How to Choose the Best Amazon Agency
Amazon Agencies Competing for Your Business? 50 Key Questions to Help You Choose the Best One
We’re the best Amazon agency!
Sound familiar? A lot of agencies have a pretty high opinion of themselves. But, isn’t it a little like asking the waiter, “what’s good?”
Hiring the right Amazon agency is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your success on the platform. With so many agencies claiming to be the best, how do you make sure to choose the right one?
This blog post outlines 50 key questions you’ll want to ask potential agencies to ensure they are the perfect fit for your business. We’ll also explore the top 20 factors that make the best Amazon agencies stand out from the rest.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
Before you commit to an agency, it’s vital to vet them thoroughly. The right Amazon agency will not only understand the technical aspects of Amazon but also align with your business goals and values. Asking the right questions will help you gauge their expertise, transparency, and ability to deliver results.
50 Essential Questions to Ask an Amazon Agency
Here’s a breakdown of the questions to ask, categorized into essential areas of expertise, operations, and culture.
1. Experience and Expertise
- How many years have you been working with Amazon sellers?
- Can you provide case studies or examples of brands you’ve helped scale on Amazon?
- Do you specialize in any particular product categories or industries?
- How do you stay up-to-date with Amazon’s ever-changing policies and algorithms?
- Are team members Amazon-certified?
2. Amazon Services Offered
- What Amazon services do you offer (PPC, SEO, listing optimization, etc.)?
- How do you approach Amazon SEO and keyword optimization for products?
- Can you manage both Amazon Seller Central and Vendor Central accounts?
- What is your approach to A+ content and product listing optimization?
- How do you handle inventory management and demand forecasting for clients?
3. Account and Performance Management
- How do you handle account health management and avoid suspension risks?
- Can you explain your process for improving a client’s Amazon Best Sellers Rank (BSR)?
- How do you manage advertising campaigns (PPC, Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands)?
- What metrics do you track to measure success?
- How often do you provide performance reports?
4. Pricing and Contracts
- What is your pricing structure, and what services are included?
- Are there any additional costs beyond the base fees?
- Do you offer performance-based pricing?
- How long is your typical contract term?
- Is there a cancellation policy if things aren’t working out?
5. Team Structure and Communication
- How large is your team, and who will be managing my account?
- Will I have a dedicated account manager?
- How often will we communicate, and through what channels?
- How do you handle urgent issues or time-sensitive matters?
- Can you provide references from current or past clients?
6. Technology and Tools
- What tools or software do you use for managing Amazon accounts?
- How do you use data analytics to optimize performance?
- What technologies do you use for keyword research and ad management?
- Can your systems integrate with my existing ecommerce tech stack?
- How do you stay updated with the latest Amazon tools and technology trends?
7. Brand Protection and Compliance
- How do you protect brands from unauthorized sellers and counterfeiters?
- What is your experience with Amazon Brand Registry?
- How do you ensure product listings comply with Amazon’s policies?
- How do you handle issues related to intellectual property protection?
- What is your strategy for addressing negative reviews?
8. Advertising and Marketing
- What types of Amazon ads do you specialize in (PPC, DSP, etc.)?
- How do you determine the optimal ad spend for a client?
- What’s your strategy for maximizing return on investment (ROI) from ad campaigns?
- Can you manage off-Amazon marketing efforts like driving external traffic to listings?
- Do you offer services related to Amazon Posts or Amazon Live?
9. Scalability and Future Growth
- How do you handle scaling as a client’s business grows?
- Do you have experience managing Amazon accounts in international markets?
- What’s your strategy for global expansion and cross-border selling?
- How do you help clients grow outside of Amazon (e.g., Walmart, eBay)?
- Can you manage multi-marketplace strategies?
10. Cultural Fit and Alignment
- How do you ensure that your team understands and aligns with my business goals?
- What’s your approach to collaboration and decision-making?
- How do you build long-term relationships with your clients?
- What are your core values as an agency?
- Why do you believe your agency is the right fit for my business?
Ready to Start Growing Your Amazon Brand?
Canopy’s Partners Achieve an Average 84% Profit Increase!
Find out moreThe 20 Factors That Make for the Best Amazon Agencies
While asking the right questions is critical, it’s equally important to know the factors that separate the best agencies from the rest. Here’s what to look for:
1. Proven Experience
Top agencies have a long history of working with diverse brands across various industries. They can provide success stories and examples of how they’ve helped companies scale on Amazon.
2. Amazon-Certified Professionals
Agencies with certified Amazon professionals on their team demonstrate a deep understanding of the platform’s tools and features.
3. Comprehensive Service Offerings
The best agencies offer a full range of Amazon services, from SEO and PPC management to content creation, inventory management, and demand forecasting.
4. Data-Driven Approach
Top-tier agencies rely on data analytics to make decisions, track performance, and optimize campaigns.
5. Transparent Pricing
A reputable agency will provide a clear breakdown of its fees with no hidden charges, ensuring you know exactly what you’re paying for.
6. Customized Strategies
Cookie-cutter approaches don’t work on Amazon. The best agencies take the time to understand your business and craft tailored strategies.
7. Clear Communication
Regular updates, clear reports, and consistent communication are hallmarks of top Amazon agencies.
8. Proven Advertising Expertise
Experienced agencies excel at creating and managing PPC and other advertising campaigns, improving ROI while managing costs.
9. Brand Protection
They have proven systems in place to protect your brand from counterfeiters and unauthorized sellers, ensuring your reputation stays intact.
10. Up-to-Date Knowledge
Amazon’s landscape changes quickly. The best agencies stay ahead of these changes and adjust strategies to align with the latest algorithms and policies.
11. Creative Content Capabilities
Creating engaging A+ content, product listings, and high-quality images is crucial, and the top agencies have creative teams that excel in these areas.
12. Scalability
A great Amazon agency should be able to scale their services as your business grows, adapting to new demands and markets.
13. International Expertise
Top agencies have experience managing accounts in multiple Amazon marketplaces and understand the complexities of cross-border selling.
14. Strong Client Retention
Agencies with high client retention rates often deliver consistent, high-quality services that keep their clients satisfied.
15. Compliance and Risk Management
The best agencies know how to keep your account in good standing by adhering to Amazon’s policies and minimizing the risk of suspension.
16. Technological Proficiency
They use the latest tools and software for managing and optimizing your Amazon account efficiently.
17. Proactive Problem-Solving
When challenges arise, top agencies act quickly and creatively to find solutions, preventing small issues from becoming big problems.
18. Innovative Marketing Strategies
In addition to Amazon advertising, they can implement off-Amazon marketing tactics to drive more traffic and sales to your listings.
19. Cultural Alignment
The best agencies make an effort to align with your company’s culture, values, and long-term vision, ensuring a smooth partnership.
20. Client-First Mentality
Lastly, top Amazon agencies put their clients first. They are committed to their clients’ success and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure results.
How Canopy Management Can Help
Choosing the right Amazon agency is a big decision that requires careful consideration. By asking these 50 essential questions and keeping the 20 key factors in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to find an agency that not only meets your needs but also helps your Amazon business reach new heights.
To give yourself the inside track, start by asking these questions of Canopy Management.
Turns out that when you combine the massive experience of Canopy’s Amazon Experts with smart tools and tech, you get industry-leading results like this:
- 84% Average Year-Over-Year Profit Growth for Our Partners
- 2.7 Billion in Revenue Managed
- 99.1% Partner Retention Rate
Canopy Management is a full-service marketing agency for Amazon and Walmart sellers. Our team consists of former Amazonians, multi-million dollar sellers, and award-winning experts.
Canopy Management offers:
- Strategic Growth Planning
- Listing Copywriting Optimization
- Listing Photography
- Product Videography
- Advertising Management
- Customer Service
- Demand Side Platform (Amazon DSP)
- Amazon Posts
- Full Service Management
- Amazon Review Aggregation
Ready to Start Growing Your Amazon Brand?
Canopy’s Partners Achieve an Average 84% Profit Increase!
Find out more