Assessing The Value_ Is Amazon DSP Worth It
  • At work, I’m passionate about helping businesses reach their goals. In my free time, I look forward to spending time with my kids, golfing in Napa, snowboarding in Tahoe, and sailing the Long Island Sound when I visit my home state of Connecticut.

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Assessing the Value: Is Amazon DSP Worth It?

Amazon’s position as the behemoth of online retail is indisputable. With billions of visitors to its platform each month, it’s the go-to destination for countless shoppers. The key here today is to find out, is Amazon DSP worth it, in short, yes, it is. So allow us asses the true value.

However, this level of dominance translates to an increasingly crowded marketplace for the multitude of sellers vying for customer attention. Cutting through the noise to establish your brand and capture shoppers has become harder than ever. So where will you be able to get advantage in the game on Amazon, may we suggest, Amazon DSP? It’s worth it to run an Amazon DSP just to open up a new channel for you.

If expanding your reach, capturing new customers, and pushing your business to the next level are your goals, Amazon’s Demand-Side Platform (DSP) might be just the solution you’re seeking.

As a company that moves billions of packages a year, there’s certainly a need for the right expertise. That could be you, but is Amazon DSP worth it? Read on to find out.

What Is Amazon DSP?

Amazon DSP, or Demand-Side Platform, is a powerful advertising tool that lets you programmatically buy ads in various formats, including video, audio, and display.

These ads can appear both on Amazon’s properties (like Amazon.com and its affiliated sites) and across a vast network of external websites and apps.

What makes DSP unique is its use of algorithms and automation to target your ads and manage bidding on ad placements. This programmatic approach streamlines the advertising process for greater efficiency.

While Amazon Sponsored Products are excellent for targeting shoppers already searching for items similar to yours, DSP goes beyond that. It allows you to reach customers at all stages of their buying journey, not just when they’re actively looking to make a purchase.

This expanded reach is possible thanks to DSP’s access to Amazon’s enormous collection of shopper data. With in-depth insights about customer behavior, preferences, and purchasing habits, you can target your ideal audience with laser-like precision.

So Is Amazon DSP Worth It?

Many Amazon sellers certainly see the undeniable potential of Amazon DSP but hesitate due to its higher operational costs than traditional Sponsored Ads. It’s crucial to ask yourself a few key questions to determine if it’s the right path for your business:

  • Are you focused solely on immediate sales? If so, simpler tools like Sponsored Products might be enough for now.
  • Do you want to increase reach and generate wider brand awareness? DSP lets you tap into audiences far beyond just those actively searching on Amazon.
  • Do you have an established base of satisfied customers? If you’re new or lack positive reviews, DSP results will likely suffer. It’s better to solidify your presence with other tools first.

If you answered “yes” to the latter points, continue. Let’s break down the costs to consider and the pros and cons.

Amazon DSP Startup Costs

Understanding the upfront cost of using Amazon DSP involves more than just advertising spend. You need to know the key areas where you’re likely to see the most expenditure. So with that, let’s talk about what you can expect:

Amazon DSP operates on a cost-per-impression model, meaning you pay for every thousand times your ad is displayed. There are two main options:

  • Self-Service: For greater control and flexibility, you directly manage your campaigns. A basic retargeting campaign typically starts around $3,000, allowing you to test the platform before scaling your ad spend.
  • Managed Service: This option connects you with Amazon experts or partner agencies for assistance in campaign strategy and management. Expect minimum spend requirements starting at $35,000.

Cost is just the beginning, albeit a very important beginning. Aside from the initial expense of investing, there are other considerations that a DSP owner must factor in that can play a pivotal role in your endeavors. For instance:

Business Size: Amazon DSP is best suited for a larger business plan that has the budget to accommodate the costs involved and a focus on brand awareness beyond the Amazon marketplace.

Optimization: Effective targeting and high-quality ads are essential to maximize your return on investment. Amazon provides six options to help refine your audience:

  • Behavioral targeting
  • Contextual targeting
  • Lifestyle targeting
  • Remarketing targeting
  • Lookalike targeting
  • Advertiser Audiences

Analytics: While Amazon DSP offers insights, consider partnering with a third-party analytics platform like Adverio for a more holistic view of ad performance, customer behavior, and long-term impact.

Amazon DSP offers powerful tools for reaching new audiences and increasing brand awareness both within the Amazon ecosystem and beyond.

However, the costs involved make it a better business opportunity for established entities with significant advertising budgets. Its greatest benefits come from:

  • Expanding Your Reach: Target customers at all stages of the buying journey, not just when they are actively searching for products on Amazon.
  • Detailed Customer Insights: Amazon’s vast data trove lets you laser-target your audience.
  • Programmatic Advertising: Automated bidding and placement streamline processes.

Thoroughly consider your business goals, budget, and the need for in-depth analytics before diving into Amazon DSP. It can be a potent tool when used strategically.

Minimum ad spend

While Amazon doesn’t enforce a strict minimum spend for DSP, expect to budget a few thousand dollars per month to start. This gives your initial campaigns enough reach to gain traction. Careful optimization and well-designed ads are vital for maximizing your investment within this starting range.

Management costs

You have two main options for managing your DSP campaigns:

Self-managed

If you have the in-house expertise, this allows you direct control over your campaigns. However, factor in potential costs such as:

  • Staff salaries/wages for those specializing in DSP management.
  • Subscriptions to optimization and analytical software tools.

Managed service

Amazon’s managed option, or working with an expert agency like Adverio, means added fees for their expertise. This can be more cost-effective if you lack the in-house knowledge or time to manage successful Amazon DSP campaigns. 

Unexpected costs

Just like any advertising venture, be prepared for the unexpected. Budget for potential costs including:

  • Fluctuations in ad pricing due to competition.
  • Increased costs due to campaign adjustments or scaling during peak seasons.

Amazon may offer resources or discounts to help offset some costs, but the primary focus of these programs is often on traditional sponsored advertising on the platform. Researching these options can help you build a more accurate cost model for DSP.

 

Let’s be honest, if you weigh out the good and bad you’ll see why Amazon DSP is worth it.

Pros and cons

Let’s weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of Amazon DSP to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your business:

Pros

  • Granular Targeting: Leverage Amazon’s vast customer data to pinpoint your ideal audience with incredible precision.
  • Brand Awareness Boost: Build visibility and reach consumers beyond the confines of the Amazon website.
  • Full Funnel Advertising: Target customers at every stage of their buying journey, from initial awareness to final purchase.
  • Retargeting Power: Reconnect with potential buyers who have previously shown interest in your products.

Cons

  • Potentially High Cost: Amazon DSP generally requires a larger advertising budget compared to traditional Sponsored Ads.
  • Depth: DSP is not a beginner-friendly platform. It demands expertise and a strategic approach to achieve optimal results.
  • Best for Larger Brands: Established businesses with a strong presence on Amazon and a dedicated advertising budget are likely to see the most success with DSP.

Carefully consider your business goals, available resources, and target audience before committing to Amazon DSP. It can be a powerful tool for:

  • Expanding your brand’s reach.
  • Increasing awareness among new audiences.
  • Engaging with customers throughout their buying journey.

If growth, visibility, and targeted advertising are central to your strategy, Amazon DSP could offer significant benefits.

Who Should Consider the DSP Program?

Assessing the Value: Is Amazon DSP Worth It?

Amazon DSP is an advanced advertising tool with specific benefits for certain types of businesses. Here’s what makes a business a good fit for Amazon DSP:

  • Focus on Brand Building: If expanding your reach and increasing awareness beyond the immediate point of sale is a top priority, DSP’s wide-reaching capabilities are a great asset.
  • Established Amazon Presence: Businesses with a successful track record on Amazon, including positive reviews and a strong customer base, are better positioned to leverage DSP’s more advanced features.
  • Significant Advertising Budget: Be prepared for the higher costs associated with DSP, especially in the initial setup and optimization phases. DSP may not be the best starting point for those with limited advertising funds.
  • Data-Driven Marketing: Amazon DSP’s greatest strength lies in its detailed customer insights. Businesses with a willingness to analyze data, adjust campaigns, and use targeted strategies will find the platform most rewarding.

If reaching new audiences and building a memorable brand is high on your priority list, Amazon DSP deserves your attention. It’s a powerful platform for businesses ready to invest in next-level advertising.

Ready to Elevate Your Amazon Business?

Amazon DSP is worth it, we can assure you. It’s where we have found success countless times. Thinking Amazon DSP might be the key to taking your business to the next level? If you’re still exploring the possibilities, Adverio can help you find the answers. We’re not your typical agency—our founders cut their teeth as successful Amazon sellers, giving us a deep understanding of the platform and your unique needs.

Let us put that experience to work for you. Find out if Amazon DSP is the right tool to fuel your growth and achieve your biggest goals. See if you qualify today.

  • At work, I’m passionate about helping businesses reach their goals. In my free time, I look forward to spending time with my kids, golfing in Napa, snowboarding in Tahoe, and sailing the Long Island Sound when I visit my home state of Connecticut.

    View all posts

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