Front of the Line! Marketplace Advertising for Beginners
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you about marketplace advertising. That’s way number eight on Lynnaider’s list!
Way 8: marketplace ads (paid)
You pay the marketplace to show your listing higher in search, or in special spots around the site. Like Etsy Ads, Amazon Sponsored Products and Fiverr Promoted Gigs. These spots usually say “Ad” or “Sponsored.”
Why it fits marketplace sellers so well: The buyer is already there, already searching, already wanting to buy! You’re not interrupting their fun time. You show up exactly when they’re looking for something like yours.
How it works
Most marketplace ads are “pay per click.” You only pay when someone clicks on your listing. Just showing up doesn’t cost anything!
And here’s the secret: the better your listing already is, the better your ads work. Making your listing great for free is way number three, in marketplace listing optimization. A strong title, clear pictures and good reviews make every paid click more likely to become a sale.
Ads are like a loudspeaker
Ads are like a loudspeaker. If your listing sells, ads bring more sales! If it doesn’t, you just pay for clicks that don’t buy. Ouch! So make your listings great first.
What content you need
If your listing is already great, nothing extra! The marketplace uses your title, pictures and price. Your jobs are picking which listing to show, and choosing a daily budget you’re okay with as a test.
Beginner’s tip
Start with your ONE best listing. Not lots of listings with a tiny budget each! Learn how ads work first, then add more.
A first little test: Pick your best listing and set a small daily budget. Let it run for two weeks without changing anything, so the marketplace can learn. Then compare your sales and what you spent. Making money? Add a bit more budget, or add your second-best listing!
Different marketplaces
- Etsy Ads show your listings in Etsy search and around the site, with a daily budget you pick.
- Amazon Sponsored Products show your products in search results and on product pages, based on keywords.
- Fiverr Promoted Gigs show your job offer higher in Fiverr search.
Start where you already sell, and read its short ads guide first.
Oopsies
- Advertising listings with weak photos or few reviews.
- Changing settings every day. Then the marketplace can’t learn!
- Only looking at total sales, and ignoring ACOS.
Busy seasons
Before busy times like holidays or Valentine’s Day, a small budget boost can work great, as long as your ACOS stays below your profit.
Get your best listings ready a few weeks early!
Who uses marketplace ads?
Lots of the ten ways to earn: shops on Etsy or Amazon, freelancers on Fiverr, print-on-demand marketplaces, and digital products on Etsy. Wherever you sell, its ad system is the natural first paid step!
When to start
Most beginners should start with free listing optimization, and add ads once they know which listings sell.
And marketplace ads show your product, not you. No face needed!
What’s next?
The next article is about way number nine: search ads on Google and Bing. The whole lesson is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help test your ads? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
What is marketplace advertising?
Paying the marketplace to show your listing first.
Why is it good for marketplace sellers?
Because buyers are already there, ready to buy!
How do I pay?
Usually only when someone clicks.
Do I need to make a separate ad?
Usually not! Your listing is the ad.
Which listing should I start with?
Your one best listing.
How much should I spend at first?
A small daily budget, as a test, for a couple of weeks.
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
Where can I get help if I don’t have much money?
Lynnaider shows you how to start each of the ten ways for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
