimizer, for example. They continuously adjust bids using real-time performance data. Here's how it works: profitable keywords get higher bids, while underperformers are scaled back or even paused. You also get daily insights into keyword and ad performance, so you’re not left guessing. And the best part? This process runs automatically, so you don’t have to micromanage.
AI also shines when it comes to spotting trends across your account. It can pick up on seasonal shifts and uncover opportunities you might miss - like increasing bids on keywords that perform better during specific times of the year.
Beyond the basics, AI tools track advanced performance metrics like search term performance, conversion rates and other KPIs on ASIN level, as well as budget efficiency. This level of monitoring helps you catch potential issues early, saving you from costly mistakes. It’s a smarter, more efficient way to manage campaigns while staying ahead of market changes.
AI Tools Tailored for the Amazon markets
AI doesn’t just help with automation - it also adapts to unique market conditions, like those in the Amazon marketplaces. The Amazon marketplace has its own quirks compared to the German marketplace, and AI tools are designed to address them. For instance, time zones matter - peak shopping hours differ across Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific zones. AI tools automatically adjust bidding strategies to align with these regional patterns and adapt to regional search terms.
Seasonal trends are another area where AI excels. Whether it’s the back-to-school rush in August, Black Friday traffic spikes, or the impact of post-holiday returns in January, AI tools adjust campaigns based on these predictable patterns.
metoda's Ad Optimizer, in particular, is tailored for the global Amazon marketplaces. It understands how shoppers search, often using casual language or brand-specific terms. Plus, it takes into account how different ad placements and keyword types resonate with regional consumers.
With real-time market analysis, these tools adapt to changing conditions instantly. Whether it’s 6 AM in New York or 11 PM in Berlin, AI ensures your campaigns are optimized around the clock, keeping you competitive no matter when or where your customers shop.
Improve Your Ad Copy and Product Pages
Making sure your ad copy aligns perfectly with your product pages is essential for turning clicks into sales. Amazon shoppers expect ads that are clear and enticing, paired with product pages that deliver exactly what’s promised. If there’s even the slightest mismatch between the ad and the product page, your conversion rates can take a serious hit.
Your ads should set clear expectations, and your product pages need to meet them immediately. This means consistent messaging, emphasizing the same benefits, and using visuals that align across both platforms. This harmony between ads and product pages is a powerful way to improve your Amazon ad results, building on the strategies discussed earlier.
Create Better Ad Copy, Images, and Videos
Amazon shoppers value clarity, speed, and trust. To win them over, your ads need to resonate with their preferences.
Start with ad copy. Use conversational language that feels natural and relatable. Focus on what your product does for the customer. For example, instead of saying, "waterproof material", go with something like, "keeps you dry, rain or shine." Be direct - get to the point quickly.
For images, think about how your product fits into a consumer’s life. If it’s a kitchen gadget, show it in a typical local kitchen (American, German, Italian, etc.). Include size comparisons with familiar items like a coffee mug or smartphone so customers can easily grasp dimensions without converting measurements.
Videos are a major hit with Amazon shoppers. Keep them short - 30 seconds or less - and grab attention in the first 5 seconds by showcasing how your product solves a problem. Use upbeat music and quick edits to keep viewers engaged, but remember, many users watch with the sound off. Add text overlays to highlight key points.
Once your ad piques interest, your product page must deliver on every promise.
Match Your Product Pages to Your Ads
When your ads and product pages don’t match, it’s game over for conversions. If your ad says "pack of 2", your product page needs to confirm it. If your ad highlights a specific feature, that feature should be front and center on the product page.
Product titles should reflect your ad messaging, include essential keywords, and prioritize key details within the first 200 characters. Amazon shoppers often skim, so lead with your brand, the main feature, and size or quantity.
Bullet points are a must for Amazon customers who want quick answers. Use all five bullet points Amazon allows, and structure them to address common questions. Start each bullet with a benefit, followed by the feature. For instance: "Saves you time - Brews a full pot in under 4 minutes", rather than just "4-minute brew time."
Product descriptions should expand on your ad’s promises with specific details. Include measurements in inches and feet, and for clothing, provide size charts in local sizing. For electronics, mention compatibility with popular brands and note the voltage (110V vs. 230V…).
Your images should complete the story your ad began. Include lifestyle shots of local consumers using your product, size comparison images, and close-ups of important features. Amazon allows up to 9 images, so make the most of them. Add infographics to highlight benefits mentioned in your ads.
Finally, reviews and ratings are crucial for Amazon shoppers. Encourage happy customers to leave detailed reviews and respond professionally to any negative ones. Many shoppers rely on reviews to make purchasing decisions, so a strong review profile reinforces the trust built by your ads.
The goal is to create a seamless journey from ad to purchase. When your messaging, visuals, and promises align perfectly between your ads and product pages, customers feel confident hitting "Buy Now." This consistency not only boosts conversions but also builds trust, leading to better reviews and more successful campaigns overall.
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Track Performance with Analytics and Reports
Running Amazon ads without tracking tools is like driving without a map - you’re bound to lose your way. The difference between a campaign that generates profit and one that wastes money often comes down to how well you track and analyze your performance. Advertisers across all Amazon markets using data-driven optimization tools have reported up to a 30% boost in ROAS and a 25% cut in wasted ad spend compared to those relying on manual methods.
Analytics dashboards simplify complex data, turning it into clear, actionable insights. These tools, like metoda's dashboards, provide real-time visualizations of your key metrics, customizable reports, and trend analyses. They make it easy to identify campaigns that are underperforming and quickly adjust your budget to focus on what’s working.
Monitor Key Metrics for Better ROI
When it comes to improving your return on investment, focus on metrics like ACoS, ROAS, and conversion rates. These numbers directly affect your bottom line, unlike vanity metrics that might look good but don’t drive actual sales.
Metric | What It Measures | Why It Matters | U.S. Example |
---|---|---|---|
ACoS | Ad spend as a percentage of sales | Shows ad campaign profitability | 22.5% |
ROAS | Revenue per $1 spent on ads | Reveals efficiency of ad spending | $4.25 |
Conversion Rate | Percentage of clicks that result in sales | Indicates ad and page effectiveness | 13.2% |
Note: your analytics tools should provide daily or intraday data and insights.
Track these metrics over a 60-day period to uncover trends and seasonal changes. For instance, a keyword that underperforms in January might be a top performer during August’s back-to-school shopping season. Use visual tools like trend graphs and charts to spot patterns in ACoS, ROAS, and conversion rates by product or keyword.
Don’t get distracted by vanity metrics like impressions or clicks. A high number of impressions means nothing if they don’t lead to sales. Instead, focus on identifying campaigns or keywords that cost more than they earn. For example, if a keyword has spent $500.00 in a week but only brought in $100.00 in sales (ACoS = 500%), it’s time to pause or lower the bid. For deeper insights, advanced tools like Amazon Marketing Cloud can provide a more comprehensive view of customer behavior.
Use Amazon Marketing Cloud Analytics
While dashboards are great for tracking basic metrics, Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) takes things further by analyzing customer journeys and cross-channel performance. Using first-party data, AMC provides insights that go beyond standard campaign reports.
For example, AMC might reveal that video ads on Fire TV drive a 20% higher conversion rate among Prime members compared to standard display ads. It could also show that customers aged 25-34 are more likely to engage with video ads during evening hours. Additionally, AMC tracks cross-device behavior, showing how many shoppers browse on their phones during lunch breaks but complete purchases on their laptops later at home.
Attribution modeling in AMC helps you understand which ads contribute to sales. For instance, a Sponsored Product ad might secure the final click, while a Display ad introduced the brand earlier in the customer journey. AMC can also uncover untapped audience segments by analyzing shopping patterns, such as identifying customers who’ve viewed your product page multiple times without purchasing.
The funnel visualizations in AMC are especially helpful for spotting where customers drop off during their journey. This data can guide you to refine your product page layout or tweak your ad messaging to better align with customer expectations.
Make it a habit to regularly review AMC data to gain insights into customer behavior. This will help you fine-tune your advertising strategy and strengthen your product positioning in the competitive Amazon markets. metoda is also here to support you with advanced AMC analytics and reports.
Set Better Bids and Choose the Right Ad Placements
Getting your bidding strategy and ad placements right is a game-changer for Amazon campaigns. Even with spot-on keywords and persuasive ad copy, poor bidding or misplaced ads can drain your budget fast. To succeed, you need to constantly refine your bids and placements based on performance data and market trends.
Each placement and bidding choice should be seen as a moving target - something you revisit regularly to stay ahead.
Adjust Bids Based on Performance
Start by reviewing your profit margins and setting a target ACoS (Advertising Cost of Sale) that keeps your campaigns profitable. Use this as a guide to adjust your bids. For keywords that consistently deliver conversions, increase your bids to maximize their impact. On the flip side, reduce or pause spending on keywords that underperform.
Pro Tip: Use day parting during peak times like Prime Day, Cyber Monday, and Black Friday to ensure visibility throughout the entire day.
Seasonal shifts in demand can also affect performance. For example, holiday shopping seasons or back-to-school periods may require you to tweak your bids to align with changing customer behavior. Automation tools can be a huge help here, allowing you to make real-time adjustments based on performance.
Keep an eye on your competitors, too. If you see increased competition for your brand-related keywords, it might be time to fine-tune your bids to keep your visibility strong. Focus on keywords that show clear customer intent to get the most bang for your buck.
Finally, dive into your search term reports. These can reveal which keywords are driving results and which ones are just burning through your budget. Add high-performing terms to your keyword list and exclude the ones that aren’t pulling their weight.
Once your bids are in a good place, turn your attention to ad placements. The right placement can make a huge difference in visibility and conversions.
Pick the Best Ad Placements
After optimizing bids, the next step is to choose placements that align with your campaign goals. Each placement plays a unique role in the customer journey, so it’s important to know how they work.
- Top of Search: These premium placements come with a higher price tag but are perfect for capturing shoppers who are ready to buy. They’re ideal for products with strong customer reviews and competitive pricing. While the costs can be steeper, the return on investment often makes it worth it.
- Product Detail Pages: These placements target shoppers already browsing similar items. They’re great for promoting complementary products or catching customers further along in their decision-making process.
- Rest of Search: These placements strike a balance between visibility and cost. They work well for broader keyword campaigns, especially when you’re testing the waters with a new product.
- Sponsored Brands: Typically found at the top of search results, these placements are ideal for boosting brand awareness. They let you showcase multiple products and drive traffic to your brand store, enhancing your overall presence on Amazon.
Many shoppers switch between devices during their buying journey. Tools like Amazon Marketing Cloud can give you insights into cross-device behaviors, helping you refine both your bidding and placement strategies.
The best approach is to weave multiple placements and campaign types into a cohesive plan. Start with broader setup to gather data, then gradually invest more in premium options for your top-performing keywords. Tools like metoda's reporting dashboards can help you monitor performance across diverse dimensions and find the right mix for your products and markets.
Conclusion: Get Better Results from Your Amazon Ads
Improving the performance of your Amazon ads isn't just possible - it’s manageable with the right approach. The five strategies we've outlined address the core issues behind poor campaign outcomes, not just surface-level fixes.
Keyword optimization lays the groundwork for success. By allocating your budget to high-performing, conversion-friendly keywords and filtering out those that drain resources, you can cut waste and increase sales.
AI-powered tools make campaign management far more efficient. Instead of spending hours manually tweaking bids and placements, these tools adjust settings in real-time based on actual performance data. Advertisers using dynamic bidding have seen better conversion rates and stronger ROI compared to static strategies.
Your ad creatives and product pages are critical in turning casual browsers into buyers. High-quality visuals, engaging copy, and videos that highlight your product’s benefits directly influence click-through rates and conversions. When these elements work together seamlessly, the buying process becomes smoother for your customers.
Building on these creative and technical foundations, analytics and reporting are essential for understanding what’s working and what needs improvement. Brands that consistently analyze campaign performance and make data-driven adjustments report better results.
Finally, smart bidding and placement strategies ensure your ads appear where they’ll make the biggest impact. Whether it’s securing top-of-search placements to reach high-intent shoppers or targeting product detail pages for cross-selling, the right combination of bid and placement can significantly boost your results.
These strategies are interconnected. Optimized keywords enhance the effectiveness of AI tools. Better creatives amplify the results tracked by your analytics. Data insights, in turn, guide smarter bidding decisions. Together, these elements form a well-rounded approach to improving Amazon ad performance.
Start by reviewing your keyword lists or analyzing your search term reports. Once you’ve optimized one area, move on to the next. Small, consistent improvements add up over time, leading to meaningful results.
Amazon’s advertising platform is always evolving, but these principles remain solid. By focusing on your customers, using data to inform your decisions, and continually testing and refining your approach, you can transform struggling campaigns into revenue drivers. With these five strategies in hand, you’re ready to turn your ads into a powerful tool for growth.
FAQs
How can I use AI tools to boost my Amazon ad performance without constant monitoring?
To get better results from your Amazon ads with less manual effort, consider using AI-powered automation. These tools can take over repetitive tasks like adjusting bids, scheduling ads, and refining keywords. By automating these processes, your campaigns can run smoothly and efficiently without requiring constant attention.
You should also tap into AI-driven analytics to monitor performance in real time. These tools can spot trends, anticipate customer behavior, and offer actionable insights. This way, you can make smarter, data-backed decisions for your campaigns without having to oversee every detail yourself. It's a time-saving way to keep your ads effective and on point.
How can I identify and block negative keywords to avoid wasting money on ineffective Amazon ads?
To keep your Amazon ad campaigns efficient and cost-effective, start by diving into your search term reports. These reports reveal which keywords are driving traffic to your ads. Pinpoint terms that don’t relate to your product or consistently fail to perform, and mark them as negative keywords to avoid wasting your budget.
Make use of negative keyword match types like exact or phrase matches to get more precise control over what your ads exclude. This helps you filter out irrelevant searches while keeping your targeting sharp. Keep an eye on your performance metrics regularly to update your negative keyword list and ensure your ads stay on track. Actively managing these keywords can help you cut unnecessary costs and boost your ad performance.
How can I align my ad copy and product pages to boost conversions on Amazon?
To increase conversions on Amazon, ensure your ad copy and product pages work hand-in-hand by maintaining consistent messaging, keywords, and themes. Use the same language across your ads, product titles, bullet points, and descriptions to create a unified experience for shoppers. Highlight the most important features and benefits in a way that speaks directly to your audience.
Make your product detail pages stand out by including high-quality images, clear and accurate descriptions, and compelling copy that backs up the claims in your ads. When your presentation feels seamless and trustworthy, shoppers are more likely to make a purchase, boosting both conversions and ad performance.