Getting the Amazon Best Seller Badge: A Complete Guide
Keren Dinkin, Copywriter
10 min read -
Updated:Earning the Amazon best seller badge can be a game-changer for your Amazon business. When your product page displays the orange ribbon on the top left corner, it not only highlights the item as a top choice but also significantly boosts its visibility and credibility among potential buyers.
This coveted badge prompts the Amazon A9 algorithm to place your listing on top of search results. Sometimes, it may appear in searches within its category even if a shopper uses an unrelated search term.
If you wish your listing to wear this prestigious recognition, our comprehensive guide can help you get there. We’ll explore the importance of the best seller badge on Amazon, the eligibility requirements, and actionable strategies to achieve it.
Amazon Best Seller Badge: Definition and Importance
Amazon awards the best seller badge to items that secure top sales ranks within its specific categories or subcategories. The lower the Best Sellers Rank (BSR), the higher the product’s sales on Amazon. For instance, if your food processor listing is ranked #5 in Kitchen products, then it is the fifth best-selling item in that category.
BSR is displayed on the Product Details page under the Product Information section. A product can have multiple BSRs if it is listed in various categories. Each category has up to 100 bestsellers, but in less competitive sub-categories, you might not see all the bestsellers listed.
These are the reasons you should aim for a best seller badge on Amazon:
1. A Powerful Trust Signal
When a product earns this badge, it is prominently displayed on the product page, instantly informing shoppers that the item is a popular and reliable choice. It indicates many others have purchased and been satisfied with the product.
2. Enhanced Visibility
Beyond just a visual appeal, the Amazon Best Seller Badge can significantly boost your product’s appearance in search results, making it more likely for potential buyers to discover it. This often leads to increased traffic to your product page, which can translate into higher sales and improved conversion rates.
3. Competitive Edge
In categories with numerous similar products, the best seller badge can make your item stand out, encouraging shoppers to choose your product over others. It is a recognition that not only validates your product’s quality but can also lead to higher sales velocity. This further reinforces your product’s ranking and visibility.
4. Positive Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Satisfied customers are more likely to recommend a product with the Amazon best seller badge to friends and family, contributing to a cycle of continued sales growth. Hence, it becomes not just a mark of past success but an ongoing asset that can help sustain and accelerate your business growth on Amazon.
It’s worth noting that a listing’s BSR varies from one Amazon marketplace to another. Thus, even if your item is ranked #1 on Amazon U.S., it may not be so on Amazon UK.
Eligibility Requirements for the Best Seller Badge
Amazon’s A9 and A10 Algorithms dictate product search rankings, although the specific metrics remain undisclosed. However, it is evident that sales velocity and history significantly impact a product’s BSR. Sales velocity is the number of units sold over a given period and how quickly they are sold. Meanwhile, sales history covers all-time units sold.
The platform considers both these factors when categorizing products within their respective categories or subcategories. Therefore, to qualify for the best seller badge on Amazon, your product needs to rank among the top-selling items in its specific category or subcategory.
Also, there is no such thing as GOAT (greatest of all time) when it comes to this badge. The ranking is dynamic and can change frequently based on real-time sales data, meaning consistent sales performance is critical. Amazon’s policy states: “Our most popular products based on sales. Updated hourly.” This means that earning the badge is temporary and can change frequently based on ongoing sales data of your competitors.
BSR is purely sales-driven and doesn’t consider product reviews or keyword relevance. Thus, temporary sales spikes, such as those from promotions, can improve BSR quickly. However, sustaining a low rank over time demands a consistent flow of sales.
Keyword Hunter and Keyword Re-Ranker tools show how many sales sellers need to be among top positions by a keyword. Sign up to try these tools.
In addition to sales figures, here are other metrics that experts believe Amazon considers when awarding the best seller badge:
1. Seller Performance
This includes order defect rate, cancellation rate, and late shipment rate. Keeping these metrics in good standing ensures that your listing not only doesn’t get penalized but also remains eligible for the best seller badge on Amazon.
2. Customer Satisfaction
High ratings and positive reviews contribute significantly to your product’s ranking and can influence Amazon’s algorithm in your favor. So, ensure you address any negative feedback promptly and take steps to resolve any customer issues.
3. Inventory Levels
Stockouts can hurt your sales rank and delay your chances of earning the badge. Ensuring that your product is consistently available for purchase can help maintain steady sales and improve your ranking over time.
4. Compliance with Amazon’s Policies and Guidelines
This is non-negotiable. Adherence to the platform’s rules not only keeps your seller account in good standing but also guarantees that your products are eligible for various opportunities, including the Amazon best seller badge.
Focusing on these eligibility requirements can better position your listing to earn the best seller badge on Amazon and enjoy the numerous benefits that come with it. In the succeeding sections, we will explore the various ways of achieving each of them.
You may view the Best Sellers List live with the top-selling products for each category updated hourly. Alternatively, you can visit the Amazon homepage and follow these easy steps:
- Select a category from the menu.
- Click “Sort by:” in the top-right corner.
- Choose “Best Sellers.”
Optimize Your Product Listings for Better Visibility
Here’s a proven step-by-step method of thoroughly optimizing an Amazon product listing:
1. Start with the Title
Attract Amazon buyers with an eye-catching title that incorporates relevant keywords, clearly describes your product, and highlights its unique attributes.
Keyword Hunter shows a real-time performance of any keyword on Amazon, including clicks, sales, conversion rate, competition level, and more. Sign up to get sales-making keywords for your product.
2. High-Quality Images
Use multiple photos showcasing your product’s different angles and applications. Including a video also provides a dynamic view, which can enhance customer trust and engagement.
3. Product Description
This should be both detailed and easy to read. Break down the information into bullet points to highlight key features and benefits, making it easier for shoppers to digest. Use straightforward language that addresses common customer questions and concerns. Focus on unique selling points and practical applications that set your product apart from the competition.
4. Backend Keywords
These terms may be hidden from shoppers but they help improve your product’s search visibility without cluttering the front-end description. Include variations and synonyms that potential customers might use to find your product.
5. Enhanced Brand Content (EBC) or A+ Content
If you’re eligible, this feature allows you to create a more visually appealing and informative product page by incorporating rich text, images, and comparison charts. It’s a powerful way to convey your brand’s story and connect with customers on a deeper level.
6. Browse Tree
Amazon allows sellers to list their items in multiple categories and subcategories, which means your listing can have more than one BSR. For example, it can be #14,601 in the Sports & Outdoors category and #49 in the Tent Stakes subcategory.
Select the correct category and subcategory for your product to ensure accurate placement and make it easier for potential customers to discover it. Pick the most relevant browse nodes and go as deep as possible to increase the chances of boosting your listing’s BSR. Steer clear of irrelevant niche subcategories, even if it’s easier to earn the Amazon best seller badge there due to limited competition, as the low demand will cause your conversions to suffer.
Implement Competitive Pricing Strategies
Pricing plays a pivotal role in your quest for the best seller badge on Amazon. Below are several ways you can arrive at the best prices for your listings.
- Conduct thorough market research to gauge the pricing trends for products similar to yours
- Understand the price points of your competitors to position your product more effectively
- Apply dynamic pricing that involves price adjustments based on factors like demand, competitor pricing, and market conditions
- Offer limited-time discounts or promotions to create a sense of urgency among potential buyers, encouraging them to purchase sooner rather than later
- Bundle your products with complementary items to provide added value for a more attractive offer compared to standalone products
Don’t forget to factor in your costs to ensure profitability. While competitive pricing is crucial, it shouldn’t come at the expense of your margins. Use tools like Amazon’s automated pricing options to help maintain a balance between competitiveness and viability.
Also, keep an eye on customer feedback related to pricing. If you notice consistent comments about your product being too expensive or not offering enough value, it may be time to revisit your pricing strategy. Adjusting your prices based on customer perceptions can lead to better satisfaction and, ultimately, more sales.
Take Advantage of Customer Reviews and Ratings
As with any online marketplace, positive feedback acts as social proof on the Amazon platform, reassuring shoppers about your product’s quality and reliability. To encourage reviews, consider following up with customers after their purchase, and kindly ask for their feedback. You can use automated emails or in-package inserts to make this request.
Responding to reviews — both positive and negative — is equally important. Acknowledge and thank customers for their positive comments and show appreciation for their support.
When it comes to negative reviews, address the issues promptly and professionally. Apologize for any inconvenience and offer solutions, such as refunds or replacements, to rectify the situation. You can automate the process of contacting such buyers with Review Puncher. The system automatically contacts them with a solution to get a refund or customer service request. When the person answers, you can continue the conversation to satisfy the customer. This can lead to negative review removals!
Additionally, ensure your item meets or exceeds customer expectations. High-quality products are more likely to receive favorable reviews, which leads to higher ratings. Pay attention to common feedback themes and use this information to improve your product and customer service.
Lastly, think about joining Amazon’s Vine Program, which allows top reviewers to receive free products in exchange for their honest opinions. Positive reviews from Vine Voices can enhance your product’s credibility.
By fostering a community of satisfied customers who are eager to share their experiences, you can significantly boost your product’s appeal and sales performance. Another step conquered on your way to the Amazon best seller badge.
Utilize Amazon Advertising and Promotions
These powerful tools offered by the platform can amplify your product’s visibility and drive sales:
Sponsored Products
These ads, which appear in search results and on product pages, can attract more eyes to your listings, helping you stand out in a crowded marketplace. Tailor your campaigns by selecting relevant keywords and targeting specific demographics to ensure your ads reach the right audience.
Utilize Sponsored Brand ads if you have a brand registry, which allows you to showcase your brand logo, a custom headline, and multiple products. This can boost brand awareness and encourage customers to explore your entire product line.
Promotional Features
Another effective tactic is leveraging Amazon’s Lightning Deals and Coupons. Lightning Deals creates a sense of urgency by offering time-limited discounts, encouraging shoppers to make quick purchasing decisions. Coupons, on the other hand, provide a straightforward discount visible on the product page, attracting budget-conscious buyers.
Monitor Performance
Experimenting with different types of ads and promotions can help you determine what resonates best with your target customers. Use Amazon’s advertising dashboard on your Seller Central account to track metrics such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and return on ad spend. This data can provide valuable insights into what’s working and where adjustments are needed, helping you refine your strategies for optimal results.
Enhance Inventory Management and Fulfillment
To maintain consistent sales and avoid disruptions, implement an inventory management system that tracks stock levels in real-time. This allows you to quickly identify when to reorder products and prevent stockouts that can negatively impact your ranking.
Additionally, opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to capitalize on the platform’s extensive logistics network. FBA not only guarantees faster shipping times but also improves your chances of winning the Buy Box, further boosting your sales and your chances of earning the best seller badge.
Regularly conduct inventory audits to verify stock levels and identify any discrepancies. This practice helps maintain accuracy and verifies that your inventory records match the actual stock on hand. Efficient management also means forecasting demand based on historical sales data and upcoming trends. Being proactive helps you prepare for peak seasons and avoid overstocking, which can tie up valuable capital.
Fulfillment speed and accuracy are crucial for customer satisfaction. Whether you use FBA or handle fulfillment in-house, prioritize timely and accurate order processing. Quick shipping and reliable delivery can lead to positive reviews and repeat business, ultimately supporting your goal of earning the Amazon best seller badge.
Keep Up with Amazon’s Algorithm Updates
Staying abreast with Amazon’s algorithm changes is crucial for maintaining your product’s visibility and competitive edge. These updates affect how listings are ranked and displayed, so being proactive is essential.
Regularly check Amazon’s official announcements and participate in seller forums where updates are often discussed. Following industry blogs and joining relevant social media groups can also keep you informed about the latest changes.
But don’t stop at being informed. You need to make adjustments on your end to parallel the platform’s reforms. Utilize analytical tools to monitor how algorithm changes impact your sales and rankings. By tracking key metrics, you can identify any shifts in performance and adjust your strategies accordingly. Experiment with different keywords, adjust your advertising campaigns, and refine your product listings to stay aligned with the latest algorithm criteria.
Engaging with the Amazon seller community can provide valuable insights and tips on navigating algorithm updates. Networking with other sellers allows you to share experiences and strategies, helping you stay ahead of the curve.
Being adaptable and informed ensures that you can quickly pivot your approach, keeping your products optimized and competitive in the ever-evolving Amazon marketplace. It also ticks off one more box on your Amazon best seller badge to-do list.
Setting Realistic Goals and Measuring Success
To ensure your success in earning the best seller badge on Amazon, begin your journey by defining clear, attainable objectives tailored to your business. These might include increasing your sales volume, expanding your product line, or improving your customer satisfaction ratings.
Likewise, establish key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with those goals to help you track progress effectively. Impressions, clicks, and clickthrough rates as well as purchases and returns, are all helpful metrics that you can find in your Seller Central account.
Compare their numbers with your listings’ BSRs to identify trends and opportunities. Rising sales metrics and BSR scores can highlight successful products. On the other hand, declining figures may indicate the need to assess the pricing, product page, and inventory of underperforming items.
While tracking your own BSRs is important, monitoring your competitors’ BSRs can provide critical strategic insights. Observing the rankings of competing products allows you to spot trends in demand, pricing, promotional impacts, and real-time opportunities. For example, if a competitor’s BSR drops suddenly due to stockout, you may seize their place by ramping up your marketing efforts.
Regularly review your sales data and customer feedback as well to gauge how well you’re meeting your targets. Your Seller Central dashboard can provide valuable information about these metrics. Use this data to make informed decisions, such as adjusting your review management or optimizing your product listings.
And finally, stay flexible and adaptable. The online marketplace is constantly changing, so be prepared to pivot your approach based on new trends and customer preferences. Celebrate your milestones, no matter how small, and use them as motivation to keep pushing forward.
Achieving the Amazon best seller badge is a journey, not a destination. Setting realistic goals and continuously measuring your progress positions you to make informed decisions that will take you to the finish line. And with the right tools at your fingertips, it will be not only probable but also possible.
