Launching a product on Amazon is an exciting step—imagine getting your product in front of millions of people! But with all that potential, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when launching your product on Amazon means facing fierce competition. Don’t worry, though—with a strategic approach to launching your product on Amazon, you can cut through the noise and set yourself up for success. At PDMG, we’ve helped countless brands navigate their Amazon journey, and we’re here to give you a straightforward, effective guide on launching your product like a pro.
So, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in!
Inventory Management: How to Handle Stock When Launching Your Product on Amazon
When launching your product on Amazon, inventory management plays a critical role. It’s tempting to order as much stock as possible, imagining it’ll all fly off the shelves. However, a balanced approach is essential during the launch phase. If you don’t have enough inventory, you could miss out on early sales and damage your product’s ranking. Conversely, overstocking can lead to high storage fees for unsold products—an unnecessary burden when you're just starting out.
Quick Tip: For most product launches on Amazon, starting with 250 to 500 units per SKU is ideal. This amount balances meeting demand without overstocking. Since you’re new to launching your product on Amazon, think of this phase as testing the waters. You can scale up your inventory as your sales increase and trends become clearer.
Keep a close eye on your stock. Amazon’s Seller Central tools help track inventory levels and send low-stock alerts. Running out of stock when you're gaining momentum could jeopardize your product’s visibility—something no one launching on Amazon wants to risk.
Establish Credibility with Amazon VINE
A strong start when launching your product on Amazon includes building trust with potential buyers. Reviews are essential for creating this trust, especially when your product is new. Enter Amazon’s VINE Program.
What is the VINE Program?
It’s a platform where trusted reviewers, known as “VINE Voices,” provide authentic feedback on your product. For $150 per SKU, you can send up to 30 units to reviewers for free. These reviews aren’t paid endorsements—they’re real insights, which Amazon values highly.
When launching a product on Amazon, having genuine reviews early on gives your listing credibility and makes buyers more confident in their purchase. Plus, feedback from these reviewers can offer valuable insights for further refining your product.
Attract Buyers with Coupons
When launching your product on Amazon, one of the simplest yet most effective strategies is offering a discount. Everyone loves a deal, and Amazon shoppers are no exception. A modest 10% discount with a coupons during your first month can significantly boost attention and conversions for your new product.
Amazon visually highlights products with coupons using a bright tag in search results, making them more noticeable to shoppers. This subtle but impactful feature can nudge hesitant buyers to give your product a chance. For anyone launching a product on Amazon, it’s an excellent way to create buzz and gain traction right out of the gate.
Promotion Tip:
Don’t stop at just listing the coupon on Amazon. To maximize exposure, promote the discount through multiple channels:
a. Share it on your social media platforms.
b. Highlight it in your newsletters to existing subscribers.
c. Partner with influencers to amplify its reach.
The more people know about your discount, the more traffic and conversions you’ll drive, giving your Amazon launch a strong start.
Amplify Visibility with Ads for Your Amazon Product Launch
Once you’ve got your product out there and some reviews in place, it’s time to crank up visibility with Amazon ads. Advertising on Amazon isn’t just an add-on—it’s essential to stand out, especially at launch. With so many competing products, ads help you reach buyers who might not otherwise find you.
Where to Start:
Focus on Sponsored Products ads—they appear directly in search results, giving you direct exposure to shoppers actively looking for something similar. Think of it as setting up a little billboard in a high-traffic area.
Budgeting Tip: For a new product, consider putting aside about 30–50% of your revenue for ads in the first month. Yes, it’s a big chunk, but this initial boost helps establish your product. As your product gains traction and more organic sales, you can gradually lower that spend.
Maintaining Momentum After Launching Your Product on Amazon
You’ve launched, reviews are coming in, and sales are starting to roll—great! But don’t ease off the gas just yet. The goal is to keep building momentum and eventually reach a place where your product can sell with minimal promotions.
Engage Your Customers:
Building a loyal customer base isn’t as hard as it sounds. Simple things like sending thank-you notes, responding to reviews, or answering questions show customers you care. Customers remember good service, and they’re more likely to come back and recommend your product to others.
Pro Tip: Consider a loyalty program for repeat customers. Offering perks, like a discount on their next purchase, encourage customers to stick with your brand. Not only does this boost sales, but it also helps spread positive word-of-mouth.
Keep an Eye on Inventory (Again!)
Let’s circle back to inventory management because staying stocked isn’t just a launch-day priority. After your initial burst of sales, you’ll need to make sure you’re consistently keeping your product available. Running out of stock can mess with your search rankings and hurt your hard-won visibility.
Amazon’s Tools Can Help:
Seller Central lets you track inventory levels and forecast demand based on sales data. If you notice sales picking up, consider sending in more stock sooner. Keeping a steady inventory helps you stay in Amazon’s good graces and avoids stockout penalties
Tap into Social Media and Influencers
Amazon’s advertising tools are great, but they’re not the only way to drive traffic. Tapping into social media or partnering with influencers can introduce your product to new audiences and build brand loyalty beyond Amazon.
Using Social Media
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok are perfect for showcasing your product with creative posts or customer testimonials. Share your product’s story, offer exclusive discount codes, or post engaging visuals that make people want to click through to your Amazon listing.
Influencer Partnerships
Influencers have a big advantage: trust. People value their recommendations, so if you can find influencers that align with your brand, they can help you reach new customers. A single post or story from the right influencer can bring in a huge spike in traffic to your Amazon listing.
Focus on Building Your Brand for the Long Haul
Remember, launching a product is just the beginning. Once you have your foot in the door, focus on turning your product into a lasting brand. This means looking beyond the next sale and thinking about how you can build trust, recognition, and loyalty with your customers.
Constantly Improve Your Product:
Listen to your customers—read reviews and gather feedback. If there are areas for improvement, don’t be afraid to make changes. A product that evolves based on real customer needs will always stand out from the competition.
Expand Thoughtfully:
Once you’ve got one successful product, consider introducing complementary items that make sense for your audience. A strong product line can bring in repeat customers and increase overall sales. Plus, Amazon makes it easy to cross-promote related products on your listing.
Final Thoughts: Launch with Confidence
Launching on Amazon can feel like a lot, but with some careful planning and a bit of grit, you can make it happen. Remember to set realistic goals, learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to invest in your product’s success. By taking the time to get it right, you’ll build the foundation for a brand that grows long after launch day.
If you’re looking for more personalized support, PDMG is here to help at every stage of the journey. We specialize in Amazon strategies that go beyond the basics, so your brand can thrive in a competitive marketplace. Let’s turn your launch into a long-term success story—together!