Playbook For Amazon

Jeff Lieber

A podcast for sellers looking to grow their sales on Amazon!

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 116: Amazon Shoppable Collections: A New Way to Drive Cross-Selling

    https://youtu.be/_8eWUezGPAg Amazon Shoppable Collections: A New Way to Drive Cross-Selling Amazon’s New A+ Content Feature Brings a More Direct Shopping Experience Amazon continues to evolve how customers shop on the platform—and their latest update is a strong signal of where things are heading. Enter Shoppable Collections, a new A+ Content feature designed to create a more interactive, conversion-focused shopping experience directly on your product detail pages. If you’re currently using Brand Story, this is something you’ll want to pay close attention to. What Are Shoppable Collections? Shoppable Collections are a new content module within A+ Content that allows brands to create curated, interactive product groupings using images, videos, and clickable product tags. Instead of simply telling your brand story, you can now: Showcase multiple products in a single, themed collection Tag products directly within images for instant shopping Incorporate video content for higher engagement Link customers to your Brand Store for deeper browsing This turns your product page into more of a guided shopping experience, rather than a static content section. Where to Find It in Seller Central To access Shoppable Collections: 1️⃣ Go to Seller Central 2️⃣ Navigate to Advertising > A+ Content 3️⃣ Click Create A+ Content 4️⃣ Select Shoppable (next to Brand Story) From there, you can begin building your collection using Amazon’s available templates. Important: It Replaces Brand Story One key detail: Shoppable Collections replace your Brand Story module on the listing. You cannot run both at the same time. This means brands need to think strategically: Do you prioritize storytelling? Or do you prioritize conversion and cross-selling? Amazon is clearly leaning toward the latter. Why This Matters for Your Strategy This update reflects a bigger shift: Amazon is moving away from passive storytelling and toward active shopping experiences. Instead of hoping customers scroll and read your brand story, Shoppable Collections allow you to: Increase average order value (AOV) through cross-selling Drive faster purchase decisions with visible pricing and clickable products Keep customers engaged higher up on the page In short, it’s designed to convert, not just inform. Key Features to Leverage Shoppable Collections come with several powerful features: 1. Product Grouping You can organize products into themed collections such as: Best Sellers Kitchen Essentials Holiday Favorites This allows you to guide the customer journey and highlight complementary products. 2. Interactive Images & Video You can combine: Lifestyle imagery Product-focused visuals Short-form videos This creates a more engaging experience compared to traditional A+ Content blocks. 3. Built-In Cross-Selling Unlike traditional cross-sell modules placed lower on the page, Shoppable Collections appear higher on the listing, increasing visibility and interaction. 4. Backup ASIN Functionality One standout feature: you can assign backup ASINs. If a product goes out of stock, Amazon automatically swaps in another item—preventing lost sales opportunities. Best Practices to Maximize Results Because this feature is new (and still evolving), testing and strategic execution are key. 1. Build Seasonal & Themed Collections Take advantage of flexibility by creating: Holiday gift guides “Gifts for Him/Her” Stocking stuffers Last-minute deals This is especially powerful for Q4 and peak shopping periods. 2. Cross-Sell Intentionally Think beyond random product groupings. Instead, bundle products that naturally go together: Complementary items Frequently purchased together Product ecosystems The goal is to increase cart size, not just clicks. 3. Use All Available Modules Amazon offers multiple content blocks within this feature. To maximize performance: Use high-quality visuals Incorporate video where possible Fully build out each section More engagement = higher conversion potential. 4. Test Against Your Brand Story Since this replaces Brand Story, don’t guess—test it. Launch Shoppable Collections Monitor conversion rate and engagement Compare performance vs. your previous Brand Story If it underperforms, you can always revert or iterate. Is It Worth It? Short answer: yes—this is worth testing immediately. Even though Shoppable Collections are still in beta, they’re already widely available and signal a clear shift in Amazon’s strategy. Brands that adopt early will: Learn faster Optimize sooner Gain a competitive edge in conversion and AOV Summary Shoppable Collections represent a major shift in how brands can engage customers on Amazon. Instead of relying on passive storytelling, you now have the ability to: Create interactive, shoppable experiences Drive cross-selling higher on the page Increase conversions and average order value As Amazon continues prioritizing shopping-first content, this is a feature you should not ignore. Amazon SEO for Private Labels: Tips, Tools, and Strategies

    8 min
  2. 08/20/2025

    Episode 115: Navigating the Tariff Maze: Winning Strategies for 2025

    https://youtu.be/5zFfRGlhzmk?si=wwAVIoLRhWtC4Nmo How to Lower Tariffs and Protect Your Margins in 2025 With tariffs in flux and sourcing pressure on the rise, here’s how Amazon sellers are adapting — and what you can do to stay one step ahead. Tariffs are back in the spotlight — and with new volatility around China and shifting global trade deals, Amazon sellers need to move fast to protect profitability. In this special segment of our May Capitalism Coaching Round Table, we broke down exactly what’s happening with tariffs and what strategies are actually working right now. Here’s your complete guide to staying profitable and supply chain-resilient. Current Tariff Landscape  China: Temporarily reduced from 145% → ~34% total with added fees. This “pause” is scheduled to expire August 12, 2025 unless a new deal is reached. UK: A new trade deal now caps tariffs at 10% and strengthens IP protection for U.S. sellers. Canada & Mexico: Standard import tariff remains at 25% for most goods. If your business depends on Chinese manufacturing, now is the time to diversify and restructure your supply chain. 6 Actionable Tariff Strategies for Sellers 1. Negotiate with Current Suppliers Many Chinese suppliers already have partnerships or factory access in lower-tariff countries — but you won’t know unless you ask. Ask about: Lower-cost materials or production methods Sister factories in countries like Vietnam or India Moving molds or partial assembly abroad Better payment terms or bulk discounts to offset tariff costs Build a real relationship. Suppliers are more likely to help when you treat them like long-term partners. 2. Diversify Your Sourcing Countries It’s no longer optional — it’s strategic risk management. Explore options in: Vietnam India Bangladesh Other low-duty zones based on your category Use expos, sourcing platforms (like Alibaba or Global Sources), and trusted sourcing agents to run test orders. Don’t wait until you’re in a pinch — secure backups now. 3. Optimize Inventory and Logistics Reducing tariff impact isn’t just about origin — it’s also about smart movement. Store imports in Foreign Trade Zones or bonded warehouses to defer duty payments Transship through lower-tariff countries before U.S. entry Audit packaging and weight to lower dimensional fees and shipping costs Bonus: These steps also increase agility during busy seasons and reduce cash flow pressure. 4. Adjust Pricing and Product Positioning Tariff-related cost increases don’t always require dramatic price hikes. Instead: Use bundles to increase perceived value Add Subscribe & Save to drive long-term LTV Make gradual price shifts over time Emphasize premium features and reviews in your listing to justify price differences 5. Leverage Tariff Classifications Not all import codes are created equal. Revisit your HS codes with a customs broker Explore modifications to materials or assembly to reclassify your product Look into country-of-origin rules that allow you to change classification via final assembly in a different country Even small changes can significantly lower your tariff percentage. 6. Use Expert Sourcing Support TurnKey has vetted sourcing partners who can: Relocate production Negotiate directly with factories Run global supplier searches tailored to your product Coordinate logistics and quality checks If you’re doing $1M+ in annual revenue and actively looking to exit China, we can either manage the transition for you or refer you to a trusted fit. Real Talk: Don’t Wait! Tariff policy can shift with a tweet — and sellers who move early protect their margins first. The good news? There are options. Smart negotiation, strategic sourcing, and inventory optimization can help you weather this volatility and come out stronger on the other side.

    46 min
  3. 04/22/2025

    Episode 114: Unlocking the Power of Amazon’s Customer Journey Analytics Report

    https://youtu.be/SLJhLjRNEMo Master Your Amazon Strategy with Customer Journey Insights Discover how Amazon’s new Customer Journey Analytics Report can transform your brand’s marketing, pricing, and retention efforts Amazon introduced the Customer Journey Analytics Report, a game-changing tool within Brand Analytics that tracks how customers engage with your brand across their purchasing journey. From awareness to purchase, this report provides actionable insights into customer touchpoints, drop-off rates, and conversion opportunities. Here’s what the report offers: Date Range Options: Choose between weekly or monthly data (quarterly still pending). Customer Journey Flow: See how customers move from awareness (category vs. branded searches) to consideration (detail page visits), intent (add-to-cart or wishlist actions), and purchase (sales and repeat behavior). Key Metrics: For example, 32,547 customers searched a brand, with a 32.25% increase in awareness, while 2,087 completed purchases, driving $141,107.81 in sales. Why It Matters: Optimize PPC Campaigns: Analyze branded vs. category search engagement to refine ad targeting. Enhance Listings: Track drop-offs after changes to titles, images, or pricing to boost conversions. Smarter Pricing: Find the perfect price point by monitoring how adjustments impact sales. Increase CLV: Tailor retention strategies based on repeat purchase insights. While the lack of quarterly reporting limits deeper repeat purchase analysis, comparing monthly trends can still reveal powerful patterns. Dive into this report today to elevate your Amazon strategy!

    12 min
  4. 04/15/2025

    Episode 113: How to Break Into Big Box Retail with Yohan Jacob of Retailbound

    https://youtu.be/RAQtEnRB4R8 Breaking Into Retail: Insights from Retailbound’s Yohan Jacob Learn how to take your brand from e-commerce to big box retail shelves with expert advice from Yohan Jacob, founder of Retailbound. In this Episode of Playbook for Amazon, host Alex welcomes Yohan Jacob, the president and founder of Retailbound, a firm that has guided over 500 product brands into major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Costco. With 18 years of experience, Yohan shares how the retail landscape has evolved since he started Retailbound in 2008, especially with the rise of e-commerce and omnichannel strategies. Yohan discusses the shift from traditional brick-and-mortar retail to omnichannel approaches, accelerated by COVID-19, and highlights how retailers like Best Buy have adapted with curbside pickup and enhanced digital platforms. He also notes the growth of direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands like Peloton and Casper, alongside the power of social media marketing in today’s retail world. Retailbound specializes in helping brands with innovative, durable products (think consumer electronics, sporting goods, and housewares) break into retail. Yohan shares a success story of a smart ring brand, Ultra Human, which went from a crowdfunding campaign to generating $1.5 million in sales on QVC and expanding to 2,500+ stores across the US and Canada. The episode also dives into Retailbound’s two key programs: Retailbound Launch, a comprehensive service for brands ready to hit retail shelves, and Retailbound Accelerator, a group coaching program for smaller inventors seeking retail education. Yohan emphasizes the importance of a strong Amazon presence before approaching retail buyers, offering practical advice for entrepreneurs at any stage. Listen to the full episode to discover how to make your brand retail-ready and connect with Yohan at retailbound.com!

    22 min
  5. 03/31/2025

    Episode 112: Amazon PPC Updates 2025: New Conversion Path Reporting & New-to-Brand Metrics Unveiled

    https://youtu.be/WgIX9AhKhUA Unlocking Amazon PPC Insights for 2025 How Conversion Path Reporting and New-to-Brand Metrics Are Revolutionizing Amazon Advertising What Is Conversion Path Reporting? Amazon’s new Conversion Path Report offers a comprehensive view of your customers’ path to purchase across multiple ad types, including Amazon DSP, Sponsored TV, Sponsored Display, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Products. This report highlights the most effective touchpoints that lead to conversions, empowering advertisers to: Identify Optimal Ad Combinations: Discover which campaign types and formats drive engagement and sales. Understand Cross-Channel Influence: See how different ad types work together to influence purchase decisions. Balance Awareness and Performance: Build full-funnel strategies that blend brand awareness with performance-driven campaigns. Optimize Budget Allocation: Measure the impact of your strategies to plan future spending effectively. For example, the report might show a path like “Sponsored Products > Purchase” generating $9,172 in sales or “Display (Amazon DSP) > Sponsored Products > Purchase” yielding $839. These insights reveal patterns previously hidden from advertisers. How to Access Conversion Path Reporting Top 5 Paths: In the Ads Console, navigate to Campaign Manager via the left menu. Your top five conversion paths will appear in the insight cards at the top of the campaigns page. Custom Date Range: For a deeper dive, go to Measurement and Reporting > Sponsored Ads Reports > All Amazon Campaigns. Select your date range, run the report, and download it once processed (note: this may take some time). Why It Matters Conversion Path Reporting provides a window into how customers interact with your ads throughout their shopping journey. By moving beyond last-click attribution, brands can pinpoint high-impact ad sequences, make real-time adjustments, and maximize advertising efficiency—ultimately improving return on ad spend (ROAS). New-to-Brand Metrics Expansion The second major update is the expansion of New-to-Brand Metrics, now including Sponsored Products—the ad type accounting for roughly 78% of Amazon ad spend. Previously, New-to-Brand data (tracking purchases from customers who hadn’t bought from your brand in the past 12 months) was unavailable for Sponsored Products. Now, with this data accessible via the Conversion Path Report, advertisers can unlock powerful insights. Why New-to-Brand Metrics Are Essential Measure Customer Acquisition: Assess how effectively your campaigns attract first-time buyers. Evaluate Brand Loyalty: A lower New-to-Brand percentage might signal strong repeat customer loyalty, while a higher rate indicates successful awareness campaigns. Optimize Ad Performance: Tailor strategies across ad types to convert new customers efficiently. Balance Cost and Value: Estimate customer acquisition costs (CAC) against lifetime value (LTV) for smarter budgeting. Drive Market Growth: Track trends to ensure your brand continuously reaches new audiences. For instance, knowing that a Sponsored Products ad led to a $9,172 sale—mostly from New-to-Brand customers—helps you refine targeting and creative to attract more first-time buyers. How These Updates Support Optimization Together, these tools enable data-driven decision-making: Reduce Wasted Spend: Eliminate ineffective touchpoints and focus on high-performing paths. Boost Retention: Refine remarketing efforts based on repeat purchase behavior. Enhance Creatives: Craft compelling ads tailored to different funnel stages. Strengthen Attribution: Move beyond last-click models for a more accurate view of what drives conversions. Amazon’s willingness to share this data signals a shift toward transparency, offering brands the tools to make smarter, more impactful advertising decisions in 2025 and beyond.

    13 min
  6. 02/27/2025

    Episode 111: Amazon Goal Setting for 2025: Metrics, Strategies & Trends for Success

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo-UwxYINZ4 How to Leverage Influencers to Grow Your Amazon Brand Explore practical tips for outreach, tracking, and structuring deals with influencers to elevate your Amazon success. In today’s digital landscape, influencer marketing is a potent strategy for expanding your brand’s reach, especially on platforms like Amazon. This overview sheds light on the essentials of utilizing influencers to boost your sales and enhance brand awareness. Why Partner with Influencers? Working with influencers allows you to tap into new audiences, increasing your brand’s visibility and trust. Through authentic content, influencers can drive external traffic to your Amazon listings, offering you user-generated content useful for social media and other promotional avenues. Finding the Right Influencers Begin by defining your criteria—such as follower count and engagement rate—before seeking influencers. Platforms like Amazon’s Creator Connections can streamline this process, providing a marketplace to connect with potential partners. Tracking and Compensation Utilize Amazon’s tools like attribution links to track sales from influencer campaigns. Structure your compensation strategy, considering free products or commission-based incentives, to align with your budget. For more information about influencer strategies, reach out to expert services that can help manage these relationships effectively.

    16 min
  7. 02/11/2025

    Episode 110: Harnessing the Power of Influencer Partnerships on Amazon

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo-UwxYINZ4 How to Leverage Influencers to Grow Your Amazon Brand Explore practical tips for outreach, tracking, and structuring deals with influencers to elevate your Amazon success. In today’s digital landscape, influencer marketing is a potent strategy for expanding your brand’s reach, especially on platforms like Amazon. This overview sheds light on the essentials of utilizing influencers to boost your sales and enhance brand awareness. Why Partner with Influencers? Working with influencers allows you to tap into new audiences, increasing your brand’s visibility and trust. Through authentic content, influencers can drive external traffic to your Amazon listings, offering you user-generated content useful for social media and other promotional avenues. Finding the Right Influencers Begin by defining your criteria—such as follower count and engagement rate—before seeking influencers. Platforms like Amazon’s Creator Connections can streamline this process, providing a marketplace to connect with potential partners. Tracking and Compensation Utilize Amazon’s tools like attribution links to track sales from influencer campaigns. Structure your compensation strategy, considering free products or commission-based incentives, to align with your budget. For more information about influencer strategies, reach out to expert services that can help manage these relationships effectively.

    19 min
  8. 11/15/2024

    Episode 109: Mastering Q4 Amazon Strategies: Boost Sales and Maximize Holiday Visibility

    https://youtu.be/zcp7sr-ciV0 Mastering Q4 Amazon Strategies: Boost Sales and Maximize Holiday Visibility Mastering Q4 Amazon Strategies: Boost Sales and Maximize Holiday Visibility The holiday season in Quarter 4 or Q4   is a critical time for Amazon sellers to maximize visibility and revenue, especially during high-demand shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.To stay competitive, sellers should employ targeted strategies across discounts, promotions, and content.  Start by offering a 20% Prime Exclusive Discount that covers both Black Friday and Cyber Monday, streamlining pricing and attracting deal-seeking shoppers. If Prime discounts aren’t an option, consider using coupons to maintain competitive visibility. Amazon’s brand-tailored promotions can also drive conversions by targeting specific audiences, such as past customers and cart abandoners. Boost brand engagement with holiday-themed Amazon Posts that highlight your product as a gift,  and increase post frequency for greater visibility. Collaborate with influencers through Creator Connections for ongoing exposure, allowing influencers to showcase products throughout the season. Updating your Amazon storefront with seasonal images  and gift guides can create a festive atmosphere for shoppers, especially when scheduled from mid-November through New Year’s.Finally, drive external traffic to your listings through email and  social media campaigns with Amazon attribution links,  focusing on holiday gift guides and last-minute offers to capture seasonal urgency. Combining these Q4 strategies can drive visibility and conversions,ensuring a successful holiday season on Amazon.

    13 min
4.9
out of 5
49 Ratings

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A podcast for sellers looking to grow their sales on Amazon!