The Amazon Sales Rank – Four Things You Absolutely Need to Know

We know bestseller lists from every bookstore. When looking for a new book, people often check which title is currently selling particularly well or which author is popular. However, bestseller lists are not limited to books. The online giant also creates its own ranking: the Amazon Sales Rank.

But what does this metric actually indicate? And while we’re at it, let’s clarify some open questions on the topic: How is it calculated, where can the sales rank be viewed on Amazon.de, and how can it be influenced or even improved by Amazon sellers?

With this article, we aim to shed some light on the subject, take a closer look at this special rank, and provide you with all the important information you need.

# 1: What is the Amazon Sales Rank, anyway?

This rank measures how well a product sells compared to its competitors in the same category or subcategory. If a product is listed in multiple categories, as many sales ranks are considered. Looking at the example from the screenshot (the product is now listed under a different ASIN), we see that the Hatteker professional hair clipper for men holds the 1st place in the hair clippers category AND 5th place in the drugstore and personal care category. This means that this item sells better than all other hair clippers. In comparison to other items in the drugstore and personal care category, it ranks 5th among the best-selling products. An item that maintains an Amazon sales rank in the top 10 or lower is therefore selling quite well.

To determine the Amazon sales rank of a product, simply click on the product page. Under the additional product information, where you can also find the ASIN and the average customer rating, the Amazon sales rank is listed under the designation “Amazon Best Seller Rank.” This allows sellers on Amazon.de to easily read the sales rank – for example, from competitor products or for product research.

# 2: How is the Amazon Sales Rank calculated?

The online giant creates a ranking for each category of the listed items. According to its own statements, the Amazon sales rank is determined based on sales figures and updated hourly.

To give new products a chance at the coveted first place in the Amazon sales rank, sales are historically evaluated. The further back the values are in the past, the less weight they carry. This means that, for example, a book that was initially sold frequently but has not been ordered for an extended period will receive a lower rank than another book that is new and currently sells frequently. The hourly updates are also intended to give new products a chance to reach the top spot.

# 3: How can you influence the Amazon Sales Rank of your own products?

To reach the top spot on the Amazon Sales Rank, one simply needs to achieve more sales than other products in the same category.

However, this is easier said than done. It is important that your product offers customers added value that competing items do not provide. However, you should not compare apples to oranges. For example, a hair clipper will not compete with a deodorant, even though both products can be found in the drugstore and personal care category. This is because, while it is a main category, the products are sorted into different subcategories.

But the hair clipper also has a sales rank on Amazon in the hair clippers category, which is a subcategory. Here, you will find your competitors: all the other hair clippers.

To stand out from competing products, you have various options that you should use in combination rather than focusing on just one: Your product is better than that of the competition.

1. Your product is better than that of the competition.

Perhaps your hair clipper has attachments that your competitors do not offer? Or it is made of particularly durable material, so the machine can withstand a fall without breaking? Then that is exactly the reason why your product should sell more frequently. Highlight this fact in your marketing activities, as it will positively impact your Amazon sales rank and its calculation by the algorithm.

2. SEO, SEO, SEO – well, and a bit of marketing too.

What good is a product that is better than your competitors’ if you can’t sell it at all? You need to ensure that customers know: your product is better! Focus on concise product titles, professional images, and a good description. This is also a great opportunity to showcase your Amazon SEO skills. Research relevant keywords and use them in both the title and the description if you are the author of the product page.

This increases the visibility of your product, which in turn has a positive effect on sales figures and thus the Amazon sales rank.

3. Customer Service

It is now well known that Amazon places a strong emphasis on an exceptionally good customer journey. This means that sellers cannot avoid this standard. Customers are accustomed to the high standards of the online giant. If these expectations are not met, they become frustrated and leave negative reviews. This has two negative effects: on one hand, it deters potential customers from buying your product; on the other hand, it decreases your chances of winning the Buy Box or labels like Amazon’s Choice, thereby reducing the visibility of your product.

Tip: Opt for FBA! This facilitates fast shipping processing and an exceptionally customer-friendly returns management according to Amazon’s guidelines, as you hand over fulfillment to the e-commerce giant. This can even influence your Amazon sales rank.

But again: Do not rest on your laurels once you have mastered one of the points. All three are extremely important, and you should have all metrics under control.

That’s all well and good, but what’s the point of it all?

# 4: What Does the Amazon Sales Rank Bring?

Primarily, bestsellers are rewarded with a prominent orange badge, which highlights the number 1 position in the Amazon sales rank right in the search results overview. This has a psychological effect on the customer. The label is not only very visible, but it also conveys trust. After all, many other customers have already purchased this item, and that wouldn’t happen if it weren’t good. Right?

The Amazon sales rank is also relevant for sellers who want to expand their product portfolio. This is because it can be used to estimate the demand and sales potential of an item. If a product ranks well, ideally at number 1, it means that it sells relatively well and that the demand is correspondingly high.

# 5: Why a Solid Market Analysis Boosts Your Sales Rank

If you want to be successful on Amazon and have new product ideas, thorough preparation and a detailed market analysis are crucial. Such an analysis examines sales figures, prices, competition, and macroeconomic trends to determine whether the market is ready for your products. Market data is essential for saving time and money.

But what exactly does this entail? An Amazon market analysis is part of broader market research and market observation that gathers information about industries, customers, and competitors. You can also use this data for your own market forecasts to derive future developments and make decisions that will make your business more profitable. Key elements of this analysis include evaluating products, sales figures, and competitors.

Above all, a market analysis is crucial for the sales rank on Amazon, as it helps to understand demand and competition. It allows you to optimize your product range and pricing strategies, leverage competitor strategies, and improve products based on customer reviews. An effective market analysis also supports marketing strategies and inventory management, prevents stockouts, and identifies profitable niche markets. Overall, this leads to better sales figures and a higher sales rank, making products easier to find by potential buyers.

Here is an overview of the key functions of a market analysis:

How can such an analysis be conducted efficiently and intelligently?

There are two options at this point. You can conduct the analysis yourself, which will cost you a lot of time and effort – especially considering how error-prone such analyses often are when created solely by human hands. The second option, namely using a specially developed Amazon analysis tool, is much more advisable. It is true that you will need to invest some money for this. However, considering the accuracy of the analyses and the time savings you gain by using these tools, it is an investment that is definitely worth it.

Here is the solution we trust:

AMALYZE Shield

AMALYZE Shield is a high-quality tool for comprehensive market analyses. With its numerous features, it provides in-depth insights into the organic visibility of items, can be used as an Amazon Sales Estimator, compares the performance of products, and allows for detailed SEO analysis.

In addition, each individual product is evaluated based on various criteria – from title to images to bullet points and description. This provides AMALYZE Shield with valuable data that offers significant support in planning marketing and sales strategies. It displays the best sales rank, allowing you to immediately see which products are particularly in demand in the market.

You can also monitor your own ASINs with AMALYZE Shield and directly compare them with the competition. This way, you always have an overview of your own performance compared to other sellers in the market.

This is complemented by features for evaluating brand and seller portfolios. With this feature, you have the opportunity to compare and assess different brands and sellers to better gauge your own market position and optimize it if necessary. With these comprehensive analysis capabilities, AMALYZE Shield is an indispensable tool for anyone serious about market analysis and looking to enhance their success.

Conclusion: And now?

The Amazon sales rank is one of many metrics of the e-commerce giant and assesses the popularity of a product. It relates to sales figures and is therefore a good indicator of the sales potential of an item. This is something you should definitely consider when contemplating adding this product to your range.

Additionally, winners are rewarded with a prominent label that builds trust with customers and encourages purchases. To view the Amazon sales rank, simply check the product detail page. This allows sellers to also find out the sales rank of competitor products without needing a special tool.

It is therefore quite sensible for sellers to engage with the sales rank on Amazon and keep it in mind during product research. After all, it is a good indicator of how well a product can sell.

Image credits in the order of the images: © tomertu – stock.adobe.com / Screenshot @ Amazon / © sdx15 – stock.adobe.com / © Yuliia – stock.adobe.com